Podcasts about fe international

In this special episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause sits down with Michael Frew, M&A advisor at WebStreet (formerly Empire Flippers Capital), to answer those exact questions—and more. Michael’s journey is a masterclass in strategic growth: from buying his first Amazon affiliate site to managing a multi-eight-figure portfolio of digital businesses across SaaS, e-commerce, content, and ad-based models. With a background in business, economics, and over 20 years in software development, Michael brings a rare blend of technical and financial insight into what makes a great acquisition—and what to avoid at all costs. In this episode, you will learn: How do you assess your budget and decide the right entry point for buying a business? Why can some deal structures kill a deal, and what works better? What did Michael’s multiple acquisitions teach him about risk, leverage, and operational focus? The evolving role of AI in online business—and whether it’s a threat, an opportunity, or both. Packed with insights from someone who’s seen it all, this episode is essential for first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Now, let’s dive in! Episode Highlights 05:00 What Does It Mean to Buy an Online Business? 08:25 Challenges Faced When Buying Your First Online Business 14:50 Financing Your First Business Purchase 21:00 Lessons Learned from Multiple Acquisitions 27:30 Systems and Automation for Business Growth 32:40 Adding Value After Acquisition 38:00 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Business Acquisition Key Takeaways ➥ Buying an online business offers a shortcut to entrepreneurship with established revenue streams and growth potential. ➥ Conducting thorough due diligence and evaluating financials are critical to making a successful online business acquisition. ➥ Acquiring multiple businesses diversifies risk and increases cash flow by expanding your revenue sources. ➥ Learning from multiple acquisitions helps streamline processes, identify successful strategies, and integrate businesses efficiently. ➥ Effective delegation and building a strong team are key to managing multiple businesses successfully. About Michael Frew Michael Frew is the M&A advisor for Webstreet which was formerly Empire Flippers Capital. He received his B.S. and MBA in Business and Economics while studying in China, Hong Kong & The Netherlands, as well as several post-graduate information security certifications.Having been a successful software developer and consultant for two decades, he pivoted to collaborating with other developers on small side projects to help them gain traction and grow their bootstrapped businesses. This led to a deep dive into the niche world of digital business M&A. What started with the acquisition of a small Amazon Affiliate site led to managing an eight-figure portfolio of e-commerce, SaaS, content, and advertising businesses a decade later. Michael's business acquisition insights have been featured in dozens of media outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers. Connect with Michael Frew ➥ https://www.michaelfrew.com ➥ https://content.devdrivenacquisitions.com Resource Links ➥ Connect with Jaryd Krause - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause ➥ Cloud Ways (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/40tjyjG ➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM ➥ Market Muse (Content Marketing Software) - https://bit.ly/3Me39L0

In this podcast episode of Entrepreneurship Lab, my guest is  Michael Frew, a technology veteran with 20+ years of experience working with major players like Lockheed Martin, IBM, and Amazon.  Transitioning to Acquisition Entrepreneurship, Michael now manages an 8-figure  portfolio of cloud-based software companies, generating a 7-figure annual income. His expertise in digital business acquisitions and operations has earned him recognition in outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers.   In this interview, he shares with us his insight on acquiring IT businesses with all its advantages but also mistakes to avoid.   Enjoy the episode and implement the tips to make your business more successful!     Don't forget to subscribe, download and share this episode!

Michael Frew worked for two decades as an engineer, developer, and software architect on hundreds of consulting engagements with corporations including Lockheed Martin's Artificial Intelligence Labs, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, and FireEye/Mandiant. He received his B.S. and MBA in Business and Economics while studying in China, Hong Kong, and The Netherlands, as well as several postgraduate information security certifications. Following his corporate career, Michael pivoted to Acquisition Entrepreneurship, acquiring software/SaaS companies, and using his boot-strapped funds to purchase multiple 6 and 7-figure businesses from brokers such as Empire Flippers, FE International, and Quiet Light Brokerage. Currently, Michael manages a growing 8-figure portfolio of cloud-based software companies, collectively generating a 7-figure pre-tax income annually. Michael's insights on digital business acquisitions and operations have been featured in dozens of media outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers. Interview Links: Michael Frew's website: https://www.michaelfrew.com/. Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter: The Wealth Dojo: https://subscribe.wealthdojo.ai/ Download all the Niches Trilogy Books: The 21 Best Cashflow Niches Digital: ⁠⁠https://www.cashflowninjaprograms.com/the-21-best-cashflow-niches-book⁠⁠ Audio: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/21-best-cashflow-niches⁠ The 21 Most Unique Cashflow Niches Digital: ⁠⁠https://www.cashflowninjaprograms.com/the-21-most-unique-cashflow-niches⁠⁠ Audio: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/21-most-unique-niches⁠ The 21 Best Cash Growth Niches Digital: ⁠https://www.cashflowninjaprograms.com/the-21-best-cash-growth-niches⁠⁠ Audio: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/21-cash-growth-niches Listen To Cashflow Ninja Podcasts: Cashflow Ninja ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cashflowninja⁠ Cashflow Investing Secrets ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cashflowinvestingsecrets⁠ Cashflow Ninja Banking ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cashflow-ninja-banking⁠ Connect With Us: Website: http://cashflowninja.com Podcast: http://resetinvestingsecrets.com Podcast: http://cashflowinvestingsecrets.com Podcast: http://cashflowninjabanking.com Substack: https://mclaubscher.substack.com/ Amazon Audible: https://a.co/d/1xfM1Vx Amazon Audible: https://a.co/d/aGzudX0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cashflowninja/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mclaubscher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflowninja/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cashflowninja Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mclaubscher/ Gab: https://gab.com/cashflowninja Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/Cashflowninja Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-329875 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cashflowninja/message

Michael Frew is a technology veteran with 20+ years of experience working with major players like Lockheed Martin, IBM, and Amazon. Transitioning to Acquisition Entrepreneurship, Michael now manages an 8-figure portfolio of cloud-based software companies, generating a 7-figure annual income. His digital business acquisitions and operations expertise has earned him recognition in outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers. Stay tuned for insights from Michael's remarkable journey in today's episode! How to view SaaS multiples? Why Jobs can be a lifesaver - he quit 3 jobs… Where to get financing in 2024 There are better buyers than me…   Sponsors: Ampleo: The Go-To Source for Financial Due Diligence https://lp.ampleo.com/transaction-advisory   Ready to level up? Join the Let's Buy a Business Community https://lets-buy-a-business.circle.so/checkout/lets-buy-a-business-community   Use Code: Founder24 for 30% forever and a free 1:1 call with me.   How to Buy Your First Small Business through Acquisition Entrepreneurship https://letsbuyabusiness.com/course

186. FE International | Thomas Smale began his career in the early 2000s when he began building and selling small online companies. This turned into a full-time career when he founded FE International in 2010, growing the business with zero funds from the ground up and consistently doubling annual revenue, as well as the average deal size.   *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & the Fabulous 4 Questions on this episode visit our website: Thomas Smale Interview. ***   Got land you want to sell? Well if you're in North Carolina then check out: Bubba Land North Carolina.

