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Founder-Investor Alignment Program

Value protection through timely intervention and appropriate leadership

The challenge

In start-ups and scale-ups, the founder's leadership style and team dynamics play an important role in achieving the next growth phase.

 

Research shows that:

  • 65% of startup failures are caused by people and team dynamics, not product issues.

  • More than 50% of founders are replaced by a new CEO before Series B.

  • Differing expectations between founders and investors lead to management tensions, lower valuations, and delayed exits.

  • Founders who adapt their leadership style raise 2-3 times more follow-on investments and retain more influence.

 

Yet, few funds have a structured, neutral process to assess the founder's suitability for the next growth phase and to repair early breaches of trust .

Purpose of the program

The Founder-Investor Alignment Program is an independent and confidential program designed to:

  • To discuss tensions in a constructive manner, in order to restore trust between founders and investors.

  • Honest, evidence-based feedback on the founder's leadership style, and transparently assess whether and how this aligns with the company's next growth phase.

  • To formulate concrete, actionable recommendations for governance stability and continuity in performance

 

Result for the investor:

 

  • Evidence-based insight into the leadership profile and suitability per growth phase.

  • Reduced governance and reputational risk, through a better functioning relationship between founder and investor.

 

Result for the founder:

 

  • A constructive, workable relationship with investors.

  • Recognition of your leadership qualities.

  • Clarity about what the next step is and how to get there.

  • Confidence to grow or to transition to another role in a dignified manner.

Approach

Step 1

Diagnostic conversations

In-depth discussions with the parties involved to identify friction, expectations and communication patterns.


Result: Assessment of the key points of tension and agreement

Step 2

Leadership assessment

Assessment of founder stage fit and growth potential using validated leadership and organizational frameworks (Adizes and Leadership Circle).


Result: Leadership Fit report with clear conclusions and key points.

Step 3

Joint action plan

Joint session with founder and investor(s) to align expectations, governance and next steps.


Result: Concrete action plan and recorded agreements.

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Practical information
 

  • Lead time: 4 to 6 weeks

  • Format: 4 to 6 interviews, including assessment and summary report

  • Investment: €2,750 to €7,500, depending on scope and number of people involved

 

Judy combines the neutrality and confidentiality of mediation with in-depth insights into governance, teams, and leadership, with the aim of transforming friction into clarity, supported decisions, and sustainable progress.

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