Dilate Digital founder Bodie Czeladka steps down to launch business succession venture Exit Forward

Three months after wrapping up the acquisition of Perth-based independent media agency Mentor Marketing, Dilate Digital founder Bodie Czeladka has stepped back from daily operations of the business to launch Exit Forward, a new values-led investment and advisory firm.

While no longer having a hands-on role, Czeladka remains a shareholder of the Fremantle-headquartered Dilate which he says continues to grow under the guidance of its leadership team.

Founded in 2012 by Czeladka in a home theatre room, Dilate Digital now employs more than 100 strategists, creatives and technicians globally, guided by a leadership team that includes managing director Tom Parker, who partnered with Czeladka in 2018 with just one promise: "One day, I'll sack you."

Czeladka says it was a tongue-in-cheek way of saying he would free him from daily operations so he could focus on the “bigger picture”.

The entrepreneur says that time has now come with the establishment of Exit Forward to help business owners design succession strategies that protect both their freedom and their legacy.

“Dilate is now led by a strong group, six of whom are active shareholders, ensuring the business continues to grow with shared ownership and aligned incentives," says Czeladka.

Dilate Digital expanded with the acquisitions of Aligned Agency, another boutique Perth agency, in 2024 and Mentor Marketing earlier this year.

Through Mentor Marketing, Dilate has brought on board decades of expertise in radio, television, out-of-home and display to complete the agency’s “full-funnel capability”.

In 2024, Dilate also secured backing from an undisclosed private international investor to extend its reach across Australia.

The same year, it opened a purpose-built 900sqm Fremantle office and training facility, strengthening its position in the digital media market.

"The most rewarding part has been seeing that a rising tide really does lift all ships, clients, team and community alike," says Czeladka, adding that his decision to step back followed personal reflection on “service and succession”.

"Every stage of my career, I've been serving someone - clients, my team, shareholders. When I stepped back operationally, I realised I could now be of service to founders themselves."

Czeladka points out that Exit Forward is not a brokerage, but rather it takes a partnership-driven approach that allows founders to “step back without walking away” and unlocking liquidity without losing their legacy.

He says the aim is to transition ownership gradually, often to the founder’s own team.

Exit Forward next year plans to partner with a select group of founders that Czeladka says are ready to evolve their businesses without losing what they've built.