Epilogue

If you've made it this far, let me pause for a moment to sincerely acknowledge you. Whether you successfully navigated your way through an acquisition or bravely embarked on the intense journey of finding a buyer without reaching a deal, you’ve earned a badge of honor. Take it from me—going through the process of an M&A is undoubtedly one of the toughest things you'll ever tackle in your professional, and perhaps even personal, life.

When I reflect back on my own experience, it wasn't just the complexity of the deals, the endless calls, or the painstaking diligence that wore me down. It was the emotional toll—the sleepless nights, the constant second-guessing, the moments when silence from a buyer felt deafening. But looking back, every hurdle I overcame reinforced one thing clearly: once you've walked this path, there's very little you can't handle. Your resilience, creativity, and endurance have been tested and proven. Trust me when I say this—the sky truly is the limit for you now.

Yet, amidst all the victories and the setbacks, there's one crucial lesson I wish I'd learned earlier: you don't have to navigate this path alone. The entrepreneurial journey, by its nature, can feel isolating—but it doesn't need to. Throughout my own journey, I leaned heavily on my investors, my cofounder Borui, advisors, and family who understood my struggles and offered guidance or just a compassionate ear. Having people who've been there and genuinely understand your struggles makes all the difference.

So, consider this an open invitation. If at any point you feel stuck, uncertain, or just need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out. My inbox is always open—I’d genuinely love to hear your story and support you in any way I can. Building a company and successfully navigating an M&A process is incredibly challenging, but doing it alongside others who’ve been there can transform the experience.

My hope is that this book serves as a trusted companion, helping you understand and maneuver through the complexities and uncertainties of the M&A process. But more importantly, I hope you realize that you're never alone. There's an entire community ready to rally behind you, celebrate your wins, and support you through the tougher days.

I'd love to hear your journey, so please reach out. Let's connect, share stories, and continue to navigate this incredible entrepreneurial path together. I'll see you on the other side.

Yours Truly,

Derek

July 26, 2025