In this episode of Build a Business Worth Buying, we’re joined by Kunal Thakkar, a seasoned leader in global supply chain operations with over two decades of experience spanning Walmart, Newegg, Firstleaf, and Thrasio. Kunal brings a deep, strategic perspective on what makes a business truly attractive to buyers—especially those with operational complexity at their core.
We dive into how buyers evaluate a business’s supply chain, the red flags they watch for, and how founders can better prepare their companies for successful exits. Kunal shares war stories and insights from some of the largest M&A deals in the consumer goods space, as well as what first-time acquirers often misunderstand when walking into a deal. If you’re running a business with complex operations—or looking to buy one—this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to evaluate businesses for acquisition, especially those with heavy supply chain operations
- Why strong logistics, supplier transparency, and sourcing agility can make or break a deal
- What red flags pop up during due diligence—and which ones are fixable
- Operational vs. financial due diligence: what really matters to buyers
- How seasoned acquirers think differently than first-time buyers
- The trap of overemphasizing aesthetics versus core operations
- Why founder detachment is critical when building for a sale
- The foundational elements that make a company scalable and acquisition-ready
- Lessons from Thrasio, Firstleaf, and UPS on effective M&A strategy and post-acquisition integration
About Kunal Thakkar:
Kunal Thakkar is a globally recognized supply chain executive and strategic advisor. He most recently served as Chief Supply Chain Officer at Thrasio, one of the most active acquirers in the consumer goods space. Prior to that, he was COO at Firstleaf, a personalized wine subscription service, where he led sourcing, procurement, and production planning. Earlier in his career, Kunal led international ecommerce operations at Walmart and global operations at Newegg. He continues to advise companies navigating supply chain technology and digital transformation.
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