What can you learn from someone who has acquired 21 businesses? In this special episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause speaks with Dirk Sahlmer, a former mechanical engineer who has transformed into a serial SaaS acquirer and a prominent figure in the world of mergers and acquisitions. Dirk shares his remarkable journey from the engineering field to becoming a key player in the SaaS and tech acquisition space.
You will hear about Dirk’s transition from his early engineering career into the world of SaaS and M&A, detailing how he and his team went from acquiring one business a year to managing multiple acquisitions annually. The conversation explores essential insights into funding strategies—whether for established business owners or those looking to make their first acquisition—and dives into the complexities of merging multiple businesses under a single umbrella, including why merging isn’t always the ideal strategy.
This episode offers a deep dive into the strategies behind building a conglomerate or holding company for software businesses. From growth and retention to the nuances of SaaS acquisitions, Dirk’s wealth of experience provides valuable advice for scaling SaaS businesses.
Hit the ‘Play’ button to tune in!
Episode Highlights
02:00 Dirk’s journey into SaaS acquisitions
05:20 Type of businesses Dirk acquiring
14:40 How to raise funds for acquisition?
21:40 How to source deals?
29:30 How acquire and merger a business?
Key Takeaways
➥ For beginners in SaaS acquisitions, starting with smaller, cash-based acquisitions can minimize financial risks and establish credibility.
➥ Acquiring businesses with proven product-market fit, steady revenue, and low operational complexity often yields better results than turnaround or speculative projects.
➥ When seeking bank financing for online businesses, it’s often better to show numbers rather than explaining the model. Using seller financing (aiming for around 20-30%) can be beneficial as it reduces upfront costs and demonstrates seller confidence in the business.
About The Guest
Dirk Sahlmer was a mechanical engineer, now Saas deal hunter and acquirer. He shares insights on Saas, M&A, strating, scaling and existing software businesses.
Connect with Dirk Sahlmer
➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirksahlmer/
➥ https://www.saas.wtf/
Resource Links
➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/
➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com
➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/
➥ Motion Invest (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO
➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV
➥ Active Campaign (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3DCwYQH
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➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE
➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve
➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO
➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR
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