A Founder's Insight on Funding, Flourishing, and the Future: A Conversation with April Oury

In a recent episode of the Exit Journey podcast, Rhonda Giedt delved deep into the entrepreneurial and investing insights of April Oury, a seasoned physical therapist turned investor and holdings partner at Proto Ventures. April's journey from founding a multi-site, multi-state physical therapy clinic to becoming a transformative figure in the venture capital world is not just inspiring but also laden with invaluable advice for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Below are some key points from the our conversation covering M&A, post-merger integration, and more from April's experiences :

1. The Unplanned Exit and Transition to Venture Capitalism

April's journey into the world of venture capitalism was serendipitous. After receiving an overwhelming number of buy-out offers in a short period, she realized the potential of her business and decided to exit. The acquisition of her company provided her with not just life-changing capital but also an opportunity to invest and become a part of Proto Ventures. Her interest in Proto Ventures was piqued by their commitment to promoting human flourishing alongside generating profits.

2. Lessons from Poker: Risk-Taking and Decision-Making

April draws an intriguing parallel between playing poker and making business decisions. The same uncertainty and risk management inherent in poker apply to business. Women, in particular, can benefit from poker's lessons on making decisions in the face of incomplete information, a skill equally crucial in the boardroom as at the poker table.

3. Early Focus on M&A and Milestone Planning

April emphasizes the importance of not just focusing on potential exits like IPOs or mergers and acquisitions but also on achieving key milestones. She advises startups to consider "mini exits," or significant achievements that pave the way for future success. For her, the journey of a startup should be a series of strategic growth steps, each leading to increased viability and investment attractiveness.

4. The Importance of a Well-Maintained Data Room

A well-organized data room speaks volumes about a company's operational efficiency. April stresses that a comprehensive, accurate, and transparent data room not only facilitates the merger and acquisition process but also reflects the company's overall health and operational excellence.

5. Resourcefulness and Creativity in Problem-Solving

April applauds the virtues of resourcefulness and creativity, especially in founders with limited experience. The ability to solve problems in innovative ways and the drive to accomplish tasks with discipline and creativity are traits she highly values in her investment choices.

6. Speed of Action and Decision-Making

In a dynamic business landscape, the speed of implementing decisions is crucial. April criticizes the tendency to delay action after decisions are made. She advocates for immediate action to prevent the waste of resources and capitalize on opportunities such as IPOs, mergers or acquisitions.

7. The Power of Networking and Seeking Mentorship

April's parting advice underscores the importance of networking and seeking mentorship. She encourages reaching out, even to those seemingly out of reach, to gain insights, advice, and mentorship. Such connections can be invaluable, offering guidance, opening doors, and providing different perspectives.

April Oury's insights are a treasure trove for anyone navigating the complex world of startups, venture capital, and business strategy. Her journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, strategic risk-taking, and the relentless pursuit of growth, not just in terms of profits but also in human flourishing.

To hear more about April Oury's fascinating journey and her insights on business, investment, and personal growth, tune in to the Exit Journey podcast hosted by Rhonda Giedt found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and other podcast channels.