Janine Grainger: Crypto billions: how I sold Easy Crypto!
Janine Grainger built conviction in a space most people didn’t know or trust. From raising NZ’s largest-ever first-round funding to leading through crashes, cutbacks, and global scrutiny, she grew Easy Crypto into a $3.5B platform before its exit to an Australian acquirer.In this episode, we unpack what it takes to build credibility in volatile markets, the emotional reality of exiting a mission-led company, and how Janine quietly launched a skunkworks project during a bear market because it felt like the right thing to do. If you’re navigating uncertainty, leading with purpose, or thinking about the long game this conversation is invaluable.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
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1:18:49
Trent Mankelow: Exit before you hate it!
Trent Mankelow is one of the OGs of New Zealand’s design and startup scene — a founder, UX leader, and advisor who helped shape the early digital product landscape here. In this conversation, Trent and I talk about what happens when you hit product-market fit... but aren’t ready for what comes next.We unpack the emotional weight of selling your company, the governance gaps that nearly cost them the deal, and the tension between customer obsession and investor expectations.If you’re building with an exit in mind — or maybe should be — this one’s full of lived experience.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
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1:33:25
Elena Kim: Founders, don't wait to get your house in order!
Elena Kim didn’t just become one of New Zealand’s most influential lawyers—she built her career helping founders exit well. From navigating M&A deals to managing complex stakeholder dynamics, she’s seen what breaks deals, what builds value, and what founders often learn too late.In this episode, we unpack the human side of selling a business, the real risks hidden in your shareholder agreements, and why the right legal strategy isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about planning for it. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just thinking about what comes next, this conversation is a roadmap for navigating exits with clarity, control, and confidence.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
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1:13:37
Igor Portugal: The accidental CEO: when startups, divorce, and M&A collide!
Igor Portugal spent two decades mastering markets—leading hedge fund strategies and managing billions in capital. But when the industry no longer aligned with his values, he made a rare move in finance: a voluntary, intentional exit. No dramatic blow-up. Just a calculated decision to leave while ahead.In this episode, we unpack how to know when it’s time to exit, the strategy behind leaving a high-performing career, and why Igor believes your best trade might be walking away. Whether you're planning your next move or rethinking what long-term success looks like, this conversation is a masterclass in exiting on your own terms.Book Recommendations"Unasked Questions" by Igor Portugal"The Goal" by Eliyahu M. Goldratt - Structural inspiration for Igor’s book."The Phoenix Project" by Gene Kim - Another narrative-style business book model."Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni - A reference point for narrative-driven business learning."Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand - Referenced for its philosophical style that inspired Igor's earlier novel idea."On Writing" by Stephen King - Recommended by Igor for anyone learning the writing craft. Described as “an amazing book” for aspiring authors ."Economical Writing" - My recommendation for improving sentence-level technical writing.🎙️ Podcasts for WritersFiction Author Business School by Lizelle Hill - Igor binged the entire podcast and considers her a key inspiration.The Self-Publishing School Podcast by Chandler Bolt - Tips on self-publishing, writing motivation, and strategy.The Creative Penn Podcast by Joanna Penn - Offers guidance on both creative writing and self-publishing.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
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1:19:56
Shane Brealey: Impatience, integrity, impact - Brealey on giving it away!
Shane Brealey doesn’t just build buildings—he builds movements. After leading Multiplex NZ and founding NZStrong, he made what he calls his “Jerry Maguire” exit: walking away from corporate power to do things on his own terms. Since then, he’s gone from construction heavyweight to housing reformer, using his deep industry knowledge to deliver affordable, high-quality homes through NZ Living and now Simplicity Living.In this episode, I sat down with Shane to unpack the psychology of leaving big business, the truth about what most developers get wrong, and why he believes the best deals aren’t the biggest—they’re the ones that change lives. Whether you’ve exited already or are thinking about what’s next, this one’s a blueprint for building again—with more clarity, impact, and heart.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal fortnightly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
About 2 Commas: The $multi-million exit show with Josh Comrie
Welcome to 2 Commas: The $multi-million exit showI've spent over two decades helping founders scale their businesses and achieve successful, multimillion-dollar exits. I've also achieved this myself on multiple occasions. With my experience as an entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, I’ve had the privilege of guiding companies through the highs and lows of business growth and exit strategies.Each episode will bring you the previously untold stories of entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled and exited their businesses for seven-figure (2 comma's) plus returns. You’ll hear more about the journeys, challenges, and pivotal moments that led to these transformative exits. My goal is to inform and inspire founders who are looking to scale their ventures to seven, eight or nine figures and beyond.Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshcomrieDownload my e-book, "The Exit Factor" and sign up to receive the Business Growth Journal weekly: https://www.joshcomrie.com/the-exit-factor
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