Exit Strategy Playbook for Founders

Build a complete exit strategy playbook for my startup. Use the following inputs: **Company / Product:** {&{COMPANY_AND_PRODUCT}} **Market Category:** {&{MARKET_CATEGORY}} **Current ARR & Growth Rate:** {&{ARR_AND_GROWTH}} **Gross Margin:** {&{GROSS_MARGIN}} **Core Strategic Assets (data, technology, customer base, IP):** {&{STRATEGIC_ASSETS}} **Target Fundraising Path:** {&{FUNDRAISING_PATH}} (e.g., Seed → A → B → exit) --- Deliver the following: **1. Exit Path Ranking** Identify 3–4 realistic exit paths (e.g., strategic acquisition, PE buyout, IPO, acqui-hire, secondary). For each: - Path description - Estimated probability given current trajectory - Typical timeline from today - Key condition required for this path to materialize **2. Strategic Acquirer Map** For the most likely strategic acquisition scenario, name 4–6 specific potential acquirers. For each: - Acquirer name - Why they would want this company (strategic rationale in 1–2 sentences) - What you need to build or prove before they would act **3. Valuation Multiple Framework** For the top 2 exit paths, explain the valuation methodology (ARR multiple, EBITDA multiple, asset-based). State the current market multiple range for this category. What would push your company to the top quartile? **4. Build-to-Exit Strategic Implications** For the top exit path: what are the 2–3 strategic decisions you must make in the next 18 months that would maximize exit value vs. building for IPO? Where might these paths diverge? **5. Investor Exit Narrative** Write 3 sentences a founder would say to a Series B investor when asked 'what's your exit plan?' — honest, sophisticated, and not premature.