The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection The journey from $140M to a $1Bn Valuation and a stage 4 cancer victory
Jan 6, 2026
Marc Adams, a private equity and acquisitions expert, shares his inspiring journey from a stage 4 cancer diagnosis to leading Acquisitions for You. He introduces his 'Double and Keep It' framework, aimed at helping business owners double their value while retaining 70-90% post-sale. With over 40 years of expertise, Marc explains how he raised $350M for non-traditional exits and transformed a company from $140M to a $1B valuation. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with operational teams and adapting strategies for new markets.
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Near-Death Diagnosis And Unexpected Recovery
- Marc Adams was told he had stage four cancer and six months to live after tests in late 2020.
- He underwent surgery, caught COVID in hospital, and later found the secondaries had disappeared, which doctors noted as unusual.
A Son's Question Sparked A New Mission
- While recovering, Marc's 10-year-old son asked what happens to owners if they die and their businesses can't be sold.
- That question sparked Marc's mission to help owners keep more of their life's work when exiting.
Double Value Without Debt Or Dilution
- Use the Double And Keep It framework to double a company's value in 12 months without owner dilution or debt.
- Deploy outside equity and group-building so owners can invest EBITDA in organic growth while keeping control.
