Exit Strategy

A planned approach for how a business owner will eventually leave their business, realise value from their investment, and transition to the next phase. Common exit strategies include acquisition (selling to another company), merger, passing the business to family, selling to employees or partners, taking the company public (IPO), or strategic wind-down. Having an exit strategy influences business decisions, growth strategies, and operational structures from the start. Even if you plan to run your business indefinitely, understanding exit options provides flexibility and ensures you're building transferable value rather than a job that depends entirely on you.

Why it matters

Building with an exit in mind creates more valuable, sellable businesses. Even if you never sell, applying exit-focused thinking (systemisation, documentation, scalable processes) creates better businesses that run more smoothly and profitably.