From IBM to Entrepreneurship: Carter Looney on Scaling, Hiring, and Raising Millions

In this conversation, Carter Looney shares his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, discussing his journey from a successful exit in 2010 to his current focus on helping businesses grow through mergers and acquisitions. He emphasizes the importance of building a company that can operate independently of its founder, the significance of hiring the right people, and the lessons learned throughout his career. Carter also reflects on his childhood influences, education at Thunderbird, and the current fundraising environment in Europe, while considering the impact of AI on business operations.TakeawaysCarter Looney emphasizes the importance of making a company independent from its founder.Hiring the right people is crucial for business growth.Skills can be learned, but cultural fit is essential.Understanding market needs is key to successful entrepreneurship.Focus on building a sellable business from the start.Financial clarity is a strategic pillar for growth.Carter advises younger entrepreneurs to slow down and understand people better.https://www.linkedin.com/in/bc-looney/https://www.albatris.com/B. Carter Looney is a results-driven entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience buying, building and transforming companies across the Industrial, IT and Financial Services sectors. Known for his hands-on leadership style and strategic insight, Carter has a proven track record of driving growth and value creation in both the U.S. and German markets. Carter’s career has been defined by his expertise in cross-border business development, turnaround strategies, and buy and build initiatives. Following a successful exit in 2010, he has focused on partnering with business owners to unlock value, secure investment, and grow through M&A. His international perspective and expansive network have made him a trusted partner in the private equity ecosystem. Carter holds an MBA in Global Management from Thunderbird, equipping him with the tools to lead and innovate in dynamic, international environments. His commitment to growth through M&A as well as transformative impact continues to position him as a valuable partner to investors, management teams, and stakeholders worldwide.This podcast is sponsored by Freshwater Investments