Revolutionizing M&A with Power BI and Real-Time Data

Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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🎙️FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/695
Imagine navigating a multi-million-pound business acquisition without flipping through a 700-page PDF. In this episode, Ian Fishwick, a veteran of 43 tech M&As, and Sam Godfrey, Director at Evolution Capital, reveal how they’re transforming the financial due diligence process using Microsoft Power BI. From real-time insights to interactive dashboards, they share how data visualization and automation are reshaping how deals are evaluated, negotiated, and closed. Whether you're buying, selling, or advising, this conversation offers a masterclass in using technology to make smarter, faster decisions.
🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
Power BI is replacing static PDFs in M&A: Interactive dashboards allow buyers to ask real-time questions of the data, eliminating the need to sift through hundreds of pages.
Granular transaction-level analysis: By mapping raw financial data directly into custom charts of accounts, buyers gain a clearer, unbiased view of a target company’s performance.
Speed and efficiency gains: API integrations and automated updates mean due diligence can be completed in weeks, not months—crucial for both buyers and sellers.
Trust through transparency: Sellers who provide access to raw data build credibility, while buyers gain confidence in the integrity of the deal.
Portfolio-level decision-making: Serial acquirers can now overlay multiple acquisition targets onto their own financials to assess strategic fit and impact.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com/
👉Power Query & Power Pivot – Built-in tools within Excel and Power BI for data transformation and modeling.
👉 Evolution Capital – https://www.evolutioncapital.com/

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Chapters

1. Revolutionizing M&A with Power BI and Real-Time Data (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Power Platform Show (00:00:27)

3. Meet Ian Fishwick and Sam Godfrey (00:01:16)

4. Personal Lives Beyond Business (00:03:31)

5. M&A Challenges and New Solutions (00:05:52)

6. Building Trust Between Buyers and Sellers (00:11:49)

7. Accelerating the M&A Process (00:16:38)

8. Power BI's Impact on Decision-Making (00:22:08)

9. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up (00:27:03)