What is a SaaS exit and how can you prepare for a SaaS Exit? This is one of the topics that has been extensively discussed on the Grow Your B2B podcast, with an in-depth coverage by Nathan Latka, Thomas Smale and Andrew Gazdecki. In this podcast episode, Dirk Sahlmer, the head of origination at the SaaS group, shared valuable insights on preparing SaaS companies for successful exits. With 17 acquisitions under their belt, the SaaS group has established itself as a key player in the industry, focusing on acquiring SaaS companies with a bootstrapper mindset and driving their growth. Dirk's journey into M&A began with a background in engineering and co-founding a company, eventually leading him to his current role as head of origination at the SaaS group. His extensive experience and expertise in the industry have equipped him with unique perspectives on preparing SaaS companies for exits.

Watch on YouTube:

Key Timecodes

• (0:37) Show and guest intro

• (1:28) Why you should listen to Dirk Sahlmer

• (2:05) Dirk’s definition of what bootstrapping is

• (2:55)  What an Exit is according to Dirk

• (4:30)  How Dirk evaluates a company. Is Multiples a factor?

• (6:11) The Key Elements Founders Should Have in Place When Preparing for an Exit

• (7:30)  Understanding the exit process

• (9:18)  What role does a Letter of Intent (LOI) play in the exit process?

• (10:39) The common mistakes founders or companies make during an exit process?

• (12:26) The ideal place to have your numbers

• (13:52) What companies and founders should do to get a higher valuation during an exit process. 

• (18:48) The future of acquisitions in SaaS

• (21:56) How to grow towards 10K MRR

• (23:17) How to grow towards 10 million ARR

• (25:03) Dirk’s crucial advice to B2B SaaS founders