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The Megabuyte CEOBarometer PodcastAuthor: Megabuyte
A quarterly podcast offering clear, strategic perspective on the forces shaping the UK tech sector M&A, capital flows, AI, and more. Our podcast is powered by proprietary data and insight from Megabuytes industry-leading financial analysts. Learn more at www.megabuyte.com. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Megabuyte CEOBarometer Podcast: Q1 2026
Episode 66
Monday, 2 February, 2026
This quarter’s CEOBarometer marks the start of a new year with a UK tech sector still operating in a tough environment – but with clearer signals about where value creation will (and won’t) come from over the rest of the decade. Growth across Software and ICT Services remains constrained after a disappointing 2025, capital markets continue to underserve the sector, and deal activity is selective rather than expansive. Against that backdrop, we step back from short-term forecasts and focus on the six strategic themes Megabuyte believes boards must prioritise in 2026 – from AI market impact and pricing models to organic growth, people strategy, and the future shape of M&A. We explore why tactical AI initiatives are no longer enough, how deflationary dynamics are reshaping Software and Services business models, why traditional roll-up strategies face diminishing returns, and what the “AI Goldilocks period” really means for long-term value creation. As ever, we ground the discussion in hard data on growth, valuations, capital flows, private equity, venture capital, and M&A. The episode also looks ahead to Megabuyte’s 2026 events programme, where these themes will be explored in depth across specific markets and sectors. Timings 00:40 – 2026 Themes: Six priorities for boards in 2026, with AI reshaping strategy, pricing, growth, people, and M&A. 22:59 – Growth & Trading: 2025 underdelivered across Software and ICT Services, with modest improvement emerging late in the year. 32:11 – Capital Markets: Valuations remain low, IPO and fund-raising activity scarce, and de-equitisation accelerating. 42:06 – Private Equity: Capital remains available for high-quality assets, but selectivity has increased sharply. 49:42 – Venture Capital: Fewer deals, stable capital volumes, and continued pressure at the early stage. 56:20 – M&A: Lower volumes, reset valuations, and a shift toward more strategic, capability-led deals.
