Exit Considerations Every Founder Should Discuss Early

Unlock the insights on exit routes, investor alignment and practical tips to remain exit ready.

Successful business exits are deliberate, years-long milestones rather than random events, requiring founders to begin planning from the moment they secure investment. By aligning with investors on timelines and mapping potential buyers early, founders can strategically build a company that specifically meets the growth and structural requirements of future acquirers.

This process involves professionalising governance, technology, and management teams to ensure the business is both scalable and "sellable".

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Lessons for African founders

Plan with the end in mind from day zero: Map potential buyers early to understand what they value and build accordingly.
Prioritise early alignment with investors: Upfront, honest conversations about exit timelines and preferred routes are vital to avoid future conflict.
Institutionalise the business for scalability: Moving beyond founder-led operations by building management teams and systems increases the probability of a sale.
Leave growth upside for the next buyer: Ensure significant potential for future growth remains to provide an incentive for new acquirers.

Panelist profiles

Oliver Game PE/VC Lead for East Africa PROPARCO

Oliver leads Proparco's private equity and venture capital investments in East Africa, contributing to a global equity platform with over $2 billion invested and about $400 million deployed annually

Michael Jelinske Director of Investments LEAPFROG

Michael is Director of Investments at LeapFrog, with about 10 years at the firm and over a decade of experience in healthcare investing, value creation, and scaling high-growth businesses

Faheem Chowdhury Fundraising Lead MANUFACTURING AFRICA

Faheem is the transactions lead for Manufacturing Africa which has supported 200+ deals in 5 years

Nonnie Burbidge Investment Principal ENZA CAPITAL

Nonnie is an Investment Principal at Enza Capital in Nairobi, with extensive experience in venture capital, private equity, venture debt, and building East Africa's investment ecosystem