How we help
Structured support for founders at every stage of conflict and separation. Each engagement is tailored to your specific circumstances, but our core services address the most common situations we encounter.
Founder Separation Advisory
The Problem
You and your co-founder have reached a point where separation is either being considered or seems inevitable. You need to understand your options and how to navigate this process without destroying the company or each other.
Our Approach
We work with you to clarify the situation, understand your objectives, and develop a structured approach to separation. This includes mapping out scenarios, understanding your legal and commercial position, and preparing for difficult conversations. We can work with one founder or both, depending on the circumstances.
The Outcome
A clear understanding of your options and a practical plan for moving forward. Whether that means finding a path to resolution, structuring a clean separation, or preparing for more adversarial proceedings.
Conflict Mediation
The Problem
Founder conflict is impacting the business. Communication has broken down, decisions are being blocked or made unilaterally, and the tension is becoming visible to employees, investors, or customers.
Our Approach
We facilitate structured conversations between founders, helping to depersonalise issues and focus on practical resolution. This is pre-legal mediation—designed to resolve disputes before they escalate to formal legal proceedings. Our role is neutral: we help both parties find common ground.
The Outcome
Either a resolution that allows the founders to continue working together, or a clear understanding that separation is necessary along with a framework for how to proceed.
Exit Structuring
The Problem
One founder needs to exit, but the terms are unclear. Questions around valuation, payment structures, ongoing obligations, and transition timelines need to be answered before any agreement can be reached.
Our Approach
We bring commercial perspective to exit negotiations. This includes helping establish realistic valuation expectations, structuring payment terms that work for both parties, addressing ongoing rights and obligations, and planning the transition. We work alongside legal advisors to ensure the commercial and legal elements align.
The Outcome
A commercially sound exit structure that both parties can accept, documented in a way that minimises future disputes and allows everyone to move forward.
Board & Investor Support
The Problem
As a board member or investor, you are dealing with founder conflict that threatens the company. You need to understand the dynamics, assess the situation objectively, and determine the best path forward for all stakeholders.
Our Approach
We provide independent assessment and guidance for boards and investors navigating founder disputes. This includes confidential situation analysis, options assessment, and support for difficult conversations. We can act as an external resource when internal resolution isn't working.
The Outcome
Clear understanding of the situation and its risks, practical options for resolution, and support for implementing the chosen path forward.
How we work
Every situation is different, but our process typically follows these stages.
Initial Conversation
Confidential discussion to understand your situation and determine how we can help.
Situation Assessment
Deep dive into the specifics: history, documents, relationships, and objectives.
Options Development
Mapping out practical paths forward with clear trade-offs and implications.
Resolution Support
Ongoing guidance through execution, conversations, and negotiations.
Not sure which service you need?
Start with a conversation. We'll help you understand your situation and determine the best path forward.