Startup Acquisition Stories

Stewart Faught has built and sold 18 software companies without venture funding or hype.His path demonstrates how simple tools, focused verticals, and repeatable systems can create tangible outcomes.By focusing on local niches and practical problems, he built products small businesses actually needed, then sold them through ⁠Acquire.com⁠ in fast, clean, and buyer-aligned deals.His founder story shows how clarity, documentation, and vertical focus compound into exits you can repeat.You’ll hear:How he built niche SaaS products that grow fastWhy partnerships outperform cold outreachHow to pick verticals that convertWhy first-time founders make great buyersHow preparation speeds up every acquisition3 lessons from Stewart’s playbook:Clear processes win because buyers trust what they can see.Vertical focus works because simplicity outperforms generalization.Flexibility closes deals because structure beats stubbornness.For founders building without VC money, this episode shows why small, narrow, and repeatable beats big, broad, and unfocused, and how simple playbooks turn into real exits.Follow Stewart’s journey:LinkedInConvington.ai

Seun Oshinaike built Street Tag, a fitness app that turned daily walks into friendly competition and community impact, to make movement fun again.Without VC funding or shortcuts, he grew Street Tag across the UK, proving that sustainable traction beats quick hype.When the time came, he sold it through Acquire.com in a clean, strategic acquisition that preserved the mission.His founder story demonstrates how preparation, documentation, and persistence turn a long-term vision into a smooth exit.You’ll hear:How Seun scaled Street Tag without VC moneyWhy clarity and documentation build trust with buyersHow a strategic buyer can amplify your mission after acquisition3 lessons from Seun’s exit:Transparency wins when honest founders build trust early.Preparation pays when clean data keeps momentum alive.Purpose scales when you choose people over offers.For bootstrapped founders considering an exit, this episode shows why discipline and clarity lead to the cleanest deals.Follow Seun’s journey:⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Street Tag

When a startup shut down overnight, Jesse Tinsley saw an opportunity. In less than 48 hours, he transformed a company that had gone dormant into a profitable and growing business.His founder story demonstrates how swift action, clarity, and a robust operational foundation can transform chaos into seamless execution.As the founder and CEO of Mainstreet, Jesse acquired a failed startup, rebuilt its infrastructure, and brought the service back online before competitors could react, turning what looked like a loss into one of the fastest acquisitions in the space.You’ll hear:How to move fast when an opportunity suddenly appearsWhy clarity and focus matter more than timingHow Jesse’s team rebuilt a business in a single weekend3 lessons from Jesse’s acquisition:Speed wins: decisive founders create their own luckClarity pays: clean systems turn pressure into profitEfficiency lasts: discipline beats funding every timeWhether you’re looking to acquire, rebuild, or scale a startup, this episode shows how calm execution and sharp decisions can turn shutdowns into exits.Follow Jesse’s journey:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠Mainstreet⁠⁠

Growing fast isn’t the only way to succeed. For Jordan Richards, staying consistent was what made his exit possible.His founder story shows how discipline and documentation can turn a small agency into a clean, profitable acquisition.As the founder of Local Comets, a digital-marketing agency serving home-service businesses across the U.S., Jordan built steady revenue, lean systems, and predictable results.When the time came to sell, his organized SOP library made due diligence effortless and buyer trust immediate.You’ll hear:How to build repeatable systems that scale smoothlyWhy documentation sells faster than marketing hypeWhat preparation speeds up due diligence on ⁠Acquire.com⁠How focus and structure lead to clean exits3 lessons from Jordan’s exit:Consistency compounds: small habits drive big outcomesTransparency sells: organized systems build confidenceKnow when to move on: builders and scalers play different gamesWhether you’re running an agency or building SaaS, this episode is your blueprint for creating clarity, value, and a smooth startup sale.Follow Jordan’s journey:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Local CometsJordan Richards⁠

