The Exit - Presented By Flippa

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, Rufus Griscom, co-founder of Nerve, Babble, and Next Big Idea Club, shares his journey from book editor to serial entrepreneur with three startups and a blockbuster exit to Disney. Rufus launched Nerve.com in the late ’90s, followed by spin-offs that were culturally significant but financially challenging. Those hard lessons shaped his disciplined approach to Babble, the parenting platform he built with his wife in 2007. Babble tapped into the emerging mom-blogging movement, growing to 10M monthly uniques and a $10M revenue run rate, becoming the leading parenting site of its time. Determined to secure a strong outcome, Rufus identified five likely acquirers early and built trust over years, consistently hitting milestones and proving growth. That strategy paid off when Disney acquired Babble for a reported $40M, after Rufus successfully negotiated a 25% bump over their initial offer and minimized reliance on earnouts. He emphasizes selling on momentum, building relationships with the right stakeholders, and being radically honest about challenges. Today, Rufus runs the Next Big Idea Club with Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Susan Cain, and Daniel Pink, delivering the most important new ideas to a fast-changing world. -- Rufus Griscom is a serial entrepreneur and media innovator who has founded and scaled multiple influential companies at the intersection of culture and technology. He launched Nerve.com in 1997, pioneering frank conversations about relationships and culture, before selling it in 2007. He went on to co-found Babble, a groundbreaking parenting platform acquired by Disney in 2011, where he continued as VP of Media. Today, he is the founder and CEO of The Next Big Idea Club, a learning platform and book club featuring thought leaders like Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink, dedicated to spreading transformative ideas. Widely recognized for his TED Talks and writing, Griscom brings decades of experience building communities, driving acquisitions, and shaping how big ideas reach the world. Website - https://nextbigideaclub.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, Flippa CEO Blake Hutchison shares how digital M&A is evolving, and why Flippa is thriving despite global deal volumes falling. Blake reveals how Flippa achieved 36% growth while the wider market shrank, explains why ecommerce is roaring back, and dives into the launch of Lauren AI, Flippa’s groundbreaking AI-powered deal sourcing and outreach tool. From helping buyers define hyper-precise mandates to unlocking off-market opportunities, Lauren AI is designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors in smarter, more secure ways. Blake also unpacks key trends shaping the industry: the rise of AI-native businesses as one of the most sought-after asset types, the global nature of dealmaking with 83% of Flippa’s transactions now cross-border, and why today’s online businesses are stronger than ever thanks to better tools and technology. Whether you’re a founder considering an exit or a buyer searching for the next big opportunity, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of digital acquisitions. -- Blake Hutchison is the Chief Executive Officer of Flippa, the online marketplace that enables buying and selling of websites, apps, stores, and digital businesses. Since taking the helm in late 2018 as a turnaround CEO, Blake has driven Flippa’s growth and led a global team focused on empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to exit on their terms and own their future. Flippa - https://flippa.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, serial entrepreneur and investor Divya Gugnani, founder and CEO of 5 Senses, unpacks her journey from Goldman Sachs to co-founding five companies and selling three, including Send the Trend to QVC. With a background in finance and private equity, Divya attributes her entrepreneurial staying power to strong cash management and a focus on fundamentals. She shares lessons from building early ventures, from auto parts to culinary media, and how creating hyper-personalized shopping experiences led to her fastest success, selling Send the Trend just 11 months after raising funding. Time at QVC gave her valuable insights into product storytelling, ultimately inspiring her to launch beauty brand Wander Beauty, which became her third successful exit. Divya’s exit advice is clear: get your house in order early (books, legal, taxes), know what you want from a deal, and hire strong operators so you can focus on the sale process. She emphasizes selling on the upswing when growth and profitability are aligned, creating competition among buyers, and avoiding short-term revenue plays that dilute brand value. Today, Divya shares her entrepreneurial lessons and AI insights via TikTok, continuing to inspire founders globally. -- Divya Gugnani is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author with over 20 years of experience building and backing businesses. She is the Founding Partner of Concept to Co., investing in 80+ companies, and the Founder & CEO of 5 SENS, a fine fragrance brand. Previously, she co-founded Wander Beauty, later acquired by Nameless CPG, and Send the Trend, acquired by QVC. Divya began her career in finance at Goldman Sachs, Investcorp, and FirstMark Capital before becoming an “accidental entrepreneur.” Featured widely in top media outlets, she is also the author of Sexy Women Eat, and regularly mentors founders and lectures at leading universities. She holds a B.S. from Cornell, an MBA from Harvard, and trained at the French Culinary Institute. Website - https://5sens.co/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dgugnani -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, Ingrid Vanderveldt, serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of EBW Worldwide, shares how mentorship and a bold vision shaped her journey from the dotcom boom to building a platform to empower one billion women. Inspired by Michael Dell’s rise, Ingrid built one of