Episode 267 - Exit or Bet the Farm? With Neil Ahlsten
Oct 3, 2023
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Neil Ahlsten, Capital's Neil Ahlsten, discusses the unique perspective faith-driven entrepreneurs should have on exits. Topics include the importance of building a legacy aligned with God's plan, challenges of letting go of a business, impact on founder-led churches, and the power of prayer and meditation in aligning thoughts with God's will.
Faith-driven entrepreneurs should make exit decisions rooted in faith and understanding God's plan, prioritizing building a positive legacy for the organization.
Open and clear communication with co-founders, board members, and employees is crucial when contemplating an exit, while taking into account varying reactions and expectations.
Founders should seek investors who align with their vision and business values, focusing on the strategic fit and long-term support during challenging times.
Deep dives
The Importance of Faith-driven Entrepreneurs in Exiting Well
Faith-driven entrepreneurs must consider exiting their businesses with a different perspective than their secular counterparts. The decision to exit should be rooted in faith and understanding God's plan. It is important to build a legacy for the organization and ensure it is ready to exit in a positive way. An exit should be based on personal assessment, aligning with one's gifts and strengths. Founders should prioritize family and personal well-being when making exit decisions.
Navigating the Exit Process: Conversations and Considerations
When contemplating an exit, it is crucial to have open and clear communication with co-founders, board members, and employees. Founders should listen to different perspectives but ultimately make decisions that align with their own vision and capabilities. When exiting, founders should consider the strategic fit of the acquiring organization and ensure their legacy continues in a positive way. Managing employee reactions and expectations is important, understanding that each person may have different feelings about the exit.
Capital Business Fit: Understanding Your Funding Strategy
Founders need to consider the fit between their business and the type of capital they seek. It is important to have self-reflection and understanding of what kind of business is being built in order to align with the right type of capital. Founders should seek investors who see the value in the business beyond just financial returns. Questions to ask investors should focus on their view of the business, their alignment with the founder's vision, and their commitment to supporting the company during challenging times.
Spiritual Legacy and Impact in Exit Decisions
Founders should reflect on the spiritual legacy and impact of their company when making exit decisions. Understanding that what is accomplished through prayer and faith has a lasting impact beyond the temporal realm. Trusting in God's plan and surrendering the company to His will can bring peace and assurance. Even in cases where an exit may not go as hoped, founders should remember that they are stewards of their businesses, and what truly matters is how they have faithfully served and impacted others.
Conclusion and Abide App
Reflecting on the journey of an entrepreneur, it is important to find support and encouragement through prayer and meditation. The Abide Prayer app offers guided meditations and scripture reflections that can bring peace and strengthen faith. The app can be downloaded from app stores or through the Abide website. Scholarships are available for those who may need financial assistance. All entrepreneurs are encouraged to prioritize their spiritual well-being and find a community of like-minded individuals on their entrepreneurial journey.
Most entrepreneurs dream of a successful exit. For many of us, it’s the reward for a job well done.
But is there a way that Faith Driven Entrepreneurs should think differently about exits than our secular counterparts? How do we exit well? Are there ever times where God calls us not to exit and to continue our work instead?
In this episode, we wrestle through these questions and more with 1 Flourish Capital’s Neil Ahlsten.
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