Exitwise Productions

Sean McKenna launched DataFuZion HCM in the middle of a pandemic with a new baby at home, and just nine months later, Ceridian (now Dayforce) called with an offer to buy. Sean turned it down. Then the offer doubled. Then it tripled.

In this episode, Sean shares the full story with Exitwise Managing Partner Todd Sullivan: why he tried (and failed) to buy his former employer first, how he built an MVP that changed the HR tech integration space, and the moment he realized his seven-client startup had something a public company desperately wanted; not revenue, but software and people.

Sean also breaks down how bringing in a specialist investment banker moved the valuation from 2x to 6x, how he structured an earn out that created multi-generational wealth, and why five of his team members walked away as millionaires.

Whether you're building toward an exit or just curious what it really feels like to sell your company, this one's full of real talk on negotiation, the emotional rollercoaster of M&A, and how to protect yourself on the other side of a deal.

Learn more about Sean and connect with Exitwise: https://exitwise.com/founders/sean-mckenna

Thinking about selling your business? Visit https://exitwise.com