About
Ryan Vaughn is a veteran founder and operator with over 15 years of experience leading venture-backed companies through the complexities of rapid scale. As the Co-Founder and CEO of VNN (Varsity News Network), Ryan spent a decade architecting the largest high school sports communication platform in America. He scaled the company to serve 11 million users across 40+ states, built a team of nearly 100 world-class employees, and raised over $20 million in venture capital from leading firms. Ryan’s tenure was defined by aggressive operational expansion and strategic growth, including the acquisition or partnership of nearly a dozen companies.
In 2020, after a decade of market dominance, Ryan navigated his personal exit and leadership transition. Today, he is the founder of Inside-Out Leadership, where he serves as an executive coach for founders. He specializes in helping early and mid-stage leaders scale into elite executives while building low-drama, high-performing organizations that can thrive independently of their founders.
"The best exits happen when founders stop trying to be the perfect CEO and start building a company that works without them."
Schedule a call with an Exitwise advisor to learn more about engaging Ryan to Maximize Your Exit™.
Previous Exits
VNN (Varsity News Network) | Secondary Buyout
Valuation: Undisclosed
In 2020, Ryan successfully orchestrated a Secondary Buyout of his business equity and transitioned leadership to an incoming CEO. Having raised $20M in Venture Capital and capturing 20% of the US market, Ryan orchestrated his personal exit from his business while ensuring the enterprise continued as a market leading company while Ryan moved into his next chapter as a CEO coach.
Prepare to Exit
Ready to sell in 1–3 years? Work with an Exited Founder who knows exactly what buyers look for and who will help you value, position, and prepare your business to maximize your exit.
FEES START AT:
$500 / hour (or)
$10,000 / month
Sell Your Company
Selling your business is one of the most important transactions of your life. An Exited Founder works alongside you and your M&A team throughout the entire process, bringing buyer relationships, strategic insights, and a mentor who has walked in your shoes.
FEES START AT:
1% Success Fee
(only pay when you sell your business)
How It Works
MEET YOUR TOP MATCHES.
Interview a short list of recommended Exited Founders to find the best fit for your business.
ENGAGE ON YOUR TERMS.
Work with your chosen Exited Founder hourly, monthly, or as an M&A advisor.
Give us a call to learn how helpful an Exited Founder can be when selling your business.
Todd Sullivan
CEO, Exitwise
Increase in Sales Price
Increase in Number of Offers
Increase Transaction
Success Rate
Accelerated Time to Exit
Exited Founder Benefits
This Exited Founder offers personal M&A experience and deep professional networks in their respective industries to help you Maximize Your Exit.™
How to Engage This Exited Founder
Every Exited Founder’s goal is to make sure you create the exit you deserve. Engaging is easy!
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