{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 97: Sell For Free Fallout","description":"What really happens when you try to sell a software company for free?   In this CEO\u2019s Desk episode, Corum Group addresses the unexpected fallout from launching First Look\u2014a new tech M&A program designed to help owners sell for free by giving software and IT companies early exposure to qualified buyers.   While First Look attracted the right audience of smaller sellers, the promise of a free exit also triggered a surge of long\u2011waiting founders\u2014many with established companies\u2014who had delayed action for years hoping their software company exit would simply \u201chappen.\u201d   Drawing on decades of experience advising founders through successful business exit strategies, this video explains why selling a tech company requires proactive positioning, competitive pressure, and broad buyer exposure\u2014and why waiting for free often leads to undervalued outcomes.   If you\u2019re considering selling a software company, evaluating your exit timing, or navigating today\u2019s M&A advisory landscape, this candid discussion offers critical insight into why the best exits are planned, not discovered\u2014and why now may be the strongest market to sell.   Key Takeaways \u201cFree\u201d is powerful\u2014but dangerous. It often pulls sellers into fast, undervalued deals.\\ Companies are sold, not discovered. Passive waiting rarely produces optimal outcomes. Early, broad buyer exposure matters. A single offer is not a real market. Many founders wait too long. By the time they act, the market window may already be closing. The best exits come from preparation. Global search processes consistently outperform opportunistic offers. Right now, is an unusually strong market for selling quality software and IT businesses.   Chapters 0:26 \u2013 Overwhelming Response from Sellers and Buyers Why demand exceeded expectations\u2014and not just from small companies. 0:45 \u2013 The Unexpected Fallout Begins Why Corum had to hit pause after launch. 1:24 \u2013 The Myth: \u201cCompanies Are Bought, Not Sold\u201d Why waiting for discovery is a costly mistake. 3:22 \u2013 Why Founders Cave to \u2018Free\u2019 Speed, convenience, and the emotional pull of no commissions. 4:03 \u2013 Why First Look Was Created Helping companies who aren\u2019t ready\u2014or right\u2014for a full global search. 4:26 \u2013 First Look vs. a Global Partner Search Who First Look is for\u2014and who should not use it. 4:57 \u2013 Final Warning: Don\u2019t Miss the Window Why this may be the best market founders will see to sell their tech company. ","author_name":"The Tech M&A Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.corumgroup.com","html":"