10 Realistic Ways for Founders to Cash Out

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​Here's some great advice from Ivelina Dineva, Founder of Everything Startups and Startup & VC Content Strategist.
​"​We turn people and companies into media brands."

URL for this Post: tinyurl.com/3n8rxd9f

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Ten Startup Exit Options
Not every startup IPOs. And it's a total myth that if you don't IPO you go bust.
The reality is liquidity comes in many forms.
Whether you're optimizing for upside or minimizing damage, knowing your options can help you make smarter decisions before you burn out.
Here are 10 realistic ways founders cash out (including IPO):
1. 𝐌&𝐀 (𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜)
Sold to a company for strategic value.
2. 𝐌&𝐀 (𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥)
Sold for financial ROI (e.g., PE firm).
3. 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢-𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞
Bought primarily for team.
4. 𝐈𝐏𝐎
Public listing.
5. 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫
Go public via acquisition by SPAC.
6. 𝐏𝐄 𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭
Bought by private equity firm.
7. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞
Founders/early investors sell shares.
8. 𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐏 𝐋𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐲
Team sells shares on secondary market.
9. 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞
IP, product, or customer list sold.
10. 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 (𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭-𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠)
Close company, place team or IP elsewhere.

Pros, cons, and typical timelines are outlined below 👇