In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, host Shawn Flynn—a seasoned investment banker and multilingual connector in the world of tech, AI, and global business—sits down with Adam E. Coffey, one of the most accomplished CEOs and business strategists in the private equity world.

Known for his commanding presence at global events and deep fluency in mergers, acquisitions, and capital strategy, Shawn brings his characteristic insight and clarity to a conversation with Coffey, whose resume includes 58 acquisitions, billions in exit value, and best-selling books like The Private Equity Playbook and Empire Builder.

Together, they explore a masterclass-level roadmap to business growth and exit strategy. Coffey shares his “Exit First” philosophy, a mindset rooted in his military pilot training, and details the Private Equity Pyramid, explaining how founders can scale up from $1M to $100M+ in revenue with surgical precision. He also unpacks the power of selling a company more than once, reveals the often-overlooked lever of price ownership, and urges entrepreneurs to master unit economics with his practical 30/20/10 rule.

From the strategic art of buy-and-build M&A to why culture drives revenue, this episode delivers real-world wisdom for anyone looking to scale a business, attract private equity, and build enduring value.

Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or executive ready for the next phase of growth, this conversation between Shawn Flynn and Adam Coffey is essential listening.

Shawn Flynn is a Silicon Valley-based investment banker and host of The Silicon Valley Podcast. With deep expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and capital strategy, he brings a global perspective to tech and business conversations. Fluent in Mandarin and Spanish, Shawn connects entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators across borders, offering sharp insights into the evolving landscape of AI, startups, and global markets.

Adam E. Coffey is a renowned CEO, author, and private equity expert with over two decades of leadership experience in scaling service-based businesses. Having executed 58 acquisitions and generated over a billion dollars in exit value, he’s known for his “Exit First” strategy and practical business playbooks, including The Private Equity Playbook and Empire Builder. Coffey blends operational excellence with a strong focus on people, culture, and long-term growth.