Running small projects may not be glamorous. But for Thomas Ulman, it was the smartest way to scale and sell. His founder story shows how improving what already works can lead to clean, profitable exits.He took over Waitlist.email, a launch waitlist tool for founders, and Text.run, a minimalist personal-site builder. Instead of starting from scratch, he improved both products, rebuilt user trust, and sold them through Acquire.com, turning side projects into successful exits.Simplicity shaped the outcome. By removing free tiers, listening to users, and leveraging SEO, Thomas grew revenue with no paid ads. Both products were sold within weeks after listing.You’ll hear:How to find value in small SaaS projectsWhy simplicity can outperform scale in growthWhat to fix before listing a business for acquisitionHow fast deals close when documentation is clean and trust is high3 lessons from Thomas’s exits:Small doesn’t mean insignificant — improve what worksPredictable, well-documented products sell fasterFocus and simplicity drive profitable outcomesWhether you’re building SaaS or managing side projects, this episode is your blueprint for lean growth, focus, and smart exits.Follow Thomas’s journey:LinkedInAlmostHuman.digital

Running two startups sounds ambitious. But for Nikita Danilov, it became a signal to focus. His startup exit story shows why knowing when to sell and finding the right buyer matters most.He built SwiftNet, a subscription internet service for RV travelers, into steady revenue and hundreds of loyal users. At the same time, his second venture, Upside, demanded more of his energy. The solution was clear: sell SwiftNet, focus fully on Upside, and keep building in one direction.Patience shaped the exit. Nikita spent months talking to buyers, refining his pitch, and waiting for the right fit. When Star Holdings appeared, the acquisition closed in just 30 days.You’ll hear:How founders know the right time to sell a startupWhy patience during the acquisition process protects valuationWhat preparation can be done to speed up due diligence and build trustHow startup exits can close in weeks once the founder and buyer align3 lessons from Nikita’s exit:Focus on one business to unlock real growthWaiting for the right buyer leads to a cleaner outcomePreparation turns long waits into fast, profitable exitsWhether you’re balancing two ventures or planning your first startup exit, this founder story is your playbook for timing, focus, and patience.Follow Nikita’s journey:⁠LinkedIn ⁠InstagramSwiftNetUpside

Tanmay Kejriwal didn’t plan to build a company.What started as a class project at TCU, a simple Shopify script to fix order issues, grew into Editify, a Shopify app with hundreds of users and steady revenue. Once listed on Acquire.com, it attracted multiple offers and was acquired in a profitable exit.In this episode, Tanmay shares how starting small, preparing well, and choosing the right buyer turned a side project into a real acquisition.You’ll hear:How organic growth from the Shopify App Store created traction without adsWhy documentation and clean preparation made the handoff easierWhat buyers looked for during due diligence, and how trust drove the dealWhy picking the right fit mattered more than chasing the highest offer3 lessons from Tanmay’s exit:Even small projects can become valuable if they solve real problemsPreparation builds buyer confidence and speeds up negotiationsThe right partner can matter more than the priceWhether you’re building your first product or managing a growing SaaS, Tanmay’s story shows how clarity, preparation, and focus can turn a student project into a successful exit.Follow Tanmay’s journey:LinkedInTwitterEditify AppMakeX App

Ion-Alexandru Secara didn’t chase flashy markets.He built GovCon in a Box to help small contractors cut through government red tape, simplify proposals, and win more deals. Thousands of paying customers followed, and within weeks of listing, the startup was acquired in a life-changing exit.In this episode, Ion shares how overlooked markets, smart validation, and clean preparation led to an acquisition most founders never expect.You’ll hear:Why tough, ignored markets can create stronger moatsHow a simple “Request a Feature” button drove validationWhat steady traction and clear records did for buyer confidenceWhy momentum matters once acquisition talks begin3 lessons from Ion’s exit:Complexity can hide the best opportunitiesCustomer validation keeps growth on trackPreparation accelerates every step of the dealWhether you’re building in a competitive niche or tackling a complex market, Ion’s story proves that clarity, focus, and discipline can turn obstacles into exits.Follow Ion's journey:LikedInTwitterSEO Forge

