Building a business that can thrive without you is the ultimate measure of success

Removing the Founder Bottleneck: systems and leadership that let a business run without you

Many entrepreneurs unknowingly become the biggest bottleneck in the businesses they've worked so hard to build. David shares why, after decades of scaling companies, raising capital, and leading growth, he made the decision to transition from CEO into a chairman role, and why every founder should be preparing for that moment long before they think they're ready. Listeners will discover how creating systems, strengthening leadership, and letting go of day-to-day control not only increases business value but also gives founders back the freedom they originally set out to achieve.


About David Horne

David Horne, podcast guest

Business Growth Strategist | M&A Expert | Author

40+ years International business experience£120M+ Growth funding raised30+ M&A transactions completed£2M–£20M Founder businesses advised by revenue range

David B Horne has spent nearly four decades helping ambitious founders build businesses that don't just grow, they multiply. A Chartered Accountant by background, David has raised more than £120 million in growth capital and completed 33 mergers, acquisitions and exits. He has helped companies scale from startup to market leader through strategic funding, acquisitions, and disciplined financial leadership. Today, as founder of ADD THEN MULTIPLY, he works with entrepreneurs turning over £2–20 million who want to accelerate growth, increase business value, and build companies that can ultimately thrive without them.

Throughout his career, David has served as CFO for listed companies, high-growth businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures, including Daniel Priestley's companies, giving him a front-row seat to what separates businesses that plateau from those that scale exponentially. His proven FACE methodology: Fund, Acquire, Consolidate, Exit shows founders how to move beyond the limits of organic growth and create transformational business value through strategic acquisitions and robust financial foundations.

David is also a passionate advocate for female founders. After being asked a simple question following a speaking engagement: why so little investment reaches women-led businesses, he began researching the issue and uncovered the systemic funding gap that continues to exist across venture capital.

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Why Female Founders Still Get Less Than 2% of the Funding with David B. Horne
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