Download the latest edition of LO Women Invest and discover our insights on how to maximise the value of your business before, during, and after an exit.
Closing the valuation gap: how female founders can prepare for a successful exit

key takeaways.
- Female founders are increasing their share of exits, with US data showing continued momentum over the last decade.
- A valuation gap remains, though. Businesses with at least one female founder average USD 33.3 mn pre-money, versus USD 39 mn across the wider US VC market.
- Female-founded businesses face a wider gap, with average pre-money valuations of USD 19 mn.
- Female-founded companies often exit sooner, reaching the halfway point to exit in 7.9 years versus 8.5 for the broader market.
- Early preparation can strengthen negotiating power, helping founders address business, tax and wealth planning considerations before a transaction begins.
- Exit readiness creates opportunity, giving founders greater freedom to act when the right opportunity arises.
A successful exit starts long before a transaction. We explore how early preparation can help female founders narrow the valuation gap, strengthen their business…
LO Women Invest – Unlocking the full value of your business
Pre-exit: Building readiness 12 to 24 months in advance
Eliminating friction: strengthening business fundamentals
Building a scalable leadership team
Shareholders considerations
At exit: executing with discipline and preserving value
Two priorities, one challenge
The right team makes the difference
Due diligence: where value is tested
Beyond price: structuring the deal
Post-exit: From liquidity event to long-term vision
A moment of transformation
First step: stabilising and structuring wealth
From concentration to diversification
Read also: LO Women Invest: rethinking ways to boost family ties
Conclusion: readiness creates opportunity
important information
This is a marketing communication issued by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd (hereinafter “Lombard Odier”).
It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a marketing communication.




