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How to Sell Your Startup
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How to Sell Your Startup

The Complete Guide to Running an M&A Process as a Founder

Daniel Debow
First Round Review, 2023
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Editorial Rating

9

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In this comprehensive guide, serial founder and angel investor Daniel Debow explores the nuances of pursuing an acquisition. He discusses the best mind-set for approaching the process, tips for pricing and advice for navigating the transition to an executive role. Debow also explains why selling can serve the best interests of founders, investors and the acquiring company alike. Driving for a billion-dollar business doesn’t always make sense.

Take-Aways

  • Think of your company as offering a solution to a specific problem for the acquirer.
  • Approach the acquisition process like a job hunt.
  • Be honest with your investors, and treat your employees with respect.

About the Author

Daniel Debow is vice president of product at Shopify. He cofounded Helpful, acquired by Shopify; Rypple, acquired by Salesforce; and Workbrain, acquired by Infor. Debow has served as an angel investor for more than 90 companies. This article, based on an interview with Debow, was published in First Round Capital’s online magazine, The Review.

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