<p>Most entrepreneurs start businesses with one goal: freedom.</p><p>But somewhere along the way, those companies end up completely depending on them. And the result is a business that can&#39;t scale without the founder, and therefore, a business that can&#39;t be sold. </p><p>In this episode of the Yes, And! Podcast, Bunny talks with investment banker and The Silicon Valley Podcast host Shawn Flynn to talk about what it actually takes to build a company that can be sold.</p><p>Drawing from years in mergers and acquisitions, venture ecosystems, and startup incubation, Shawn shares why founders should start thinking about their exit from day one.</p><p>Together, in this episode, they cover: </p><ul><li><p>Why every founder should build their business with a potential exit in mind</p></li><li><p>What makes a company attractive to buyers</p></li><li><p>The difference between businesses that scale and businesses that trap their owners</p></li><li><p>How intellectual property, systems, and revenue streams impact valuation</p></li><li><p>The biggest mistake coaches and consultants make when trying to sell their companies</p></li></ul><p>Bunny also shares stories from her own entrepreneurial journey, including selling business assets, structuring deals, and why she learned the hard way that becoming an employee after selling a company isn’t always the dream exit founders imagine.</p><p>If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or consultant who wants to build something valuable and eventually walk away from it, this conversation will change the way you think about your business.</p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Yes, and! Introduction</p><p>00:30 why entrepreneurs should think about selling their business</p><p>02:10 Building companies that run without you</p><p>04:00 Why processes and scalability increase company value</p><p>05:30 Acquiring businesses to solve growth problems</p><p>07:20 The hidden value of intellectual property and business models</p><p>10:30 Why many founders misunderstand IP valuation</p><p>11:15 Shawn’s experience living and working in China</p><p>15:40 What types of companies receive the highest valuations</p><p>18:20 Why SaaS and subscription models dominate acquisitions</p><p>20:40 The biggest mistake coaches and consultants make when scaling</p><p>22:00 Turning personal brands into scalable companies</p><p>23:30 Deal structures, earn-outs, and founder involvement after acquisition</p><p>24:30 Why founders should plan their exit before selling</p><p>26:00 Final advice for entrepreneurs considering selling their business</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with your host, Bunny Young:</p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bunnysumneryoung/</p><p>Website: https://www.abetterplaceconsulting.com/</p><p>Instagram: @thebunnyyoung</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Shawn Flynn: </p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpflynn/<br></p>