Strategic Positioning is about understanding your company through the eyes of potential acquirers. Most founders build for customers. Exit-ready founders also build for buyers.
This stage answers three critical questions:
- Who would actually acquire us?
- What are they really buying?
- Is our entity structure deal-ready?
- Can you name 5 specific companies that would acquire you?
Acquirer Clarity - Do you know what multiple they've paid in past deals?
Valuation Realism - Is your company incorporated in a buyer-friendly jurisdiction?
Structural Readiness - Could a buyer's 'build vs. buy' analysis justify your price?
Strategic Value - Do your co-founders agree on exit timing and terms?
Alignment
In MENA, strategic buyers pay 30-50% more than financial buyers (PE firms). But most founders can't name a single strategic acquirer. They wait to be found instead of positioning to be acquired.
The gap: Founders wait to be found instead of positioning to be acquired.
- Tax-Optimized Entity Structuring
- Co-Founder Shareholders' Agreement
- Personal Vision Alignment
- Ideal Acquirer Profiling
- Cross-border Acquirer Suitability Test
Before Uber acquired Careem for $3.1 billion, the founders had already mapped the acquirer landscape. They knew who would want them, why, and what they'd pay.
When Uber came calling, Careem wasn't desperate, they were prepared.
WATCH: How Careem Positioned for Exit
Watch Clip
- We can name 5+ potential acquirers
- We understand what buyers would value most
- Our entity structure is deal-ready
- Our cap table is clean
- Co-founders are aligned on exit goals
- ... 5 more in full checklist
Download Full Checklist
