Exit Value Program
A structured program to increase what your business is worth before you sell.
The best time to prepare for a sale is 12 to 36 months before it starts. Buyers value a business on two things: what it earns and how confident they are in those earnings. Most founders under-optimize one or both. The Exit Value Program improves both, so that when you go to market, the business is worth more and is easier to buy.
The Value Creation Framework
Buyers value businesses based on a combination of financial performance and perceived quality. Most founders under-optimize one or both. Our role is to systematically improve both.
Improve Revenue & Profitability
Value Creation - Performance Side
- Identifying and quantifying revenue growth levers
- Pricing, mix, and margin analysis
- Cost structure review and operating leverage
- Cash flow improvement and working capital efficiency
- Forecasting tied to real operating drivers
- Turning busy activity into measurable financial outcomes
We focus on practical, operator-led improvements and sustainable gains that buyers will underwrite.
Improve the Multiple
Value Creation - Multiple Side
- Professionalizing financial reporting and close process
- Creating consistent, buyer-ready KPIs and dashboards
- Reducing key-person dependency on the founder
- Improving visibility, predictability, and credibility of numbers
- Identifying and addressing diligence risk areas early
- Helping shape a clear, defensible equity story
- Positioning the business for strategic buyers, who pay more for fit and synergies
Buyers pay higher multiples for businesses that feel institutional, predictable, and well-run. Narrative and clarity materially impact valuation outcomes.
How the Program Works
A 12-month core program, with an option to extend to 36 months depending on your exit timeline.
Diagnostic and Baseline
Month 1
An outside view of the business and its value gaps.
Includes: financial, sales funnel, churn and pricing review; baseline KPIs; target exit valuation.
Deliverable: M&A Assessment Report and KPI Scorecard
Forecast and Strategic Plan
Months 2 to 3
Quantify the path to your target valuation.
Includes: 12-month forecast and cash model; growth scenarios and gap analysis; priority value levers.
Deliverable: Operating Plan and 3-Year Model
Value Creation Roadmap
Months 4 to 6
Turn strategy into measurable initiatives.
Includes: initiatives with owners, timelines and expected impact; monthly performance rhythm; early wins.
Deliverable: Value Creation Roadmap and KPI Dashboard
Execution and Optimization
Months 7 to 10
Execution discipline and measurable improvement.
Includes: forecast versus actual variance analysis; growth, retention and efficiency improvements; stronger financial and operational rigor.
Deliverable: Execution Scorecards and Quarterly Review
Exit Readiness
Months 11 to 12
Close the gaps that affect valuation or buyer confidence.
Includes: "What if we had to sell today?" review; cohort and retention analysis; updated valuation.
Deliverable: Exit Readiness Summary and Gap Remediation Plan
Extended Program (Months 13 to 36)
For founders with a longer runway, we continue the program until you are ready to go to market:
- Ongoing execution of the value creation roadmap
- Annual valuation refresh against your target
- Diligence and quality of earnings readiness
- Support alongside your investment banker or M&A advisor through diligence and closing
Governance and Cadence
Two structured sessions each month:
- Financial Performance Review: results, KPIs, variances, and risks
- Strategy and Value Creation Session: initiative review, priorities, and execution
Plus ongoing modeling, analysis, financial oversight, and strategic guidance between sessions.
Who This Is For
- Founder-led businesses ($3M to $30M revenue)
- Founders planning a sale in the next 12 to 36 months
- First-time sellers who want to go to market from a position of strength
- Founders who want to increase value, not just get ready
Outcomes
- Higher-quality earnings
- A clear, defensible equity story
- Stronger appeal to strategic buyers
- Fewer diligence issues and retrades
- Meaningful improvement in valuation, driven by better performance and a higher multiple