On the TechTO stage ×1
First seen on the TechTO stage in 2016. Every talk is searchable — ask the archive about Somen ↗
In their words
Our company was never for sale. Good companies are never sold, they're bought.
When you have three companies wanting to buy you, you need to hire an investment banker.
Forget about the bankers. When it comes down to it, you're talking to whoever's making the purchase on the opposite side.
Around the web ×2
Quick answers
Who is Somen Mondal?
A Toronto founder with two exits. He co-founded Field ID, sold in December 2012, and then Ideal, the talent intelligence company Ceridian acquired in 2021. He now runs talent intelligence products as a general manager at Dayforce, Ceridian's renamed parent.
What did he tell the TechTO stage?
How Field ID actually got sold. A trade-show partnership approach turned into a buyout offer, two more buyers appeared within three months, and he hired an investment banker to play bad cop while he sold the combined vision. Three lessons: good companies are bought not sold, timing is everything, and the close is an art.
What is Ideal?
A talent intelligence system that layers AI over existing HR software to screen and match candidates and surface diversity and inclusion data. Ceridian, now Dayforce, acquired it in 2021 after roughly two years as a partner.