Carson Kohler

Peter Valley started reselling books for profit after a failed dumpster dive. Years later, he turned the gig into Zen Arbitrage, a software for book resellers that he later sold.

Software company WaudWare launched in 1989. When two interested buyers approached 30+ years later, the founder brokered a deal — without prior experience or an advisor.

Augmented Pixels disrupted the outdated mapping industry. Its founder, who wasn’t in the market to sell, was wooed by client Qualcomm due to “good timing and terms.”

In 2015, Tom Wahlin quit his job as a design manager at Apple to travel the world. He developed a passion for travel gear and launched Pack Hacker. Six years later, a buyer approached.

Software company Comalatech grew to $10 million in annual revenue — but the founder says that’s not the only reason a buyer approached.

Wealth management software company HiddenLevers was at a crossroads. The founders could raise money or sell. They opted for the latter — and received a stunning 16x revenue multiple.

Co-founders Terry O’Dwyer and Neil Darkes left their jobs at a global events company and started their own. After nine years, they sold for eight figures.

Annex Business Media grew through more than 25 acquisitions to 155 full-time employees. Then the founders sold to its own team.