What If You Change Your Mind Mid-Exit?
Selling your company is a massive decision—professionally and personally. And sometimes, even after the process is underway, founders hit pause and ask: “What if I don’t want to go through with this?”
The good news? You almost always still have control.
Unless you’ve signed a binding LOI (which is rare), you’re not legally obligated to sell. You might be on the hook for some legal, accounting, or advisor fees—but you haven’t forfeited your agency.
Backing out may strain relationships with a buyer or your advisor team, especially if they’ve invested heavily in diligence. But if something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s the price, the chemistry with the buyer, or how the process is being handled—it’s OK to walk away.
And there’s a broader lesson here: changing your mind doesn’t make you indecisive. It makes you aware. The best outcomes happen when founders trust their gut and their math. A premature exit can cost more than a delayed one.
So if you’re feeling off, take a breath. Run the net proceeds math again. Revisit your original goals. Get a second opinion. And don’t be afraid to pull the plug.
