33: Inside a Founder’s Exit Journey: Structuring for Scale, Earning Trust, and Choosing the Right Buyer

Frustrated by outdated agency models, Wesley Portegies founded MedComms Experts and scaled it to a 90-person firm across the US and Europe. In this episode, Wesley reveals how he prepped for exit without ever planning one—building solid systems, exploring investor conversations early, and ultimately finding a strategic partner aligned with his vision. A masterclass in founder succession, agency growth, and exit readiness, this episode is a must-listen for founders serious about scaling and strategic exits.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Founders should start investor conversations early—even without plans to sell.
  
• Run your business like it’s for sale, regardless of your current exit timeline.
  
• Early systems and contracts (employment, client, GDPR) are critical for smooth exits.
  
• Fit with investors is more important than valuation—trust and aligned vision matter.
  
• Strategic frameworks (like TreeHack) support scale by aligning teams and communication.
  
• A failed exit can still provide huge value—Wesley used it as a learning & prep tool.
  
• Transparency builds trust: share “the good, the bad, and the ugly” during diligence.
• Inorganic growth requires partners with experience, not just capital.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:26 – Meet Wesley Portegies, Exited Founder
02:03 – Wesley’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings
07:58 – Growth Journey and Key Insights
14:16 – Realizing the Business’s Sellable Potential
19:03 – Preparing for Investment and Growth
41:27 – Final Thoughts and Advice

Links & Resources

• Wesley Porteiges 
  
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleyportegies/
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