# How Founders Can Scale Their Companies Five critical steps to build enduring companies beyond $10 billion. - **Source:** [McKinsey Insights](https://www.mckinsey.com/insights) - **Published:** 2026-07-17 - **Topic:** [Entrepreneurship](https://brifing.si/c/entrepreneurship) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cc730973-47e5-4f25-89fb-32db06e95286 ## Introduction Many founder-led companies get stuck at the $1 billion to $10 billion valuation stage. To overcome this hurdle, companies need to reinvent themselves and their business models. ## First Inflection Point The first critical step is to review and future-proof the company's core business model. This could mean expanding existing markets or entering new ones. ## Second Inflection Point The second step is to reorganize the organizational structure. A growing company needs a more flexible and fast decision-making structure. ## Third Inflection Point The third step is to change leadership style. Founders must develop their leadership skills to handle increasing responsibilities. ## Fourth Inflection Point The fourth step is to invest in technology and innovation. Companies must continuously innovate to maintain a competitive edge. ## Conclusion Companies that follow these five critical steps can create a lasting presence beyond $10 billion and be prepared for future challenges. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-capital/our-insights/will-you-fly-or-freeze-how-founders-can-build-enduring-companies-beyond-10-billion-dollars — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._