So I sold a business…
Selling a business is one of those moments in life that carries a strange mix of emotions—excitement, nostalgia, relief, and a little bit of uncertainty.
After years of pouring my heart into immersive, shaping it into what it became, the decision to sell wasn’t one I made lightly.
But as with everything, there comes a time for evolution, and this marks the beginning of a new chapter for me.
immersive started as an idea, an ambitious vision that turned into something real, something that mattered to people. It had potential for greatness, with some great, loyal, committed people. For me, it became more than a business; it was a platform for creativity, innovation, and meaningful experiences.
There were highs and lows, sleepless nights, and moments where I questioned everything. But looking back, every challenge was worth it.
Building something from the ground up teaches you an incredible amount—not just about business, but about yourself.
You learn resilience, adaptability, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Selling the company wasn’t just a business transaction; it was a transition that required deep reflection and a willingness to let go of something I had built with such intention.
Several people have asked, “Why sell if it was going so well?”
The truth is, success isn’t just about holding onto something forever—it’s about recognising when it’s time to move forward.
Growth comes in different forms, and for me, selling immersive wasn’t an end; it was a shift toward something new.
There were several reasons behind my decision.
First, I felt I had taken immersive as far as I could. I had built a strong foundation, a solid brand, and a loyal audience. But I also knew that for it to reach its full potential, it needed fresh energy—someone who could take it to the next level in ways I might not have envisioned. It needed someone less emotionally connected to it and every sales call.
Secondly, I believe in evolving as an entrepreneur. Clinging to something simply because it’s familiar can sometimes hold you back from greater opportunities. I didn’t want to become stagnant, and I felt a pull toward new challenges, new industries, and new ways to create impact.
What’s Next?
That’s the big question, isn’t it? Selling a business doesn’t mean stepping back—it means stepping into something different. Right now, I’m in the exploration phase, which is both exhilarating and a little daunting. There’s a sense of freedom that comes with having a blank slate, but also the responsibility to make the next move count.
I’m really happy that I have joined the rec hub, it’s not perfect, but it’s an honest, open business that is trying to continuously improve, a tweak here, an adjustment there to deliver value to their clients.
Beyond that (and that is a full-time occupation) I do know is that I’m not done creating.
Whether it’s starting a new business, investing in promising ventures, or diving into a completely new industry, I know that whatever comes next will be built on everything I’ve learned so far. The skills, the insights, and the experiences from Immersive won’t go to waste—they’ll fuel what’s to come.
I’m also taking this as an opportunity to reflect. When you’re in the thick of running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind. Now, I have the rare chance to step back, gain clarity, and be intentional about my next move. I want to ensure that whatever I build next aligns with my values, my passions, and the kind of impact I want to have in the world.
Selling immersive has reinforced a few key lessons that I’ll carry with me:
Success isn’t just about building—it’s about knowing when to pivot. Holding onto something for the sake of comfort can limit growth. Knowing when to move on is just as important as knowing when to start.
Your business isn’t your identity. It’s easy to intertwine yourself so deeply with what you create that it feels like an extension of you. But you are more than your business, and change doesn’t mean losing who you are—it means evolving.
Opportunities come when you create space for them. Letting go of one thing makes room for new possibilities, new connections, and new creative pursuits.
As I look ahead, I don't have all the answers yet, and that’s okay,
The beauty of transitions is that they open doors you never even knew existed. I’m embracing the uncertainty, knowing that whatever comes next will be shaped by everything I’ve built, learned and experienced so far.
For those of you who have followed immersive’s journey, I’m incredibly grateful.
This isn’t the end, it’s jus the beginning of something new. And I can’t wait to see where it leads.
About
Whilst 2023 was a tough business year for Martin, his team and his business, 2024 looks brighter.
With an engaged community of over 30,000 talent acquisition professionals, Martin is ready to re-engage with TA leaders globally, supporting their TA operating model - whatever it looks like. From a single employee to now creating an enterprise-capable Talent Acquisition consultancy, Martin’s fast-growing firm, immersive, has already made a dent in the space.
2025 will see more thought leadership around talent acquisition, AI and doing more with less to support TA leaders to develop effective hiring models globally.