From the SaaStock USA 2023 Stage, Thomas Smale (Founder and CEO of global M&A advisory firm FE International) shares what he's learned from more than $1 billion in closed deals. Thomas shares: - Behind-the-scenes insights into which business models lead to the biggest exit prices - The business types that are most popular with buyers - How you can build a high-value business poised for a smooth exit and more! --- Check out the other ways SaaStock is serving SaaS founders

Wendi Whitmore, SVP and Head of Unit 42 at Palo Alto Networks, joins to discuss the cybersecurity threat landscape so far this year. Thomas Smale, CEO of FE International, discusses the potential for an M&A rebound in 2024. Robert Schein, Managing Director and Partner at Blanke Schein Wealth Management, joins to talk about markets, investing, and when the Fed may cut rates this year. Zoe Peden, Partner at Ananda Impact Ventures, discusses backing startups in health, nature, and biotech as Goldman Sachs recently raised $650 million for investing in life sciences startups. Geetu Sharma, founder and investment manager at AlphasFuture, joins to discuss markets and sectors to watch. Ron Sanchez, Chief Investment Officer at Fiduciary Trust International joins to discuss the markets and his investment outlook.  Hosted by John Tucker and Molly Smith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy.  Join us as we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of a seasoned professional, exploring the mechanics of business acquisitions and the lucrative Software as a Service (SaaS) landscape. Discover the unique strategies and personal experiences shared by Michael Frew, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike.   Key Points From This Episode:  Progress in the acquisition strategy by continuous learning and adaptation with each new opportunity. Exploring the preference for businesses targeting engineering teams, providing tools and utilities that cater to the needs of technical professionals. Discussing the advantages of investing in online businesses, such as higher cash flow compared to traditional investments like real estate. Insights into tax benefits, depreciation, and appreciation unique to the online business space. Acknowledging the valuable lessons learned from acquisitions that didn't go as planned, emphasizing the importance of failure in entrepreneurial growth. Drawing parallels with Warren Buffett's investment philosophy, adopting a meticulous approach to acquisitions with a limited number of strategic investments. Demystifying Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses, highlighting the recurring revenue model and the appeal of acquiring companies in this space. Hands-on approach to business operations, especially in the realm of SAS companies, where a deep understanding of engineering needs remains crucial.   Follow Paul Thompson • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulthompson-onecallcapital/ • Website | https://pauldavidthompson.com • Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pauldavidthompson Resources:  www.michaelfrew.com - Michael's Personal Website www.PaulDavidThompson.com - Real estate resources, past episodes, and information on my mastermind   I want to help you achieve financial and personal freedom. Check out THIS link for some valuable resources Click for a FREE WEBINAR to learn about your 12% ROI. If you're ready to take action now, let's hop on a CALL now! About Today's Guest: Michael Frew is a seasoned technology veteran boasting over two decades of experience collaborating with industry giants such as Lockheed Martin, IBM, and Amazon. In a bold shift towards Acquisition Entrepreneurship, Michael has successfully navigated the digital landscape, overseeing an impressive 8-figure portfolio of cloud-based software companies. This strategic move has resulted in a consistent 7-figure annual income. Michael's proficiency in digital business acquisitions and operational management has not gone unnoticed. He has gained recognition in esteemed outlets such as FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers.

Did you know there is a shortcut to having a profitable online business?Welcome to the 103rd episode of The Growth Booth Podcast, a show focused on supporting budding entrepreneurs and established business owners alike, towards achieving lifestyle freedom through building successful online businesses.In this episode, Aidan is joined by Sophie Howard to talk about buying existing businesses to fast-track your online business profits and growing your investment portfolio. Tune in as we talk about the types of businesses you can buy, the risks to consider, and how you can further grow existing income rates of potential businesses.Whether you're looking for step-by-step strategies to start building an online business, simple game plans to grow your business, or proven lifestyle freedom frameworks, you're in the right place.Stay tuned and be sure to join the thousands of listeners already in growth mode!Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:28 A Passive Income Stream Online07:45 Scales of Businesses12:50 Why Would Someone Sell A Profitable Business?14:30 Episode Sponsor15:00 Risks To Consider20:57 Types of Businesses to Buy26:24 Process of Buying32:29 Sophie's Book "Freedom Navigator"36:33 OutroLinks and Resources Mentioned:Float Hosting - https://thegrowthbooth.com/floatFreedom Navigator by Sophie Howard - https://thegrowthbooth.com/sophieFlippa - https://flippa.com/ Empire Flippers - https://empireflippers.com/ Quiet Light - https://quietlight.com/ FE International - https://feinternational.com/ About Our Host:Aidan Booth is passionate about lifestyle freedom and has focused on building online businesses to achieve this since 2005. From affiliate marketing to eCommerce, small business marketing to SAAS (software as a service), online education to speaking at seminars, the journey has been a rollercoaster ride with plenty of thrills along the way. Aidan is proud to have helped thousands of entrepreneurs earn their first dollar online, and coached many people to build million-dollar businesses. Aidan and his business partner (Steven Clayton) are the #1 ranked vendors on Clickbank.com, and sell their products in over 100 countries globally, as well as in 20,000+ stores across the USA, to generate 8-figures annually.Away from the online world, Aidan is a proud Dad of two young kids, an avid investor, a swimming enthusiast, and a nomadic traveler. Let's Connect! ●  Visit the website: https://thegrowthbooth.com/ ●  Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aidanboothonline ●  Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidanboothonline/ ●  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthBooth Thanks for tuning in! Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Michael Frew is the Owner and Operator of multiple 7-figure companies and a digital business acquisitions and operations expert. He's formerly a multi million-dollar producer and managed over 200 Consulting Engagements in his career as a Software Architect and Cybersecurity Consultant with corporations including IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, and Mandiant. He received his B.S. and MBA in Business and Economics while studying in China, Hong Kong & The Netherlands, as well as, several post-graduate information security certifications. Having been a successful software developer and consultant for two decades, he pivoted to collaborating with other developers on small side projects to help them gain traction and grow their bootstrapped businesses. This led to a deep-dive into the niche world of digital business M&A. What started with the acquisition of a small Amazon Affiliate site, led to managing a eight-figure portfolio of e-commerce, SaaS, content, and advertising businesses a decade later. In 2023, he was selected by WebStreet to acquire and manage their inaugural SaaS/Software investment fund. Michael's business acquisition insights have been featured in dozens of media outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers. As an author, speaker, and consultant, he is on a mission to free engineers from the disillusionment of traditional employment and educate them on how digital acquisitions can be their next career evolution. *DISCLAIMER - We are not giving any financial advice. Please DYOR* (00:00 - 03:03) Opening Segment - Michael is introduced as the guest Hosts - Michael shares something interesting about himself (03:03 - 25:07) Framework for financing and acquiring online business - Why IT professionals should stop trying to start a business and buy a business instead. - What makes developers, engineers, and other technically experienced professionals excellent online business acquirers and operators. - Why investing ni online companies outperforms other asset classes. - The answers to the top four frequently asked questions about pursuing a career in online business acquisitions. (25:07 - 28:16) Fire Round - Michael shared if she would change his investment strategy - Michael also shares his favorite Finance, real estate book, or any related book - Also Michael shared about the website and tools that he can recommend - Michael's advice to beginner investors - Also shared how he gives back (28:16 - 30:46) Closing Segment -If you want to learn more about the discussion, you can watch the podcast on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Wealth Matter's YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and you can reach out to Alpesh using this ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Check us out at: Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wealthmatrs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @wealthmatrs.ig⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok: @wealthmatrs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Michael Frew worked for two decades as an engineer, developer, and software architect on hundreds of consulting engagements with corporations including Lockheed Martin's Artificial Intelligence Labs, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, and FireEye/Mandiant. He received his B.S. and MBA in Business and Economics while studying in China, Hong Kong, and The Netherlands, as well as several post-graduate information security certifications. Following his corporate career, Michael pivoted to Acquisition Entrepreneurship, acquiring software/SaaS companies, and using his boot-strapped funds to purchase multiple 6 and 7-figure businesses from brokers such as Empire Flippers, FE International, and Quiet Light Brokerage. Currently, Michael manages a growing 8-figure portfolio of cloud-based software companies, collectively generating a 7-figure pre-tax income annually. Michael's insights on digital business acquisitions and operations have been featured in dozens of media outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers. https://www.michaelfrew.com/weinvested/

