Episode 97: Sell For Free Fallout

What really happens when you try to sell a software company for free?   In this CEO's Desk episode, Corum Group addresses the unexpected fallout from launching First Look—a 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‑waiting founders—many with established companies—who had delayed action for years hoping their software company exit would simply "happen."   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—and why waiting for free often leads to undervalued outcomes.   If you're considering selling a software company, evaluating your exit timing, or navigating today's M&A advisory landscape, this candid discussion offers critical insight into why the best exits are planned, not discovered—and why now may be the strongest market to sell.   Key Takeaways "Free" is powerful—but 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 – Overwhelming Response from Sellers and Buyers Why demand exceeded expectations—and not just from small companies. 0:45 – The Unexpected Fallout Begins Why Corum had to hit pause after launch. 1:24 – The Myth: "Companies Are Bought, Not Sold" Why waiting for discovery is a costly mistake. 3:22 – Why Founders Cave to 'Free' Speed, convenience, and the emotional pull of no commissions. 4:03 – Why First Look Was Created Helping companies who aren't ready—or right—for a full global search. 4:26 – First Look vs. a Global Partner Search Who First Look is for—and who should not use it. 4:57 – Final Warning: Don't Miss the Window Why this may be the best market founders will see to sell their tech company.