The Big Exit Show

Today’s episode, is a fascinating tale of ambition, strategy, and the significance of timing in the business world. With us are our insightful guest, Magnus Jern from TAPP Water.

Magnus, a serial entrepreneur with a tech and human-centric design background, took the challenge of changing consumer behaviour head-on with the creation of TAPP Water. A company dedicated to reducing plastic waste by providing a convenient solution to tap water filtration.

Our conversation with Magnus reveals his journey from celebrating Tap Water’s first online sale to the eventual acquisition by Blue Water Group. With a deep dive into the strategies that led to 80% of their sales being organic and 20-30% of new customers coming through referrals.
We'll discuss the pivotal moments like launching on Amazon, emphasizing convenience over sustainability, and the importance of hiring adaptable problem-solvers for a mission-oriented startup.

Beyond the numbers, Magnus shares with us the intricacies of leading a company to be acquisition-ready. From raising funds and facing rejections to choosing the right moment to sell, informed by a past experience that taught him the cost of greed.
So don't miss out as we uncover the mix of timing, luck, and the critical role of preparation when navigating the sales process.


We will talk about:
  • 00:00 Experience makes talent attraction and acquisition easier.
  • 04:23 Successful tech entrepreneur transitions to impact space.
  • 07:39 Challenging journey to live eco-friendly lives.
  • 11:43 Building a sustainable, valuable business is key.
  • 13:51 Overcoming challenges in hardware, hiring struggles.
  • 18:53 Tech space easy to raise money, hardware challenges.
  • 19:50 Investment criteria limited, importance of right questions.
  • 23:56 Reluctantly took over business due to challenges.
  • 26:55 Seeking opportunities by keeping communication channels open.
  • 29:32 Buyer role during pitch calls essential preparation.
  • 35:21 Having clear goals can be life-changing.
  • 36:23 Embracing career change, learning from diverse experiences.
Get to know Magnus Jern:
Founder/co-founder of 7 companies, including 4 successful exits. Pioneer and thought leader in mobile apps, clean water technology, innovation and human centric design. Currently, fully involved in the mission of TAPP Water to reduce human impact on the planet by providing clean, tasty tap water to everyone in affordable and sustainable ways. My previous startup Golden Gekko became the leading mobile app developer in the world within 5 years from its inception. We continue to drive the mobile transformation journey at DMI (new owner) combining human-centric design with modern IT. Infrequent speaker at conferences around the world, including Mobile World Congress. Like: Understanding problems and working with experts to solve, implement and see the results
Don't like: Talk without action
Motto: Let's get things done!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/magnusjern/


The Big Exit Show is an initiative by Peak and NP-Hard. Want to know more about Peak and the ventures we back? Check out our website. Want to know more about NP-Hard? Have a look at our website.

Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital

Creators & Guests

Host
Johan van Mil
Serial entrepreneur turned European seed stage marketplace, platform & SaaS VC investor @ Peak

What is The Big Exit Show?

Are you a founder looking to sell your company, or already in the process of doing so? In The Big Exit Show by Peak and NP-Hard with our hosts Johan van Mil and Anke Huiskes talk to entrepreneurs about scaling their companies and the route to making a successful exit. They bring you real stories, valuable insights, and expert advice from entrepreneurs who have successfully exited their business. Learn what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and get inspired to achieve your own big exit! 🔥 Subscribe now to stay ahead in your journey and get actionable tips from those who’ve been there before.