Welcome to the Growing a B2B SaaS podcast, where we provide actionable advice on all aspects of growing a business-to-business software company. Whether it's customer success, sales, funding, bootstrapping, exits, or scaling, we've got you covered. In this episode, we'll dive into the topic of making your SaaS startup sellable and discuss the steps to selling your business successfully. Our special guest today is Thomas Smale, the founder and CEO of FE International, Inc, a tech-focused M&A advisory firm with an impressive track record of over 1 billion in closed transactions and more than 1200 deals completed worldwide. Getting Ready for an Acquisition Understanding the Path to Acquisition Thomas begins by emphasizing that the decision to sell a SaaS business should be considered early on in its journey. Once a business starts gaining traction, usually at around $1,000 monthly recurring revenue (MRR), founders should start thinking about their long-term goals. It's essential to be honest with oneself about what you want to achieve, whether it's building a billion-dollar valuation or a smaller, million-dollar valuation. Each path requires different strategies and efforts, and defining your goals early will help you align your business accordingly. Valuation Methods  Thomas explains that valuing a SaaS business is a complex process. While the most common approach is using precedent transactions (comparing the business to similar ones that have been sold), there are various valuation methodologies. These include discounted cash flow analysis (DCF) and multiples of revenue or profit. However, no single formula fits all businesses, and it's crucial to consider the specifics of each case to arrive at a fair valuation. Common Mistakes to Avoid  One of the most common mistakes SaaS founders make when preparing to sell is artificially inflating short-term profitability to improve valuation. This involves cutting costs or laying off staff to increase profit margins temporarily. Such tactics can backfire in the long run and are easily spotted by savvy buyers. Instead, focus on building a strong and sustainable business model with genuine profitability. Challenges in the Selling Process  One of the main challenges for founders is managing their expectations during the selling process. Unrealistic valuation goals can hinder the selling process, leading to wasted time and missed opportunities. Thomas advises being open to negotiations and realistic about the market value of your business. Additionally, founders sometimes try to handle the selling process themselves to save money, but this can result in suboptimal outcomes. Engaging an experienced M&A firm can lead to better deals and higher returns, making it a valuable investment. Key Timecodes (1:16) Why you should listen to Thomas (1:55) – What is M&A? (2:52) When should a SaaS founders consider acquiring themselves? (6:50) Different ways to value businesses. (8:27) The most common mistakes companies make before they try to sell their business or even while selling their business? (10:53) What are the most common challenges startups face while selling their business? (12:04) Set realistic expectations. (13:10) The acquisition process (17:41)– When to sell your SaaS (18:47) When to ask for help? (21:22)– 10k MRR advice (22:59)– Multi-Channel Marketing approach (26:36) 10million ARR Advice (27:33) What Thomas Wishes he knew 10years ago (30:00)– Get in touch with Thomas.

The image of a robust locomotive steadily traversing along a set of tracks paints a vivid picture of steadfast progress. The train, in its unwavering journey, reveals a strategic formula: the addition of more cars. This process, however, is a delicate one. Each car represents new passengers or freight, contributing to the growth and reach of the train. In much the same way, integrating a new locomotive can significantly enhance the power of the entire system. But, like the precision required in coupling the cars, a poorly executed addition can cause catastrophic derailments. This metaphor serves as a fitting parallel to the intricate process of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), which, when carried out with precision and foresight, can ensure successful growth.In the fiercely competitive realm of B2B SaaS, such precision in M&A is critical. Companies are constantly under pressure to evolve, expand, and innovate. M&As can become key strategic tools to extend product lines, capture greater market share, and streamline operations. When orchestrated effectively, these strategic integrations can give a company the necessary boost, akin to the train adding more cars. With this analogy in mind, we introduce Thomas Smale, CEO of FE International. Renowned for successfully navigating the convoluted world of M&As, Thomas has led countless founders, owners, and acquirers to success. His deep understanding of the complexities involved in M&As, combined with his rich experience, positions him as an invaluable advisor for businesses aiming for expansion.High Level Overview:Mergers and acquisitions can be an effective strategy for growth and expansion in the B2B SaaS industry, offering opportunities to increase market share and optimize operations.The M&A landscape has evolved, with smaller companies having access to top-tier talent that was previously unavailable, helping to drive industry growth and solidify its position in the market.Emotional aspects and unpredictable reactions from founders and decision-makers can pose challenges during M&A deals; employing an M&A firm can help maintain objectivity and keep negotiations on track.Retention and recruitment are crucial considerations during M&A transactions, as retaining key team members and keeping them happy plays a significant role in a successful deal.Press coverage of M&A deals can be misleading; it's essential to explore multiple options and speak with different M&A firms and potential acquirers when considering a sale.Thomas Smale's Advice to Avoid Tanking M&AMergers and acquisitions are important for businesses as they provide opportunities for growth, expansion, and increased market share. In the B2B SaaS industry, M&A deals can also lead to optimized operations and access to valuable talent. To ensure successful M&A transactions, Thomas Smale offers several insights on avoiding pitfalls that might blow apart a deal:Retain objectivity: Engaging an M&A firm can help mitigate the emotional aspects that may arise during a deal. These firms provide a neutral perspective, preventing emotions from clouding judgment and ensuring that negotiations remain focused on the best interests of both parties. This way, deals can progress smoothly and achieve the desired outcomes for all stakeholders involved.Prioritize retention and recruitment: Retaining key team members and keeping them happy is crucial to the success of a merger or acquisition. In the current market environment, finding and recruiting talent can be challenging, making it essential to prioritize employee satisfaction and engagement. By offering competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a positive work culture, you can secure the valuable talent needed for a successful M&A transaction.Manage attorney involvement: During M&A deals, conflicts may arise between attorneys who attempt to re-trade points or impose their views on the agreement. It's crucial to carefully manage attorney involvement and ensure that their input aligns with the best interests of the parties involved. Open communication and collaboration between attorneys and other stakeholders can help prevent unnecessary conflicts and keep the deal on track.Carefully consider M&A partners: Choosing the right M&A firm and process is critical to the success of a deal. Ensure that the firm you select aligns with your vision and values and offers a process that suits your needs. Explore multiple options and speak with different M&A firms and potential acquirers before making a decision. This will help you identify the best partner for your specific situation, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.By following Thomas Smale's advice, businesses can navigate the complexities of M&A transactions more effectively, avoiding potential pitfalls and setting themselves up for success. This approach can lead to better outcomes for both the acquiring and acquired companies, ultimately contributing to long-term growth and stability in the B2B SaaS industry.Further LearningsFollow Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.

