Member blog: Strengthening venture-backed companies: The impact of interim leadership & governance part 3
Exit-ready: Using interim experts to maximize value before the deal
Exits are won—or lost—well before the deal is signed.
Founders and investors often focus on growth, leaving exit planning until late in the game. But sophisticated acquirers and investors look closely at operations, governance, and financial maturity before making their move. If your portfolio company isn’t ready, the deal may slow down—or fall apart entirely.
That’s why deploying interim experts ahead of an exit can dramatically improve outcomes. Whether it’s a CFO to polish the numbers or a COO to tighten execution, the right people at the right time can de-risk the process and protect valuation.
Interim CFOs: Financial polish that builds buyer confidence
Acquirers and private equity buyers want clear, clean, and believable numbers. But fast-moving startups often have:
- Inconsistent or delayed financial reporting
- Underdeveloped forecasting models
- Limited cash management or compliance oversight
An interim CFO with transaction experience can:
- Build robust forecasts and scenario models
- Prepare for due diligence and investor Q&A
- Streamline financial operations and reporting
This creates confidence in the numbers—and in the company.
Interim COOs: Operational stability and scalability
Buyers look for reliable execution, efficient processes, and strong teams. If the company is burning cash or still “figuring things out,” the perceived risk goes up—and the price comes down.
Bringing in an interim COO can help:
- Improve margins through better cost control
- Clarify KPIs and performance metrics
- Strengthen org design and team accountability
It’s not just about cost-cutting—it’s about proving scalability.
Interim leadership complements founders—and covers critical gaps
While interim leadership is sometimes necessary when a CEO steps down unexpectedly, it’s just as powerful when used to support founders who are still in place but navigating unfamiliar territory.
As startups scale, founders often face new challenges: managing large teams, improving governance, or preparing for M&A. In these moments, bringing in a temporary executive can help the founder stay focused on their strengths while ensuring the company keeps moving forward.
These experienced leaders can:
- Act as a sparring partner for the CEO during strategic change
- Take ownership of operations, finance, or transformation initiatives
- Prepare the organization for fundraising, exit, or succession
This isn’t about replacing the founder—it’s about reinforcing them. The right interim talent can increase leadership bandwidth, relieve pressure, and accelerate progress without disrupting culture or momentum.
Don’t wait for the LOI to start preparing
Exit readiness is a process, not a fire drill. The earlier interim leaders are brought in, the more value they can create—not just in operations, but in valuation and negotiation leverage.
As a VC, this is one of the most direct ways to protect and grow your return.
Ferovalo: Interim talent that delivers under deal pressure
Ferovalo connects growth-stage companies and their investors with experienced interim CFOs, COOs, and executives who know how to deliver in the lead-up to exits. Our network includes professionals with real-world M&A experience, investor credibility, and a bias for action.
Let us help you get your portfolio companies exit-ready—with less risk and more upside.
Learn more at ferovalo.com
