When to sell your startup?

From the very beginning of his thinking and his activity, the informed manager must think about selling his startup. Because it is at the peak of its form, at the peak of its profitability that potential buyers are likely to jostle each other.

Our tips for selling your startup

This is the way the business world is. Especially in emerging markets and new technologies. While profitability is only just beginning to take hold, you must already be ready to sell your startup. As long as you have prepared the transfer well in advance, it is the best way for the manager to generate cash. How to prepare to find the best opportunities and get the best offer?

5 tips to sell your startup

1. Choose a promising market

Obviously, growth markets offer the greatest chance of acquisition in the near future. On the contrary, creating a product in a relatively stable market considerably reduces your chances of transfer. If you have not yet developed products or ideas, look for growth areas. Look for innovations and think “disruptively”. This can be “made in France”, clean tech, artificial intelligence, food tech, urban mobility, etc.

2. Build your reputation

If you come out of nowhere in a market where no one expects you to be, you need to build your credibility. To show the world that you know the sector in which you launch your business. How do you do that? By keeping a blog, writing white papers, speaking at conferences, etc. As you go along, try to get published in more prestigious magazines, contact journalists for interviews… In a few months, you will be perceived as an expert in your field. And your startup will naturally be associated with your name.

Read also: Transferring your company before it’s too late

3. Do not neglect public relations

Press and public relations follow from the previous point. Beyond building your image, it is necessary to build the story of your company. To lay out the unique selling points of your products. Strong PR attracts and keeps your customers interested, creates brand buzz and establishes customer contacts. To create an automated sales funnel that can be summarized as: attract, consider, and convert. This is where a well built website, a solid content strategy and community management make all the difference.

4. Do not underestimate the power of the network

We say it often. A manager will usually sell his startup to someone he knows. Professional networking events are an opportunity to meet other founders. And maybe they have the means and the interest to acquire your company. They may know someone who is interested in your product or market. They may tell their connections about you because they have met you and know the value of your products.

5. Recognize when to sell your startup

The biggest mistake founders make is trying to sell when the market is lagging or when their business is not doing well. You will only get a good price when you have a profitable product that benefits your buyer. Don’t give up on your potential for growth and innovation just because you think you can sell soon.

Read also: How to successfully transfer your business?

Is it time to sell your startup? Ask the experts at Actoria, a team of professionals specialized in business transfers.