In the world of entrepreneurship, achieving a successful business exit is often the ultimate milestone. Yet, for many founders, the journey from scaling a business to securing an acquisition or investment is filled with uncertainty. Enter The Grafter, the brainchild of Rachel Murphy, a twice-exited founder who has not only built and sold two businesses but has now created a proven playbook to help other entrepreneurs do the same.
With a track record of supporting over 30 businesses through revenue growth, investment readiness, and successful exits, The Grafter is redefining how founders approach the business lifecycle, from startup to scale-up, and ultimately, to exit.
The Grafter: A New Approach to Scaling and Exiting Businesses
Nearly two years since launching its first service, The Grafter has worked with founders across the Healthcare, Professional Services, and SaaS sectors, collectively accounting for over £150 million in revenue. What sets The Grafter apart is its holistic approach, guiding entrepreneurs through the financial, strategic, and emotional aspects of business growth and exit planning.
The firm’s methodology is structured around three pillars:
- Business Growth & Optimisation: Helping founders increase revenue, streamline operations, and maximise value before considering an exit or investment.
- Raising Capital: Preparing businesses for funding rounds by refining their business narrative, valuation, and investment strategy.
- Exit Planning & Execution: Supporting entrepreneurs through the entire exit process, from valuation to deal structuring and post-sale transition.
The Founder’s Story: Rachel Murphy’s Journey
Rachel Murphy is no stranger to the entrepreneurial grind. Having bootstrapped and successfully exited two businesses, her most recent eight-figure exit in 2020 was covered in the Financial Times.
Recognising the challenges founders face when navigating business growth and exit strategies, Rachel set out to create a playbook, one that helps entrepreneurs scale efficiently, attract investment, and exit at the right time with maximum value. Over the past 18 months, this model has been tested and refined across multiple UK businesses, proving its effectiveness in real-world applications.
Rachel’s expertise has earned her widespread recognition in the business and technology sectors, including:
- CIO100 Honoree multiple years
- Member of the Inspired Fifty (Financial Times)
- CEO of the Year (2020) – CEO Monthly
- Featured in “30 Most Innovative Companies to Watch in 2025” (SME Business Review)
Her deep industry experience, combined with her track record of building and selling businesses, makes Rachel one of the most sought-after voices in growth strategy and exit planning.
Tackling the Challenges of Scaling and Selling a Business
For many founders, the road to scaling and exiting a business is riddled with challenges. As a female founder who has bootstrapped businesses to multi-million-pound exits, Rachel knows firsthand the difficulties of fundraising, scaling operations, and finding the right buyers.
Instead of focusing solely on financial metrics, The Grafter takes a personalised approach, working closely with founders to address:
- The emotional drivers behind an exit, why they want to sell and what comes next.
- The business valuation process, ensuring they understand their worth in the market.
- Building intellectual property (IP) and optimising operations to increase enterprise value.
- Preparing for investor and buyer negotiations, securing stronger deals and better outcomes.
Over the past 18 months, The Grafter has helped two businesses achieve successful exits, with two more currently in progress—proving that the playbook works.
Future Aspirations: Expanding The Grafter’s Impact Globally
Looking ahead, The Grafter has ambitious plans to expand its services internationally, with a 2025 focus on the U.S. market.
The goal is clear: To become the go-to consultancy for Professional Services, SaaS, and Healthcare businesses looking to grow, raise capital, or exit successfully.
By continuing to refine and expand its playbook, The Grafter is set to become a global leader in growth and exit strategy consulting, empowering more founders to scale and sell their businesses with confidence.
The Grafter’s Proven Framework for Success
The firm’s structured methodology includes:
- Business Diagnostic: Assessing growth potential, challenges, and market positioning.
- Valuation: Providing accurate and realistic business valuation insights.
- Growth & Optimisation: Implementing strategies to increase revenue and efficiency.
- Business Narrative & Value Articulation: Crafting a compelling story for investors and buyers.
- Life & Legacy Planning: Helping founders prepare for post-exit life and impact.
- Pathway to Liquidity: Structuring deals that ensure profitable and sustainable exits.
- Fundraising & Exit Execution: Guiding businesses through investment rounds and acquisitions.
- Beyond the Deal: Supporting founders after the exit to navigate new opportunities.
For entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses, attract investment, or plan for an exit, The Grafter offers a battle-tested, results-driven approach. Whether you’re in Healthcare, Professional Services, or SaaS, the team at The Grafter is ready to help you grow, raise, and exit on your terms.
With a track record of success, a proven playbook, and an ambitious roadmap for global expansion, The Grafter is set to become the go-to partner for businesses aiming to grow, raise, and exit successfully. To learn more, visit The Grafter and take the first step toward unlocking your business’s full potential.
