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In 2025, Acquire.com has solidified its reputation as a trusted marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, particularly startups and digital assets. You may be a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time seller, you might wonder: Is Acquire.com worth it? This in-depth guide explores the platform’s strengths, drawbacks, best-fit users, and comparisons to competitors like Flippa and Empire Flippers to help you decide.
Key Takeaways Acquire.com is best suited for SaaS startups, e-commerce brands, and digital product creators. Its verified buyer network ensures quality leads and serious acquisition intent. The platform offers strong support for first-time sellers, including valuation tools and templates. Listing fees can be high, and verification of businesses is limited compared to broker-led platforms. It’s ideal for those seeking a quick, broker-free transaction with scalable business models. Overview: What Is Acquire.com and Who Is It Best For? Image Source: acquire.com
Acquire.com —formerly known as MicroAcquire—is a specialized online marketplace designed to connect buyers and sellers of digital businesses. Unlike traditional business broker platforms, Acquire.com focuses on streamlining the acquisition process through a broker-free, self-serve interface supported by a curated buyer network and tailored tools. Acquire.com caters to a specific audience in the digital space. If you fall into any of the categories below, the platform may be an ideal fit for your acquisition or exit needs:
Startup Founders with Traction If you’ve built a startup with paying users, product-market fit, and revenue growth, Acquire.com offers a fast, no-frills exit path. Unlike traditional brokered sales that can take months and come with hefty commissions, Acquire.com enables direct-to-buyer deals with full listing control and support tools.
Ideal for startups seeking clean exits No middlemen or unnecessary delays Perfect for lean, product-led teams ready to move on SaaS Entrepreneurs and Buyers SaaS businesses are the top-performing asset class on Acquire.com, making up over 55% of listings. The platform is tailored for you if you’re a SaaS founder or buyer.
For sellers: Strong market demand, especially with $25K–$1M in ARRFor buyers: A curated marketplace of recurring revenue models with scalable infrastructureHigh valuation multiples due to strong profit margins and growth potential Buyers Looking for Scalable Digital Assets Whether you’re a seasoned investor, acquisition entrepreneur, or aggregator, Acquire.com is a goldmine of growth-ready digital companies. With over $2B in verified buyer funds on the platform, it attracts serious sellers and provides vetted deal flow across SaaS, e-commerce, and digital products.
Discover micro and mid-market opportunities Filter deals by ARR, niche, monetization model, and more Connect directly with founders and negotiate on your terms Sellers Seeking a Professional, Guided Exit For business owners ready to sell but overwhelmed by brokers, due diligence, and legal paperwork, Acquire.com offers a simplified, professional process with strong support:
Access listing wizards, valuation tools, and legal templates Exposure to 500,000+ active buyers Optional “Guided by Acquire” service for high-earning SaaS brands This makes it a smart choice for entrepreneurs who want to keep more sale proceeds and still benefit from guidance.
Side Hustlers and Indie Hackers Solo developers, creators, and small teams often use Acquire.com to sell their micro-SaaS, niche e-commerce stores, or content websites. It’s a great place to:
Sell side projects that no longer fit your focus Discover bootstrapped tools with real users and MRR Buy into simple, lean businesses ideal for solo operation Indie buyers and builders will find plenty of relatable, low-overhead opportunities on the platform.
First-Time Sellers If you’re new to business exits, Acquire.com is designed with beginners in mind . Its education-focused platform includes:
Step-by-step listing wizards Valuation and pricing tools Templates for NDAs, LOIs, and contracts Access to customer success advisors and escrow support It’s one of the most accessible places for entrepreneurs making their first digital business sales .
Platform Strengths and Key Advantages Acquire.com isn’t just another marketplace—it’s tailored for digital entrepreneurs. Here are the core strengths that make it stand out:
1. Verified Buyer Network With over $2 billion in verified buyer funds , Acquire.com attracts serious, acquisition-ready investors. This means:
Less spam and fewer tire-kickers.Higher-quality conversations between buyers and sellers.A better chance of closing deals quickly and at fair value. Each buyer on the platform undergoes a verification process to ensure they’re financially qualified, which adds a layer of security and trust for sellers.
