What Founders Should Think About Before Selling
- Raj Mahajan
- May 5
- 2 min read
Updated: May 8
Having both bought and sold businesses, I know firsthand how emotional and complicated the decision to sell can be.
It’s not just about the money.
It’s about your future, protecting your team, and finding someone you can trust to continue what you built.
Here’s what I’ve seen over the years and what I believe every founder should think about.
Top Reasons Founders/Owners Sell
Ready for a New Chapter:
Running a business is demanding. Many founders realize they don’t want to fight the same battles forever. Selling is often about locking in what they’ve built and finding adventures outside of the entrepreneur’s grind.
Reclaiming Time with Family:
After years of sacrifices, many entrepreneurs are eager to spend more time with family, either by stepping away completely or transitioning to a role with fewer demands
Start Something New:
Some founders take a few months off… then jump right back in. With capital, experience, and a clear idea, many sellers are more energized than ever to build something again.
Selling isn’t giving up; it’s gaining control.
What Sellers Should Look for in a Buyer
Price matters—but what happens after the sale matters more.
Who will protect what you built? Your customers, employees, vendors, and reputation are your legacy.
Choose a buyer who sees value in preserving what you’ve created, not dismantling it.
Is the buyer a learner and a leader?
It’s not about knowing your industry on Day 1. It’s about humility, leadership, and knowing how to build a great team.
A good question to ask any buyer:
“What leadership hires have you made that didn’t work. What did you learn from it?”
Mistakes reveal character. You want a buyer who learns, adapts, and builds thoughtfully.
Understand the person behind the offer.
In Private Equity, the firm’s name isn’t the full story. The fund manager you’ll actually work with, their style and strategy, shapes the company’s future more than the logo.
Does their vision match what you wish you could have done?
The right buyer aligns with the things you wanted to do, if only you had more time, capital, or support.
Listen carefully. If a buyer’s vision sounds disconnected or full of bravado, it probably is.
If you’re thinking about what comes after ownership, I’d be happy to talk.
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