Getting Ready to Exit Prepared for Sale

Dit artikel is ook beschikbaar in het Nederlands. Klik hier om de Nederlandse versie te lezen. 

In a world where technology companies innovate and scale at lightning speed, financial strength and strategic guidance are essential for sustainable growth. Emerging Growth Tech Companies—young, ambitious enterprises with disruptive ideas—have unique needs that go beyond traditional financial services. BDO understands this dynamic like no other.  

With a strong focus on the tech sector and deep expertise in guiding fast-growing companies, BDO offers tailored solutions that align with the company’s growth phase. From optimizing financial processes to preparing for investment rounds, international expansion, or an exit strategy—BDO is a committed partner that thinks in terms of opportunities, scalability, and future resilience.  

Economic Investment Climate in the Netherlands and Europe 

The investment climate for tech companies in the Netherlands and Europe is in transition. Although the Netherlands has lost ground as a top destination for foreign investments, the technology, media, and telecom (TMT) sector shows resilience. Sub-sectors such as software, data analytics, and IT services remain attractive to investors. 

The European IPO market had a challenging start in 2025 due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. However, signs of recovery are emerging: the EU Listing Act and new public and private funds are making it easier for fast-growing companies to go public. In the Netherlands, private equity remains active and is deploying capital reserves to seize sector-specific growth opportunities.  

For Dutch tech companies, a direct exit is certainly possible, but it requires a careful and strategic approach. The market for such transactions is currently not broadly accessible to all companies; investors and buyers have become more selective. Specific niches continue to attract investment and acquisitions—particularly companies with strong recurring revenue streams, scalable technology, and sharp positioning in fast-growing domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and cloud services.  

At the same time, the current climate offers an opportunity to prepare the organization for a future exit. This moment can be used to invest in professionalization, governance, compliance, and talent development, ensuring the organization is ready to act when opportunities arise. 

Preparing for an Exit: Sale or IPO 

A successful exit — either via sale or IPO — requires thorough preparation. Key themes include: 

• Maturing of Internal Controls 

A robust governance framework is essential. This includes formalizing processes, strengthening the management team, and establishing an internal audit function to build investor and buyer confidence. 

• HR Policy and Talent Readiness 

Growth requires a team that can keep up. Are the current employees and leaders still suitable for the future scale? A strategic HR review helps identify gaps and development needs. 

• Financial Closing Processes  

Fast and reliable monthly closings are crucial. Depending on the niche, investors expect detailed insights into key KPIs such as monthly recurring revenue, retention rates, and acquisition costs. This requires automated systems, clear reporting structures, and a well-functioning finance department.  

• Profitable Growth 

Potential buyers and IPO investors critically assess the repeatability and reliability of operational cash flows. Forecasting, cash management, and insight into customer contracts are key.   

• Compliance and Regulation 

Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as GDPR, CSRD, tax legislation, and sector-specific standards. This prevents surprises during due diligence processes. 

• Strategic Positioning and Valuation 

A clear market position and realistic valuation are crucial to attract the right investors or buyers. This requires a well-founded equity story — a compelling narrative about the company: what makes it unique, how it grows, and why it’s attractive to investors. Additionally, it’s important to understand who the potential buyers or investors are and what they seek in a tech company.  

Conclusion 

A successful exit starts with preparation. Emerging Growth Companies in the tech sector must now invest in professionalization, talent, compliance, and strategy. BDO is ready to partner on this journey—from growth company to exit-ready organization.

How BDO can help 

BDO supports tech companies across various Lines of Service in preparing their organization for exit:  

• Advisory & Strategy: Strategic repositioning, governance, and organizational development.  
• Audit & Assurance: Enhancing internal controls, financial reporting, and compliance.  
• Tax & Legal: Optimizing tax structures, due diligence, and legal support.  
• Deal Advisory: Valuation, M&A guidance, and sell-side due diligence.  
• Value Creation Services: Integrated value creation programs focused on improving returns, reducing risks, and preparing for exit—through collaboration with specialists from other service lines.  
• ESG & CSRD: Integrating sustainability into strategy and reporting, essential for modern investors.  

BDO combines international reach with local engagement. We don’t offer standard solutions, but tailor-made support aligned with your company’s unique growth phase. 

Contact us