#43 From actuary to entrepreneur, with Johan Minnaar

9 May 2025

In this episode of the bizval Podcast, our co-founder and CEO, Graham Stephen, sits down with Johan Minnaar—an actuary who traded corporate stability for the challenge of entrepreneurship.

Johan shares his personal journey of stepping out of the boardroom and into the unknown, unpacking the lessons he’s learned, the missteps he’d avoid, and the mindset shifts that shaped his path. From funding and valuation to risk and resilience, this episode delivers honest, experience-backed wisdom for anyone building or advising a business.

Why does valuation matter more than most founders realise?
What makes a startup thrive—or fail?

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, advisor, or investor, this conversation offers practical takeaways and fresh perspective.

Why it matters:
At bizval, we believe business owners deserve clarity, not complexity. Every business valuation we deliver whether complimentary or paid is reviewed by a human, focused on helping entrepreneurs make better decisions, and designed to serve as a tool, not a trap.

Want to learn more or get in touch?
Curious about what’s on offer? explore our valuation options, choose what you need, and see exactly what you’ll get. No surprises, just straight-up value.

Reach out you’ll find direct numbers for our regional teams. Just reach out to the location closest to you. No gatekeepers, no nonsense.

bizval startup

Requirements

Less than 3 years old

Pre or post revenue

Business plan and forecasts available

Benefits

Bespoke valuation methodologies

Developed in conjunction with leading universities

Key valuation drivers unpacked

Scenario sensitivity analysis

Tech-and-touch approach

Personalized consideration and evaluation of results

Less than 10 day turn-around time

Access to bizval webinars and education sessions

bizval enterprise

Requirements

Business that provides services to other business owners

Benefits

3 valuation methodologies (DCF, EM and NAV)

Secure and confidential

Access to bizval webinars and education sessions

Priority support

Scenario sensitivity analysis

Personalized engagement and follow up

All the usual benefits with customized pricing for high-volume users

bizval exit

Requirements

Single or multiple business entity

Deep understanding of your business

Clear intention to sell or raise investment – now or in the future

Benefits

Proprietary bizval exit process and bizval exit scorecard

Includes a free concierge valuation

Less than 2 weeks from start to finish

Pesonalized engagement and follow up

Priority support

Customized deal readiness report

Heat map and recommendations to maximize valuation and ensure best chance of success

Secure and confidential

Access to bizval webinars and education sessions

Access to experienced professionals who know how to navigate the often scary world of deal making

Access to exclusive introductions to qualified investors

bizval concierge

Requirements

Single business entity

Basic business knowledge

2 years financial statements and/or management accounts

Benefits

Includes bizval exit scorecard

3 valuation methodologies (DCF, EM and NAV)

Secure and confidential

Access to bizval webinars and education sessions

Priority support

Scenario sensitivity analysis

Personalized evaluation of results

Less than 5 day turn-around time, once all information received

Quick and easy to use – Does not require detailed technical or accounting knowledge

bizval live

Requirements

Single business entity

Knowledge of key business and financial information

Benefits

Includes bizval exit scorecard

3 valuation methodologies (DCF, EM and NAV)

Secure and confidential

Access to bizval webinars and education sessions

Includes complimentary 15 min consultation

Unlimited access to Scenarios

Standard support

Access to valuation scenarios add-on

Instant valuation result

Unique bizval algorithm

Quick and easy to use – Does not require detailed technical or accounting knowledge