#45 How to Value Your Business Without the Bullsh*t on the Independence by Design podcast

5 June 2025

You’ve likely heard the phrase “valuation is more art than science.” At bizval, we see that as a distraction. The real issue isn’t a lack of science—it’s that most valuation tools are designed for advisors, not for owners.

In this episode of the Intentional Growth podcast with Ryan Tansom, our co-founder Graham Stephen and vice president Kyle McCulloch share the thinking behind bizval: a smarter, simpler, and more transparent way for business owners to understand what their business is truly worth.

Instead of relying on outdated tax returns or vague industry multiples, Bizval begins with what you—the owner—already know: how your business operates. From there, we reverse-engineer a robust three-statement model and a DCF (discounted cash flow) valuation that reflects future cash and real-world risk. No fluff. No formulas designed to protect someone else’s fees.

In this conversation, we explore:

  • Why traditional valuation methods are outdated—and often misleading
  • How bizval centers future cash flow in the valuation process
  • What owners need to know to make smarter decisions about scaling, selling, or holding
  • Why your business may be one of the most resilient assets in your portfolio

Whether you’re preparing for an exit or simply want a clearer picture of your path forward, this episode is for you.


Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Intro with Ryan Tansom
(01:24) Graham’s journey from banking to building Bizval
(12:40) Kyle’s story—from Wall Street to small business risk management
(21:43) What’s broken in traditional valuation
(35:00) A practical five-step valuation process that works
(50:00) Scenario planning and forward-looking forecasting
(01:05:00) How macro shifts are changing valuation strategies
(01:20:00) What this means for owners ready to take control

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