“Do I Even Like This?” How Shifting Priorities Led To Her Agency Sale.
Have you ever built something so successful that letting go seemed impossible?
Yasmin Vantuykom did just that, turning Efluenz from a modest startup into a multi-million dollar company.
Here's her story and the lessons she learned along the way of selling her business.
From $15K To $2,7M In Annual Revenue
Yasmin Vantuykom never imagined selling Efluenz when she started it six years ago. With just 15,000 euros in revenue during the first six months, her company grew rapidly, generating an annual revenue of 2.7 million, employing 25 people, and operating three offices in two countries. Yasmin's personal life also flourished—she got married, had two kids, and renovated her home. Despite this success, she began questioning her future and the future of Efluenz.
Reassessing Priorities Leads To Selling
After the initial excitement of rapid growth, Yasmin found herself grappling with existential questions: Is this what I want? Do I even like influencer marketing? Her passion shifted towards making an impact in mental health and sustainability, which clashed with her shareholder's goal of achieving 30% growth. The stress of maintaining such high expectations was overwhelming, and Yasmin missed the early, dynamic days of entrepreneurship.
Her Exit Strategy Was Build-In From The Start
Yasmin had a foresight that many entrepreneurs lack—she negotiated her exit terms when her shareholder, media group Rossel, came on board. The value of Efluenz was determined using a multiplier of the EBITDA from the previous two years. This pre-planned exit strategy provided a clear path when she was ready to sell.
Negotiating the Deal: Challenges and Triumphs
The negotiations weren't without challenges. Despite this, Yasmin leveraged key value drivers to her advantage. She had spent the last two years ensuring the business could run without her by hiring a COO and other key leaders in her team. This solid foundation made the transition smoother and more attractive to the buyer.
Life After Selling: Finding New Purpose
Initially, Yasmin felt a mix of happiness and emptiness post-sale. Efluenz had been her life for six years, and social media had been for twelve. When the announcement was made in June of 2024, the outpouring of support from her team, clients, and influencers helped her feel a sense of closure. Now, Yasmin is launching her first book and enjoying the summer holidays with her family, while conducting research for her next big masterpiece.
Read this article covering how to avoid depression after selling a business, which happens to hundreds of sellers each year.
Key Lessons Learned From Her Exit
Be Clear On Your Exit Early:
By negotiating her exit terms early, Yasmin ensured she had the mental strength and time to make strategic decisions. This foresight allowed her to exit on her terms, without feeling rushed.Build a Self-Sustaining Business:
Yasmin's dedication to making Efluenz run without her involvement was crucial in making the business attractive to buyers. This strategy not only facilitated a smooth transition but also maximized the company's value. Building a business without the exit in mind is the biggest mistake founders make. Here’s an article about how to avoid this mistake.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change and New Beginnings
Yasmin's journey from founding Efluenz to selling it and moving on to new ventures is a testament to the power of strategic planning and adaptability. Her story inspires freedompreneurs to think beyond immediate successes and plan for long-term goals, including potential exits.
For those navigating their entrepreneurial paths, her experiences underscore the importance of resilience, forward-thinking, and the courage to pursue new passions even after achieving significant milestones.
So, what's your exit strategy? How are you preparing your business and yourself for the future? Remember, the journey doesn't end with a sale; it's merely the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities.
