Selling Crossinx to Unified Post from Bankruptcy to Tech Success The Big Exit Show

In this episode from "The Big Exit Show" we have the privilege of speaking with Marcus Laube, a true paragon of business acumen and perseverance. His is a journey from salvaging a company on the brink of collapse to steering it towards a prosperous and strategic acquisition.Marcus' story begins with a bold decision to buy out a bankrupt company, armed only with resourcefulness and an unwavering conviction in the obsolescence of paper invoices. From the modest initial financing through the sale of second-hand furniture to its impressive turnaround and Nordic acquisition, Marcus's tenure laid the groundwork for a new venture, conceived in the shadow of the financial downturn and subsequent market adversities.
We explore the network effect that was integral to the company's success, weaving a tale of how connecting a multitude of smaller suppliers catapulted to significant business growth. Beyond business strategies and financial details, we delve into the personal dimensions of Marcus’s experiences. Navigating the complexities of business relationships that bleed into personal interactions, handling the emotional weight of parting with a business nurtured for 25 years, and the strategic contemplation that led to Marcus’s final exit.
We invite you into this comprehensive discussion that celebrates entrepreneurial victory and confronts the arduous challenges and profound emotional investment that come with a life dedicated to innovation and leadership. Thank you for joining us on The Big Exit show, where we navigate the complexities of exits, transitions, and the sheer grit it takes to make it to the top in the tech industry. Let's begin.
We will talk about:
00:00 Obsession with market timing leads to success.04:33 Pioneered electronic invoicing before it was common.07:22 Investment refusal led to personal buyout and restart.11:37 Market advanced, early days for e-invoicing, challenges.15:16 Financial crisis drove e-invoicing with large buyers.18:24 Focus on large buyers, diverse portfolio gained. Missed geographic expansion opportunity.20:49 Seeking long-term investors, avoiding reliance on venture capital.24:50 Board of directors, friends and family, crucial.27:46 Reflection on age, investment, and business decision.31:51 Detailed discussions and due diligence were exhausting.34:31 Realizing the need to let go. Massive company transition with uncertainty for employees.37:37 Minimal celebration, focused on work and family.39:25 Transition from CEO to management, positive cooperation.43:46 Discussed multiple aspects of geographical leadership challenges.46:11 Impressed by Mark's resilient entrepreneurial journeyGet to know Marcus better:Marcus is an entrepreneurial pioneer who had the foresight to delve into the digital realm just as the internet was blossoming. His journey began shortly after his studies, when he secured his first job at Lufthansa in the late 1990s. Fascinated by the new technological frontier, Marcus contemplated the potential uses of the burgeoning World Wide Web for established companies like Lufthansa. This early experience sowed the seeds for his first venture, Seals, an invoicing company he launched in 1999, right at the dawn of the internet era. With this initial foray, Marcus positioned himself at the forefront of internet-based business solutions, showcasing his innovative spirit and his knack for recognizing and capitalizing on emerging technologies.
The Big Exit Show is an initiative by Peak and NP-Hard. Want to know more about Peak and the ventures we back? Check out our website. Want to know more about NP-Hard? Have a look at our website.
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