The Big Exit Show

Peak
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The Big Exit Show

Are you a founder looking to sell your company, or already in the process of doing so? In The Big Exit Show by Peak and NP-Hard with our hosts Johan van Mil and Anke Huiskes talk to entrepreneurs about scaling their companies and the route to making a successful exit. They bring you real stories, valuable insights, and expert advice from entrepreneurs who have successfully exited their business. Learn what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and get inspired to achieve your own big exit! 🔥 Subscribe now to stay ahead in your journey and get actionable tips from those who’ve been there before.

  1. Building Legacies: Successful Exits and Ethical Conduct in Business with Josef Brunner

    NOV 7

    Building Legacies: Successful Exits and Ethical Conduct in Business with Josef Brunner

    Today we have a special guest – the dynamic entrepreneur, Josef Brunner. Josef, who founded his first company at 16, has since sold multiple businesses for over $400 million. In this episode, we delve into the emotional rollercoaster of selling a business, emphasizing the essential support mentors can provide. Josef shares wisdom on personal and ethical conduct, the value of work ethics, and how to protect intellectual property during acquisitions. We’ll explore his stoic philosophy, the importance of transparency and trust in acquisition processes, and the delicate balance of control and delegation in managing a company. Josef also highlights the significance of meaningful legacy over financial gain, his approach to maintaining relationships post-acquisition, and how he prepares his organizations for seamless leadership transitions. Tune in for invaluable insights on dealing with acquisition challenges, the pitfalls of relying too heavily on bankers, and the importance of direct, personal engagement throughout the exit journey. Whether you're gearing up for an exit or just curious about the highs and lows of entrepreneurial success, this episode is packed with lessons that resonate far beyond the boardroom. Let's dive in! This is what you get to hear: 00:00 Josef Brunner discusses entrepreneurial journey on podcast.09:03 Embrace curiosity; avoid thoughts of failure.15:15 Stable networks indicate success; prioritizing relationships matters.19:32 Institutionalized entrepreneurship and supported former employees' ventures.23:05 Build strong relationships for successful deal-making.26:55 Clearly define goals and build a sustainable organization.34:48 Rumors impact productivity; transparency risks misinterpretation.39:07 Decision based on legacy, gut feel, offers.42:49 Big risks in venture capital yield results.50:25 Regret selling them too early for money.53:52 Be the person you want others to be.01:03:41 Relentless resilience eventually overcomes opposition.01:06:27 Invest in employees who innovate externally.01:11:00 Engage cross-organization for effective leadership succession.Want to know more about Joseph Brunner:Josef Brunner's life took a dramatic turn at 15 when his parents' bakery went bankrupt, rendering his family homeless as they lived in the bakery. Faced with these harsh circumstances, Josef made the difficult decision to drop out of school, despite his passion for studying physics and love for numbers. Determined to support his family, he channelled his entrepreneurial spirit into starting a company, which he successfully sold by the time he was 18. With the earnings, he was able to buy a new house for his parents, where they continue to live to this day. 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. Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.

    1h 8m
  2. Selling Eshgro: How Anton Loeffen Transformed Eshgro into a Cloud Industry Leader

    SEP 19

    Selling Eshgro: How Anton Loeffen Transformed Eshgro into a Cloud Industry Leader

    Anton’s journey is remarkable; from writing his first software at age 14 and becoming a programming finalist at 17, to founding his first company at 21 and successfully selling it. This episode delves into his business development strategies, the significance of recurring revenue, and crucial financial metrics like EBITDA. We will also explore Anton's personal development, his experience with venture capital and private equity, and the lessons learned from managing partnerships and preparing for an exit. Additionally, Anton shares insights on balancing professional and personal life and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in for a comprehensive look into Anton Loeffen’s entrepreneurial journey, filled with valuable insights and lessons. Don’t forget to subscribe and provide feedback.  We are discussing: 00:00 Founder shows dedication, passion, and deep involvement.03:35 Interest in programming sparked by TV series.06:38 Learning communication, marketing, sales; consulting banks successfully.10:06 Split company; hired co-founder; later separated.12:43 Learn from mistakes; trust and value your team.15:55 Respected feedback prompted management improvement through learning.19:27 Bootstrapped initially, funded by software earnings and consulting.24:15 Angels were hands-off but sometimes frustratingly repetitive.27:40 Exited investors, considered growth or personal exit strategy.30:45 41 interested parties narrowed to 3 finalists, negotiated exit.34:25 EBITDA is crucial for venture capital success.37:59 McKinsey and Holland Capital managed preparation process.40:47 Escrow valued at $330 million via SaaS multiple.45:26 Hire top talent; ensure strong, buyable strategy.47:29 Regretted work-life balance, improved, now more relaxed.50:28 Subscribe, feedback welcomed, join next episode.More about Anton Loeffen:Anton Loeffen's interest in programming began during his school years, sparked by the TV series "Wizkids," which dealt with artificial intelligence. Intrigued by the idea of creating virtual reality friends, he asked his parents for a computer and began learning to code. This newfound passion allowed him to see the potential of software in creating something from nothing. Anton went on to develop software for various companies and even sold his first software to banks, marking the start of a successful tech career.You can connect with him though LinkedIn 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. Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.

