Growth Capital Advisory

Growth Capital vs. Exit Capital: Choosing the Right Path for Your Business

At a certain point in every business journey, owners face a pivotal decision:
Should I raise capital to grow—or start preparing to sell?

Both paths can unlock tremendous value. But each comes with its own opportunities, risks, and timing considerations.

Olympic M&A’s Growth Capital Services are built to help business owners explore both options—so they can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a strategy aligned with their long-term goals.

Growth capital refers to funding used to scale a business—whether by launching a new service line, acquiring a competitor, hiring key talent, or opening new locations.

Common sources of growth capital include:

  • Cash Flow Lending: Based on EBITDA, ideal for profitable, asset-light businesses.
  • Mezzanine Financing: Flexible, subordinated debt that may include an equity kicker.
  • Private Credit: Non-bank lenders offering tailored, fast capital solutions.
  • Revenue-Based Financing: Suited for companies with predictable revenue streams.

Growth capital is ideal when:

  • You want to retain control and ownership
  • Your business has consistent cash flow and scalability
  • You’re not ready to pursue an exit strategy, but need funding to grow

The key is aligning the capital raise with your business goals—and selecting the right partner.

Exit capital isn’t borrowed—it’s realized through a sale. Whether selling to private equity, a strategic buyer, or a family office, a well-timed exit strategy converts years of effort into liquidity.

The right timing—especially during industry consolidation or peak valuation cycles—can result in transformational wealth.

Selling your business may be the best option if:

  • You’re approaching retirement or want to de-risk
  • Your business is attracting buyer interest
  • You want to reward yourself and your team while preserving the culture

A partial exit can also preserve upside through rollover equity or earnouts.

Some owners raise growth capital now and position for a sale in 2–3 years. Others sell a minority stake, reinvest, and grow alongside an equity partner.

At Olympic M&A, we help you:

  • Compare financing options and buyer interest
  • Assess business valuation and deal structure
  • Understand how each path aligns with your long-term vision
  • Serve as your M&A advisor, capital partner, or both

We don’t just execute deals—we help you select the right path forward.

Whether you’re raising $2M to scale or exploring a $20M exit, Olympic M&A helps owners navigate every option—from capital raises to selling your business. Through our network of cash flow lenders, mezzanine funds, private credit providers, and strategic buyers, we guide you at every step.

If you’re not sure which path is right for you—growth or exit—let’s talk. We’ll help you evaluate your options and move forward with purpose.

Tony Siebel
Managing Director
📞 502.360.8320 ✉️ tonys@olympicma.com
🌐www.olympicma.com

About The Author

About The Author

Tony Siebel is the Managing Director of Olympic M&A, a Louisville-based advisory firm
specializing in healthcare and high-value service businesses. With more than seven
years of experience in psychiatry, behavioral health, physician practices, and recurring
service industries, he has built a reputation for helping founders capture the full value of
their life’s work.
Through Olympic M&A, Tony connects owners with private equity groups, family offices,
and strategic buyers nationwide. His hands-on, data-driven approach ensures owners
maximize value while protecting their legacy during the most important transaction of
their lives.

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