If you are thinking about buying an online business, or improving the website you have, today's interview with Thomas Smale, the CEO of FE International is absolutely perfect for you. Thomas and his team are one of the industry leaders in the buying and selling website space, specializing in seven and eight figure deals. Today, Thomas is going to share his insights into: - Why content websites have become so valuable - The 3 forces driving online businesses in the last two years - Why small content sites get the broadest range of buyers - When to test and change the monetization of your website ... and much more. If you want to learn more, then register for our upcoming masterclass to learn the digital skills that started it all at: https://www.ebusinessinstitute.com.au/dip

Few claim to have done over 220 deals, but Mushfiq Sarker can.  Below is a summary of how Musfiq buys an existing website, improves it, and sells it for a profit. Here is a summary of the basic steps involved in flipping a website: Find a website to buy: Look for undervalued websites or with growth potential. You can use marketplaces like Flippa, Empire Flippers, or FE International to find websites for sale. Analyze the website: Look at its traffic, revenue, and expenses to determine if it's a good investment. You can use tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush to gather data about the website. Improve the website: Once you have bought the website, improve to increase its value. This can include optimizing content for SEO, improving the design, and adding new features. Build traffic and revenue: Use marketing techniques like SEO, content marketing, and social media to drive traffic to the website and increase its revenue. Sell the website: Once you have improved it and increased its value, it's time to sell it. List the website on a marketplace and provide potential buyers with all relevant information. Close the sale: Negotiate the price with potential buyers and complete the transaction once you agree. About Mushfiq Sarker Mushfiq is a prolific investor that buys, grows, and sells online businesses, specializing in content websites. He has done 220 website flips to date and several have resulted in 6-figure exits. He runs a free newsletter, The Website Flip, where he discusses growth case studies, guides, and shares sites for sale that anyone can purchase. Twitter LinkedIn ************ About the Show The How to Sell a Business Podcast combines nearly 30 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business. ************ For past guests, please visit https://www.howtosellabusinesspocast.com/ For show notes, go to:  Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Twitter: twitter.com/edmyso Instagram: instagram.com/howtosellabusinesspodcast Facebook: facebook.com/howtosellabusinesspodcast

Allison Williams, Senior Global Banks and Asset Managers Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, joins us to give us the latest on Credit Suisse and how a collapse could impact US and global markets/banking systems. Dana Telsey, CEO and Chief Research Officer at Telsey Group, joins to break down the latest retail sales numbers and consumer sentiment amid financial uncertainty. Herman Chan, Senior Analyst: US Regional Banks with Bloomberg Intelligence, joins the program to discuss Silicon Valley Bank, more potential bank runs, and what it all means for regional banks and the broader economy. Arnold Kakuda, Senior Financials Credit Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, joins to talk bank balance sheets and credit. Nick Stadtmiller, Head of Market Research for Medley Global Advisors, joins the program to discuss emerging markets and EMEA and how they're impacted by a potential Credit Suisse collapse, as well as SVB. Thomas Smale, CEO of FE International, joins the program to discuss M&A activity in the tech sector and how it's been affected by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Josh Chapman, Managing Partner at Konvoy, a Denver-based VS firm backing some of the fasting gaming startups worldwide, joins the show to discuss venture capital and the investment landscape post-SVB collapse. Hosted by Paul Sweeney, John Tucker and Kriti Gupta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When looking to exit through acquisition, what makes one SaaS company stand out from the others? The answer is...nothing definitively. It's all subjective, according to Thomas Smale, CEO and Founder of FE International, an M&A advisory firm. In this episode, Thomas and Lindsey discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a strong founder brand, common mistakes he sees companies make when positioning for an exit (like cutting the wrong expenses), and the "analysis paralysis" that prevents buyers from making an offer. Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmale/ Learn more about FE International: https://feinternational.com/ Connect with Lindsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseygroepper/ Learn more about BLASTmedia: https://www.blastmedia.com/

SaaS Fuel™ is joined this week by Thomas Smale, founder of FE International, a company that specializes in preparing businesses for acquisition. Tune in to learn more about the ins and outs of M&As from an industry expert.Episode SponsorChampion Leadership Group – https://championleadership.com/Navigating Success Together 2023 Virtual Event Key Takeaways1:48 The Beginnings of FE International 4:04 VC Investors vs M&A 5:29 What makes a business buyable? 7:23 Why do deals go unannounced? 9:47 What is success? 11:51 What your business should and shouldn't be tracking, and why 19:30 Planning the perfect exit strategy25:12 How owning a business has changed over the past decade 29:25 Planning the sale of a business 37:07 Finding the right buyer43:03 Which buyers win deals? Tweetable Quotes18:39 “The most important metrics to you will and should change over time, and if you're never changing them, then I would argue maybe you're not looking critically enough at your business.” 17:07 “In my experience, if you track too much, you lose sight of what's really important.” 37:07 “The most important thing is finding a buyer who is a good cultural or value-based match for you. And that's also why it's important to not just sell to the first company that approaches you – and why you should run a comprehensive M&A process. And what we often find, well, almost all the time, is that most people have a misconception that a business always sells to the highest bidder or the highest offer. That's not necessarily the case. Sellers will often sellTo who they like the most, or who they think is the best fit for taking over and running the business, and matches their goals as a founder.” Guest Resourceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmalehttps://twitter.com/ThomasSmale?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthorhttps://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjPkP-86pr8AhWKi8gKHdP_A4cYABABGgJxdQ&sig=AOD64_3VEf7W57D7b9DBqNFio55uOUzDUg&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwi7zPa86pr8AhXhmHIEHcJKDjEQ0Qx6BAgKEAESaaS Fuel ResourcesWebsite - https://championleadership.com/Jeff Mains on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkmains/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jeffkmainsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thesaasguy/Instagram - https://instagram.com/jeffkmainsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

