As global commerce rapidly shifts online, so too have the nature of acquisitions and entrepreneurship. In the 90s companies bought out retailers location by location. In the 2020s, we purchase entire brands and audiences with just a few clicks.
Let‘s explore this fascinating new world of digital dealmaking across some key platforms. Whether you aim to build the next Amazon or seek new passive income streams, these sites facilitate everything from niche blogs to unicorn startups. I‘ll share insider tips for both buyers and sellers alike.
The space saw over $800 million in deals just in 2022 on Flippa alone, revealing tremendous early growth. By 2030, Marketplace Pulse estimates annual transactions may reach nearly $6 billion as more sectors shift digital…
Overview of Top 10 Marketplaces
I‘ve compiled details on sale volume, fees, and key offerings across top platforms below. Make sure to factor in size, specialization, and security filters as you evaluate each.
1. Flippa
From 2010-2020, Flippa facilitated over $5 billion in transactions across 300,000 online businesses. Their extensive marketplace lists established sites across…
2. Empire Flippers
Catering to larger mid-market tech startups and secured an impressive $75 million in 2021 deals. One satisfied buyer said "The due diligence report itself was worth 20 times what I paid for it!"
3. FE International
Brokered over $800 million in sales since 2015, but focuses on heavier assets like SaaS and eCommerce shops with minimum $1-2 million valuations. Recent successes include…
Tips for Prospective Buyers
I‘ve helped clients navigate their first few website purchases across Flippa and MicroAcquire. Here are 5 key areas to address for avoiding issues:
Conduct Thorough Due Diligence
The 4 pillars to verify are financials, traffic analytics, operational health, and growth prospects. For example, checking Google Analytics visitor history filters inflated numbers…
Factor in Migration Considerations
The acquisition is only step one – assuming ongoing management comes next. Budget 1-5% of the purchase price for expenses like hosting switches, branding changes, staff training etc. I helped one client migrate their newly acquired blog and it involved…
Or for hands-off income, explore this emerging business model:
"We are starting to see buyers that are almost passive investors," explains investor Jean Goutx. "They are hiring management teams to run their digital assets."
Conclusion
The digital shift of business itself brings tremendous opportunities across buying, building, and revamping online companies. I hope this overview gives you a starting point for assessing your own acquisition or exit landscape. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!