Itay Elgazar didn’t wait years to find his exit. He launched Superdev in early 2025, an AI tool that let developers build full-stack apps in minutes. Within months, it went viral, gained hundreds of paying users, and just two weeks after listing on Acquire.com, it was acquired in a life-changing exit.In this episode, Itay shares how he built, listed, and closed his exit faster than most founders think possible.You’ll hear:Why starting lean and focusing on real developer pain points accelerated tractionHow viral influencer content replaced paid ads and fueled growthWhat clean documentation and constant communication did to speed due diligenceWhy timing matters more than chasing the “perfect” deal3 lessons from Itay’s exit:Preparation builds credibilityDifferentiation attracts real buyersSelling while growth is visible creates leverageWhether you’re building to scale or preparing for a future acquisition, Superdev’s story shows that the right mix of timing, preparation, and traction can lead to a fast, clean deal.Follow Itay’s journey:LinkedInTwitterSuperdev

Said Korkmax and Esra Sinmaz built Appify Mobile, lean and bootstrapped. Without ad spend, they focused on App Store Optimization (ASO) to grow AI apps that caught fire in crowded app stores.Small tests soon turned into real traction. Their AI apps in beauty and effects gained organic installs, reviews confirmed demand, and revenue doubled in months. With momentum strong, they decided it was the right time to sell.Listing on Acquire.com brought buyers fast. By the second week, serious conversations were underway. Clean documentation, clear differentiation, and organic growth positioned Appify Mobile as a low-risk, high-potential acquisition. The exit gave Said and Esra both freedom and resources to focus on new projects.In this episode, you’ll learn:How ASO can drive traction without ad spendWhy documentation builds buyer trustHow timing can turn growth into a clean exit3 lessons from Said & Esra’s exit:Preparation and clarity build credibilityDifferentiation makes products stand outTiming your exit is everythingWhether you’re building to keep or selling to move on, Said & Esra’s story shows that preparation, clarity, and timing make all the difference.Follow our guests:► Esra Sinmaz – LinkedIn► Said Korkmax – LinkedIn► Appify Mobile

Teemu Raitaluoto had sold before.His first exit on Acquire.com was small, but it taught him exactly what slows buyers down. Two years later, with AIContentfy, he applied those lessons from day one — scaling to $1M ARR and selling in a clean, all-cash deal.This time, preparation made the difference. Clear documentation, systems that worked without him, and competitive listings turned the process into a life-changing acquisition.In this episode, Teemu shares:How preparing for buyers from day one builds leverageWhy systems keep a company resilient through setbacksHow competition among buyers maximizes final offersHere are 3 lessons from Teemu’s exit:Documentation in English opens global buyersCompetition drives better termsPreparation turns exits from small to life-changingWhether you’re scaling for growth or considering an exit, Teemu’s story proves that preparation from day one changes the outcome.Follow Teemu’s Journey:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠AIContentfy

Umar Khan didn’t plan to sell. Bootstrapped and lean, his AI side project ChatFAI went viral: 1M users in a year and MRR jumping from $500 to $2,000 in two months. Its edge? Long-term memory that kept conversations alive.Despite traction, Umar chose focus over scale. He listed on ⁠Acquire.com⁠, where verified buyers, clear documentation, and fast communication turned the process into a clean, stress-free exit.In this episode, Umar shares:How viral growth shaped a bootstrapped exitWhy focus matters more than chasing scaleHow Acquire.com tools built trust and sped up due diligenceHere are 3 lessons from Umar’s exit:Preparation shortens dealsDifferentiation makes buyers move fastTiming your exit is everythingWhether you’re scaling for the long run or considering an exit, Umar’s journey proves that timing, preparation, and focus define the outcome.Follow Umar's Journey:LinkedIn⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠ChatFAI⁠

JJ Englert didn’t start in SEO. He built Trade Backlinks, a profitable SEO marketplace for buying and selling backlinks safely and transparently.He launched it lean, listened to user feedback, and kept adding features that mattered: automated link tracking, performance analytics, and verified member checks. The platform became the go-to in its niche.When the excitement to keep building faded, JJ prepared for a clean exit. Organized financials, documented processes, and a business that ran without him meant buyers could move fast.He listed on Acquire.com. Verified buyers, streamlined communication, and a short due diligence window led to a fast, fair deal, fully on his terms.In this episode, JJ shares:How early preparation made the sale easierWhy losing passion can be the right signal to sellHow Acquire.com tools sped up the deal3 lessons from JJ’s exit:Preparation builds trust and shortens dealsPassion impacts performance more than you thinkThe right platform can connect you with serious buyers fast.Whether you’re building to keep or selling to move on, JJ’s story shows that preparation, clarity, and timing make all the difference.Follow JJ's Journey:⁠LinkedInX (Twitter)Youtube

Alex Carroll didn’t build Alpine Rings. He acquired it and scaled it to a $2.4M run rate.Once inside, he fixed what mattered: product pages, offer structure, and one $300 upgrade that drove 40% more revenue.When it was running lean and strong, he listed it on Acquire.com.No brokers. No earn-out. Just a clean, all-cash exit.In this episode, Alex shares:How does he prepare for the dealWhat made buyers move fastWhy clean documentation changed everything.3 lessons from Alex’s exit:One upgrade can change everythingBuyers trust clarity, not hypeYou don’t need to build from scratchWhether you’re buying to flip or scaling to exit, Alex’s story shows that clarity, execution, and timing are what make a great deal close fast.Follow Alex's Journey:LinkedIn

Rich J. Yun didn’t build Jet Designs to sell it. He built it to solve a real need: on-demand design support for early-stage startups.But once it was running smoothly, he listed it on Acquire.com. No brokers. No outside capital. Just a clean listing and the right buyer.Within days, the deal was done. All cash. No earn-out. No complications.In this episode, Rich explains how he prepared for a fast exit using Acquire.com templates, recording walkthroughs on Loom, and managing multiple buyers without letting things drag.He also shares how to structure your data room, what buyers really look for in service businesses, and how to stay flexible to close faster.You’ll learn:How to prep a design services business for acquisitionWhy documentation creates speed and trustHow to juggle multiple buyers with confidenceWhy founders don’t need “scale” to sellWhat Rich included in his listing that made it stand out3 lessons from Rich’s exit:Clear docs remove 90% of buyer objectionsAcquire’s resources (templates + videos) save time and stressIf you’re honest and prepared, buyers move fastWhether you’re running a solo service or a small SaaS, Rich’s exit shows that simplicity, clarity, and preparation are all you need.Follow Rich’s journey:→ LinkedIn→ Twitter→ Jet Designs

Omar Zouhair didn’t build PageCrafter to flip it. He built it to fix a bottleneck in his own team. But once it worked, he listed it on Acquire.com with no expectations.Seven days later, the deal was done. All cash. No earn-out. No back-and-forth.In this episode, Omar breaks down what made the deal so fast: clean documentation, transparency, and flexibility.He also shares the exact files he created, how he managed buyer calls, and why being clear about handoff terms makes everything easier.You’ll learn:How to prep a SaaS for acquisition, even if it’s tinyWhy good documentation can 10x buyer trustWhat makes a buyer skip the earn-outHow to list even if your product isn’t “done”What founders should do before they scale3 lessons from Omar’s exit:Buyers don’t always need scale, they need clarityA simple Figma file can make diligence frictionlessThe right timing beats the perfect productWhether you're running a side project or a small SaaS, Omar’s story proves that speed comes from preparation.Follow Omar’s journey:→ LinkedIn→ Twitter→ PageCrafter