In this episode of Startup Hustle, Andrew Morgans and Thomas Smale, CEO of FE International, talk about the process of preparing to sell your eCommerce brand. Learn everything you need to know about M and A, what to expect and how to properly prepare for a business exit.   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Equip-Bid: https://bit.ly/3EX4xi3   Learn more about FE International: https://feinternational.com/   Learn more about Marknology: https://www.marknology.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ismael is the Executive Chairman of FE International, the market leader in the sale of SaaS, E-commerce, and Content businesses. Over the past decade, Wrixen has overseen 1000+ successful acquisitions totaling more than half a billion dollars in value. Wrixen was also a (NACVA) 2018 40 Under 40 Award winner. Wrixen's previous background was in large-cap M&A investment banking, where he executed several high-profile public deals, namely in the technology sector.Founded in 2010, FE International is known for its extensive network of pre-qualified international investors. With headquarters in New York and regional offices in Miami, San Francisco, and London, FE is an international company serving clients worldwide. It was named one of The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies in 2021 and 2020 by The Financial Times and is also a two-time U.S. Inc. 5000 company.[00:01 - 11:35] Opening SegmentWelcoming Ismael back to the show2022 Midyear report from FE Internationalwww.firingtheman.com/FE2022Are people still buying businesses?[11:36 - 18:54] The Current State of the MarketDeals are taking longer to close due to the amount of due diligence required and the limited availability of capitalMitigating the effects of COVID on the marketBusinesses are being valued using four different models, which take into account past events and trendsWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GETIDAPromo code: FTM400[18:55 - 26:03] The Best Businesses to Market Are ResilientBuyers are more focused on customer acquisition costs and diversifying their sales channels than ever beforeBusinesses that have successfully made a pivot into diversifying their sales channels and using profitable advertising are more likely to attract buyers and receive higher multiplesThe Education funds: risk vs. reward[26:04 - 39:06] Aggregators Facing Earnout IssuesAggregators are becoming less relevant as private equity and institutional capital step back inAggregators often buy businesses quickly and without doing due diligence, which can lead to earnout issuesBrands are focusing on the long-term trend of moving towards pop platforms or Shopify-based businesses[38:24 - 44:19] Closing SegmentWho is a good fit for FE International to help out?The Fire RoundFinal wordsQuotes:"You don't wanna be buying a business where the economy can take a bit of a pause or a downturn and suddenly you're buying a business at X and you have to sell it to Y.” - Ismael Wrixen"I think the market is still very strong. I think that's the thing we try to get across and not just us saying that you know we're putting data behind that in terms of how much buyer demand there is out there." - Ismael Wrixen------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramResources MentionedGETIDAEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!  

Thomas Smale is the Founder and CEO of FE International. He is a serial business entrepreneur and M&A expert, having built the industry-leading firm in the $1-100M global technology sector. With experience dating back to the early 2000s, Smale offers invaluable technical, diligence and negotiation advice to early-stage and seasoned business owners alike, which has resulted in over 1,200 successful exits.Smale can be regularly found speaking at industry events where he enjoys meeting like-minded entrepreneurs and investors.Alongside his duties at FE International, Smale is a sought-after author and keynote presenter for leading industry events worldwide. He has been interviewed on top podcasts and blogs on a variety of topics, including business strategy, buying and selling businesses, negotiation tactics and more. He writes a business column regularly on entrepreneurship, growth, and business management for Entrepreneur.com and is a Young Entrepreneurs' Council member. Thank you Thomas for being on today's episode!

Post Purchase PRO Podcast - Episode Sixty - With Special Guest Thomas Smale Ceo & Founder of FE InternationalVisit Space Goat here : https://feinternational.comFollow Post Purchase PRO Follow us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/postpurchaseproFollow us on YouTub here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUBFListen to the podcast here: https://www.postpurchasepodcast.com

Your business's reputation is vital to its long-term success. And Thomas Smale is an expert in growing a brand from an idea to a multi-million dollar company. Thomas, founder and CEO of FE International, is a serial business entrepreneur and M&A expert. He's found that reputation is what makes businesses sink or swim. So what can you do to bring your business to peak performance? In this episode, Thomas shares his tips for building the right reputation, such as the importance of analyzing every transaction, how to build the right workplace culture, and why it's important to do the right thing.Show TopicsBuild a good reputationStrive for perfectionPick the right clientsDo your due diligence Invest back into your industry Don't depend on trendsBe intentional with workplace cultureLet people goDo the right thingFocus on one goalShow Links Check out FE InternationalFollow Thomas Smale on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)009: The Long Game Podcast: Building Communities, Teams and Companies through Marketing with Sabel Harris019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)028: Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

Thomas Smale is the CEO and Founder of FE International.  He and his team helps entrepreneurs sell their self funded and profitable businesses.  He is sharing the details of what it takes to work through the process for a successful and profitable business exit.In this episode we will cover:Types of businesses that can be soldEvaluation elements Our role as the M&ALength of Time to sell your businessIf you are interested in a free evaluation or want to learn more about industry you can go to our Website.   We are most active on Twitter and Linkedin.The Dream Bigger Conference is coming.   Text now to be on the text list at 832-225-3164 and text me the word EVENT for the details. Legalpreneur App is LIVE!  Now is a great time to join the Legalpreneur Membership!The 5-Day Legalpreneur Challenge is back! It is going to cover everything you need to know as a small business owner; this won't be just a surface level discussion like you get in this podcast, instead we are diving deep into all the knowledge you need to run your business. Remember to use code PODCAST for a special discount!Links: Andrea's Instagram Legalpreneur Instagram Website FacebookTwitter TikTokYouTubeDisclaimer: The Legalpreneur Podcast is advertising/marketing material. It is not legal advice. Please consult with your attorney on these topics. Copyright Legalpreneur Inc 2022-----

A deep-dive into the market for SaaS businesses with Thomas Smale, founder of leading SaaS brokerage FE International. Topics in Thomas's interview: Pros & cons of SaaS SaaS valuations SaaS vs. ecommerce Competing with private equity for SaaS deals Using an SBA loan to buy a SaaS business Micro-SaaS First-time buyers doing a career pivot by acquiring a business Most common mistake among first-time buyers Passive nature of online businesses SaaS products unlikely to go zero? Acquisition strategy: converting on-premise software to cloud Proprietary outreach to find SaaS sellers How economic climate is affecting SaaS valuations & multiples Ecommerce valuations & multiples Young ecommerce businesses - dangerous? Advice for first-timer buyers Reach Thomas at: @ThomasSmale LinkedIn Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Links & mentions:FE International

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Eggs! Today's special guest is the founder and CEO of FE International, Thomas Smale. FE International is a leading mergers and acquisitions firm dedicated to helping software and tech companies get maximum value from the sale of their business.Thomas founded FE International in 2010 with the aim of helping entrepreneurs running self-funded and profitable businesses exit. Since then, Thomas has built FE into an industry-leading M&A advisory for on to one-hundred million dollar technology businesses. With experience dating back to the early 2000s, Thomas offers invaluable technical, diligence, and negotiation advice to early-stage and seasoned business owners alike, which has resulted in over 1200 successful exits and more than a billion dollars in lifetime acquisitions.Joining us today for a conversation about the factors that make a business attractive to buyers, the hurdles entrepreneurs encounter when looking to scale their business, how business owners can position themselves for an acquisition, and so much more. Please join us in welcoming to the show, Thomas Smale.Our Guest:Thomas SmaleFounder and CEO of FE InternationalOfficial website: https://feinternational.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmale/----Credits:Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan RoghaarTheme music: "Perfect Day" by OPMThe Carton:https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggsThe Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:bit.ly/eggstunesThe Plugs:The Showeggscast.com@eggshow on twitter and instagramOn iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcherAlso available on Google Play Music!Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and infodjontic.com@djontic on twitterRyan Roghaarhttp://rogha.ar 