    51 min
  3. Selling Flow Pilots Dewi's Exit Strategy, Finding the Right Partner for Growth

    AUG 15

    Selling Flow Pilots Dewi's Exit Strategy, Finding the Right Partner for Growth

    We sit down with Dewi, the former CEO and co-founder of Flow Pilots, to discuss her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and the invaluable lessons she learned with her exit. Dewi's story begins in 2011 when she and her then-husband established Flow Pilots, driven by a shared vision to revolutionize the user experience of computer programs. By focusing on mobile strategy, business applications, change management, and enterprise architecture, Flow Pilots differentiated itself in a competitive market. Throughout the episode, Dewi candidly shares the challenges she faced as a founder, from navigating the complexities of running a business with her spouse to overcoming cash flow issues caused by delayed customer payments. She also discusses her transition to the CEO role in 2018 and the strategic decisions that followed. One of the most significant moments in Dewi's journey was the decision to sell Flow Pilots in 2022. In this episode, she provides an honest account of the factors that led to this choice, the importance of finding the ideal customer profile, and the emotional and professional challenges that accompanied the transition period. This episode offers a wealth of insights for entrepreneurs, including the art of negotiation, the value of transparent communication during mergers and acquisitions, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Join us as we learn from Dewi's experiences and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to build, grow, and eventually exit a successful company. This is what we discuss: 00:00 Introduction to the Big Exit Show00:33 Interview with Davy van de Vijver: The Beginning06:09 Challenges of Running a Business with a Spouse14:26 Navigating Financial Struggles and Growth19:07 Transition to CEO and Company Evolution20:43 Partnership with Sipal Schouwbroek28:58 Strategizing the Future29:27 Presenting to the Board30:17 Engaging Potential Buyers31:17 Team Involvement and Transition36:58 Valuation and Exit Details39:18 Post-Exit Reflections42:29 New Beginnings49:26 Final Thoughts and Advice52:46 Closing Remarks More about Dewi Van De Vyver:I plead for ethics in tech, sustainable business and more diversity in tech. You can find me on the panel of the podcast Tech45, with the event The Ada Talks, in several boards of directors, and in the government’s advisory group for technology education. I am all in, for as long as it takes. Want to connect? You can do that through LinkedIn 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. Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.

    48 min
  4. Selling Usabilla navigating the Big Exit Marc van Agteren's Insights

    JUL 11

    Selling Usabilla navigating the Big Exit Marc van Agteren's Insights

    In this episode of The Big Exit Show, Marc gives details about Usabilla's significant pivot in 2012, which involved shifting focus to enterprise clients, phasing out less profitable products, and instituting annual contracts. This strategic move led to exceptional revenue growth and helped the company achieve breakeven within nine months. The conversation sheds light on the intricate process of preparing for and executing an acquisition. Marc also emphasizes the importance of aligning shareholder interests, exploring various exit strategies, and ultimately partnering with SurveyMonkey—a decision influenced by their people-focused approach and solid valuation. And finally Marc discusses his post-acquisition experience, including the challenges of adjusting to a new corporate environment and the personal toll during the COVID era. He reflects on his tenure, shares his activities post-exit, and offers advice on the significance of calculated risks and the benefits of bootstrapping in the initial phases of a startup. This episode provides valuable insights into the nuanced journey of managing a tech startup through transformational change and a successful acquisition. This is what we will talk about this episode: 00:00 Learning from late founder about company management.07:11 Determining founder type, admitting limitations, and startup challenges.09:45 Podcast discussed Paul's companies, including Usabilla.12:32 Creating technology for website screenshots, monetization struggles.14:51 Transitioned from 11 to 2, did everything.20:34 Early feedback led to successful product pivot.23:44 Cap table, cash flow, invoicing, healthy organization.27:29 Explored investment with advisors and experienced investors.29:43 Selected boutique firm understood global market, sealed  deal.32:03 European company considers exit amid market uncertainty.38:38 Running two businesses with a solid partner.39:43 CFO managed finances, kept sale quiet. Cultural fit.45:24 Celebrated with team, had dinner, partied.47:58 Separation beneficial after company integration, typically within 2-3 years.50:25 Yusabila's public acquisition for 80 million USD.54:30 Business, family, running, and a new company.56:13 Successful journey with ups and downs. Great outcome.Get to know Marc van Agteren a little better:Marc van Agteren, a former Ernst & Young employee with a deep passion for web development, is a co-founder and key figure at Usabilla. A long-time friend of Paul Veugen, the original founder of Usabilla and fellow member of their student rowing club, Marc was witness to the company's inception in 2008. Despite being entrenched in a secure role at Ernst & Young, Marc's interest in innovative tools and web development grew. By 2010, the same year his girlfriend, now wife, relocated from Estonia to the Netherlands, Marc made the pivotal decision to join Paul at Usabilla, embracing his entrepreneurial spirit and technical expertise.Contact him on LinkedIn. Want to listen to the episode from Paul:  The Big Exit Show | Selling Usabilla and Human.co - Paul Veugen on his multiple startup exits (transistor.fm) 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. Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.

