What’s My Business Worth?

What’s my business worth? It’s one of the most common questions business owners ask – and one without a clean, simple answer. There’s no perfect formula. But that’s actually an opportunity: understanding what drives valuation gives you a roadmap for where to strengthen your business. 1. Revenue multiple or EBITDA multiple? The first thing to […]
More Than a Sale: Rethinking How You Transition Your Business

For many business owners, the company isn’t just an asset, it’s years of relationships, risk, and identity. It’s early mornings, late nights, and a team that often feels like family. At some point, though, every founder faces the same question: what happens next? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. And it doesn’t have to mean walking away […]
Doing Private Equity Differently

By Brian Cox Private equity has long had a reputation that makes many entrepreneurs wary. Too often, selling your business to a PE firm is seen as the end of a journey rather than the start of a new chapter. Founders get bombarded with calls from brokers offering low multiples, only to be followed by […]
What Fund I Taught Us: A Managing Partner’s Perspective

By Shane Erickson When we started Traction Capital and launched Fund I, we weren’t just cutting checks. We were trying to prove that smart, values-aligned capital in the hands of gritty Minnesota founders could produce exceptional outcomes. Not just financially, but relationally. We bet on entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest, folks who’d proven there was […]
Introducing Fund II: Doubling Down on the Midwest

By Brian Cox At Traction Capital, we believe the next generation of standout companies is being built far from the coasts. With Fund II, we’re doubling down on the Midwest, investing in and acquiring strong, scalable businesses with roots in Minnesota and the surrounding region. A Hybrid Approach: Investing and Acquiring Fund II is a […]
Common Misconceptions Many Private Equity Investors Face

By Ellie Pigott Private Equity (PE) investment has long been considered a lucrative yet mysterious realm of the financial world. As opportunities in this sector continue to grow, so do the misconceptions that surround it. In this blog post, we will debunk some prevalent myths surrounding PE investments, shedding light on the realities that private […]
Selling Your Business: Private Equity Misconceptions Many Business Owners Face

By Ellie Pigott Selling your business can provide you with financial flexibility, free up time from day-to-day responsibilities, allow for retirement or lifestyle changes and much more. However, many businesses owners are hesitant due to common private equity misconceptions. Some of these PE misconceptions and fears include incoming layoffs, “stripping and flipping”, strategic misalignments, loss […]
Venture Capital Fund Misconceptions Many Investors Face

By Ellie Pigott Investing in a venture capital fund can be a great way for investors to diversify wealth beyond traditional means like stocks and bonds. However, many shy away from this potentially lucrative avenue because of uncertainties and common VC misconceptions surrounding returns, success rates, involvement and theses among funds. In this blog we’ll […]
Common VC Misconceptions Many Founders Face

By Ellie Pigott Venture Capital (VC) can be a game-changer for startups, providing essential capital and strategic guidance to fuel growth. However, amidst the promises and potential benefits, founders often grapple with misconceptions that can shape their perception of engaging with VC firms. In this blog, we’ll delve into three common VC misconceptions that frequently […]
FAQs of When Considering Your First PE Investment

By Cooper Eral Private Equity (PE) is a complex and intriguing realm of investment that often raises many questions for those considering it. As you contemplate the prospect of a PE investment, you’re likely to encounter a myriad of questions that delve into the intricacies of how PE firms operate, generate returns, and conduct their […]