We’re the only hands-on advisory firm created solely by 8-figure exited founders for future 8-figure exited founders.

No coaching. No hype. No programs, courses or cohorts. Just 1:1 hands-on advice which guarantees to put you many steps ahead and bring you even closer to hitting that next major phase of growth.

I’ve built, grown, and exited multiple professional services businesses, not by luck, but by learning the hard way and having the best support across the journey. I know what it’s like to do great work but still feel stuck. I know the pressure of being the bottleneck, the strategist, the closer, the manager and the leader all at once.

I launched 8FF because I know firsthand the value of having the right strategic support. The advisors I had were pivotal to scaling and exiting my business, but finding the right ones was rare. Most of what’s out there is either generic coaching, one-size-fits-all programs, or fluff-filled “growth systems” that don’t work for expert-led or specialist services businesses.

8FF exists to deliver the kind of hands-on, commercially-minded advisory I wish more founders had access to. Real support, real execution, no nonsense.

8FF is for the founder who’s past the hustle, but not yet where they know they should be. It’s for those who’ve made it work, but now need to make it grow and scale to that next major level.

What Makes Us Different

  • We're Real Exiteers

    We’ve actually built, grown and sold businesses. That means we think like owners, not advisors. It means our experience is highly relevant to you. It means we talk practical language, not fluffy theory.

  • Strategy + Execution

    As your advisor, we combine strategy with execution. We don’t just help you build plans, we help you implement what matters and handle the ongoing challenges, hurdles and fires.

  • Deeply Embedded

    We want to be as close to your business as you allow. We’re not “board observers”. We act like a trusted commercial partner in the shadows, part strategic high-level, part “in the trenches” growth engine.

  • Vested Together

    We structure our arrangements over the long-term- we’re aiming to win big when you win big, and until then, we’re with you every step of the way to make it happen. We’re not looking for the quick cash grab.

If you’re looking for templates, “cheat sheets”, a program or basic surface-level advice, we’re not for you. If you want commercial clarity, structural leverage, + a serious partner to scale with, that’s where we thrive.

Our Fees/Engagements

Transactional

Per Hour: 1,000

We accept limited transactional engagements. 1:1 advisory is a long-term game which requires commitment + dedication from both sides.

Transactional support is only available to selected partners.

Nominal Monthly Retainer

This is the most common engagement. We support our clients on a monthly basis for a significantly reduced retainer fee. Then, when your business hits agreed milestones, the fee is uplifted. If you’re gearing for an exit, a % of the exit is included.

How We’ll Work Together

Deep-dive Review, Assessment and Discovery

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Growth Plan, Goals Setting + Immediate Changes/Quick Wins

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Structured Support and Advice (Formal)

Every month, we meet formally to review and assess the current month. Then, we plan and forecast changes for the next month. Ongoing tactical execution which is focussed and consistent is critical for every business growth journey. We also meet quarterly, in-person, for a quarterly year review.

Unstructured Support and Advice (Informal)

Your dedicated hands-on advisor is available aysnc, via call or messenger, on an ongoing basis. This is not limited. Most advisors respond within an hour or two. It’s rarely later than the next working day. This provides unfiltered access to advice which is usually charged for “by the hour”.

“Astan and his team have been critical to our business success. We started together in 2022 when I was struggling to stay afloat. Through our work together, we have since grown my category-leading professional services firm in Europe to yearly revenues in excess of EUR8mn.”

— Andreas O. Equity Partner of Vespera OU

 FAQs

  • So far, our best-fit clients are:

    • Past the hustle stage, meaning they’re no longer ‘guessing’ and are usually min $500K/year in revenue.

    • Specialists in a professional market. They’re not generalists in red-ocean markets. They deliver outcomes, value and results via services or solutions (not products or goods).

    • Have a desire to be supported and “led”. They don’t have an ego, understand their own limitations, and truly want the help from our team.

    • Highly motivated to make change(s) and to accept the work, energy and effort it will take to hit the next big level (10mn+).

  • We vest our fees into your success. Every client pays a reduced, nominal, monthly retainer, which increases when the business hits certain financial goals. When you win, we win. Depending your exit goals, we’ll also include a % of exit. Terms can be adjusted for a best fit.

  • Every client receives dedicated 1:1 support from an exited 8FF. This includes:

    • Scheduled weekly meetings

    • Scheduled monthly reviews.

    • In-person Quarterly Board Meetings

    • 1:1 Ongoing Ad-Hoc Virtual support (which is unlimited)

    We see ourselves as your dedicated, hands-on, growth advisor. You’ll likely find we overdeliver and overcommit to your business.

    Every advisor gets to know you and your business nearly as well as you know it yourself. That’s how hands-on we aim to be.

  • This varies considerably because it depends on your stage, fit, status, circumstances of your business (and your founding team). We set out milestones and associated results before we start an official advisory engagement. Rest assured, many positive results and changes are to be expected. We stand by our motto of “Proven Advice, XXX”

  • Yes, depending on your requirements. This support is then covered under a similar fee arrangement (discounted and uplift applied once your business hits certain financial milestones).

  • Yes, we can meet via video call here. If there’s a good fit, we can meet in-person too.