For Buyers·2 min read

How to make an offer on a startup

A step-by-step guide to submitting, negotiating, and managing offers on Acquirly.

Making an offer is how you formally express your intent to acquire a startup. Here's how the offer process works on Acquirly.

Before You Make an Offer

Before submitting an offer, make sure you have:

  • Reviewed the listing thoroughly, including all available financials
  • Considered signing the listing's NDA to review its confidential documents (optional, but it helps you price the offer)
  • A clear idea of your proposed price and deal structure

How to Submit an Offer

  1. Open the listing page for the startup you want to acquire.
  2. Click the Make an Offer button.
  3. Enter your offer amount, due diligence period, whether the offer depends on financing, and any terms or questions you want to include.
  4. Submit the offer. The seller is notified immediately, and a private conversation with them opens in Messages.

What Happens After You Submit

The seller has three options:

  • Accept — The deal moves forward and the listing shows as Under Contract. You then run due diligence and agree a purchase agreement with the seller.
  • Counter — The seller proposes a different price or terms. You can accept, counter again, or decline.
  • Reject — The seller declines your offer. You can submit a new offer if you'd like to try again.

Can I Make Multiple Offers?

You can have one live offer per listing at a time, and offers on as many listings as you like. If your offer is rejected or you withdraw it, you can submit a new one.

Can I Withdraw an Offer?

Yes. You can withdraw a pending offer from My Offers in your dashboard. Once the seller accepts, the offer becomes a deal and can no longer be withdrawn; either party can instead cancel the deal with a reason.

What Is a Counter Offer?

A counter offer is the seller's response proposing different terms. When you receive a counter, you're notified and it appears in your conversation with the seller. You can accept it, reject it or counter again.

Is My Offer Legally Binding?

No. Offers, counter-offers and acceptances on Acquirly are expressions of interest, not binding contracts, even once a listing shows as Under Contract. A sale becomes binding only when you and the seller sign a written purchase agreement, typically drafted with legal counsel.

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