Your deal’s closed, now what?
Discover how operating partners drive results in the first 100 days post-acquisition and why this window defines success or failure.
The deal is done. The money is in. The clock starts now.
For investors acquiring eCommerce or DTC businesses, the first 100 days post-acquisition are the most critical. This period sets the tone for everything that follows: team alignment, operational stability, channel performance, and early wins.
Yet many investors step back too soon, assuming the brand will scale itself.
That’s where a strong operating partner comes in. At eComplete, we’ve developed a playbook that turns day-one ownership into day-100 momentum blending commercial due diligence insights with hands-on execution.
Here’s how to do it right.
Why the First 100 Days Matter
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Founders may be stepping back.
Key knowledge and energy risk disappearing fast. -
Teams are waiting for clarity.
Without clear roles, priorities, and goals, execution stalls. -
Growth assumptions need validating.
Forecasts look great in a model, now they need to work in-market. -
Integration and upgrades can’t wait.
Delays in ops, systems, or people decisions compound quickly.
The Operating Partner’s Role in the First 100 Days
The job of the operating partner isn’t just oversight, it’s targeted execution across key levers. At eComplete, we break this period into six strategic tracks:
1. Commercial Clarity: Aligning Goals & KPIs
What we do:
Translate investor expectations into functional KPIs across marketing, ops, finance, and growth. Ensure everyone knows what success looks like.
eComplete example:
We build a post-acquisition dashboard in Week 1, connecting ecommerce platforms, finance, and marketing data to track performance in real time.
2. Organisation & Ownership
What we do:
Redefine org structure. Who owns what? Where are gaps? What needs to change to support scale?
eComplete example:
Our operating team maps existing resource vs. growth needs. We place fractional leaders (growth, CRM, ops) and identify critical hires, all within the first month.
3. Marketing Reset
What we do:
Audit existing paid/organic channels, retention flows, creative, and content then rebuild for efficiency and scale.
eComplete example:
We implement a channel-by-channel optimisation plan: new creative testing frameworks, performance budgets by ROI zone, and CRM flow relaunches tailored to LTV segments.
4. Operational Infrastructure & Tech Stack
What we do:
Fix fragile systems and manual processes. Clean up fulfilment, reporting, CX platforms, and inventory management.
eComplete example:
We deploy our eCom Ops Stack Blueprint, migrating the brand to new tools where needed, with minimal disruption.
5. Customer & Product Strategy
What we do:
Identify profitable segments and products, remove margin drains, and define roadmap for bundling, subscriptions, or new launches.
eComplete example:
We analyse SKU-level performance and cohort data to launch bundles, relaunch winning SKUs, and phase out low-margin distractions.
6. Strategic Growth Levers
What we do:
Activate near-term wins: international expansion, new channels, pricing strategy, or partnerships.
eComplete example:
In one brand, we launched two international storefronts by Day 75, fully translated experiences, regional fulfilment, and market-specific paid media.
Common Pitfalls in the First 100 Days
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Waiting for the team to “figure it out”
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Underestimating tech debt
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Assuming past growth equals future scale
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Not transitioning knowledge from founders fast enough
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Trying to do everything at once
Final Take: Action Beats Assumption
The first 100 days can’t be left to chance. You don’t need a strategy deck, you need execution.
At eComplete, we bridge the gap between investment logic and day-to-day performance. We use the diligence insights we’ve already uncovered to activate a clear, focused operating plan with a team built to deliver it.
Need an execution-first operating partner for your next acquisition?
We work with private equity and strategic investors to scale DTC brands from diligence to day 100 and beyond.
