Grow To Exit

A new way to grow a business and shape what comes next, together.

The world of ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) is growing fast and offers amazing opportunities for everyone involved.

But it’s not easy to get access to deals and funding.

Investors often look for operators with MBAs and P&L experience. Owners are expected to be exit-ready with clean books, scalable systems, and a business that works without them. Makes sense but that excludes a huge number of talented individuals and solid businesses.

That’s where Grow to Exit comes in.

This model is designed for real-world founders, professionals, and partners who might not meet the criteria for ETA… yet but still have a huge amount to offer.

It’s a way to build trust, momentum, and results fast.

We’re not looking for perfect, just people who can work together to start building something better.

Why now?

Because the clock is ticking and most businesses aren’t ready.

  • 1 in 5 UK businesses are currently run by someone aged over 60 — that means nearly a million businesses could change hands in the next few years.

  • Almost half of these businesses lack a formal succession plan, leaving their future uncertain.

  • That’s a massive transition gap — and a huge opportunity for growth, leadership, and legacy.

At the same time, more professionals are exploring impact-driven careers in a softening job market:

  • Many crave something beyond a NED seat — they want real commercial responsibility, hands-on growth, and optionality without needing an MBA or big investment.

Grow to Exit bridges the gap:

We match founders of £500k–£5m businesses (who are thinking about exit in the next 2–5 years) with the right talent: professionals, advisors and investors, to grow and/or transform the business before you sell.

Grow-to-exit partnerships are win-win opportunities for all parties

  • Founders & Business Owners

    What you bring

    An established business with potential – typically turning over £500k–£5m, with a track record but room to grow/improve

    Deep knowledge and context – that can be shared with the right partner over time

    Commitment to a successful transition – you care about your legacy and want the business to thrive beyond you

    Openness to collaboration – this is about making space for someone new, and exploring possibilities

    What you get

    Operational support and leadership – without needing to hire a full-time senior team

    Options for succession – even if you’re not ready to sell today

    The chance to grow before you go – tidy up, scale up, or try new things before exit

    A real relationship – work alongside someone who gets it, and wants to win with you

  • Corporate Leaders/Professionals

    What you bring

    Specialist skills and experience – honed in larger businesses but ready to be put to work in a more entrepreneurial setting

    Energy and execution firepower – you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make a real difference

    Fresh eyes and strategic thinking – you spot things owners might be too close to see

    Commitment and curiosity – this is a meaningful next step in your career or portfolio

    What you get

    A real seat at the table – step into an established SME (typically £500k–£5m turnover) and help steer it forward

    The chance to shape an exit – and potentially be part of it as a buyer or successor

    Commercial exposure – you’ll be contributing directly to deliver real growth and value creation

    A safe, structured way into ETA – build relationships, gain trust, and step up when the time is right

  • Advisors & Investors

    What you bring

    Capital or access to funding – for scaling, buying in, or backing a deal

    Professional expertise – including creative deal-structuring, succession planning, legal, tax or commercial advice

    Credibility and insight – you’ve seen what works and what doesn’t

    A trusted network – connecting founders or professionals to opportunities and each other

    What you get

    Early access to businesses preparing for sale – before they hit the open market

    Relationships with operators and founders –  built over time, not rushed at point of sale. This de-risks due diligence and avoids surprises that derail deals

    A front-row seat to partnerships taking shape – and the chance to support or step in

    Opportunities to shape deals that work for all sides – and add long-term value

A rising tide lifts all boats.

When we widen access to ETA, we build better businesses, stronger leaders, and lasting legacies.

Grow to Exit Partnerships are your fast track from potential to powerful outcomes.

Part matchmaker, part accelerator, and 100% focused on shared success.

It’s like dating, wedding, and marriage: meet the right partner, build trust as you grow the business together, and create the kind of value that makes future exits smooth, profitable, and drama-free. Whether you’re a founder eyeing your next chapter or a professional ready to step into something big, this is your chance to build something real — with someone truly in it with you.

And you’re not doing it alone. Behind every great partnership is a powerful ecosystem — investors, advisors, and deal-makers who bring connections, structure, and strategic firepower to turn ambition into action.