Selling Eshgro: How Anton Loeffen Transformed Eshgro into a Cloud Industry Leader

09/19/24 • 50 min

Anton’s journey is remarkable; from writing his first software at age 14 and becoming a programming finalist at 17, to founding his first company at 21 and successfully selling it. This episode delves into his business development strategies, the significance of recurring revenue, and crucial financial metrics like EBITDA.

We will also explore Anton's personal development, his experience with venture capital and private equity, and the lessons learned from managing partnerships and preparing for an exit. Additionally, Anton shares insights on balancing professional and personal life and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Tune in for a comprehensive look into Anton Loeffen’s entrepreneurial journey, filled with valuable insights and lessons. Don’t forget to subscribe and provide feedback.

We are discussing:

00:00 Founder shows dedication, passion, and deep involvement.
03:35 Interest in programming sparked by TV series.
06:38 Learning communication, marketing, sales; consulting banks successfully.
10:06 Split company; hired co-founder; later separated.
12:43 Learn from mistakes; trust and value your team.
15:55 Respected feedback prompted management improvement through learning.
19:27 Bootstrapped initially, funded by software earnings and consulting.
24:15 Angels were hands-off but sometimes frustratingly repetitive.
27:40 Exited investors, considered growth or personal exit strategy.
30:45 41 interested parties narrowed to 3 finalists, negotiated exit.
34:25 EBITDA is crucial for venture capital success.
37:59 McKinsey and Holland Capital managed preparation process.
40:47 Escrow valued at $330 million via SaaS multiple.
45:26 Hire top talent; ensure strong, buyable strategy.
47:29 Regretted work-life balance, improved, now more relaxed.
50:28 Subscribe, feedback welcomed, join next episode.

More about Anton Loeffen:
Anton Loeffen's interest in programming began during his school years, sparked by the TV series "Wizkids," which dealt with artificial intelligence. Intrigued by the idea of creating virtual reality friends, he asked his parents for a computer and began learning to code. This newfound passion allowed him to see the potential of software in creating something from nothing. Anton went on to develop software for various companies and even sold his first software to banks, marking the start of a successful tech career.
You can connect with him though LinkedIn

The Big Exit Show is an initiative by Peak and NP-Hard. Want to know more about Peak and the ventures we back? Check out our website. Want to know more about NP-Hard? Have a look at our website.

Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at [email protected].

Tune in for a comprehensive look into Anton Loeffen’s entrepreneurial journey, filled with valuable insights and lessons. Don’t forget to subscribe and provide feedback.

We are discussing:

00:00 Founder shows dedication, passion, and deep involvement.
03:35 Interest in programming sparked by TV series.
06:38 Learning communication, marketing, sales; consulting banks successfully.
10:06 Split company; hired co-founder; later separated.
12:43 Learn from mistakes; trust and value your team.
15:55 Respected feedback prompted management improvement through learning.
19:27 Bootstrapped initially, funded by software earnings and consulting.
24:15 Angels were hands-off but sometimes frustratingly repetitive.
27:40 Exited investors, considered growth or personal exit strategy.
30:45 41 interested parties narrowed to 3 finalists, negotiated exit.
34:25 EBITDA is crucial for venture capital success.
37:59 McKinsey and Holland Capital managed preparation process.
40:47 Escrow valued at $330 million via SaaS multiple.
45:26 Hire top talent; ensure strong, buyable strategy.
47:29 Regretted work-life balance, improved, now more relaxed.
50:28 Subscribe, feedback welcomed, join next episode.

The Big Exit Show is an initiative by Peak and NP-Hard. Want to know more about Peak and the ventures we back? Check out our website. Want to know more about NP-Hard? Have a look at our website.

Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at [email protected].

Previous Episode

Selling Flow Pilots Dewi's Exit Strategy, Finding the Right Partner for Growth

We sit down with Dewi, the former CEO and co-founder of Flow Pilots, to discuss her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and the invaluable lessons she learned with her exit.

Dewi's story begins in 2011 when she and her then-husband established Flow Pilots, driven by a shared vision to revolutionize the user experience of computer programs. By focusing on mobile strategy, business applications, change management, and enterprise architecture, Flow Pilots differentiated itself in a competitive market.

Throughout the episode, Dewi candidly shares the challenges she faced as a founder, from navigating the complexities of running a business with her spouse to overcoming cash flow issues caused by delayed customer payments. She also discusses her transition to the CEO role in 2018 and the strategic decisions that followed.

