
From first date to
closing the deal.
How Grow To Exit Partnerships work.
Grow to Exit Partnerships (GTE partnerships) connect founders and business professionals in flexible, high-trust collaborations.
Think of it as a “preparation phase” to become ready for a full ETA deal.
It’s designed to accelerate results, reduce risk, and broaden access to ownership, experience, and wealth-building for everyone involved.
No gatekeeping. No rigid models. Just real people creating real opportunities.
The 5-Phase Flow
1) The Dating Phase
We help you get clear on what you need, and what you can offer.
Fill out a profile: who you are, what you’re looking for, and what you bring to the table
Answer chemistry + compatibility questions to help us understand your working style and ambitions
2) Find Your Match
We’ll shortlist your top 3 matches based on fit, values, and complementary goals.
We introduce you
You chat and see if there’s a spark
If there’s no match, you can re-enter the pool or stay connected for the future
3) The Deal
When the fit feels right, we move into deal-making.
You agree a timebound partnership with clear deliverables
Our creative deal designers can help structure value exchange: time, money, equity, advice, or experience
You get clarity, support and flexibility, this isn’t one-size-fits-all
4) The Do-Phase
This is where the magic happens.
You collaborate to hit an agreed goal (e.g. tidy up operations, launch a new revenue stream, get investor-ready)
You can choose community support, join a cohort on our accelerator or get custom support from our team, depending on what’s needed to get the results you want
5) The Exit or Evolution
You move into whatever comes next.
You stay in partnership, hand over leadership, or exit cleanly
Or you move into a formal ETA, MBO, or other succession plan
Either way, you leave stronger than you started
Grow to Exit Partnerships are win-win opportunities for all parties
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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
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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
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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
Interested?
Take one of our 2-minute quizzes to see if you’re a good match for a Grow to Exit Partnership.