How do I sell my SaaS startup?

To sell your SaaS startup, start with a clear valuation, build an Exit Readiness Score, document your operations, prepare a Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), and reach qualified buyers. Ventura automates the first three steps, valuation, readiness, and CIM, so bootstrapped founders ($500K-$5M ARR) can prepare for acquisition without hiring a broker.

What is my SaaS company worth?

SaaS companies typically sell for 3-6x ARR depending on growth rate, gross margin, customer concentration, and net revenue retention (NRR). A bootstrapped SaaS doing $1M ARR with 30% growth and 110% NRR can command 5-6x ARR. Ventura's free AI-powered calculator gives you an instant range based on 50+ comparable acquisitions.

How long does it take to sell a SaaS company?

Most SaaS exits take 4-9 months from first conversation to closing. Preparation (valuation, CIM, due diligence pack) takes 4-6 weeks. The marketing phase to qualified buyers takes 2-4 months. Negotiation and closing add 6-12 weeks. Founders who prepare with an Exit Readiness Score above 70 typically close 30% faster.

Do I need a broker to sell my SaaS?

Not anymore. Brokers charge 8-15% of the deal value and add 3-6 months to the timeline. For bootstrapped SaaS in the $500K-$5M ARR range, AI tools like Ventura now provide the same valuation rigor, deal room, and CIM at a fraction of the cost. You keep 100% of the proceeds and control the timeline.

What is an Exit Readiness Score?

An Exit Readiness Score (0-100) measures how prepared your SaaS is to be acquired. It's based on five categories: Financial Quality (ARR, growth, churn, NRR), Revenue Predictability, Operational Transferability, Market Attractiveness, and Risk Profile. Founders with a score above 75 typically receive 2x more buyer interest and close at higher multiples.

Ventura vs Capiwise

Find the right valuation tool for your exit strategy.

About Ventura

Ventura is purpose-built for SaaS founders preparing for acquisition, with AI-powered valuation, Exit Readiness scoring, and a full Deal Room, not cap table management.

About Capiwise

Capiwise is a cap table management and startup valuation platform focused on equity management, scenario modeling, and investor reporting.

Feature comparison

Primary focus	Ventura: Exit preparation & M&A readiness	Capiwise: Cap table management & equity scenarios
Valuation	Ventura: ✅ AI-powered, SaaS-specific	Capiwise: ⚠️ General purpose
Exit Readiness Score	Ventura: ✅ Yes (0-100 with roadmap)	Capiwise: ❌ No
Cap table management	Ventura: ❌ Not the focus	Capiwise: ✅ Yes (core feature)
Deal Room	Ventura: ✅ Built-in investor sharing	Capiwise: ⚠️ Limited
Free tools	Ventura: ✅ 5 free calculators	Capiwise: ❌ No free tier
SaaS M&A comps	Ventura: ✅ Real-time benchmarks	Capiwise: ❌ No

Verdict: Ventura

Capiwise is excellent for cap table management and equity scenarios. Ventura is built for the specific use case of exit preparation and M&A readiness.

FAQ

Does Ventura do cap table management?

No. Ventura is focused on M&A exit preparation, valuation, Exit Readiness Score, and Deal Room. For cap table management, tools like Capiwise, Carta, or Pulley are better suited.