Traci Keen Mediation
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Business mediation, online or in person

Mediation for founders, investors and deal teams.

I have sat on every side of the table. Two-time CEO. Fractional CFO. Raised $50M+. Closed buy-side and sell-side deals. I help you settle the dispute and keep the business running.

Request a session What I mediate
Traci Keen, business mediator, smiling and looking off to the side
Equity raised, seed to Series A
$50M+
Debt financing secured
$5M
Acquisitions closed, buy-side
2
Sell-side exit
2024
Teams led
50+

Matters

Disputes I mediate

Disputes between people who still need to work together, or need to part cleanly. Most involve money, control and trust at the same time.

  1. 1.1

    Founder disputes

    Roles, equity, vesting, decision rights, and co-founder separation.

  2. 1.2

    Investor disputes

    Disagreements between founders and investors over governance, reporting, follow-on funding and direction.

  3. 1.3

    Board deadlock

    Split boards, contested CEO decisions, and stalled approvals.

  4. 1.4

    M&A disputes

    Purchase price adjustments, earn-outs, escrow claims, and post-close integration conflict.

  5. 1.5

    Fundraising conflicts

    Term disagreements, SAFE and convertible note conflicts, cap table questions, and broken rounds.

  6. 1.6

    Shareholder and partner disputes

    Buyouts, exits, and disagreements in closely held companies.

  7. 1.7

    General disputes

    Contract, vendor and partnership disagreements, and other civil disputes.

Background

I know how these deals and companies work

I led a healthcare company through a strategic sale in 2024. I co-founded a second healthcare company and led its acquisitions, including a technology company. I have run boardrooms, raised rounds, and sat across from investors in hard conversations.

Since 2011 I have worked as a fractional CFO and controller for 20+ early and growth-stage companies. I read a cap table, a purchase agreement and a financial model quickly. That saves your day for the real issues.

I serve on the finance committee board of StartOut.

  • CEO through a strategic sale, 2024
  • Co-Founder and CEO, venture-backed healthcare company
  • Fractional CFO, healthcare, SaaS and services companies
  • Buy-side M&A: 2 closed acquisitions
  • $50M+ equity raised, $5M debt financing
  • Board member, Finance Committee, StartOut

Process

How a mediation runs

  1. Intake call

    A short call with each side. I learn the issues and who needs to be in the room.

  2. Agreement to mediate

    Everyone signs. Confidentiality and ground rules are set in writing.

  3. Preparation

    Each side sends a short confidential summary and key documents.

  4. Mediation day

    Joint session, then private breakout rooms. I carry offers between them.

  5. Written terms

    We draft a settlement outline before anyone logs off. Counsel finalizes it.

Fees

Simple pricing

$3,000per full day

Fee is split equally between the parties unless you agree otherwise. Preparation calls are included. Sessions run online by default. I also travel for in-person mediation. Travel and lodging are billed at cost and quoted before you book. Shorter sessions and multi-day matters are quoted on request.

Questions

Common questions

What does a business mediator do?

A mediator is a neutral third party who helps the people in a dispute reach their own agreement. I do not decide who is right and I do not take a side.

Is mediation confidential?

Yes. Every session starts with a signed mediation agreement that covers confidentiality. What is said in mediation stays in mediation.

Do you mediate online or in person?

Both. Online sessions run by video, with private breakout rooms for each side. I also travel for in-person sessions. Travel and lodging are billed at cost and quoted before you book.

How long does a mediation take?

Most founder, investor and deal disputes are worked in a single full day after a short preparation phase.

Do I need a lawyer?

Bring one if you have one. I do not give legal advice or represent either side. Your counsel reviews any final agreement.

Why mediate instead of going to court or arbitration?

It is faster, private, and far cheaper. You control the outcome. For founders and investors who will keep working together, it protects the relationship and the company.

Inquiry

Tell me what is going on

Share the basics. I reply within one business day. Do not include confidential details here. I need the names of everyone involved to run a conflict check before we talk.