On 23rd May 2022 ICFN members met in Amsterdam for the annual ICFN Global Summit. For the first time since the outbreak of the corona pandemic members were able to meet again in person to talk about cross-border opportunities and exchange thoughts on the current situation in the various M&A markets. Members unanimously confirmed high levels of activity with so far little to no impact from the war in the Ukraine nor from supply chain disruptions in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing lockdowns. Inflation is an issue in most member countries as is a continuous lack of human resources especially in the technology sector. However, strong demand from strategic and financial investors with high volumes of cash looking to be invested are driving valuations which remain at a very high level.
In an online session, ICFN members shared their insights with clients and friends. The online event also included an interview with Peter Dorfner, Principal at the Green Generation Fund, a new Berlin-based early stage impact fund backing the Seed and Series A funding rounds of European and American Food Tech and Green Tech startups. Peter Dorfner talked about challenges in foreign market deal sourcing, the role of intermediaries and their impact on transaction efficiency and price setting as well as on how to leverage strategic synergies in an international context.