1 day ago
17
Jul 10, 2026
A global succession crisis is emerging as millions of business owners approach retirement without a clear succession plan. According to recent studies, a significant percentage of family businesses and SMEs across North America, Europe, and Asia face leadership and ownership transitions within the next decade, yet many remain unprepared.
In this episode of CEO's Desk, Corum Group CEO Bruce Milne explores the growing succession challenge facing technology founders and CEOs. He discusses the risks of delaying succession planning, the realities of family succession, management buyouts, ESOPs, SPACs, and IPOs, and why mergers, acquisitions, and recapitalizations often provide the most practical path for technology companies.
Whether you're actively considering a sale or simply protecting the value you've built, this video offers essential insights into succession planning, value preservation, and maintaining control of your future before circumstances force difficult decisions.
Learn:
- Why succession planning has become a global business issue
- The unique risks facing technology founders and CEOs
- Common succession options and their limitations
- When to consider a merger, acquisition, or recapitalization
- Key questions every founder should ask before planning their next chapter
Interested in learning more? Join one of Corum's upcoming Selling Up Selling Out events and explore your options before you need them. https://www.corumgroup.com/events
Key Takeaways
- A global succession crisis is affecting businesses globally.
- Most recognize succession planning is critical but still lack an active plan.
- Technology companies face unique succession challenges
- Unexpected life events can dramatically change a founder's options and company value.
- Family succession is uncommon in technology businesses.
- IPOs and SPACs are not realistic exit options for most founders.
- The best exits are typically planned before they become necessary.
- Understanding your options gives you more control over your future
Chapters
00:00 The Global Succession
Crisis Begins
00:30 Succession Challenges Around the World
01:08 Why Tech CEOs Face Greater Risk
01:44 A Real-World Wake-Up Call
02:19 Why Succession Planning Matters
02:33 Understanding Your Succession Options
02:55 Family Succession in Technology
03:10 Management Buyouts and ESOP Realities
03:41 Why SPACs and IPOs Aren't for Most
Founders
03:48 Why M&A Is the Most Practical Path
04:00 When Is the Right Time to Sell?
04:18 The Hard Questions Every Founder Should
Ask
05:04 Succession Planning Is About Control
05:23 The Ultimate Founder Question
05:48 The Best Time to Plan Your Exit
05:56 Next Steps: Get Educated and Prepare