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SaaSBootstrappedExitSelling

How to Sell Your Bootstrapped SaaS Business (No Broker Needed)

VibePath Team••9 min read

The Bootstrapped Founder's Exit

You've built a profitable SaaS without VC money. Now you want to sell. The good news: you don't need expensive brokers or investment bankers.

Why Sell Your Bootstrapped SaaS?

Common reasons founders sell:

  • **Burnout** - Ready to move on
  • **Opportunity cost** - Time better spent elsewhere
  • **Life changes** - Family, location, new ventures
  • **Plateau** - Growth has stalled
  • **Cash out** - Realize value from your work

    • All valid. No shame in a successful exit.

    The DIY Sale Process

    Step 1: Decide If You're Ready

    Ask yourself:

  • Can I commit 2-3 months to this process?
  • Am I willing to share financials with strangers?
  • Is my business in a sellable state?
  • Do I have realistic price expectations?

    • Step 2: Prepare Your Business

    Financial Prep:

  • Clean up your books
  • Separate personal and business expenses
  • Calculate true net profit (SDE)
  • Document all revenue streams

    • Technical Prep:

  • Clean up the codebase
  • Update documentation
  • Ensure you can transfer all accounts
  • List all third-party services

    • Step 3: Value Your Business

    Quick Rule of Thumb:

  • Lifestyle SaaS: 2-3x annual profit
  • Growing SaaS: 3-4x annual profit
  • Fast-growing SaaS: 4-5x+ annual profit

    • Step 4: List on Multiple Platforms

    For SaaS under $50K:

  • VibePath ($5/month, 0% commission)
  • SideProjectors (free)
  • Microns.io (free)

    • For SaaS $50K-$500K:

  • Acquire.com (free listing, buyer pays 4%)
  • Flippa (listing fee + success fee)

    • For SaaS $500K+:

  • Consider a broker (they take 8-15%)

    • Avoiding Common Mistakes

    Pricing Mistakes:

  • Don't overprice based on "potential"
  • Don't underprice out of desperation
  • Research comparable sales

    • Process Mistakes:

  • Don't share full financials before NDA
  • Don't ignore "tire kickers"
  • Don't drag out negotiations

    • Transfer Mistakes:

  • Don't transfer before payment clears
  • Don't forget to transfer ALL assets
  • Don't abandon the buyer post-sale

    • The VibePath Advantage for Bootstrapped Founders

    We built VibePath for founders like you:

  • **No commission** - Keep 100% of your sale
  • **Right audience** - Indie buyers who value bootstrapped businesses
  • **Simple process** - No brokers, no complexity

    • Your exit is within reach. List today.

    Ready to buy or sell?

    Browse projects or join the waitlist to start selling

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