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The Tuesday Update: What Bench’s Collapse and BOI Delays Mean for Founders

  • Writer: Langston Tolbert
    Langston Tolbert
  • Jan 8
  • 3 min read


Industry Insights: From Commoditized Services to Founder-Led Success Stories: Lessons from Bench's Collapse and Revival


The recent turmoil at Bench, the accounting startup, reveals important lessons for founders about the risks and rewards of commoditizing services like accounting and legal support. While automated solutions can scale quickly, founders should evaluate the potential trade-offs, such as reduced customer loyalty or quality issues, that could impact long-term sustainability.


Investors replacing founders can sometimes backfire, as Bench's story highlights. Founders play a critical role in maintaining a company's identity and vision. As you scale, consider strategies for maintaining your influence while creating systems that mitigate founder dependence. Balancing automation with a personalized approach can also protect goodwill—both corporate and personal.


Read more here at TechCrunch.



Key Legal Update: Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Suspended Again


Recent Fifth Circuit rulings have halted implementation of BOI reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. While this pause delays compliance deadlines, founders and investors should proactively identify potential challenges.


For serial entrepreneurs with over 25% ownership in multiple entities—or those who have lost track of certain holdings—this is an opportunity to consolidate records and ensure compliance readiness. Privacy-conscious investors may need creative legal structures to protect personal information while adhering to new disclosure norms.


This regulatory uncertainty could impact investment appetite. Consider discussing with your legal advisor how best to balance compliance and confidentiality.




Featured Resource: How Personal Goodwill Can Save You Thousands During an Exit


Personal goodwill is a hidden asset that can be a financial game-changer during an exit. Representing the value tied directly to the founder’s reputation, relationships, and expertise, personal goodwill is taxed at lower capital gains rates instead of higher ordinary income rates— saving you significant amounts in taxes.


By building and leveraging personal goodwill, founders can increase their business valuation while preserving more of their hard-earned profits. Don’t leave money on the table—discover how to maximize this advantage in your exit strategy.


Explore the 5 Ways to Build Personal Goodwill for a Bigger Exit:



Quick Financial Snapshot: What Founders Need to Know


  • Series A Valuations: In Q3, early-stage valuations were at or near new highs, with Series A valuations showing significant growth. Despite this, the count of Series A deals decreased by 26% quarter-over-quarter and 8% year-over-year, indicating a more selective investment environment. Read more here at Carta.


  • Buyer Demand by EBITDA Range: Axial data highlights strong buyer interest in businesses with $1M–$5M EBITDA, while private equity favors $5M–$10M. Industries like tech and food & hospitality remain highly attractive. Read more here at Axial.


  • CFO Focus Areas for 2025: Automation, M&A, and AI dominate CFO priorities this year. Founders can align by revisiting contracts to improve terms or implementing retention strategies for key personnel. Read more here at the Wall Street Journal.



Special Note: Evolving Supply Chain Regulation


Recent changes to the de minimis threshold for imports could disrupt e-commerce and import-heavy industries. Founders planning international expansion or relying on imported goods should evaluate the potential cost and compliance implications. Understanding these shifts is crucial to stay ahead of regulatory challenges and protect your profit margins.


Learn more from this insightful Supply Chain Dive article.




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Founders, take the stress out of building your business’s foundation. Our flat-fee company formation service is designed to provide clarity, compliance, and speed. Whether you're launching your first venture or expanding an existing one, we ensure your entity is structured to meet your unique goals.


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