    57 min
  5. Selling The Wonder weeks the sale story of Xaviera Plooij's Strategic Exit

    MAY 9

    Selling The Wonder weeks the sale story of Xaviera Plooij's Strategic Exit

    Welcome to another episode of The Big Exit Show, where we delve deep into the heart-stopping world of entrepreneurship and the bittersweet symphony of company sales. We have an absolutely thrilled to have an exceptional entrepreneur, a visionary who turned a family legacy into an international sensation—Xaviera Plooij, the force behind The Wonder Weeks. Xaviera's journey is nothing short of a rollercoaster, from rebranding her parents' book to creating a cutting-edge app that revolutionized parenting support worldwide. She's faced the challenges of a growing business head-on, learning to manage everything from print-on-demand hurdles to realizing when it was time to let go for the company to reach new heights. Xaviera will share the emotionally charged story of how her personal circumstances nudged her towards considering an acquisition and the swift, determined steps she took towards sealing the deal—all on her terms. From understanding the value of pain in the growth process to embracing her competitive and intuitive edge, Xaviera's narrative is a remarkable testimony to the entrepreneurial spirit. So, listeners, buckle up as we dive into the high-stakes game of business acquisitions, uncovering the strategies, the emotional rollercoaster, and the wisdom that comes with selling your life's work. This is Selling The Wonder Weeks with Xaviera Plooij.   We will talk about:  00:00 Innovative, competitive, and intuitive businesswoman excels.06:24 Rebranded, inspired by TED, launched early App.07:32 Early success with first phones, app's global impact.12:09 Navigating between global perspectives and scientific evidence.15:56 Pain is the start of growth opportunity.20:14 Rebuilding Sevira, embracing femininity after exit.22:05 Early struggles shaped dream of better life.24:08 Dispute over collaboration and management decision-making.30:21 Competition over European author rights and publication.32:13 Success in print on demand and distribution.34:44 Surprising, but you create your destiny actively.38:29 Confidently pursuing my unique business vision and terms.41:12 Mobile app revenue estimated at 24 million.43:53 Assess carefully before selling your company.Get to know Xaviera Plooij better: Xaviera is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur and professional bon vivant. Her big break was the app 'The Wonder Weeks' which was the world's best-selling app for 10 years in a row. As a strategy, she was on the advisory board of several multinationals. Her two P's: that of Pijn (it's nice, that's where you grow!) and Pipi (never lose the little child in you, that's where the creativity lies!) are her mottos. Nowadays she is committed to making the world more beautiful… with a sparkle of life! Connect on LinkedInThe Wonder Weeks 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. Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.

    45 min
  6. Selling TAPPwater, TAPPing into Success Magnus' Journey from Start-up to Big Exit

    MAR 28

    Selling TAPPwater, TAPPing into Success Magnus' Journey from Start-up to Big Exit

    Today’s episode, is a fascinating tale of ambition, strategy, and the significance of timing in the business world. With us are our insightful guest, Magnus Jern from TAPP Water. Magnus, a serial entrepreneur with a tech and human-centric design background, took the challenge of changing consumer behaviour head-on with the creation of TAPP Water. A company dedicated to reducing plastic waste by providing a convenient solution to tap water filtration. Our conversation with Magnus reveals his journey from celebrating Tap Water’s first online sale to the eventual acquisition by Blue Water Group. With a deep dive into the strategies that led to 80% of their sales being organic and 20-30% of new customers coming through referrals.We'll discuss the pivotal moments like launching on Amazon, emphasizing convenience over sustainability, and the importance of hiring adaptable problem-solvers for a mission-oriented startup. Beyond the numbers, Magnus shares with us the intricacies of leading a company to be acquisition-ready. From raising funds and facing rejections to choosing the right moment to sell, informed by a past experience that taught him the cost of greed.So don't miss out as we uncover the mix of timing, luck, and the critical role of preparation when navigating the sales process. We will talk about: 00:00 Experience makes talent attraction and acquisition easier.04:23 Successful tech entrepreneur transitions to impact space.07:39 Challenging journey to live eco-friendly lives.11:43 Building a sustainable, valuable business is key.13:51 Overcoming challenges in hardware, hiring struggles.18:53 Tech space easy to raise money, hardware challenges.19:50 Investment criteria limited, importance of right questions.23:56 Reluctantly took over business due to challenges.26:55 Seeking opportunities by keeping communication channels open.29:32 Buyer role during pitch calls essential preparation.35:21 Having clear goals can be life-changing.36:23 Embracing career change, learning from diverse experiences.Get to know Magnus Jern: Founder/co-founder of 7 companies, including 4 successful exits. Pioneer and thought leader in mobile apps, clean water technology, innovation and human centric design. Currently, fully involved in the mission of TAPP Water to reduce human impact on the planet by providing clean, tasty tap water to everyone in affordable and sustainable ways. My previous startup Golden Gekko became the leading mobile app developer in the world within 5 years from its inception. We continue to drive the mobile transformation journey at DMI (new owner) combining human-centric design with modern IT. Infrequent speaker at conferences around the world, including Mobile World Congress. Like: Understanding problems and working with experts to solve, implement and see the resultsDon't like: Talk without actionMotto: Let's get things done! https://www.linkedin.com/in/magnusjern/ 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. Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.

