Corporate Development Associate (M&A Business Development)

About Aspire Software

Aspire Software, an operating group of Valsoft Corporation, acquires, builds, and grows vertical market software companies around the world. Each company in our portfolio operates with entrepreneurial autonomy while benefiting from shared expertise, leadership, and operational support across our global network.

Valsoft’s mission is to provide a permanent home for mission-critical software businesses. Since 2015, the group has acquired 150+ software companies across 20+ countries, creating a decentralized ecosystem of entrepreneurs, operators, and investors focused on long-term growth.

The Opportunity

Aspire Software is seeking a Corporate Development Associate to join our M&A team and help drive the sourcing of new acquisition opportunities.

This role sits at the front line of Aspire Software’s acquisition strategy, focused on identifying and building relationships with founders, software operators, brokers, and advisors. You will play a critical role in originating new acquisition opportunities, maintaining a strong pipeline of targets, and supporting the early evaluation of potential investments.

This position combines business development, market research, and financial literacy. It is ideal for someone who enjoys engaging with founders, researching new industries, and contributing to a fast-paced acquisition environment.

What You Will Do

Market Mapping & Research

• Conduct detailed research on vertical market software companies, potential add-on opportunities, and adjacent markets.

• Build and continuously refresh target lists using public and proprietary sources.

• Track industry developments including acquisition activity, leadership changes, and emerging market trends.

Deal Sourcing & Outreach

• Execute proactive multi-channel outreach campaigns (email, LinkedIn, calls, events) to engage founders and executives.

• Identify and qualify new acquisition opportunities aligned with Aspire Software’s investment criteria.

• Maintain a steady pipeline of qualified acquisition targets.

Relationship Development

• Build trusted relationships with founders, entrepreneurs, advisors, and intermediaries across the software ecosystem.

• Conduct introductory conversations with potential sellers to understand their businesses and strategic goals.

• Maintain ongoing engagement with prospects to ensure opportunities progress through the deal pipeline.

Pipeline & Opportunity Management

• Maintain accurate deal records and pipeline reporting in CRM systems.

• Track outreach activity, meeting outcomes, and pipeline health.

• Collaborate with the Corporate Development and M&A teams to advance qualified opportunities.

Transaction Support

• Assist in early-stage evaluation of potential acquisitions including market positioning, product fit, and ownership dynamics.

• Support the coordination of meetings, diligence requests, and internal reviews as opportunities progress.

Qualifications and Skills

Experience

• 1–4 years of experience in B2B business development, SaaS sales, corporate development, investment banking, consulting, private equity, venture capital, or

• Exposure to software, SaaS, or technology markets is an asset

Commercial Mindset

• Demonstrated ability to generate leads, build relationships, and initiate conversations with senior stakeholders

• Comfortable engaging with founders and executives

Communication & Relationship Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to clearly articulate Aspire Software’s acquisition philosophy and value proposition

Financial Literacy & Analytical Thinking

• Ability to understand business models and interpret financial statements is an asset

• Familiarity with basic valuation drivers and acquisition dynamics is an asset

Organizational Discipline

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple parallel opportunities

• Experience maintaining structured pipelines in CRM systems

Tools

• Comfortable using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), LinkedIn, Excel/PowerPoint, and research platforms

Travel

• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally (approximately 10–20%) for meetings and industry events.

Measures of Success

• Consistent generation of new acquisition conversations and qualified targets

• Conversion from outreach → meetings → qualified opportunities

• Strong engagement and relationship development with founders and intermediaries

• Accurate pipeline tracking and CRM discipline

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work within one of the most active software acquirers globally

• Direct exposure to software founders, M&A processes, and deal sourcing

• Mentorship from experienced corporate development professionals

• A fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with significant growth opportunities

• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus structure

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