#81 Rachel Murphy - From £0 to Eight-Figure Exit in 1,042 Days
Thu Feb 05 2026
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Episode Overview
Rachel Murphy sold her company during lockdown. While building the national COVID-19 digital service. Without ever meeting the buyers in person.
This conversation is equal parts masterclass and madness - covering everything from selling timeshare at 13, to negotiating 50% equity in a struggling business, to achieving an eight-figure exit in under three years, to why every founder her acquirer bought has since left.
Rachel now runs The Grafter, helping entrepreneurs navigate exits with the playbook and emotional support that didn't exist when she needed it.
Guest Bio
Rachel Murphy is a multi-exited entrepreneur and founder of The Grafter, a business that helps entrepreneurs build, scale, and exit their companies. After building and selling her first company in her 20s, she spent 10-15 years as a high-level interim executive (CIO for Department of Education, leading NHS.UK digital transformation and launching the NHS app).
In 2015, she negotiated 50% equity in consultancy Difference and sold it for eight figures in 2020 - during lockdown, while simultaneously building the national COVID-19 digital solution.
She now leads a community of 200+ entrepreneurs and has helped facilitate 5 exits, 12 revenue doublings, and a £44M non-dilutive raise in just 38 months.
Key Takeaways
1. Build Your Exit Strategy Before You Need It
Rachel had a complete sell pack ready 18 months into the business. When unsolicited buyers called, she didn't scramble - she sent comprehensive documentation immediately, putting her in a position of strength.
Action: Start documenting your strategy, financials, and exit roadmap now - even if exit is years away.
2. Creative Deals Beat Starting From Scratch
Instead of building from zero, Rachel negotiated 50% equity in an existing struggling business by bringing her expertise, network, and turnaround strategy. One plus one equalled ten.
Action: Look for businesses adjacent to your skillset that need what you have. Equity partnerships can accelerate your journey.
3. Use Objective Frameworks for Emotional Decisions
Rachel used Wardley mapping to objectively assess three acquisition offers. The result: she chose the best fit for her team, not the highest bidder or her personal preference.
Action: Remove emotion from major decisions with frameworks. Work backwards from outcomes. Be brutally objective.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachthegrafter/?originalSubdomain=uk
The Grafter
The 5 Types of Wealth: The life-changing international bestseller, a guide to building a happier, healthier, wealthier life
This podcast is produced by GR Media
Sponsored by Capital Asset Management
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Send us a text Episode Overview Rachel Murphy sold her company during lockdown. While building the national COVID-19 digital service. Without ever meeting the buyers in person. This conversation is equal parts masterclass and madness - covering everything from selling timeshare at 13, to negotiating 50% equity in a struggling business, to achieving an eight-figure exit in under three years, to why every founder her acquirer bought has since left. Rachel now runs The Grafter, helping entrepreneurs navigate exits with the playbook and emotional support that didn't exist when she needed it. Guest Bio Rachel Murphy is a multi-exited entrepreneur and founder of The Grafter, a business that helps entrepreneurs build, scale, and exit their companies. After building and selling her first company in her 20s, she spent 10-15 years as a high-level interim executive (CIO for Department of Education, leading NHS.UK digital transformation and launching the NHS app). In 2015, she negotiated 50% equity in consultancy Difference and sold it for eight figures in 2020 - during lockdown, while simultaneously building the national COVID-19 digital solution. She now leads a community of 200+ entrepreneurs and has helped facilitate 5 exits, 12 revenue doublings, and a £44M non-dilutive raise in just 38 months. Key Takeaways 1. Build Your Exit Strategy Before You Need It Rachel had a complete sell pack ready 18 months into the business. When unsolicited buyers called, she didn't scramble - she sent comprehensive documentation immediately, putting her in a position of strength. Action: Start documenting your strategy, financials, and exit roadmap now - even if exit is years away. 2. Creative Deals Beat Starting From Scratch Instead of building from zero, Rachel negotiated 50% equity in an existing struggling business by bringing her expertise, network, and turnaround strategy. One plus one equalled ten. Action: Look for businesses adjacent to your skillset that need what you have. Equity partnerships can accelerate your journey. 3. Use Objective Frameworks for Emotional Decisions Rachel used Wardley mapping to objectively assess three acquisition offers. The result: she chose the best fit for her team, not the highest bidder or her personal preference. Action: Remove emotion from major decisions with frameworks. Work backwards from outcomes. Be brutally objective. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachthegrafter/?originalSubdomain=uk The Grafter The 5 Types of Wealth: The life-changing international bestseller, a guide to building a happier, healthier, wealthier life This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management