Building Legacies Through Strategic Mergers & Acquisitions

Van Driel Capital guides founders through every
step of an exit

With nearly a decade of experience in e-commerce

We are a leading M&A firm managing the exit process exclusively for consumer goods and e-commerce business owners. Providing a hands-on approach that ensures tailored strategies and meticulous execution for successful exits.

  • Nathan H.

    A fast-scaling DTC brand, this founder was navigating his first exit. In just three months, Van Driel Capital structured and closed a premium deal, securing the liquidity needed to launch his next venture. Today, he’s scaling at an accelerated pace, leveraging the momentum from his successful exit.

    “Van Driel Capital has truly changed my life. Because of the exit they guided me through, I was able to fund my new startup and accelerate growth much faster than I’d imagined. The connection with VDC has been invaluable, and we’re still in touch as I continue to build my next venture.” - Balzy

  • Robin O.

    A stagnating e-commerce brand with untapped potential, this founder needed a strategic exit. Van Driel Capital optimized the deal structure, securing a highly profitable sale. With the exit complete, he’s now fully focused on scaling his new company.

    "Selling my e-commerce brand with Van Driel Capital opened many doors I hadn’t anticipated. Their guidance not only helped me secure a highly profitable exit but also allowed me to focus fully on my new company. I hadn’t realized just how much potential there was in a well-prepared e-commerce exit."

  • Mickey W.

    A hands-on exit for a founder ready to close one chapter and fully commit to the next. With extensive 1-on-1 guidance, Van Driel Capital structured the sale, ensuring a smooth transition. Now, he’s leveraging key insights to rapidly scale his new e-commerce brand.

    ''Wouldn't have wanted to make an exit with any other company. The informal style combined with expertise made it a no-brainer for me to do the exit with VDC. '' - Founder of Moovv

  • Jordy K.

    Positioned for a 7-figure exit in Q3 2025 this entrepreneur is fast-tracking his exit readiness with strategic insights gained from Ecom Exit Academy. Following this significant milestone, he's set to become a major player in the real estate sector, laying the groundwork for lasting financial freedom for both his family and himself.

  • Samuel O.

    One of the biggest titans in ecom, this entrepreneur received an offer exceeding seven figures, including equity options. Fueled by the drive to elevate his business even further, decided to aggressively expand, steering towards an extraordinary exit valued over 8-figures. The optimization strategies and insights gained from consulting enhance the company's trajectory towards monumental success. - ICON

  • Duncan E.

    A founder ready to exit but needing the right strategy to maximize the deal. Van Driel Capital ensured a swift process, securing a sale above market value and delivering a seamless transition.

    '‘Couldn't have done it without VDC, I would have no idea what to do, how to go through the process and genuinely think nothing would have happened at all.''

  • Alexander C.

    Through consulting, this entrepreneur is establishing himself as one of the most promising young entrepreneurs worldwide. The insights and strategies acquired will be used to set up new companies with a strong foundation. With the world at his feet, he's not just moving to his next venture; he's equipped with the knowledge to build an empire. - BRIGHT Sport

  • Marcus B.

    A young but exceptionally built brand, this founder scaled to 7 figures within a year, showcasing incredible potential. Van Driel Capital positioned the business strategically, securing a multi-million offer and guiding him through the process with dedicated support.

    ‘‘Working with Wouter has been great! Unlike other brokers who've got 10+ clients and you get little attention, Wouter dedicates way more of his time to you. He’s able to explain and walk you through the entire process from start to finish, so the service is much more than just finding a buyer. Once the brand is ready to put on the market he’s swift with jumping on calls and vetting potential buyers. For someone who’s doing an exit for the first time this was very helpful.’’

  • Mick V.

    From the ground up, Van Driel Capital built the foundation for a successful exit—handling financial, fiscal, and operational strategies. With multiple offers secured, the brand was sold for a strong 7-figure sum, ensuring the founder’s next chapter with confidence.

    "I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your help. If it weren’t for you, this deal wouldn’t have happened. You were available day and night—even when you were on the other side of the world. Thanks to your guidance, my life is about to become much more stable and stress-free. Your dedication and expertise made all the difference."

  • Bas K & Frans P.

    A successful 7-figure exit, closed in May 2025. This cross-border deal brought together two experienced founders and a US-based buyer in a seamless transaction. With VDC leading the strategy, positioning, and deal execution, the transition marks the beginning of a new chapter. The founders are already building again. With more clarity, more leverage, and more firepower. Backed by the strategy developed during our work together, their sights are now set on an 8-figure exit.

    "We genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better partner than VDC. Always available, incredibly sharp, and connected to the right people. Their guidance throughout the entire process was invaluable, we’re beyond happy with the outcome."

  • Kay S.

    A textbook example of what it means to build with the end in mind. Through 1-on-1 management consulting with Van Driel Capital, this founder is preparing for a 2026 exit, turning a fast-growing e-commerce brand into a high-performance, acquisition-ready company. Every lever is being sharpened: operations, financials, IP. The result? A company serious buyers are lining up to acquire and a valuation to match.

Exits don’t happen by chance, they happen by design.

Our Process

01

Preparation

This is where most exits are won or lost. We transform your business from founder-dependent into a clean, transferable, investor-ready asset. Financial clarity, operational structure, legal readiness, risk reduction, and a complete data room. The goal is simple: maximise valuation by eliminating risk

02

Positioning

A prepared business creates leverage. We operate through a global, off-market network of private equity groups, strategic acquirers, family offices, and vetted operators. By controlling the narrative and managing conversations strategically, we create competitive momentum and position you to negotiate from strength.