There are differences between online and offline businesses. Although similar, each has its own perks and disadvantages. It's easy to make changes immediately overnight with online businesses. However, when it comes to financing, online businesses often have a hard time getting funds and loans. Thomas Smale is an entrepreneur who founded FE International. He is an expert in growing a business, particularly in the field of online business like E-Commerce, SaaS, and Content businesses. FE International is a Mergers & Acquisitions advisor which focuses on helping owners buy and sell their businesses. Resources: FE International Site FE International Facebook Thomas Smale LinkedIn Fe International InstagramFE Intl Twitter

The sponsor for this week's episode is Founders Podcast.   David Senra, the host of Founders Podcast, is a biography-reading machine. If you don't have time to spend 40 hours reading the full-length biography of some gilded-age entrepreneur, listening to David's high-quality recap is the next best thing.   The Founders Podcast is a paid podcast that costs $99/year or $299 for lifetime access. Subscribing gives you access to more than 200 episodes including the back catalog with episodes about Anthony Bourdain, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elon Musk, and many more.   Visit founderspodcast.com to subscribe or listen to sample episodes. Topics:   (7:05) - Do you agree that a business is simply a nexus of contracts?   (9:07) - What is FE International?   (10:38) - What are some of the economics of being an M&A firm?   (13:12) - Do you have recurring customers or do people tend to only transact 1-2 businesses in their lives?   (15:07) - Do you think of FE as a professional services firm?   (16:33) - Did you bootstrap this business?   (19:38) - Building trust and reputation with both sides of the marketplace   (21:15) - What's your long-term vision for this business?   (23:34) - How did you come to start FE International?   (30:46) - Who are the people behind the businesses and the buyers?   (35:37) - How do you as an investor look at this variety of businesses and decide what to buy?   (48:33) - Thinking about different ways to create Alpha and what defines a “good deal”   (55:38) - How does an FE International Prospectus' differentiate from an ameteur?   (1:02:49) - Is there a massive database you've collected over the years?   (1:06:03) - How do you discuss valuations with sellers?   (1:08:12) - What would you say your multiples are for content businesses, SAAS and E-comm?   (1:17:09) - What percent of deals get publicly listed for sale vs. the private transactions?   (1:20:25) - The post-sale transition process   (1:23:18) - How do you monitor your buyer alumni and their success? Links:    FE International   FE International Whitepapers   Client Case Studies   Thomas on Twitter   Thomas on IG   Thomas on Facebook   Join our Fund at Rolling.Fun   Support our sponsor: founderspodcast.com          Other Episode You'll Like:   Andrew Finn: WaitButWhy and G64 C-Founder on How to Acquire a Free Company   Codie Sanchez: Drug Cartels, Vanguard, And Goldman Sachs       To support this costs of producing this podcast:  >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanak: www.navalmanack.com/  >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage  >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun >> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter >> Text the podcast to a friend >> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners  >> Name-your-price subscription monthly, annual, or one-time: https://app.omella.com/o/9Bufa  >> Follow me on Twitter: @ericjorgenson >> Get in touch about sponsoring this podcast by replying to an email or DMing me on Twitter. Important quotes from Naval on building wealth and the difference between wealth and money:   How to get rich without getting lucky. - Naval Ravikant   Making money is not a thing you do—it's a skill you learn. - Naval Ravikant   I came up with the principles in my tweetstorm (below) for myself when I was really young, around thirteen or fourteen. I've been carrying them in my head for thirty years, and I've been living them. Over time (sadly or fortunately), the thing I got really good at was looking at businesses and figuring out the point of maximum leverage to actually create wealth and capture some of that created wealth. - Naval Ravikant   Seek wealth, not money or status. - Naval Ravikant   Wealth is having assets that earn while you sleep. - Naval Ravikant   Money is how we transfer time and wealth. - Naval Ravikant   Ignore people playing status games. They gain status by attacking people playing wealth creation games.    You're not going to get rich renting out your time. You must own equity—a piece of a business—to gain your financial freedom.  - Naval Ravikant   The most important skill for getting rich is becoming a perpetual learner. You have to know how to learn anything you want to learn. The old model of making money is going to school for four years, getting your degree, and working as a professional for thirty years. But things change fast now. Now, you have to come up to speed on a new profession within nine months, and it's obsolete four years later. But within those three productive years, you can get very wealthy. - Naval Ravikant     Important quotes from the podcast by Naval on Leverage:   “Give me a lever long enough and a place to stand, and I will move the earth.”  —Archimedes    To get rich, you need leverage. Leverage comes in labor, comes in capital, or it can come through code or media. But most of these, like labor and capital, people have to give to you. For labor, somebody has to follow you. For capital, somebody has to give you money, assets to manage, or machines. - Naval Ravikant   Fortunes require leverage. Business leverage comes from capital, people, and products with no marginal cost of replication (code and media). - Naval Ravikant   Capital and labor are permissioned leverage. Everyone is chasing capital, but someone has to give it to you. Everyone is trying to lead, but someone has to follow you. - Naval Ravikant   Code and media are permissionless leverage. They're the leverage behind the newly rich. You can create software and media that works for you while you sleep. - Naval Ravikant   If you can't code, write books and blogs, record videos and podcasts. - Naval Ravikant   Leverage is a force multiplier for your judgment. - Naval Ravikant   Apply specific knowledge, with leverage, and eventually you will get what you deserve. - Naval Ravikant   “We live in an age of infinite leverage, and the economic rewards for genuine intellectual curiosity have never been higher. Following your genuine intellectual curiosity is a better foundation for a career than following whatever is making money right now.” - Naval Ravikant   Important Quotes from the podcast on Business and Entrepreneurship   There is no skill called “business.” Avoid business magazines and business classes. - Naval Ravikant   You have to work up to the point where you can own equity in a business. You could own equity as a small shareholder where you bought stock. You could also own it as an owner where you started the company. Ownership is really important.     Everybody who really makes money at some point owns a piece of a product, a business, or some IP. That can be through stock options if you work at a tech company. That's a fine way to start.    But usually, the real wealth is created by starting your own companies or even by investing. In an investment firm, they're buying equity. These are the routes to wealth. It doesn't come through the hours. - Naval Ravikant

FE International works with founders and business owners to value, exit plan and ultimately sell their businesses on the best terms. FE uses hundreds of thousands of internal data points, accumulated from over a decade of successful exits to market and position businesses to the right buyers from day one. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/business-of-software/message

This is Vested Capital episode 32, featuring Thomas Smale, the founder of FE International, a leading M&A firm.   I first interviewed Thomas 9 years ago (https://yaro.blog/11850/thomas-smale/).  At the time his company had helped to facilitate over $5 Million in deals. Now that number is over a billion dollars in business acquisitions.   I asked Thomas what led to the growth and how his team has expanded. We also talked about what business models leads to the biggest exit prices, what types of businesses are popular with buyers and more. Enjoy the podcast. Yaro Podcast: https://www.yaro.blog/pod/ Blog: https://www.yaro.blog/

