Sarah Muller

Sarah Muller’s research lies at the intersection of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and venture capital (VC). She focuses on the mechanisms underlying value creation in M&A strategies within platform businesses and how these strategies compare with traditional business models.

Rapid advances in technologies including Blockchain, data analytics, AI and robotics – as well as the advent of platform-based businesses – has given birth to the digital economy. And within it, so-called tech giants prefer to secure first-mover advantage by establishing monopolies.

In this landscape, M&A is becoming increasingly popular – and often involves substantial VC funding and support. VCs then actively engage in decision making in these companies, regularly pursuing aggressive acquisition strategies to achieve rapid scalability and returns.

Sarah’s research focuses on the dynamics of M&A and VC in creating, nurturing, and sustaining first-mover advantages within the context of platform businesses. She’s also active in Vlerick’s Centre for Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts.

Before her academic career, Sarah worked as a corporate finance officer.

Who am I?

• Doctoral Researcher at Vlerick Business School and Ghent University
• Master in Business Engineering (Finance) at Ghent University
• Bachelor in Business Engineering (Data Management) at Université de Namur