Chanakya Yerneni didn’t want another promotion. He wanted freedom—and the chance to build something of his own.After a decade in enterprise SaaS, he quit corporate, browsed Acquire.com, and bought a small AI grading tool for teachers. It had $5K MRR, no SEO, and no real growth engine.Twelve months later, that product—EssayGrader—is on track to hit $1M ARR.In this episode, Chanakya shares how he evaluated listings, rebuilt the product from scratch, and scaled an EdTech SaaS with product-led growth and word of mouth.You’ll learn:How he picked the right SaaS to acquireWhy talking to 400+ customers changed everythingWhat made the product go viral in schoolsHow to approach SEO from zero and winWhy founder fit matters more than perfect metrics3 lessons from Chanakya’s exit journey:Start with PMF, not just profitBuild for a customer you deeply understandA clean, focused process beats complexity every timeWhether you’re buying your first startup or scaling your next, this episode is a playbook in clarity, conviction, and customer-first growth.Follow Chanakya’s journey on LinkedIn.

Matt Brenton didn’t build BigPawShop to scale aggressively. He built it to work for real customers, with real margins, and a clear brand identity. What started as a side hustle became a profitable niche eCommerce business selling bold, custom dog collars.In this episode, Matt shares how he grew the brand without paid ads, structured his operations with intention, and successfully sold the business through Acquire.com. He walks through what made the brand attractive to buyers, how he managed the listing, and what a clean, founder-first exit really looks like.You’ll learn:How to run a lean eCommerce brand with strong retention Why emotional products can still be strategic assetsWhat buyers look for in simple, documented Shopify storesHow to prep your business so it sells fast and cleanWhy timing and founder clarity make all the difference3 lessons from Matt’s exit:Keep it focused: a niche product with loyal buyers has real valueDocument everything before you listA buyer who respects your work makes the exit easierWhether you’re running an eCommerce brand or thinking about your own exit, Matt’s story shows how to prepare, sell, and move on with clarity.Follow Matt's journey on LinkedIn

At just 18 years old, Siyabend Özdemir bootstrapped and sold Gen PPT, an AI-powered presentation generator used by students, marketers, and solopreneurs across the globe.What started as a school-night experiment turned into a viral hit driven by indie hacker hustle, programmatic SEO, and a killer demo shared on X. Siyabend listed the business on Acquire.com and closed a smooth acquisition just days later.In this episode, he shares how he built, scaled, and exited Gen PPT and what comes next for a founder just getting started.You’ll learn: ► How Siyabend validated the idea using a real SEO dataset ► Why building in public on X was key to early growth ► What made Acquire.com the best fit for a solo founder exit ► How he handled burnout, due diligence, and buyer negotiation ► What to do after your first big win, including gold bars and Range Rovers3 takeaways from Siyabend’s exit: Organize everything—docs, access, financials—for a fast handoff Structure your business and taxes early, even if you're young Use the right platform to streamline the acquisition processWhether you’re 18 or 38, bootstrapping solo or building in public, this conversation is proof that you can build something valuable and sell it on your terms.Listen now to hear how Siyabend pulled off his first exit and what he’s building next.Follow Siyabend on LinkedIn

Christopher Schwab didn’t build Inova Local to chase scale. He built it to solve a real problem: how to support home service businesses with reliable, high-quality remote admin help.What started as a side project quickly became a profitable VA agency—and a company built for flexibility, documentation, and clean operations. In this episode, Christopher shares how he grew the business with intention and sold it through a fast, strategic acquisition.You’ll learn:Why lean, recurring models outperform traditional staffingWhat made remote operations hard to sell before the pandemicHow to prepare your company for a fast, low-friction exitWhat buyers actually care about—and what catches them off guardHow to balance growth, team care, and long-term personal goals3 lessons from Christopher’s exit:Simplicity and documentation make due diligence easyKnow what the business means to you—and what’s nextTake care of your team through the transitionWhether you're scaling a remote service or considering your own exit, this conversation is a playbook for founders who want to build—and exit—with clarity.Listen now to hear how Christopher structured his acquisition and what he's building next.Follow Christopher on LinkedIn