I Want Us to Become the Go-To Resource for Healthcare and Professional Services Seeking to Grow, Raise, or Exit Globally: Rachel Murphy of The Grafter

The Grafter is a leading business consulting and services firm committed to empowering entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Specializing in growth, scaling, and exit strategies, the firm brings deep expertise in business development and investment planning. By understanding the unique needs of each client, The Grafter designs actionable strategies that drive tangible results. Combining practical solutions with personalized roadmaps, the firm helps entrepreneurs unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success.

The Grafter is based in London.

SME Business Review reached out to Rachel Murphy, founder and CEO of The Grafter, for an interview to discuss her journey as a twice-exited entrepreneur, the mission of the firm, and how it helps entrepreneurs with their growth, fundraising, and exit strategies. Here’s what Rachel had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Could you elaborate on how The Grafter was founded and discuss the initial vision behind its establishment?

I founded The Grafter after going through the process of selling a business myself and realizing there was no practical guide or advisor with real, firsthand experience to turn to. While I had access to lawyers and corporate finance experts, what I truly needed was an entrepreneur who had walked the same path and could help me navigate the best route to a successful exit.

How does The Grafter position itself as a strategic partner for entrepreneurs seeking clarity and success in their business endeavors?

The Grafter is made up of Exiteers who have grown, scaled, raised investment, and exited before. With decades of experience, we collaborate with other entrepreneurs to create unique roadmaps that support growth, fundraising, and exiting.

In what ways does The Grafter simplify and enhance the entrepreneurial journey, particularly in growth, scaling, and exit strategies?

The Exiteers have firsthand experience not only with the technical aspects of running businesses but also with the emotional aspects. It is this practical experience, combined with the methodology we have developed and the programs we run, that makes the process manageable for entrepreneurs to undertake alongside running their businesses.

What distinguishes The Grafter’s approach from conventional methods, and how does this translate into exceeding client expectations?

Many consultancies rely on a one-size-fits-all approach to growing businesses. The key to helping an SME succeed is in truly understanding its ICP, creating a customized roadmap that outlines growth, raising, and exit strategies, and working alongside the business every step of the way. We don’t rely on recycled PowerPoint strategies. Every business is as unique as its founder and team, and we understand and recognize that.

Will The Grafter be launching any new services that we should be aware of?

In 2025, we will expand our services internationally, with a focus on attracting US businesses in healthcare and professional services to join our programs. At the same time, we will continue improving our existing Grow, Raise, and Exit service.

Could you provide an example of a recent success story where The Grafter’s services significantly impacted a client’s growth, scaling, or exit strategy?

At The Grafter, we help entrepreneurs create clear, actionable roadmaps to support their growth, fundraising, and exit strategies. Our approach focuses on understanding the unique needs of each business, providing guidance, and ensuring entrepreneurs are supported throughout the entire process. This has led to measurable success, including smoother transitions during exits and more sustainable growth trajectories. 

Over the last 12 months, we have supported two businesses (e18 Innovation and SARD) selling into the NHS, and I wanted to share one of the stories here.  

e18 Innovation

Challenge: Louise Wall, Founder of e18 Innovation, a leading provider of Intelligent Automation services in the UK healthcare sector, faced a critical juncture in the evolution of her business.

Having worked with both global corporations and startups, with a focus on providing digital transformation solutions to healthcare organisations, particularly within the NHS, e18 Innovation had already achieved significant success. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a reevaluation of the business model, leading to the decision to focus predominantly on Intelligent Automation.

Recognising the need for a more resilient model and scalable structure, Wall sought strategic guidance to further enhance the business’s value and profitability.

Grow and Scale: Working closely with The Grafter, our team conducted a comprehensive review of e18 Innovation’s commercial aspects, revenue streams, and overall offerings using the Business 360 model. This involved a detailed assessment of the maturity and capability of critical functions across the organisation, including financial projections, revenue channels, and long-term business objectives.

From this analysis, a new business strategy and value proposition were developed, supported by a structured framework and strategic roadmap. This approach provided a phased and manageable transition, guiding e18 Innovation toward its long-term goals.

Impact: The results of The Grafter’s strategic advisory have been substantial for e18 Innovation. By moving away from an exclusive reliance on reselling software, e18 Innovation has significantly increased its bottom line. Early indicators suggest a potential 10x return on the investment made in The Grafter’s services. The shift toward a multi-revenue stream model has not only strengthened financial stability but also reduced business risk.

What are your long-term goals for The Grafter, and how do you see the firm positioning itself in the business advisory industry?

My long-term goal for The Grafter is to help entrepreneurs achieve greater freedom. I want us to become the go-to resource for healthcare and professional services seeking to grow, raise, or exit globally.

Rachel Murphy | Founder & CEO

Rachel Murphy is a two-time exited founder, with her most recent exit in 2020 when she sold healthcare agency Difrent for eight figures to TPX Impact. She is deeply motivated to help other entrepreneurs achieve freedom, working with them both from a business and personal perspective to turn their aspirations into reality.

“Many consultancies rely on a one-size-fits-all approach to growing businesses. The key to helping an SME succeed is in truly understanding its ICP, creating a customized roadmap that outlines growth, raising, and exit strategies, and working alongside the business every step of the way. We don’t rely on recycled PowerPoint strategies. Every business is as unique as its founder and team, and we understand and recognize that.”

“In 2025, we will expand our services internationally, with a focus on attracting US businesses in healthcare and professional services to join our programs. At the same time, we will continue improving our existing Grow, Raise, and Exit service.”