Tutorials SaaS Entrepreneurship & Scaling for Software Architects
Secondary Markets: Selling your SaaS on Acquire.com or Flippa
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Selling your "Side-SaaS"
You don't need a Wall Street broker to sell a small SaaS ($1k - $50k MRR). You can use **Secondary Markets** to find thousands of verified buyers.
1. Acquire.com (Formerly MicroAcquire)
The premier platform for selling startups. It's free to list, and they have a massive database of buyers looking for specific tech stacks. **Architect Tip:** A SaaS built with modern tech (React, .NET 8, AWS) will sell for a higher multiple than one built with outdated tech because it's easier for the buyer to hire developers for it later.
2. Multiples: How much is it worth?
Most SaaS apps sell for a multiple of their **SDE (Seller Discretionary Earnings)** or **ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue)**. - Typical multiple: 3x to 6x ARR. - A $100k ARR SaaS could sell for $400k-$600k. Factors that increase your multiple: High growth rate, low churn, and high gross margins.
4. Career Mastery
Q: "Should I use an Escrow service?"
Architect Answer: "ALWAYS. Never transfer your domain or code until the money is in **Escrow.com**. An escrow service acts as a trusted third party that ensures both the buyer gets the assets and the seller gets the cash. It's the only way to safely close a deal with someone you've only met over Zoom."