E237: AI-Powered Valuation: How AI is Revolutionizing the M&A Process with Simon Leroux

How2Exit: Buy, Don't Build - M&A of Small Businesses

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/4JbdUbvj5JI
About the Guest(s):
Simon Leroux is a seasoned entrepreneur and current CEO and Founder of Optionality, an AI-driven platform focused on the mergers and acquisitions space. With a rich history in building and exiting businesses, Simon successfully bootstrapped his last startup, Gazelle AI, and led it to an acquisition by KKR. He holds extensive experience in e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. Post-exit, Simon joined Inovia Capital as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), where he leveraged his expertise to support promising startups.
Summary:
Serial entrepreneur Simon Leroux shares his M&A expertise on the How to Exit Podcast. From bootstrapping Gazelle AI to its acquisition and founding Optionality, he discusses maximizing business value. Leroux reveals how Optionality's AI tool streamlines valuations for advisors, allowing faster and more accurate deal assessments. The episode emphasizes early exit planning and strategic partnerships.
Key Takeaways:

• Optionality in Business Transactions: Simon stresses the importance of having multiple exit options to maximize enterprise value.
• Proactive Advisor Engagement: Business owners should engage advisors early to plan for exits effectively.
• AI-Powered Efficiency: Simon explains how Optionality leverages AI to streamline the process of business valuations for advisors.
• Strategic Relationships: Building long-term relationships with potential acquirers and strategic partners can significantly impact exit success.
• Tailored Valuation Models: The platform's ability to use multiple valuation methods ensures a more comprehensive and accurate business assessment.

--------------------------------------------------
Contact Simon on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerouxs/
--------------------------------------------------
How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!
-Why IT ExchangeNet?
Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match.
"Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron Skelton
The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.
If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.
Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.
Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.
--------------------------------------------------
💰If you’d like additional ways to support this podcast, you can become a paid subscriber here: https://how2exit.substack.com/
►Visit Our Website: https://www.how2exit.com/
📧For Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to the How2Exit channel and press (🔔) to join the Notification Squad and stay updated with new uploads.✨
👇🏻SUBSCRIBE HERE
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ONnhwaKSTPFt2nOxKoXXQ?sub_confirmation=1
𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬...?
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
👍 Like the video (it helps a ton!)
💬 Comment below to share your opinion!
🔗 Share the video with anyone you think might help :) ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
📱Stay Tuned On Our Social Media :
» Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronskelton/
» Twitter - https://twitter.com/ronaldskelton
» Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/How2Exit
» Newsletter - http://deeper.how2exit.com/
▶️Previous Episode: E236: Buying a Flat Pack Business: Challenges, Triumphs, and Lessons Learned in Acquiring a Business - https://youtu.be/wJTXbfql96E
#How2Exit # # 💖Thanks for watching! 💖
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/how2exit-buy-don-t-build-m-a-of-small-businesses--4859429/support.