2. Built for SaaS and Digital Businesses Acquire.com understands the digital landscape—and it shows. The platform focuses on high-demand, easily transferrable business models such as:
SaaS (55.7% of listings) – Ideal for their scalability and monthly recurring revenue.E-commerce (31.8%) – Especially DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) brands and Amazon FBA stores.Digital Products & Content Websites – From online courses to niche blogs and membership sites. These businesses align with the type of assets digital buyers want: scalable, systematized, and tech-enabled.
3. Streamlined End-to-End Acquisition Workflow From listing your business to closing the deal, Acquire.com simplifies each step. The platform provides:
Listing optimization tools to attract the right buyers.NDA gating that protects sensitive information.Matchmaking algorithms to connect you with ideal buyers.Secure messaging systems to keep discussions in one place.Integrated Escrow.com services to ensure safe fund transfers. This workflow minimizes the need for third-party support for sellers. It makes it easier for buyers to assess and act on promising opportunities quickly.
4. Excellent Support for First-Time Sellers Even if you’ve never sold a business before, Acquire.com makes the process approachable with several built-in resources:
Step-by-step listing wizards to help you craft a compelling, data-backed listing.Valuation tools to ensure your pricing is fair and competitive.Dedicated customer success managers who guide you through each stage.Exposure to a network of 500,000+ vetted buyers .Access to legal templates and negotiation advice to avoid pitfalls. Additionally, for SaaS businesses earning over $100,000 in annual revenue , Acquire offers a “ Guided by Acquire ” service —a premium, white-glove program that provides:
Hands-on coaching Direct matchmaking with serious buyers Assistance with due diligence and deal closing This hybrid of automation and personal support makes the platform suitable even for entrepreneurs without M&A experience.
5. Clean and Intuitive User Interface Acquire.com receives high marks on Product Hunt, G2, and other review platforms for its:
User-friendly design Easy onboarding Responsive interface Whether you’re a technical founder or a first-time buyer, the platform’s simplicity reduces the learning curve and enhances your confidence in navigating business acquisitions or exits.
Drawbacks and Limitations While Acquire.com offers a streamlined, founder-friendly marketplace for buying and selling digital businesses , it’s not without its challenges. Certain aspects of the platform may fall short depending on your business type, budget, or expectations for support. Below are key limitations to keep in mind when considering Acquire.com:
1. High Listing Fees for Sellers Unlike other platforms like Flippa (which uses an auction-style model with lower upfront costs) or Empire Flippers (which works on a success-based commission model), Acquire.com charges sellers a significant upfront fee to list their business.
Pricing Tiers : Listing fees can start from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the service tier you choose (Standard vs. Premium options like “Guided by Acquire”).No Guarantee of Sale : These fees are non-refundable, meaning you pay even if your business doesn’t sell.Impact on Small Sellers : This model may feel cost-prohibitive for smaller businesses or bootstrapped founders, especially if the business isn’t generating high monthly revenue. Summary : The upfront cost structure may deter smaller sellers who can’t justify the investment without a guaranteed outcome.
2. More Focused on Startups, Less on Mature Brands Acquire.com is tailored primarily for tech-driven startups, SaaS ventures, and digital-first businesses with growth potential. While this is a strong match for many founders in the tech and online space, it does pose limitations for buyers or sellers seeking more established, stable businesses.
Startup-Centric Listings : Many businesses listed are still in the early stages, meaning they may have lower revenue, shorter operating histories, or higher risk.Less Emphasis on Long-Term Profitability : If you’re looking for well-established brands with years of cash flow history , platforms like Empire Flippers , FE International Quiet Light Due Diligence Challenges : Unlike broker-led platforms, Acquire.com is DIY-focused, and mature businesses may require deeper financial vetting and operational analysis than the platform currently facilitates. Summary : Acquire.com excels with younger, high-growth companies—but may fall short for buyers or sellers dealing with legacy businesses or those prioritizing stability over scalability.
3. Limited Pre-Verification of Listings One of Acquire.com’s core value propositions is its self-serve model—which reduces friction and makes listing easy. However, this ease of access comes at the cost of rigorous listing verification.
