David Francis

I help SaaS founders grow Enterprise Value and Exit on the best possible terms.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

About

Unprepared founders leave millions of dollars on the table. I work with SaaS business leaders to understand what drives (and what drags) the value of their business. Then I help them build that value, and introduce them to the right buyers at the right time. Across my career, I've led teams of leaders through just about every phase of growth, and sat in every chair when it comes to business acquisitions. I've been the acquirer. I've been the acquired. I've been the seller, and I've advised both sides of the table in SaaS business transactions. I've seen deals that smashed their value-creation targets, and others that fell flat. That contrast taught me exactly what makes a transaction truly successful for everyone involved. I’ve advised and coached founders, CEOs, and leadership teams across Australia and internationally, guiding them through strategy formation, execution, and leadership growth. Today, I work with SaaS founders to get their businesses Exit Ready, even if they have no immediate plans to sell. The ideal time to start is about two years before you think you'll exit. This gives us enough time to make the strategic and operational changes that directly lift your valuation. Specialties: Get your SaaS business "Exit Ready" Profitably Scale SaaS businesses Strategy implementation and execution discipline Strategic M&A Executive coaching for CEOs and senior leaders Building high-impact advisory boards

Experience

  • Managing Director at Business Point
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    SaaS Strategy • Sell-Side Advisory • Exit Readiness • Valuation • Advisory Boards • Executive Coaching Across my career, I've led teams through just about every phase of growth, and sat in every chair when it comes to business acquisitions. I've been the acquirer, I've been the acquired, and I've advised both sides of the table in SaaS business transactions. I've seen deals that smashed their value-creation targets, and others that fell flat. That contrast taught me the hard way what makes a transaction truly successful for everyone involved. As Managing Director of Business Point I work with SaaS founders to get their businesses Exit Ready, even if they have no immediate plans to sell. The ideal time to start is about two years before you think you'll exit. Enough time to make the strategic and operational changes that directly lift your valuation. I specialise in: • Getting SaaS Businesses Exit Ready • SaaS Growth Strategy • Sell-Side M&A Advisory • M&A preparation, due diligence readiness, and deal execution • Forming and Chairing Advisory Boards • Executive coaching for founders and leaders pre- and post-transaction Typical sell-side and growth engagements include: • Assessing exit readiness and valuation drivers • Identifying and executing value-creation initiatives • Positioning businesses for strategic and private equity buyers • Managing confidential buyer engagement and transaction processes • Supporting founders through negotiation, completion, and transition

  • Advisory Board Chair at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore
    Jul 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

    Books have always been my favourite thing, and I believe that the local Book Shop is an important part of the community. Gertrude & Alice Book Shop and Cafe is a Bondi Institution. An oasis for writers, readers and coffee lovers.

  • General Manager - Access Accountants Group at The Access Group - Asia Pacific
    Aug 2022 - Feb 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

    The Access Group is the biggest Software Business in the UK by Valuation, and was voted “UK Tech Company of the Year 2023” - serving over 75,000 customers globally with Business Management software solutions. Access Accountants Group serves over 7,000 of the biggest and best Accounting firms in ANZ – from big 4 to sole practitioners – with Practice Management, Tax and Data Analytics solutions.

  • General Manager - Accountants Group at Reckon
    Nov 2013 - Aug 2022 · 8 yrs 10 mos

    Reckon Ltd (ASX:RKN) is an ASX 200 Australian business that for over 20 years has been a leader in the Accounting Software industry in Australia and New Zealand. Over 70 of the top 100 Accounting firms in Australia and NZ rely on our Software Solutions to run their business. We work with accounting firms from the 'Big 4' through to progressive start-ups across Australia and New Zealand, providing them with software solutions to manage their practice and add value to their clients

  • General Manager at APS
    Nov 2013 - Aug 2022 · 8 yrs 10 mos