The Deal is Done. Now What? Navigating the Founder’s Void After an Exit

For most founders, the entire focus of their exit journey is on a single, monumental event: closing the deal. We obsess over valuation, scrutinise deal terms, and prepare meticulously for due diligence. These are all critically important steps. But what about the day after?

After years, sometimes decades, of your identity, routine, and purpose being inextricably linked to the business you built, what happens when that’s gone? This is the reality of the “Founder’s Void” – a surprisingly common experience for entrepreneurs who, despite achieving immense financial success, feel a sudden loss of identity, structure, and mission.

A financially successful exit that leads to a personally unfulfilling outcome is not a true success.

This isn’t just about having more free time; it’s a fundamental shift in your personal and professional reality. Founders often grapple with:

A truly successful exit plan must therefore be holistic. It demands the same strategic rigour for your personal future as you apply to your business strategy. Before you exit, you should be asking yourself:

These are not easy questions, and they are rarely discussed at typical business conferences. That’s why we’ve made this a core pillar of the Business Exit Summit (September 9-10, 2025, Sydney).

We believe preparing for the deal is only half the battle. At the Summit, we address the post-exit journey head-on:

A truly successful exit isn’t just an event; it’s the beginning of a well-designed next chapter. Our goal is to ensure you’re prepared for both.

For Industry Leaders: If your firm helps founders navigate their post-exit journey (wealth management, family office services), explore our sponsorship opportunities.