ExitStack

Your exit, structured.

A private platform for UK software agency founders — explore exit readiness, access specialist M&A advisors, or run a founder-led process. Confidentially.

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Invite-only. Confidential. Advisor-led.

Built by M&A professionals with 20+ years of investment banking and corporate finance experience across mid-market transactions.

Built for one type of founder

UK-based agency

Custom software development. Typically 15–150 people. Founder-owned and operated.

Profitable & established

£3M+ revenue. Established and profitable. Not a pre-revenue or lifestyle business.

Considering an exit

No formal mandate yet. Thinking seriously about the next 12–36 months.

If this describes you, ExitStack was built for you.

One platform. Two paths forward.

1

Apply for access

Submit your intake. We review personally and confirm fit before you proceed.

2

Exit readiness review

Structured diagnostic of your business, financials, and readiness. Includes valuation benchmarking and a buyer landscape outline.

3

Choose your path

Work with a curated M&A advisor via our structured RFP — or explore independently using ExitStack's digital tools. You decide.

4

Run your process

Anonymous buyer conversations. Curated buyer lists. Secure document workspace. NDAs. Your chosen advisor, if you want one. All in one place.

Principles, not promises

Advisor access or full control

Connect with a specialist M&A advisor via our curated RFP — or explore buyers independently with our digital tools. No pressure either way.

Confidential by design

Anonymous buyer conversations. No public listings. Your identity is never exposed without your explicit consent.

Curated, not crowded

A small number of active mandates at any time. Every founder is reviewed personally. Quality over volume.

Founder-first pace

You set the timeline. No pressure from commission-driven intermediaries. Start exploring before you're ready to commit.

Limited intake

We work with a small number of founders at any time. Every application is reviewed personally before access is granted.

Built for this niche

ExitStack is built specifically for UK custom software agency founders — not generic businesses, not VC-backed SaaS, not lifestyle agencies.

Explore before committing

You don't need to be ready to sell. ExitStack helps you understand your options — confidentially, on your timeline — before making any decisions.

What the exit process looks like

A typical sell-side process takes 6–12 months. Here's how it unfolds — and where ExitStack fits.

PHASE 1
Formulate Strategy
  • Exit readiness review
  • Valuation benchmarking
  • Advisor selection (RFP)
  • Objectives & timeline
ExitStack
PHASE 2
Go to Market
  • Prepare teaser
  • Curated buyer list
  • Information Memorandum
  • NDA & buyer outreach
ExitStack + Advisor
PHASE 3
Due Diligence
  • Data room setup
  • Management meetings
  • Letters of intent
  • Financial & legal review
Advisor-led
PHASE 4
Negotiation & Close
  • Heads of terms
  • Purchase agreement
  • Final structuring
  • Completion
Advisor-led

ExitStack supports you through the first two phases — and connects you with the right advisor for the rest.

Common questions

Do I need to be "ready to sell" to start using ExitStack?

No. Most founders join ExitStack while still in exploration mode — typically considering an exit within the next 12–36 months, but not yet committed. ExitStack is designed to help you understand your options first: assess readiness, benchmark valuation, and identify potential buyer paths — before making any formal decisions.

How is ExitStack different from an M&A advisor?

ExitStack is not an M&A advisor and does not represent sellers or negotiate transactions. Instead, we provide a structured, founder-first process that helps you prepare your business for exit, understand valuation and buyer landscape, run a structured advisor selection process if you choose to engage one, or explore buyer interest independently. You remain fully in control of how and when to proceed.

How do you select advisors for the RFP process?

We maintain a curated network of M&A advisors with proven, verifiable experience in software and technology transactions. Advisors are selected based on relevant deal track record, experience with founder-owned businesses, and focus on software, digital services, and tech-enabled companies. We prioritise fit and relevance — not generic M&A credentials.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes — confidentiality is fundamental to how ExitStack operates. There are no public listings. Your identity is never disclosed without your explicit approval. Buyer interactions can begin anonymously. All document sharing is controlled and permission-based. You decide when, how, and with whom information is shared.

What does ExitStack cost?

Access to the platform and initial exploration is free for approved founders. As you progress, we offer a small number of structured, optional services — including Exit Readiness Review, Advisor RFP process, and Founder-Led Buyer Outreach. Pricing is transparent and discussed after your application is reviewed, once we understand your situation and objectives.

Who is ExitStack built for?

ExitStack is designed specifically for founder-owned UK custom software development agencies with typically £3M+ revenue, considering a strategic exit in the medium term. We focus on businesses where curated buyer access and structured preparation meaningfully impact outcomes. ExitStack is not designed for VC-backed venture-scale startups, pure SaaS businesses, or sub-£2M lifestyle agencies.

Do I need to use an M&A advisor?

No. You can choose between working with a curated M&A advisor through a structured RFP process, or running a founder-led process using ExitStack's tools. Many founders use ExitStack initially to explore options before deciding whether to engage an advisor.

How long does the process take?

It depends on your stage. Initial exploration and readiness assessment typically takes 1–2 weeks. Advisor selection, if applicable, takes 2–4 weeks. Full transaction processes typically run 3–6+ months. ExitStack is designed to support you at your own pace, without pressure to proceed.

Will buyers see my business publicly?

No. ExitStack is a private platform. There are no public listings, no searchable marketplace, and no unsolicited inbound buyer traffic. Buyer conversations are controlled, targeted, and permission-based.

Ready to explore your options?

Advisor-led or founder-led — we support both. Every application reviewed personally.

Apply for Access

ExitStack operates under strict confidentiality. Your application is never shared without your consent.