Earlier quoted context omitted.
I imagine it has to be something that another company can generically understand and take over. A startup where the founders deep domain knowledge / connections is the key - that domain knowledge / connections go when the founder leaves.
If that's the case then why are they ok with the founder leaving? I don't think this is a scam or anything, I just wish I understood the mechanics of how their business works better than I do
There have to be processes in place to manage the business's day to day operations, and a good management team that looks to the future. You can't maintain a business at that level while still being dependent on a single person so the business at the time of sale has to be capable of continuing on without that person present.