Exitwise Productions

Andrew Kirpalani co-founded WorkHound in 2015 after being pitched the idea over a beer in exchange for putting his name on an accelerator application. What he agreed to that night became a platform serving 75,000 frontline workers, and a successful acquisition by WorkStep a decade later.

In this episode, Andrew shares the full story with Exitwise's Todd Sullivan and Stephanie Horwitz Reuveni: how a 95% annual driver turnover rate in trucking sparked the idea, how anonymous SMS-based feedback gave a voice to workers who'd never sit at a desk, and what happens to a "painkiller" product when the market turns it into a vitamin.

Andrew also breaks down how he built a targeted buyer list of 30 to 40 strategic acquirers from a 400-company spreadsheet, why strategics valued WorkHound so differently than PE firms, and what it really feels like to hand over your product and team piece by piece as a technical founder, giving away your toys, one at a time.

If you're building toward an exit or navigating a market shift, this one's full of honest perspective on timing, buyer strategy, and the psychology no one warns you about.

Want Andrew in your corner when you sell? Connect with him on the Exitwise Exited Founder Marketplace: https://exitwise.com/founders/andrew-kirpalani

Thinking about selling your business? Visit https://exitwise.com

What is Exitwise Productions?

Exitwise Productions is your one-stop shop for M&A education, real-world exit stories, and expert insights. Whether you're a founder planning to sell, a business owner exploring your options, or just looking to understand how mergers and acquisitions really work.

The Wise Exit · Host Todd Sullivan, M&A Advisor and Exitwise CEO & Co-founder, brings you in-depth conversations with founders and former business owners who've sold to some of the top acquirers in the world, alongside focused masterclasses and expert guidance on the M&A process. From business valuations and quality of earnings to choosing the right M&A advisor or investment banker for your deal, The Wise Exit breaks it all down.

The Exited Founder Podcast · Hear first-hand exit journeys from successful founders across dozens of industries who are now paying it forward as M&A advisors with Exitwise. Every episode features an exited founder sharing what they wish they'd done differently, their take on current industry trends, and the lessons they're bringing to help the next generation of business owners maximize their exits. Meet the advisors and explore the Exited Founder Marketplace at exitwise.com/exited-founders

Whether you're years away from selling or already exploring a transaction, Exitwise Productions gives you the insights, strategies, and real-world perspective to get the exit you deserve.

Learn more at exitwise.com