Sean McKenna is a founder and SaaS operator with deep expertise in human capital management (HCM), integrations, and compliance software. He founded DataFuZion HCM, building a specialized technology platform to manage complex payroll, compliance, and data integrations across multiple systems and verticals.
Under Sean’s leadership, DataFuZion developed a robust product suite that addressed hard problems—certified payroll reporting, union wage logic, incentive payments, general ledger mapping, and custom analytics—in industries like construction, government contracting, manufacturing, and more. Sean’s ability to productize complexity and align with enterprise needs positioned DataFuZion as a strategic acquisition target.
Today, Sean advises founders in the WorkTech, compliance, and enterprise SaaS domains—helping them refine product-market fit, architect scalable systems, and position their businesses to be compelling to strategic acquirers.
“I believe that when you build deeply for the hardest problems in regulated industries, you create defensibility and long-term value. Exits come when you’ve created something indispensable to large customers.”
Schedule a call with an Exitwise advisor to learn more about engaging Sean to Maximize Your Exit™.
In November 2021, Ceridian (now operating under Dayforce) acquired substantially all of the assets of DataFuZion HCM, the company founded by Sean McKenna. DataFuZion’s technology offered deep specialization in compliance, integration, and reporting—capabilities that extended Dayforce’s reach into verticals with complex payroll and regulatory demands. The deal bolstered Ceridian’s product offering in regulated industries while providing Sean and his team with a platform to scale their vision within a leading HCM ecosystem.
Hire an Exited Founder to serve as an advisor on your M&A team to enhance market credibility, open doors to more buyers, and create an industry insider’s advantage when selling your business.
Every Exited Founder engagement is designed around your unique goals and the needs of your company. Fees can vary, but most often include either an hourly rate, a success-based fee, or a blend of both—depending on how involved your Exited Founder will be in your process.
After your initial discovery call with an Exitwise M&A advisor, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of the Exited Founder engagement options. We’ll talk through each option to make sure everything feels fair, transparent, and aligned before you decide to move forward.
Increase in Sales Price
Increase in Number of Offers
Increase Transaction
Success Rate
Accelerated Time to Exit
This Exited Founder offers personal M&A experience and deep professional networks in their respective industries to help you Maximize Your Exit.™
Every Exited Founder’s goal is to make sure you create the exit you deserve. Engaging is easy!
An Exited Founder is an entrepreneur who has founded or cofounded a company and successfully exited his or her company through an IPO, M&A transaction, recapitalization or secondary share transaction. Exited Founders have joined ExitWise to help their fellow founders maximize their exits.
An Exited Founder brings expertise in building a company, M&A deal-making, a network of potential buyers, and experience navigating complex financial, legal and employment issues. An exited founder can not only be a great personal mentor during your exit process but can also help maximize your company's sale price, reduce risks, and ensure a smoother transaction.
Exited Founders typically offer:
- M&A education Founder Mentorship
- Business valuation advice
- Access to top M&A experts to build your M&A team
- Incredible personal networks with strategic investors and buyers in their industry
- Negotiation skills with potential buyers
- Deal structuring and transaction experience
- Advise on Coordination of legal, financial, and tax professionals
- Assistance with due diligence
- Advice on major personal and professional decisions throughout the M&A process
Our Exited Founders have free access to Exitwise valuation services and have visibility into private transaction data in their industry. Exited founders assist investment bankers that use various methods, such as comparable company analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, and market trends, to assess the value of your business. Exited Founded can also factor in your industry dynamics and your growth potential to help negotiate an optimal sale price on your behalf.
Industry experience: Ensure they have exited a business in your sector.
Track record: Ask about their personal exits and how they have helped other business owners with M&A.
Network: A strong personal and professional network of potential buyers is key.
Communication: Choose someone you can trust and communicate with easily.
Industry Stature: Exited founders bring different levels of credibility to your team which can have a dramatic effect on how buyers value your business.
The process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on market conditions, the size of your company, and the complexity of the transaction. Exited Founders absolutely help expedite the process.