Only ~46% of listings are pre-vetted or verified , meaning over half of the businesses available on the platform haven’t undergone formal review.Buyer Responsibility : Acquire.com encourages buyers to conduct their own due diligence, which is crucial but may be a hurdle for inexperienced acquirers.Risk of Incomplete or Inaccurate Listings : Some listings may lack detailed financials, omit important operational information, or overstate business performance—especially if the seller is inexperienced or overly optimistic. While premium features and the “Guided by Acquire” service offer more support, the base-level experience leans heavily on buyer discretion .
Summary : While Acquire.com provides tools and templates, the burden of vetting businesses still falls largely on the buyer—raising potential risks, especially with unverified listings.
Side-by-Side Comparison With Flippa and Empire Flippers Choosing the right platform to buy or sell a digital business depends on your goals, business type, and desired level of support. This side-by-side comparison breaks down the key differences between Acquire.com, Flippa, and Empire Flippers to help you decide which fits best.
Feature Acquire.com Flippa Empire Flippers Business Focus SaaS, Startups, E-commerce Websites, Domains, Apps, Blogs Established, profitable businesses Verification Moderate (46% approval rate) Lower verification standards High vetting and financial verification Fees High upfront listing fee Auction and success fees Commission-based (up to 15%) Buyer Network Curated, $2B+ in verified buyer funds Open to all Pre-vetted serious buyers Support Dedicated advisors, seller tools, “Guided by Acquire” DIY listings, optional broker support Full-service with assigned brokers Best For SaaS founders, digital startups, fast exits Side projects, domains, small e-commerce stores Large exits, passive income assets
Top Performing Business Types on Acquire.com Acquire.com is tailored to the modern digital entrepreneur, which is reflected in the types of businesses that perform best on the platform. From scalable software to niche e-commerce stores, here’s a breakdown of the business models that consistently attract buyer interest and command strong valuations.
1. SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) Businesses SaaS businesses dominate Acquire.com’s marketplace , making up approximately 55.7% of all listings . This heavy representation isn’t accidental—SaaS’s highly desirable business characteristics drive it:
Recurring Revenue Models : Monthly or annual subscription billing ensures predictable cash flow and reduces churn.High Scalability : Software products can serve thousands of users with minimal additional cost, making them attractive to growth-minded buyers.Attractive Profit Margins : SaaS businesses can generate significant profits with low operational overhead once development costs are covered. Popular examples include:
CRM and sales tools Marketing automation platforms Subscription-based productivity apps Vertical SaaS targeting specific industries (e.g., legal, fitness, real estate) Internal tools that became commercial products Because of their built-in revenue and growth potential, SaaS businesses tend to sell faster and for higher multiples compared to other digital business types.
2. E-commerce Stores E-commerce is the second-largest category , representing 31.8% of listings on Acquire.com. Buyers are particularly interested in online stores that are:
Niche Dropshipping Stores : These require minimal inventory management and can be scaled quickly with performance marketing.Amazon FBA Businesses : Trusted fulfillment and customer service through Amazon make FBA stores appealing for hands-off ownership.Brands Using 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) : E-commerce companies that outsource fulfillment to trusted logistics providers reduce operational complexity—making them ideal acquisition targets. What makes these businesses valuable on Acquire.com is their potential for automation, branded assets, and customer retention strategies (e.g., email funnels and loyalty programs). Buyers often look for systems already in place that can be optimized rather than starting from scratch.
3. Digital Product Businesses Digital product businesses are a rising star on Acquire.com, and for good reason. These businesses often sell:
Online courses and coaching programs Downloadable templates (e.g., resumes, design kits) Software licenses or digital tools Educational products and membership sites What makes them attractive is their low overhead —once the product is created, it can be sold infinitely with little to no cost of goods sold (COGS). Profit margins can be exceptionally high, and if combined with a strong personal brand or email list, these businesses can scale with minimal ongoing input.
Buyers also appreciate these businesses’ passive nature , especially when paired with automated sales funnels and evergreen content marketing.
4. Content Websites While content websites only represent around 1.2% of Acquire.com listings , they can perform exceptionally well—especially in evergreen niches . These include:
Finance (personal finance, investing, budgeting) Software reviews and affiliate roundups Productivity, remote work, and career blogs Health and wellness sites with SEO authority These websites often generate revenue through affiliate marketing , display advertising , or sponsored content . The key selling points are:
Consistent organic traffic (via SEO)Diverse income streams Low operating costs Established domain authority Though not as scalable as SaaS or productized e-commerce, content websites attract buyers seeking semi-passive income and long-term SEO value.
