Latest / The Startup Exit Podcast with Fexingo: IPOs, Acquisitions, and Founder Liquidity Events
The Earnout Trap What Every Founder Needs to Know Before Signing
In this episode of The Startup Exit Podcast, Lucas and Luna dissect the earnout clause—a deal mechanism meant to bridge valuation gaps that often leaves founders with less than they expect. Using real data from recent tech exits, they explain why nearly 40% of earnouts fail to pay out fully, how buyer behavior changes post-close, and what specific protections founders should negotiate. They also tie in the current market volatility—citing Palantir's 16.5% weekly drop and Coinbase's 12.7% slide—to show why timing matters. Plus, a candid moment about how listener support keeps the…
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