Building for the Long Run with Chris Sugden, Edison Partners

Growth Currents

Booms, busts, and the “messy middle” - Chris has seen it all.

In this solo episode, host Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, shares his journey of over 25 years from auditor to operator to investor. His operator-first approach and hands-on perspective have helped countless businesses scale effectively, bridging the gap between financial acumen and the human dynamics of entrepreneurship.

This episode is an exploration of the realities of scaling a business. Chris opens up about the nuances of building sustainable growth models, the importance of cautious optimism, and the value of pattern recognition in investments.

He also shares practical advice for entrepreneurs, such as understanding key performance indicators and knowing when to bring in a growth equity partner. With a final thought that poses the question (and reflection of), “what do you want your exit press release to say about your company?” In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of cautious optimism and healthy paranoia in scaling businesses effectively.

• Why understanding key performance indicators early can transform your company’s growth trajectory.

• How growth equity partnerships can provide more than capital (and what to look for when finding the right one)

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro (01:30) Lessons from moving from auditor to operator to investor (04:00) Why operational experience matters for investors (06:30) Surviving the dot-com boom and bust (08:00) What makes the “messy middle” so challenging (12:30) Spotting patterns for sustainable growth (15:00) Where growth equity fits in the funding lifecycle (18:00) Write your exit pressure (21:29) Investing in undeserved markets