    40 min
  7. Selling Appical to Indeed a personal founder’s tale of resilience and recovery

    MAR 1

    Selling Appical to Indeed a personal founder’s tale of resilience and recovery

    Welcome back to The Big Exit Show! I'm Johan, and with me is Anke, and today, we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurial grit and personal triumph with our guest, Gerrit. From his days as a Royal Marine to the challenging world of banking, Gerrit's story is a compelling tale of transition, embodying resilience and determination. In this special episode, we uncover the inception of Appical, Gerrit's brainchild, borne from his marine experience and onto the demanding tech landscape. We'll explore how his unique approach to customer relationships and financing helped scale the company and navigate international expansion. Gerrit doesn't shy away from discussing the tougher times—raising funds, surmounting cultural shifts, co-founder dynamics, and the mental toll it took on him. We'll delve into the lessons learned from the stressful and hostile environment that led to his difficult exit from the company he passionately built. Post-exit, Gerrit faced an intense period of recovery, choosing personal well-being over legal battles. Now, living life on his terms, he imparts those hard-earned insights, revealing the gift within the challenge—finding growth in struggle. For startup founders, Gerrit's story offers valuable guidance on adding value, smart hiring, and charting your path with a mindfulness toward the dynamics of your team and potential future exits. So buckle up for a truly enlightening journey as Gerrit shares the roller coaster ride that has now transitioned into teaching and consulting, shaping his profound message for entrepreneurs everywhere. Stay tuned, and let's learn how to navigate the complexities of building and exiting a company, the Gerrit way.  We will talk about:  00:00 Grit and resilience crucial for successful founders.05:21 Military induction, transformation, completion, reevaluation, departure decision.09:45 Founding mobile learning app despite investment business.13:37 Working with big brands, intense meetings frustration.17:31 Received letter about shareholder meeting, solved problem.21:45 Close customer relationship, upfront payment, cash flow.23:42 Transition from Harriet to Hank, building relationships.28:53 International expansion required customer and product scalability.33:11 Seeking market leadership, secured funding, expanded into Europe.35:38 Unfavorable work environment led to colleague's exit.39:27 Exit from company, loss of control, burnout.43:32 Prepare for exit while building your business.46:09 Chose to exit legal battle, faced consequences.52:03 "Adding value, hire right, create roadmap, coach."55:41 Entrepreneur's personal story, struggles, and leadership reflection.Get to know Gerrit better:Born and raised in Bolsworth within a Frisian community, Gerrit harbored an unwavering aspiration from a young age to join the Royal Marines. And now  a business builder and a team enabler. He is an active interim manager for tech startups and scaleups and as an interim HR specialist for employee onboarding & retention. Furthermore, he specialised in data analytics to support data-driven initiatives in the candidate & employee journey. Want to have contact with Gerrit you can do that through his LinkedInThis is his book 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. Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.

    47 min
  8. Selling Crossinx to Unified Post from Bankruptcy to Tech Success

    JAN 18

    Selling Crossinx to Unified Post from Bankruptcy to Tech Success

    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. Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.

    47 min
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About

Are you a founder looking to sell your company, or already in the process of doing so? In The Big Exit Show by Peak and NP-Hard with our hosts Johan van Mil and Anke Huiskes talk to entrepreneurs about scaling their companies and the route to making a successful exit. They bring you real stories, valuable insights, and expert advice from entrepreneurs who have successfully exited their business. Learn what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and get inspired to achieve your own big exit! 🔥 Subscribe now to stay ahead in your journey and get actionable tips from those who’ve been there before.

Information

  • Creator
    Peak
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Peak
  • Show Website
    The Big Exit Show

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