Lightning in a bottle: Entrepreneurial journeys from idea to exit

When a business is in its growth phase, business owners often face a crucial decision of whether to raise capital through equity or debt. Since there are pros and cons to both, we decided to focus on the debt market for this episode, bringing in Mike Rudolph, Managing Director, KPMG Corporate Finance to provide some clarity. Together, we explore why a business owner would consider raising debt, the different types of debt capital available, key themes from the debt market throughout 2023, expectations for the rest of 2024 and what business owners can do now to increase their success for future debt raises.

In Part II of our sell-side due diligence mini-series featuring Matt Bryce, Erin Horton, and Nico Bascunan with Alvarez & Marsal, we break down Operational Due Diligence (ODD), exploring its key components like business model investigation, scalability, and performance improvement opportunities. We also chat about why investors request ODD to uncover value, confirm costs, identify growth enablers, and share what sellers can expect and how to prepare. Join us to learn about the typical timeline, common risks, and why ODD is so important in making smart investment decisions.

Join us as we kick off Part 1 of our two-part series on sell-side due diligence featuring Grace Oh Auguste and Eric Renner from Alvarez & Marsal’s Global Transaction Advisory. During the episode we explore the crucial aspects of due diligence, what sellers can anticipate, and key focal points in financial/tax due diligence. Gain insights on optimizing transaction structures, identifying common tax risks, and preparing effectively for the due diligence process.

Join us for a milestone episode of our Lightning in a Bottle podcast series! During this special edition, Josh sits down with Sean Hutchinson, Partner at Ready for Next Advisory Group, who brings over 25 years of experience in business strategy and value enhancement to the table. Sean tackles pressing questions from business owners who have been navigating through turbulent times, uncovering impactful value drivers, pitfalls to sidestep when preparing for an ownership transition, the 5 key stages of value maturity, and the intricate dynamics of family businesses.

Discover the keys to uncommon success in this episode, where we delve into the world of wealth strategy for business owners and entrepreneurs. Join hosts Josh Pottinger and Justin Waring CFP®, UBS Senior Total Wealth Strategist, as they navigate the unique challenges faced by business owners before, during, and after a liquidity event. From understanding the distinctive needs of business owners in their path to financial freedom to addressing pre-sale challenges and post-liquidity hurdles, this episode offers valuable insights. Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of wealth management tailored for entrepreneurs.

Join us as we sit down with Bianca Benedetti-Fang, Executive Director, UBS Business Owner Segment, to unravel key insights from the 2023 UBS Investor Watch – a report based on data from 500 business owners surveyed by UBS. We also navigate the unique challenges that female business owners encounter throughout the phases of building, growing, and selling their companies. Discover areas of financial education that better equip female entrepreneurs to navigate the funding landscape, strategies for leveraging unique strengths, and tips to effectively balance personal and professional responsibilities as our society continues to add pressure on women to quite literally “do it all”.

Curious about family offices? Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Mark Tepsich, UBS Family Office Design & Governance Strategist. Throughout the episode we explore what family offices are, when to establish, and the varied approaches they take such as managing post-liquidity events and integrating businesses. We also discuss their shift from founder-centric models to including next-gen perspectives. Mark also shares best practices and addresses the unique challenges family offices face.

In today’s episode, we have the honor of hosting James Jack, Managing Director of UBS's Business Owner Segment, a true expert in the world of business owners and entrepreneurship. Tune in to discover the latest findings from the latest UBS Investor Watch: Wind in your sails, exploring how business owners navigate challenges like higher interest rates and inflation. Gain expert advice on key business owner preparations, typical challenges, and stage-specific solutions. It’s time to set sail for success!

Immerse yourself in the world of investment banking in this episode of Lightning in a Bottle. We’re joined by Brian from UBS Investment Banking, as we conduct a comprehensive exploration into this vital field. We dive into current industry trends, examine the art of capital raising, analyze the present M&A market, and discuss critical timelines to consider when planning to sell your business. This episode serves as a masterclass, providing an in-depth understanding of how investment banking serves as a powerful catalyst in creating opportunities for businesses and investors. Don't miss out on these valuable insights!

“In this exciting episode of Lightning in a Bottle, we take you behind the scenes at South by Southwest, one of the world's leading festivals for innovation and technology, set in the heart of Austin, Texas. Our format? Speed interviews! We chat with eight unique founders and business owners who've showcased their ventures at the festival, diving deep into their journeys, triumphs, and valuable insights gained along the way. This episode encapsulates the spirit of South by Southwest – a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. A heartfelt thank you to all our guests who made this episode possible. Tune in, enjoy, and catch the lightning!"