Corporate Development Associate (M&A Business Development)

Aspire Software, an operating group of Valsoft Corporation, is seeking a Corporate Development Associate to join their M&A team. The role focuses on sourcing new acquisition opportunities and building relationships with founders, software operators, and advisors, while supporting the evaluation of potential investments.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Skills

• 1–4 years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, consulting, private equity, venture capital, or B2B business development
• Exposure to software, SaaS, or technology markets is an asset
• Demonstrated ability to generate leads, build relationships, and initiate conversations with senior stakeholders
• Comfortable engaging with founders and executives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to clearly articulate Aspire Software's acquisition philosophy and value proposition
• Ability to understand business models and interpret financial statements
• Familiarity with basic valuation drivers and acquisition dynamics is an asset
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple parallel opportunities
• Experience maintaining structured pipelines in CRM systems
• Comfortable using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), LinkedIn, Excel/PowerPoint, and research platforms
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally (approximately 10–20%) for meetings and industry events

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus structure
• Mentorship from experienced corporate development professionals
• Opportunity to work within one of the most active software acquirers globally
• Direct exposure to software founders, M&A processes, and deal sourcing
• A fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with significant growth opportunities

Company Overview