11/29/2025
The results from our Beta Test were... uncomfortable.
We recently asked a small group of founders to stress-test a new valuation tool.
The goal was simple: Quantify the cost of “Owner Dependency.”
We weren’t looking for “Market Conditions” or “EBITDA Multiples.” We were looking for the specific financial penalty applied when a business relies too heavily on its founder to survive.
The Result?
The average participant discovered they are leaving over $2.5M on the table.
They were shocked. Why? Because they believed the “Hustle Lie.”
They thought working 60 hours a week made their business more valuable.
The math proves the opposite. In the eyes of a buyer, your heroic effort is a risk factor, not an asset. It triggers a “Valuation Penalty” that slashes your exit multiple (often from 5x down to 3x).
We call this the “Drudgery Tax.”
If you are curious about your own number, I’ve opened up the calculator for a public soft launch this weekend.
No login required. Just pure math.
Run the audit in the comments
Warning: The number might ruin your weekend, but it will save your exit.