Have you ever dreamed of running a location-independent business but don't want to be bogged down by the time and effort of building one from the ground up? Today I am joined by digital nomad, entrepreneur, and founder of buyingonlinebusinesses.com, Jaryd Krause, to explore how anyone can buy and grow a location-independent business. If you have ever considered traveling the world and running your own business, you are not going to want to miss this episode. Jaryd openly shares his wealth of knowledge including what types of businesses to consider, where to look for investment opportunities,  and how to properly vet a prospect. We also dive into some of his favorite places to travel, how to keep a healthy balance while working on the road and so much more.  What tips would you give to a first-time traveler? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. Don't forget that if you want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more. Click Here To Try Premium Passport For Only $1 and get: Access To The Zero To Travel Podcast Archives (300+ amazing episodes and growing)  One Bonus Episode Per Month (Decided By YOU) + Exclusive Content You Can't Hear Anywhere Else  Ask Me (Jason) Your Burning Questions, and Get A Personal Answer!  All Episodes Ad-Free (From April 2021 Onward) Today's episode is brought to you by the US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card, get 4 x the points on eating out and 2 x points for groceries, streaming services, gas, and EV pit stops. Visit usbank.com/altitudego to apply and learn how to earn 20,000 bonus points.  Tune In To Learn: Why traveling the world has shaped Jaryd's life When Jaryd decided to leave his job as a plumber for good and how he found balance in work and travel Advice for people who want to start traveling full time Conquering mindset and overcoming fears when buying an online business Why do people want to sell their businesses How to decide whether you should buy a business or start your own business 3 types of online businesses you can buy and how to decide what works best for you What financial investment is needed to purchase an online business Where to start the research and what questions to ask Do you need to be emotionally invested in the business you buy How to assemble the team and hire the skills needed to sustain and grow your business What is the process of due diligence when buying a business Best practices for building a sellable business Questions to ask yourself before making a purchase Why solo travel is important for personal growth The value in embracing boredom and creating space for yourself in daily life Jaryd's most life-changing trip and favorite places to travel And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card Check out the Buying Online Businesses website Get your copy of the Due Diligence Framework Recommended Website Brokers- Empire Flippers, Flippa, FE International, Quiet Light, Motion Invest Location Indie The Paradise Pack Want More? 5 Ways To Grow Your Location Independent Business With Natalie Sisson How To Design Your Life And Create A Location Independent Business How To Start A Drop Shipping Business & Live Anywhere w/ Anton Kraly

- The Performative Nature of Building in Public: A View From the InsideThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Fear-SettingThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

Are NFT's the future of selling online? What do you need to know about selling your Shopify Business with FE International? How to create an eCommerce strategy beyond 2021? These are the big-picture questions we answer in our season 3 highlights episode with the very best from our own Leonardo Garcia-Curtis, David Yu and Thomas Smale. It's an exciting time for the eCommerce industry but it's important for merchants to keep moving forward and prioritise your ecommerce strategy, a cookie cutter approach will no longer cut the mustard. Leo, CEO at Zyber runs through how to master your strategy beyond 2021. Digital collectables, virtual vaults and augmented reality - the future is here. Despite completely blowing up in the last 6-12 months, NFT's aren't actually a new thing. They've been around for years and David Yu founder of Veve, has been around since the very beginning so sheds some light on the situation. Thomas Smale is an authoritative source on eCommerce, and established the very category of M&A advisory for online businesses. He founded FE International in 2010, and began the business straight out of uni buying and selling domains. Looking to get ahead this year? This episode is a must-do for your planning! Show notes: Find out more about Veve: Website: https://www.veve.me/ Article: https://www.marvel.com/articles/gear/veve-marvel-month-premium-captain-america-spider-man-nft Thomas Smale Twitter: @ThomasSmale - https://twitter.com/ThomasSmale LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmale/ FE International Website: https://feinternational.com/ Facebook: @FEinternational - https://www.facebook.com/FEinternational/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/feinternational/ Instagram: @fe_international - https://www.instagram.com/fe_international/ For more information about Zyber Digital Visit our website - https://www.zyber.co.nz Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zyberwebdesign/ Follow up on LinkedIn - https://nz.linkedin.com/company/zyber Join our exclusive Facebook insider groups Shopify NZ - https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopifynz/ Shopify VIP - https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopifyvip Follow us on Instagram - zyberhq Full episodes: S3E1 - Future Proofing Your Business Beyond 2021 with Leo S3E7 - NFT's and eCommerce - David Yu from VeVe S3E8 - Everything you need to know about selling a Shopify Business with Thomas Smale

- The Power of RepetitionThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Building in Public: Maintaining a Positive Self-ImageThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- What Founders Can Learn From Web3 Community-Building (And What They Can't)This episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

Thomas Smale is the Founder and CEO of FE International. He is a serial business entrepreneur and M&A expert, having built the industry leading firm in the $1-100M global technology sector. Smale is an authority source on e-commerce, and in fact established the very category of M&A advisory for online businesses. Smale began building and selling online companies in his early 20s as an interest. When he proved to have a natural talent for increasing the value of these businesses, this became his full-time career. Over the last decade, Smale has grown FE International into an award-winning global M&A advisor of SaaS, e-commerce, and content businesses, completing acquisitions for thousands of founders, owners, and acquirers and advising on over $500MM in lifetime acquisitions. In this episode you will learn: What are Aggregators. What to expect when you hire an M & A firm. Why bother with a broker? Who is buying? Difference between selling timescale aggregator vs broker Brokers - start with due diligence/audit process Buyer due diligence Types of buyers The characteristics of desirable buyers

Thomas Smale is the Founder and CEO of FE International. He is a serial business entrepreneur and M&A expert, having built the industry leading firm in the $1-100M global technology sector. Smale is an authority source on e-commerce, and in fact established the very category of M&A advisory for online businesses. Smale began building and selling online companies in his early 20s as an interest. When he proved to have a natural talent for increasing the value of these businesses, this became his full-time career. Over the last decade, Smale has grown FE International into an award-winning global M&A advisor of SaaS, e-commerce, and content businesses, completing acquisitions for thousands of founders, owners, and acquirers and advising on over $500MM in lifetime acquisitions. In this episode you will learn: The elements that drive value/price. Reliability and consistency. Find out the things that people don't care about such as SKUs. Approach relationship between revenue/gross profit and # SKUs. Preparing for a sale the best way to increase the value of your business. What to do when buyers come in and look at everything. Things you do to exit your business. The middle ground between no planning and a plan. Difference between Brokers vs Aggregators.

- Twitter: The Gathering.  How and Where to Find the Right FollowersThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Make it Easy to CancelThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Building in Public: How to Build a MinipolyThis episode is sponsored by FE International. Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

Please welcome Ismael Wrixen, Executive Chairman of FE International. Ismael comes from a background in large-cap M&A investment banking, where he executed several high-profile deals, namely in the technology sector. He has grown FE International into an award-winning global M&A advisor of SaaS, e-commerce, and content businesses, completing acquisitions for thousands of founders, owners, and acquirers and advising on over $1B in lifetime acquisitions.

