How can you manage the transition period after a startup exit?

Thinking about what you have learned, setting goals and planning the next move after leaving a startup by using your experience to explore new opportunities can help in personal and professional growth.

Financial Planning: Ensure you have a clear financial plan post-exit. This may involve investment diversification and budgeting for personal and professional expenses. Emotional Support: Seek emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist. The emotional toll of exiting a startup can be significant, and having a support system is crucial. Professional Development: Consider furthering your professional development through courses, networking, or mentorship. This can help you navigate the post-exit phase and explore new opportunities. Transitioning after a startup exit can be challenging, but with proper planning and support, it can also be a period of growth and new beginnings.

Planning ahead is crucial. Some questions to consider Are your personal cash needs going to be covered? How will you invest your proceeds? It’s easy to want to invest in what you know, but a whole new world of investment products may be waiting for you. Be patient. How will teammates be taken care of? Do you need a breather? (Spoiler, you probably do) What will that look like? How do you want media to portray the exit? Is this the beginning or the end of your professional story? Does this set you up for something even more interesting? Think about what you will miss the most. Is this a deal-breaker? Is it offset by what you can’t wait to be rid of?

Before the deal, make sure the deal doesn't fall a part. Then you can plan your life mission after you close the deal (already now). Most importantly, think about how you can give back and help others. Very few get to an exit, even a small one.

> Before the exit, consider your ideal future - take a break, launch something new, or join another company. > Clarity on your goals helps shape your exit negotiations and post-exit direction. > Keep your team informed and motivated during the handover. > Be transparent with the acquiring company, ensuring a smooth knowledge transfer. > Exits are emotional rollercoasters. > Acknowledge your feelings, seek support, and prioritize self-care to navigate the change effectively.

You are a leader of your organization, make sure it lives forever without you as if you were always there. It's the right way to do

Oh boy, do emotions play a part in a startup exit. And they are always mixed. Accomplishment: “we built something and sold it like we set out to do!” Failure: “could we have done more?” Relief: “I don’t have to manage this sh*tshow anymore.” Worry: “What if it’s worse at my next venture?” Excitement: “Can’t wait for what’s next!” Anxiety: “what if it’s boring?” Surround yourself with folks who have gone through it. And if you don’t know anyone, reach out to me :)

The past is in the past, the future will happen in the future. Live now, put your heart into everything you do. Start with helping others around you.

This is a great step to start (or continue) enjoying the other things in life. Take a break. You've learned a lot. Let your unconscious decompress and generate new ideas.

New opportunities are right here. When you are ready to take the next challenge, the bell will ring in your head and you will jump on it. Just be social, and help those who make a good impact. It will come back with a lot of new exciting things