03

Transaction

We lead negotiations, structure the LOI, and manage every stage of due diligence. Our role is to protect your interests while maintaining momentum by controlling information flow, coordinating legal counsel and preventing the value erosion that typically happens between handshake and closing.

The relationship doesn't end at the wire. We remain available for guidance and make sure this life-changing milestone is properly celebrated.

The Fundamentals

1. E-commerce driven

We work exclusively with e-commerce and consumer brands, bringing deep operational experience and M&A expertise across the full spectrum of digital commerce. Our sector focus allows us to understand every nuance of your business and market.

4. Global Presence

With a buyer network spanning the entire globe, we maintain a global, off-market network of private equity groups, strategic acquirers, family offices, and vetted operators. Your brand is introduced only to qualified, high-value buyers with proven acquisition track records.

2. By founders for founders

Our firsthand experience building and exiting shapes everything we do. We understand both the financial mechanics and the emotional weight of a life-changing exit, giving founders a partner who has been in their position.

5. Preparation Value

Brands that prepare command stronger multiples and better terms. Our preparation work is designed to transform your business into a buyer-ready asset long before negotiations begin, turning founder dependency into transferable value.

3. Process and structure

Our process is engineered for precision and results. Every engagement follows a structured preparation framework that strengthens financials, operations, and market positioning, designed to maximize valuation by eliminating buyer risk.

6. Success rate

In an industry where most e-commerce exits fail to close, our success rate consistently exceeds 80%. Our disciplined approach is designed to remove friction and risk before they appear, ensuring deals close on the terms we negotiate.

Representative Prior Engagements

Fashion Brand Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Equity

Region: Europe & North America

Supplement Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Buyer

Region: Europe & North America

Sporting Goods Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Buyer

Region: Europe

Sleep &Wellness Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Buyer

Region: Europe

Toys & Hobby Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Buyer

Region: Europe & UK

Accessories Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Buyer

Region: Europe & North America

Wellness Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Strategic Buyer

Region: Europe

Fashion Brand Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Buyer

Region: Europe

Electronics Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Equity

Region: North America

Supplement Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Buyer

Region: Europe

Supplement Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Private Buyer

Region: Europe & North America

Accessories Exit

Transaction Type: Full Exit Advisory

Acquirer: Aggregator

Region: North America

Fashion

Engagement Type: Strategic Advisory

Focus: Exit-Preparation

Region: Europe

Health & Wellness

Engagement Type: Strategic Advisory

Focus: Co-Founder Buyout

Region: North America

Food & Beverage

Engagement Type: Strategic Advisory

Focus: Exit-Preparation

Region: Europe

Supplement

Engagement Type: Strategic Advisory

Focus: Exit-Preparation

Region: North America

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The timing is up to you, but being exit-ready at all times is essential. If you aren’t prepared, you risk missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime, “golden ticket” offer and that opportunity might never come again.

    Always being ready to exit puts you in control, allowing you to choose the best path forward for your brand on your terms, whether that means seizing a great offer or continuing to grow.

  • You should be preparing from day one. Founders who wait for “perfect” conditions often end up with lower valuations and fewer options. Brands that delay exit readiness lose leverage, end up at the lower end of the multiple, and ultimately leave significant money on the table. Building an exit-ready brand from the start gives you control and ensures you’re positioned to seize the best opportunities when they arise.

    Early preparation not only boosts your brand’s valuation but also strengthens its financials, operations, and margins, positioning it for both growth and an optimal exit.

  • The foundation of valuation is built on financial metrics like revenue, EBITDA, and profitability. Strong products and a loyal customer base also play a critical role. Beyond that, factors such as growth rate, recurring revenue, reviews, and average order value (AOV) can significantly impact how buyers assess your brand.

    However, the single most important factor is risk. The lower the perceived risk, the higher the valuation. Buyers look for businesses with stable operations, defensible market positioning, and clean financials, brands that don’t just generate revenue but are built to last.

  • We work with a carefully vetted network of buyers, including private equity funds, strategic acquirers, aggregators, and high-net-worth individuals from around the world. Every buyer we engage with meets the highest standards, ensuring they have the financial strength and operational expertise to close deals successfully.

    Many of our buyers are long-term partners with whom we’ve completed multiple transactions with trusted acquirers who understand the true value of high-performing e-commerce brands. This ensures not only a smooth exit but also a secure and professional transaction for every brand owner we represent.

  • When a brand is fully prepared, we’ve closed deals in as little as two months. On average, the full exit process takes 6–12 months, depending on deal size. Larger transactions, typically $10M+, involve more stakeholders and additional considerations, which can extend timelines, while smaller deals generally move faster.

  • We handle every aspect of the exit. From preparation to closing. Our team ensures your brand is fully exit-ready, increasing its value, minimizing risks, and positioning it for the best possible outcome.

    We lead high-stakes negotiations, coordinate with buyers, lawyers, and advisors, and manage the entire process to secure a seamless and high-value transaction.

  • It would be strange if you weren’t unsure. Every founder we’ve worked with has had doubts at some point. Selling a business is a major decision, and timing is everything.

    We’re always happy to have a conversation, assess where you and your brand stand, and help you understand what a successful exit could look like, whether that’s now or further down the road.

Secure Your Legacy

If you would like to connect with a member of our team, please enquire below.

ENQUIRE NOW