On this episode Leo interviews Ismael Wrixen. He is the Executive Chairman of FE International, the market leader in the sale of SaaS, E-commerce and Content businesses. Over the past decade Wrixen has overseen 1000+ successful acquisitions totaling $1B in value. Wrixen's previous background was in large-cap M&A investment banking, where he executed several high-profile public deals, namely in the technology sector. FE International is an award-winning global M&A advisor of SaaS, e-commerce and content businesses. It has completed acquisitions for thousands of founders, owners and acquirers, and is the preeminent valuation thought leader in the industry. Its team includes experts in exit planning, valuation, accounting, legal and more.  Founded in 2010, FE is known for its extensive network of pre-qualified international investors. With headquarters in New York and regional offices in Miami, San Francisco and London, FE is an international company serving clients worldwide. It was named one of The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies in 2021 and 2020 by The Financial Times and is also a three-time Inc. 5000 company. Connect with Ismael on LinkedIn FE International website Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

What you need to know about selling your Shopify Business with FE International. This week's guest joins us all the way from San Francisco, and we couldn't be more excited about it. This week, Thomas Smale, Founder of FE International sat down with Leo and Waldo to talk about all things selling and acquiring online businesses. Thomas founded FE International in 2010, and began the business straight out of uni buying and selling domains. Smale is an authoritative source on e-commerce, and in fact, established the very category of M&A advisory for online businesses. Smale began building and selling online companies in his early 20s as an interest. When he proved to have a natural talent for increasing the value of these businesses, this became his full-time career. Over the last decade, Smale has grown FE International into an award-winning global M&A advisor of SaaS, e-commerce, and content businesses, completing acquisitions for thousands of founders, owners, and acquirers and advising on over $500MM in lifetime acquisitions. Thomas Smale Email: thomas@feinternational.com Twitter: @ThomasSmale - https://twitter.com/ThomasSmale LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmale/ FE International Website: https://feinternational.com/ Social media: Facebook: @FEinternational - https://www.facebook.com/FEinternational/ Twitter: @FEIntl - https://twitter.com/FEIntl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/feinternational/ Instagram: @fe_international - https://www.instagram.com/fe_international/ For more information about Gorgias, the Number 1 rated helpdesk for eCommerce merchants click here for 2 months FREE - https://gorgias.grsm.io/zyberpodcast To find out about Okendo and for a FREE extended 60 day Trial click here www.okendo.io/forms/demo/?affiliate_id=zyber.co.nz Custom Neon Sign: https://www.neonsigns.co.nz/ For more information about Zyber Digital Visit our website - https://www.zyber.co.nz Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zyberwebdesign/ Join our exclusive Facebook insider groups Shopify NZ - https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopifynz/ Shopify VIP - https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopifyvip Follow us on Instagram - zyberhq

Thomas is the CEO and founder of FE International, an M&A firm that advises SaaS, e-commerce and content businesses. Thomas has consulted thousands of entrepreneurs on exit strategy, growth and business development. Check out the show notes and get links to all the resources mentioned in this episode here: https://aaronzakowski.com/podcast-thomas-smale/

Video interview: https://youtu.be/R-PJcwX7umE David's LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtran2015/ Jim's LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-coleman/ Jim Coleman Prior to xFusion, Jim was previously a SaaS operations manager at a private equity firm, FE International. He oversaw operations and high-level growth initiatives across a portfolio of SaaS holdings. He vetted potential SaaS acquisitions, led due diligence, and the post-acquisition handover processes of multiple SaaS assets. Jim's also a SaaS business owner and knows the SaaS world very well. He loves helping owners and operators improve their game. Outside of work, he's passionate about adoption and raising foster children and his dream is to maximize his impact on developing countries. David Tran Prior to xFusion, David studied Computer Science at UC Berkeley. He was fascinated by the potential of both how broad and how deep one can go in the understanding the digital world. He then went on to become a software engineer at Uber & Salesforce. In those companies, he spent time on internal tools, growth hacking, mobile apps, optimizing dispatch, and anti-fraud backend development. On the side, he manages a set of SaaS apps, and took what he & Jim learned there to build the foundations of xFusion. Outside of work, he loves learning about entrepreneurship, psychology, investing, and personal development. His life goal is to inspire people to live abundant lives by creating free & high-quality content on the topics of personal & financial development.

microconfonair.com This week, we are joined by Thomas Smale, Co-Founder of FE International and Owner of SaaSMag to talk about how traditional media can be leveraged by startup foudners. We also capitalize on Thomas' expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions in this episode, talking ahout buying and selling business, available funding strategies for acquiring businesses. Tickets for MicroConf Remote are now on sale, grab your tickets at http://microconfremote.com. We had some issues with the recording, so this is a truncated version of this weeks episode.

When Thomas Smale started buying and selling online businesses in college, Thomas discovered his knack for growing, valuing and selling them to investors. He ultimately took the leap to found FE International to advise entrepreneurs on exiting (and buying) online businesses. Flash forward nearly a decade and FE International is now the leading M&A advisory firm for mid-market SaaS, e-commerce and content-based businesses.   Connect with Thomas Smale: Website: www.feinternational.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FEinternational/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FEIntl LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/feinternational Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fe_international/   Nice Sponsors:   Get your free E-Book 5 Ways to Make Money Podcasting at www.Turnkeypodcast.com/gift Check out the “Entrepreneur's Toolkit” Giveaway   Reach The Nice Guys Here: Doug- @DJDoug Strickland- @NiceGuyonBiz   Nice Links: Subscribe to the Podcast Niceguysonbusiness.com TurnkeyPodcast.com – You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. Podcast Production, Concept to Launch   Book Doug and/or Strick as a speaker at your upcoming event. Amazon #1 Best selling book Nice Guys Finish First. Doug's Business Building Bootcamp (10 Module Course)   Nice Survey: Take our short survey so The Nice Guys know what you like.     Partner Links: Amazon.com: Click before buying anything. Help support the podcast. Acuity Scheduling: Stop wasting time going back and forth scheduling appointments   Promise Statement: To provide an experience that is entertaining and adds value to your life.   Never underestimate the Power of Nice.

Thomas Smale is the founder of FE International, an M&A firm that helps business owners to sell their SaaS, e-commerce and content businesses. In this episode, we're going to teach you how to make your SaaS company more sellable, so you can get the possible outcome from a future sale. The Show Notes FE International SaaS Valuations: How to Value a SaaS Business ProfitWell Baremetrics Thomas on Twitter Omer on Twitter Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the podcast Leave a rating and review Follow Omer on Twitter Need help with your SaaS? Join SaaS Club Plus: our membership and community for new and early-stage SaaS founders. Join and get training & support. Join SaaS Club Launch: a 12-week group coaching program to help you get your SaaS from zero to your first $10K revenue. Apply for SaaS Club Accelerate: If you'd like to work directly with Omer 1:1, then request a free strategy session.