One of the most significant moments in Dewi's journey was the decision to sell Flow Pilots in 2022. In this episode, she provides an honest account of the factors that led to this choice, the importance of finding the ideal customer profile, and the emotional and professional challenges that accompanied the transition period.

This episode offers a wealth of insights for entrepreneurs, including the art of negotiation, the value of transparent communication during mergers and acquisitions, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Join us as we learn from Dewi's experiences and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to build, grow, and eventually exit a successful company.

This is what we discuss:

00:00 Introduction to the Big Exit Show
00:33 Interview with Davy van de Vijver: The Beginning
06:09 Challenges of Running a Business with a Spouse
14:26 Navigating Financial Struggles and Growth
19:07 Transition to CEO and Company Evolution
20:43 Partnership with Sipal Schouwbroek
28:58 Strategizing the Future
29:27 Presenting to the Board
30:17 Engaging Potential Buyers
31:17 Team Involvement and Transition
36:58 Valuation and Exit Details
39:18 Post-Exit Reflections
42:29 New Beginnings
49:26 Final Thoughts and Advice
52:46 Closing Remarks

More about Dewi Van De Vyver:
I plead for ethics in tech, sustainable business and more diversity in tech. You can find me on the panel of the podcast Tech45, with the event The Ada Talks, in several boards of directors, and in the government’s advisory group for technology education. I am all in, for as long as it takes. Want to connect? You can do that through LinkedIn

The Big Exit Show is an initiative by Peak and NP-Hard. Want to know more about Peak and the ventures we back? Check out our website. Want to know more about NP-Hard? Have a look at our website.

Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at [email protected].

Next Episode

Building Legacies: Successful Exits and Ethical Conduct in Business with Josef Brunner

Today we have a special guest – the dynamic entrepreneur, Josef Brunner. Josef, who founded his first company at 16, has since sold multiple businesses for over $400 million. In this episode, we delve into the emotional rollercoaster of selling a business, emphasizing the essential support mentors can provide. Josef shares wisdom on personal and ethical conduct, the value of work ethics, and how to protect intellectual property during acquisitions.

We’ll explore his stoic philosophy, the importance of transparency and trust in acquisition processes, and the delicate balance of control and delegation in managing a company. Josef also highlights the significance of meaningful legacy over financial gain, his approach to maintaining relationships post-acquisition, and how he prepares his organizations for seamless leadership transitions. Tune in for invaluable insights on dealing with acquisition challenges, the pitfalls of relying too heavily on bankers, and the importance of direct, personal engagement throughout the exit journey.

Whether you're gearing up for an exit or just curious about the highs and lows of entrepreneurial success, this episode is packed with lessons that resonate far beyond the boardroom. Let's dive in!

This is what you get to hear:

00:00 Josef Brunner discusses entrepreneurial journey on podcast.
09:03 Embrace curiosity; avoid thoughts of failure.
15:15 Stable networks indicate success; prioritizing relationships matters.
19:32 Institutionalized entrepreneurship and supported former employees' ventures.
23:05 Build strong relationships for successful deal-making.
26:55 Clearly define goals and build a sustainable organization.
34:48 Rumors impact productivity; transparency risks misinterpretation.
39:07 Decision based on legacy, gut feel, offers.
42:49 Big risks in venture capital yield results.
50:25 Regret selling them too early for money.
53:52 Be the person you want others to be.
01:03:41 Relentless resilience eventually overcomes opposition.
01:06:27 Invest in employees who innovate externally.
01:11:00 Engage cross-organization for effective leadership succession.

Want to know more about Joseph Brunner:
Josef Brunner's life took a dramatic turn at 15 when his parents' bakery went bankrupt, rendering his family homeless as they lived in the bakery. Faced with these harsh circumstances, Josef made the difficult decision to drop out of school, despite his passion for studying physics and love for numbers. Determined to support his family, he channelled his entrepreneurial spirit into starting a company, which he successfully sold by the time he was 18. With the earnings, he was able to buy a new house for his parents, where they continue to live to this day.

The Big Exit Show is an initiative by Peak and NP-Hard. Want to know more about Peak and the ventures we back? Check out our website. Want to know more about NP-Hard? Have a look at our website.

Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at [email protected].