the first personalization algorithms for the web, exited multiple ventures, and became Dell’s first Entrepreneur-in-Residence, where she helped create a $250M fund and drove nearly $1B in new business. Ingrid opens up about the confidence gap holding many women back from accessing capital, recounting how she launched a $100M fund for women and initially received no applicants — a turning point that fueled her mission to close systemic gaps. Her advice for founders preparing for an exit: define your ideal outcome early, build a “ride-or-die” support team (lawyers, accountants, mentors), and keep your paperwork tight to avoid last-minute deal risks. Today, Ingrid is focused on EBW-1, a patented tech platform using AI to deliver personalized education, access to capital, and community for entrepreneurs worldwide — helping them scale, negotiate, and exit with confidence. -- Ingrid Vanderveldt is a self-made tech entrepreneur, investor, and media personality who serves as Founder and CEO of Vanderveldt Global Investments, EBW (Empowering a Billion Women), EBW Cares Distributors, and Ingrid Vanderveldt LLC. A former Dell Entrepreneur-in-Residence who built a $250M business segment and launched the Dell Innovators Credit Fund, she now focuses on advancing women globally through access to mobile tools, mentoring, and capital. Recognized as Fast Company’s #1 “Superconnector” and honored with the Forbes & Northwestern Mutual Entrepreneur in Excellence Award, Ingrid is a sought-after speaker and strategist for startups and global brands, bridging corporations, women, and entrepreneurs to drive ROI and impact. She has hosted CNBC’s American Made, been featured in top media outlets worldwide, and holds a Master’s in Architecture from SCAD and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from UT Austin. Websites: https://ebw.one/ - https://ingridvanderveldt.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

In this insightful discussion, Wendy Diamond, a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization, shares her journey from trading designer surplus to advocating for women's empowerment. She highlights the power of impactful initiatives like microloans for women and the importance of integrity-driven entrepreneurship. Wendy also emphasizes the significance of passion and collaboration, while sharing lessons learned from failures and successes that underscore the impact of supportive relationships in business.

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, entrepreneur Ben Zvaifler shares his journey from launching PupBox, a subscription box for puppy owners, to selling it to Petco and later starting his new venture, Cloud Water Filters. Inspired by his own struggles as a new dog owner, Ben built PupBox during the subscription box boom, even pitching successfully on Shark Tank—securing a deal with Robert Herjavec and a surge of publicity. Eventually, Petco acquired the company, where Ben spent four years navigating corporate life, scaling during COVID, and hitting earn-out targets. Reflecting on the acquisition, Ben highlights lessons in negotiation, timing, and the importance of clean financials. He also shares candid advice for entrepreneurs: secure multiple offers, prepare thoroughly for earn-outs, and understand the corporate dynamics you’re stepping into. After Petco later sold PupBox to FabFitFun, Ben moved on to disrupt another space—water filtration. His new startup, Cloud Water Filters, offers a connected reverse osmosis system that not only purifies but also tracks water quality and usage. Ben’s story underscores the resilience needed in entrepreneurship: survive the lows, learn from each exit, and use that experience to build bigger and bolder ventures. -- Ben Zvaifler is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cloud Water Filters, a consumer hardware company delivering clean, alkaline drinking water through smart, sensor-enabled filtration systems. With a background in building direct-to-consumer brands, Ben is passionate about using technology and design to elevate everyday experiences. Previously, Ben co-founded PupBox, a subscription service for new puppy owners. PupBox was featured on Shark Tank, highlighted as one of the most disruptive DTC brands by the International Advertising Bureau, and acquired by Petco Animal Supplies in 2017. Website: https://www.cloudwaterfilters.com/ Ben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzvaifler/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, Alan Franks, founder of the Business Planning Institute, reveals how business owners can maximize value and achieve financial independence before selling. He stresses that most owners don’t know their company’s worth, let alone track it, and warns against relying solely on business income, which can trap you in a “lifestyle business.” Franks advises selling in the maturity stage, before growth stalls and expenses rise. His approach to boosting value is “good business planning with a deadline”: create documented systems, KPIs, and a management team that allows the business to thrive without you. He emphasizes transferability by developing an internal successor, which protects value in emergencies and attracts buyers. From a tax perspective, he highlights strategies like opportunity zones, deferred sales trusts, and 1031 exchanges to reduce capital gains and income taxes, particularly for owners with real estate assets. Franks’ final takeaway: treat success as a team sport. Build and maintain an A-level roster of advisors, align them with your goals, and continually reassess to keep your business and exit plan on track. -- Alan Franks, CFP®, CLU®, CFBS®, is the founder of the Business Planning Institute and author of Empowered Money, dedicated to helping individuals and business owners create financial plans that fuel their fullest lives. Alan has built a career in financial planning, where he combines investments, risk management, and strategic business planning to serve clients nationwide, including business owners, tech professionals, professional service providers, and striving retirees. Based in Atlanta, Alan is known for his comprehensive, team-oriented approach that aligns personal and business finances, builds enterprise value, and creates sustainable wealth. Passionate about impact, he works to ensure clients not only grow their assets but also achieve the freedom, presence, and purpose they value most. Website: https://thebusinessplanninginstitute.