Welcome back to another edition of The Wise Exit!

In this week's issue:

The Hidden Value of Boring: Why Unsexy Businesses Often Command Higher Multiples

• Why your “sellability” matters as much as your valuation

• Practical ways you can start planning your exit (even if it’s years away)

• A shift in the M&A market that might work in your favor

• A quick insight on what life looks like after the deal closes

• Deal of the Week: Digital Marketing Agency

Let’s get into it.

🧠 This Week’s Big Idea

What’s Your Business Really Like to Buy?

Most founders focus on what their business is worth.

That's totally fair. But here’s something buyers care about just as much (even if they don’t say it upfront):

How easy is it to buy and run your business after you’re gone.

That’s where something called a sellability score comes in. While it's not a formal number, it’s a genuine factor buyers assess, consciously or not.

Here’s what they’re quietly looking for:

• Reliable financials: Clean books, clear trends, no surprises

• Operational structure: Does the business fall apart if you take a vacation?

• Retention & contracts: Are customers likely to stick around post-sale?

• Growth story: Is the next chapter obvious (and exciting)?

Even if your revenue is strong, a business that feels “messy” can make buyers nervous or result in a lower valuation.

The good news? It's something you can improve. In fact, I’d argue you should, long before you think about selling.

Because the founders who do this early tend to exit faster, smoother, and for more money.

📰 Featured Blog

Exit Strategy: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Founders

This one’s for the “I’m not ready to sell yet” folks.

Our blog post breaks down what you can and should do now to prepare for your business exit.

So whenever the time comes to sell, you’re in control (and buyers take you seriously).

👉 Read the blog here

📰 In The News

Private Equity Is Betting Big on Tech Again 

There’s been a noticeable uptick in PE firms buying up profitable tech companies, especially ones with recurring revenue and clean operations.

Why it matters to you: 

If you’ve got a software or service business that’s running well (even if it’s not huge) you might be more attractive to buyers than you think. Especially right now.

So if you're thinking of selling in the next 12–24 months? It might be time to explore what kind of offers are out there.

Curious? Get in touch with Exitwise.

🗣️ From Brian

I talk to a lot of founders post-exit. And you know what surprises them most?

The emotional side of selling their business. The quiet after the deal. The ‘now what?’

It’s a topic that isn't talked about nearly enough with founders.

👉 Read the full post on LinkedIn

That's all for this week. Until next time.

Best,
Brian