An entrepreneurial journey is a thrilling venture filled with innovation, risk and the pursuit of success. The Southeastern Oklahoma State University online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship program equips aspiring business leaders with the tools to navigate every phase of their ventures. From ideation to implementation to the critical moment of exit, this comprehensive program molds entrepreneurs into visionaries capable of steering their enterprises to success.
The Entrepreneurship & New Venture Management course introduces students to the fundamental elements of business creation, including the crucial aspect of exit strategies. This article unravels the subject of exit strategies, shedding light on how entrepreneurs can leverage this knowledge throughout their careers.
What Is an Exit Strategy?
An exit strategy is a calculated contingency plan employed by investors, venture capitalists or business owners to liquidate financial assets or dispose of tangible business assets when pre-set thresholds are met or surpassed. The primary goal is to mitigate losses and provide a strategic solution for underperforming investments or unprofitable businesses.
Conversely, successful ventures can prompt the execution of an exit strategy to capitalize on achieved profit objectives, such as an angel investor planning an exit through an initial public offering (IPO). The strategy is versatile, addressing diverse scenarios such as market shifts, legal considerations or personal choices like retirement.
An effective exit strategy is a preemptive tool in risk assessment, serving as a strategic blueprint for business owners, outlining a systematic process to sell ownership to investors or another enterprise. This approach ensures a methodical reduction or liquidation of ownership, enabling owners to reap substantial profits in successful ventures or limit losses in less favorable outcomes. Venture capitalists and other investors leverage exit strategies for a strategic cash-out, emphasizing the importance of predefined selling points as a foundation of rational money management.
Why Is an Exit Strategy Important?
By beginning with the end in mind, entrepreneurs can clearly outline important milestones, whether their goal is sustained growth over decades or an expedited exit strategy to attract buyers. This forward-thinking approach enhances clarity about the next career phase and empowers entrepreneurs to define actionable steps and overcome potential challenges.
An exit strategy safeguards against misreading the timing of the actual exit, whether by a sale or a transfer to family. Research from the Exit Planning Institute reveals that only 20-30% of businesses attempting to sell ever find buyers. This mirrors the failure rate of businesses post-transfer of ownership and underscores the necessity of building salable value — a factor often overlooked in favor of revenue, profits or cash flow.
Types of Exit Strategies
Choosing the most suitable exit strategy for a business hinges on factors such as its type, size and the specific goals of its stakeholders. These are the primary types of exit strategies commonly employed by businesses to sell or dispose of their assets:
- Initial public offering (IPO): A comprehensive process that involves going public to access capital and gain exposure to stock markets. IPOs require strict adherence to disclosure requirements and trading rules, offering shares for purchase by the general investing public.
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A): Involves one company acquiring the assets of another for strategic or financial reasons. While popular, M&A transactions involve legal, tax and commercial considerations that necessitate the expertise of experienced investment bankers.
- Private equity investment: Involves acquiring companies by private equity firms, providing a pathway for businesses to maintain control over decisions while securing investments for high returns.
- Private investment in public equity (PIPE): Allows large institutional investors to buy securities in newly formed companies at discounted prices. This strategy is particularly beneficial for businesses in rapidly changing industries or those requiring long-term research and development investments.
Each exit strategy comes with its own set of considerations, making it imperative that businesses align their choices with their unique circumstances and objectives.
How Should Entrepreneurs Plan Exit Strategies?
In crafting effective exit strategies, entrepreneurs should consider key elements that encompass the company’s financial situation, market dynamics, objectives and timeline. First, understand the owner’s overall purpose of the exit — whether driven by profit maximization or a desire to leave a legacy. Second, establish a flexible timeline to allow the owner negotiating power and avoid rushed processes that may hinder a smooth transition.
Third, clarify intentions for the business post-exit, such as whether it continues operations, gets dissolved or undergoes succession planning. This is essential for determining the appropriate strategy, whether liquidation, merger or sale. Last, evaluate market conditions, including the current supply and demand for products or services, and the overall demand for businesses. This helps gauge the feasibility and potential success of the chosen exit strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
According to Forbes, one critical error to avoid is neglecting to add salable value to the business, as proactive measures can potentially increase its value by 300-500% within two to three years. Key actions to take to avoid problems include the following:
- Establishing independence from the owner
- Implementing predictable processes
- Cultivating a strong management team
- Fostering positive brand recognition
- Securing recurring revenue streams
- Demonstrating a proven growth trajectory
- Maintaining clean books
- Ensuring customer diversity
- Emphasizing strategic or unique value
Another mistake is not deliberately choosing the timing or terms of the exit. Health issues, burnout, family matters, disputes and unforeseen events like death can impact the timing and terms. Strategically planning for these factors is crucial to facilitate a controlled and advantageous transition.
Being an educated entrepreneur is vital in handling the complexities of exit strategies. Southeastern’s online MBA with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship program equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge to make informed decisions at every phase of their ventures, including planning and executing effective exit strategies. By emphasizing strategic foresight and financial acumen, the program empowers entrepreneurs to confidently exit their ventures, maximizing value and ensuring a smooth transition.
Learn more about Southeastern’s MBA with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship online program.