A practical guide to finding the right acquirer for your exit, at any stage of growth.
If you're a bootstrapped founder considering an exit, you've probably asked yourself: Who actually buys SaaS companies like mine?
The reality is most venture-backed acquirers want companies at a certain scale, or with certain characteristics. Bootstrapped founders—especially those in the $1k-$5M ARR range—often fall through the cracks. The acquisition landscape has changed dramatically, and there are now several legitimate options specifically built for founders like you.
This guide covers the best SaaS acquirers for bootstrapped founders in 2025, broken down by ARR range. Each has a different approach, philosophy, and ideal customer. You'll know which one is right for your situation.
| Acquirer | MRR/ARR Focus | Close Timeline | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildfront | $1k–$10k MRR | 2-5 weeks | High integrity, founder relationships, fast execution |
| Noosa Labs | $200k–$800k ARR | 6-10 weeks | Patient capital, product-first, multi-year value creation |
| Curious | $800k–$5M ARR | ~60 days | Long-term holding company, legacy preservation, empathy-first |
Wildfront focuses on the smallest profitable SaaS companies—the ones most acquirers ignore. If you've bootstrapped your way to consistent revenue but haven't hit six figures, Wildfront is built for you.
What they do: Wildfront acquires profitable SaaS companies, keeps teams lean, and focuses on sustainable growth rather than explosive scale. The founders (Alex Boyd and Mac Martine) have exited 3x and acquired 5x themselves, so they understand exactly what you've built and why.
Why bootstrapped founders choose them: They move fast—2-5 weeks from term sheet to close. They understand the psychology of bootstrapping. They're not looking to flip your company or milk it for cash; they're building a portfolio of sustainable businesses. And they're transparent about terms. No surprise clauses, no earnouts unless you want them.
Their community: Wildfront also runs a paid community for SaaS bootstrappers, which gives you a way to get to know them before selling. Many founders join, get mentorship, and then decide to explore an exit when the time is right.
Noosa Labs, founded by Pascal Levy-Garboua, is doing something interesting: building a SaaS holding company through strategic acquisitions. Pascal spent decades in venture (making 140 investments, including seven unicorns) before shifting to acquisition and operations. He saw a gap and filled it. If you want to learn more about his philosophy, Pascal runs a podcast where he discusses acquisition strategy and founder psychology.
What they do: Noosa Labs acquires profitable SaaS companies ($200k–$800k ARR) and takes care of the product, customer relationships, and operations. They're patient. They think in terms of years and decades, not quarters. Their current portfolio includes Sendtric, Evalart, and Mava—all solid, profitable businesses building lasting value.
Why founders trust them: Pascal is part of the broader founder network we trust. He's transparent about how he values companies, focuses on cash flow and profitability over vanity metrics, and genuinely cares about the teams and products he acquires. He's not financial engineering—he's building something sustainable.
The approach: Noosa Labs will take acquisition candidates off your plate so you can move on to your next thing, or stay involved if that's what you want. They're flexible on founder involvement in a way that reflects their philosophy: this is a long-term partnership, not a transaction.
Curious is a holding company founded by Andrew Dumont, a three-time software CEO with 20 years of operating and scaling SaaS companies. The philosophy: long-term holding company that buys and grows software companies with empathy.
What they do: Curious exists to provide a home for software companies that don't fit the venture model. They buy and hold. They close in ~60 days, pay cash, and think in terms of decades. They've invested in companies like Convox, Polymer, and Avenue—all solid, profitable SaaS products that needed a home beyond venture.
Why larger bootstrapped founders choose them: If you've built a $1M+ ARR SaaS with happy customers and you're tired, Curious gets it. They won't pressure you to grow 3x or 10x. They'll steward what you built. The team has actually built and sold companies themselves, so they understand founder psychology in a way many acquirers don't.
The process: Andrew and his team are patient, thoughtful, and genuinely empathetic. This isn't a quick flip. It's a decades-long partnership with your company. If that sounds good, they're your best option in the larger range.
Are you still in growth mode? If you're excited about scaling but stuck on execution, look at Noosa Labs. They'll help you grow and eventually buy if you want out.
Are you ready to move on? If building is wearing you out and you want a clean exit, Wildfront (if smaller) or Curious (if larger) are the right fit.
Are you somewhere in between? Think about your ARR range, the team you're working with, and whether you want to stay involved. Each of these acquirers has a different philosophy, and you want the one that aligns with yours.
The era of bootstrapped SaaS founders having no exit options is over. There are legitimate, founder-friendly acquirers at every stage. The key is understanding what you actually want—growth support, a clean exit, a long-term partnership—and finding the acquirer that matches.
Do your homework, talk to founders who've sold to them, and trust your gut. The right acquirer will make the process feel good, not icky.
Whether you're in growth mode or ready to exit, the conversation starts with understanding where you stand. Join the Wildfront community to connect with other bootstrapped founders and get advice on your next move. Or if you're ready to talk about selling, we'd love to hear about your company.