Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, shares what really happens when a founder sells to private equity. Drawing on over 20 years of experience and Edison's approach to backing scale-ready leaders, he walks through what signals a founder is fit to stay in the CEO seat – and what doesn't. This episode maps the most common red flags investors spot, the traits they value in high-performing operators, and the decisions that quietly define post-deal success.

From talent upgrades to price increases, Chris shares what founders need to think through before raising their hand. If you're asking whether now's the time to sell or stay, this episode will help you get clear.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How PE firms evaluate founders during early conversations

• What happens when commercial mindset overtakes founder instinct

• Why some execs who got you here can't take you further

• How to know if you're scaling or exiting

• What to ask before taking outside capital

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:38) What Edison looks for in founder CEOs

(03:31) The challenge of leveling up your team

(05:33) How to map your five-year goals

(07:44) Understanding the shift to a commercial mindset

(08:59) Why your answer to this question will predict your role

(14:58) Red flags that change the deal

(20:42) Top grading and the Larry Ellison approach