Lessons from the deal table
At I2N’s Startup Stories event on Wednesday 7 August, Archie Sampson shared the real story behind launching Prepped Talent, a startup helping people step into business ownership through smart, well-supported acquisitions. Drawing from his background in mergers and acquisitions, Archie offered a clear-eyed view of startup life, showing how consistency, simplicity and self-awareness have shaped both his business and his brand.
Prepped Talent exists to bridge the gap between people who want to buy businesses and the knowledge required to do it well. Archie understands that business acquisitions are not just about finance. They are about context, risk, timing and confidence. His startup exists to help people make better decisions by giving them the tools and support they need to act.
That same commitment to clarity shapes how Archie builds in public. Most mornings, he shares a post on LinkedIn breaking down recent deal activity in a way that is simple, useful and makes sense.
“I read through M and A activity and turn it into something my mates could read and understand,” he said. “That is kind of been my strategy.”
There is no content team or fixed schedule. Just a commitment to showing up consistently and writing in a way that adds value. Sometimes the posts he spends five minutes on get the most reach. Other times, the ones that take all day go nowhere. Either way, he keeps going.
Top takeaways
- Clarity wins: Archie’s best content removes the jargon and focuses on what matters. People do not need more information. They need better ways to understand it.
- You do not need to be ready to start: There was no polished plan behind the early stages of Prepped Talent. Archie started with what he had and refined it as he went.
- Depth matters more than volume: Rather than trying to be across every platform, Archie focused on one. LinkedIn became the home base for content, connection and visibility.
- Rest is part of the work: More hours do not always mean better outcomes. Archie is deliberate about recovery and knows that rest often leads to sharper content and better decisions.
- Share while you build: Being open about the process has helped build community and trust. It has also shaped the product and attracted the right kinds of conversations.
The University of Newcastle’s I2N works with individuals and organisations from across the Hunter region and beyond to turn ideas and challenges into opportunity. As a leading driver of economic and business growth, I2N cultivates the entrepreneurial mindset that supports many of the region’s most innovative businesses and leaders.
Keep up to date with future I2N events, programs and opportunities by subscribing to I2N’s monthly newsletter or by visiting www.newcastle.edu.au/i2n
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