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, entrepreneur Rob Basso shares how he built Advantage Payroll Services into a $25M business and exited on his own terms. His journey started humbly, wrapping resumes in deli sandwiches, and ended with a strategic sale to a public company. Rob planned his exit from day one, focusing on clean financials, employee retention, and leveraging his personal brand to win trust. He urges founders to be visible, not just their company, and to run a business that’s always “sale-ready.” When it came time to sell, he passed on higher PE offers with earn-outs in favor of a lower upfront deal because he was emotionally done and ready to move on. The decision? One of the best he’s ever made. Post-sale, Rob struggled with identity loss but rebounded by helping others build personal brands and make better business decisions. His final lesson? Be authentic. Trying to be someone you’re not, whether with staff or clients, can backfire. Rob’s story is a reminder that successful exits aren’t just financial: they’re personal. And planning ahead, staying true to yourself, and choosing the right buyer can make all the difference. -- Rob Basso is a recognized business coach, entrepreneur & speaker. He is a published author, professional speaker and sought-after media personality. He has operated and sold many businesses in the past two decades including Associated Human Capital Management and Advantage Payroll Services. The most recent two companies were sold to public companies at industry high valuations. Known as The Everyday Entrepreneur, the media frequently calls upon Rob for his insights, opinions and expertise. In 2022 he was a judge for the American Business Awards (division of the Stevie Awards), panelist for the Middle Market Alliance, mentor for the Next Gen Summit and numerous other speaking engagements. Rob Basso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbasso/ Website: https://www.robbasso.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, serial entrepreneur and investor Bubba Page opens up about his journey from building a bootstrapped B2B sales company (Launch Leads) to launching Influence.VC, a venture fund focused on consumer tech and creator-led startups. Bubba shares how his first successful exit funded his lifestyle and family, while his venture-backed failure taught him invaluable lessons about ego, resilience, and emotional health. He emphasizes the often-overlooked value of lifestyle businesses, those that generate strong cash flow without external funding, and challenges the myth that venture capital is the only path to success. The conversation dives into the power of the creator economy, and how partnering with influencers can accelerate brand growth with lower customer acquisition costs. Bubba also reflects on selling his business just days before the 2020 COVID shutdown. Listen to the episode for real-world insights for founders questioning when to sell, whether to raise capital, or how to build a profitable business without burning out. -- Bubba Page is a single dad to 8 incredible kids—four boys, four girls—a devout Christian, and a serial entrepreneur who’s built and sold multiple companies, including a three-time Inc5000 standout, LaunchLeads.com, which he sold in 2020. Now, he’s pioneering Influence.vc, a venture capital syndicate on AngelList, where his social media influencer expertise invests and turbocharges startups. He is also a sought-after advisor in fundraising, B2B sales, influencer marketing strategy, and angel investing, a frequent podcast guest, and soon-to-be author of Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship, blending business and Christian principles for family life. Named one of 2024’s 'Coolest Entrepreneurs' by UVBizQ Magazine, he has also written for Inc Magazine. Bubba Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bubbapage/ Websites: https://influence.vc/ - https://thebusinessbootcamp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubbapage/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode, Kerri Glover, M&A Advisor at Sagewood and the former founder of one of Colorado’s largest wedding planning firms. Kerri reveals how she went from bootstrapping a solo wedding planning side hustle to building a 20-person team, operating globally, and eventually selling her service-based business for a 7-figure exit. She shares the behind-the-scenes of preparing for a successful sale, covering everything from SOPs and financial clean-up to branding decisions and letting go of founder dependence. Kerri also offers her perspective on the biggest mistakes sellers make, how real estate impacts deal timelines, and what buyers really want in today’s market. Whether you’re building a service business or planning your next move, this conversation is packed with timeless advice on how to turn your business into a valuable, transferable asset. -- With over two decades of experience in the wedding industry, Kerri Glover's journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her expertise, honed through planning over 1,500 weddings globally and contributing to the creation or redevelopment of 25 venues, is matched only by her insatiable thirst for knowledge. With an MBA from Regis University and a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School, Kerri brings a unique blend of creative vision and business acumen to every project she undertakes. In 2016, Kerri sold her firm, the largest wedding planning company in Colorado, with Sagewood Advisors, where she is now an M&A Advisor helping others do the same. Kerri Glover on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrilglover/ Websites: https://gosagewood.com/ - https://www.weddingvenuebroker.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/