Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful engines of growth and innovation in the global economy. Through their vision, tenacity, and creativity, entrepreneurs unlock new solutions, create jobs, and enable new forms of efficiency across sectors. At William Blair, we empower founders and other owners of closely held businesses to turn their ideas and passion into market-leading companies and create generational wealth.
When and how to monetize the value of their companies are among the most consequential decisions business owners face. These decisions require aligning capital markets and tax considerations with the owner’s investment, estate planning, and philanthropic objectives. As markets for private companies mature and tax policy remains in flux, the opportunities to optimize outcomes for entrepreneurs have expanded—while also becoming more complex.
This issue of Client Focus showcases how William Blair’s expertise in capital markets, advisory, portfolio management, and financial planning helps entrepreneurs capitalize on opportunities throughout their journeys.
William Blair’s Christopher Brathwaite, partner, director of pre-liquidity planning, and Emily Guglielmo, wealth strategist, explore questions owners should ask to position themselves for a successful liquidity event. Experts from our Investment Banking team share insights into how we unlocked $12 billion in sell-side M&A and capital on behalf of founder-owned businesses in 2024 and how our capabilities can benefit you. We also feature William Blair’s 2024 and 2025 tax reference guides, which provide the latest information on tax rate schedules, exemptions, and contributions to savings plans.
Many entrepreneurs are motivated to share their knowledge with future business leaders. This passion inspired long-time William Blair client Bob Crawford Jr. to found the Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Lab (NEL) after selling his company in 2014. Bob believes that people from all backgrounds can start and grow businesses that enrich their families and communities, and NEL empowers small business owners across the Chicago area through capital, coaching, and connections.
Regardless of whether you are involved in running and growing a business, the new elements of macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty that arose in the first quarter of 2025 underscore the importance of navigating today’s markets with your sights fixed on your long-term objectives. Our team is solely focused on providing you with the insight and guidance to do just that.
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at CEOPerspective@williamblair.com with any questions or ideas for how we can better serve you in 2025 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Brent Gledhill
President and CEO