Most founders think about their exit as a final chapter, a moment of payoff, or transition. But what if it’s not a moment at all? At TechExit.io, Jack Newton shared how Clio redefined the concept of an exit by treating liquidity as a continuous strategy and not just a one-time event. What followed wasn’t just a record-breaking $1.2 billion CAD financing round but rather a masterclass in secondaries, partner selection, and long-range planning. If you’re building a SaaS company with ambitions beyond the next round, this is the blueprint.

In this article, we explore the firsthand experiences of two founders; Jason Leeson of Squirrel Systems (Acquired by Valoris Group) and Kris Hartvigsen of Dooly (Acquired by Mediafly), who each took very different paths when it came to selling their companies. Jason led the exit of a decades-old legacy business, while Kris navigated the sale of a high-growth AI startup in an everchanging tech market.

It’s not just about having a world-changing product or a compelling pitch. The most effective founders develop something deeper: the ability to endure setbacks, make tough people-based decisions, and continue inspiring others when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re prepping for an acquisition or have just raised a round, your mindset and leadership approach can shape your company’s trajectory and its ultimate exit. Here’s what we learned from two founders who’ve lived the full cycle.

It’s not just about having strong financials or flashy growth metrics. The founders who land great outcomes know how to play the long game—building trust, staying top of mind, and aligning with a buyer’s bigger picture. They understand that timing, positioning, and preparation matter just as much as performance. Whether you’re actively exploring a sale or just starting to think about what an exit could look like, the steps you take now will shape the opportunities available to you later. These seasoned founders and acquirers have been through it—and they’re sharing exactly what you should focus on to make your company not just sellable, but sought-after.

There’s no shortage of hype around AI—but for founders and business leaders, the real challenge is cutting through the noise to find what actually works. How do you avoid falling behind—or investing blindly? At TechExit.io Vancouver 2025, Nathan Yeung, founder of Find Your Audience, shared a practical, strategy-first view of how AI is reshaping business growth. Drawing from his experience with companies like Constellation Software, Procom, and Robert Herjavec’s team, Nathan offered a clear framework for making AI a real driver of value—not just a buzzword.

Entrepreneurs seek partnerships with private equity (PE) firms for a variety of strategic reasons, primarily centered around accelerating growth and realizing value. Wondering if this avenue makes sense for you and your company? We gathered insights from two different private equity investors, Narbe Alexandrian (Define Capital) and Kristin Smith (Novacap) to answer some common questions founders might have.

An exit can be a major career and business milestone, but it’s one that founders tend to underestimate. Mark Longo, Brice Scheschuk, and Adam Zimmer know this firsthand—from navigating funding paths to orchestrating post-acquisition transitions. They shared their perspectives and some practical guidance on how founders can prepare mentally, strategically, and operationally for an exit.

Stuart Lombard didn’t want to sell his company, ecobee. But in the process of exploring an IPO, he found the perfect acquirer in Generac—the deal was announced with a reported $770 million USD price tag. Post-acquisition Stuart shared what he felt were the keys to his successful acquisition.

The new year is expected to bring a new level of M&A activity, but not for the reasons many had previously assumed. While lower interest rates will likely inspire more activity, the growing gulf between currencies may make Canada a more appealing target for US investment. M&A lawyer and expert Ben Slager shares his predictions for the year to come, and his advice for founders looking to land a deal in 2025.