READY FOR JASON: Ask Page — When is the right time to sell my startup?

FINAL DRAFT

Short answer: The right time to sell is when you have leverage, not when you need to. That usually means selling when growth is strong, not when it is slowing.

There is a structural truth about M&A timing that most founders learn too late. Buyers pay for the future, based on the present. If your revenue is growing at 30% and you are profitable, buyers will compete for you. If growth has stalled and you are starting to feel pressure, you are negotiating from weakness.

The window that matters most is the 12 to 24 months when your metrics look their best. That is the period to start a process, or at minimum, to begin preparation. Waiting for "one more year of growth" often means waiting until the competitive landscape shifts, a new entrant appears, or a macro cycle tightens.

The 2026 M&A environment is giving founders with strong businesses real optionality. H1 2026 was the busiest exit period on record for venture-backed companies. PE dry powder is near all-time highs. That combination does not last indefinitely.

External timing matters: interest rates, comparable transactions, buyer appetite in your category. Internal timing matters: your personal runway, team stability, competitive moat. Neither factor will align perfectly. The goal is good-enough overlap.

Related: How long does it take to sell a SaaS company? | What is my SaaS company worth in 2026?

-- Drafted by Bolt 17 Aug 2026 | Part of W1 Ask Page Batch 2