Support for First-Time Sellers Selling a digital business can be a complex process. From pricing your company to managing buyer conversations and ensuring a secure transaction, multiple moving parts can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. Acquire.com addresses these challenges head-on with a robust suite of tools, resources, and expert support explicitly tailored for first-time sellers .
Here’s how the platform makes the exit process smoother, more efficient, and less stressful:
Support Feature Description Listing Wizard Step-by-step guidance on preparing your listing and syncing metrics Customer Success Team Personalized support for pricing, negotiating, and navigating escrow Valuation Tools Market trend-based tools to estimate value and guide listing price Legal/Financial Tools Templates and advisors for NDAs, LOIs, and contracts Marketing Exposure Multi-channel exposure to over 500,000+ buyers (source ) Escrow Support Secure transactions through Escrow.com with zero hidden fees
Learn more about the support center here , or subscribe to Acquire.com’s newsletter to stay updated on the latest listings, tips, and seller tools.
Best Practices When Using Acquire.com While Acquire.com provides a strong foundation with tools, resources, and support, your success on the platform ultimately depends on how strategically you use them. Sellers and buyers alike should approach each step with clarity, preparation, and due diligence. Following best practices can help you close faster, avoid common pitfalls, and get the most value from your transaction.
Perform Your Own Due Diligence : Not all businesses are thoroughly verified, so request analytics, customer metrics, and financial statements.Use the Free Valuation Tools : Don’t guess your listing price—leverage their built-in calculators.Keep Communication Clear : Use the NDA-secured messaging system to clarify expectations early.Escrow is Non-Negotiable : Always use Escrow.com for payment protection and closing the deal safely.Tap Into Guided Services if you’re a profitable SaaS founder. The added visibility and expert support is worth it. So, Is Acquire.com Worth It in 2025? Wondering if Acquire.com is the right fit in 2025? This quick breakdown highlights who will benefit most from the platform—and who might be better off exploring other options.
YES, If: You’re selling a scalable startup, SaaS business, or e-commerce store. You’re a buyer looking for tech-focused assets with recurring income. You value a broker-free, streamlined experience with powerful support tools. NO, If: You’re selling a traditional or long-standing brick-and-mortar business. You want a highly curated vetting and verification system. You’re on a tight budget and can’t justify listing fees. Conclusion In 2025, Acquire.com will remain a powerful platform for buying and selling digital businesses—especially for SaaS founders, indie hackers, and startup entrepreneurs seeking a streamlined, self-serve marketplace. While its upfront listing fees and DIY approach may not suit every seller, the verified buyer network, excellent support tools, and focus on scalable, high-growth assets make it a top-tier option for digital acquisitions.
Want to boost your online business’s value before selling? Softlist.io can help you with insights, tools, and comparisons that empower smarter digital business decisions. Feel free to share this guide with fellow founders or buyers considering a digital business acquisition.
FAQs What happens after a business is acquired on Acquire.com? After acquisition, the buyer and seller typically transition assets such as domain names, codebases, customer lists, and operations. This is done securely using Escrow.com and often includes a handover period where the seller supports the buyer in understanding the business.
How much does Acquire.com Premium cost, and what are the benefits? Acquire.com Premium starts at $390 per year for buyers, giving access to exclusive listings, instant deal flow, advanced filters, and priority customer support. For sellers, Premium services like “Guided by Acquire” can range from $1,000 to several thousand dollars , depending on deal complexity.
What platforms are similar to Acquire.com for buying and selling businesses? Platforms similar to Acquire.com include Flippa (for domains, small sites, and starter stores), Empire Flippers (for vetted, high-value businesses), FE International, and Motion Invest , each with different levels of support, fees, and buyer types.
How do I prepare my business for sale on Acquire.com? Before listing, organize your financial records , growth metrics , and operational processes . Use Acquire.com’s listing wizard and valuation tools, and ensure your business is documented with proof of revenue, customer churn, and tech stack details.
Can I negotiate directly with buyers or sellers on Acquire.com? Yes, Acquire.com often supports direct messaging between buyers and sellers after NDA approval. This enables both parties to negotiate price, terms, and handover structure without a broker, making deals faster and more transparent.
