You're in control
You don't need a plan to start. No public listing. No tire kickers. Your name and business stay confidential until you agree to an introduction. You set the pace.
- 1
Introduce yourself
Take a short quiz, from your favorite teams to what you want for your family, your employees and your legacy. About five minutes, and it's free. We verify your identity before any introduction.
- 2
Explore your options
Learn the paths other owners have taken, and how each one affects your family, your employees and everyone who counts on you. Many owners look at more than one. Ask us anything.
- 3
Be introduced
Venny finds your overlaps with advisors, buyers, brokers, lenders, attorneys or CPAs. For a family or team handoff, that could be a Venny Guide. Nothing happens until you say yes.
Not sure where you stand?
A Public Record Scan shows what anyone can find about your business. Nothing is needed from you, and you don't have to be selling.
See how the scans workVenny supports every transition path
Keep it close
- Keep owning it and hire someone to run itYou step back from the day-to-day and keep the ownership
- A son or daughter takes overA gift, a sale over time, or both
Venny Guides helpEstate attorneys, CPAs, wealth advisors
Inside the company
- A co-owner buys you outOften set out in a buy-sell agreement
- Your managersA management buyout, usually a bank loan plus payments to you over time
- Your employees, through an ESOPA plan buys your shares for your employees, often with a loan
- An employee ownership trustA trust holds the company for the employees
- A worker cooperativeEmployees own it together, one vote each
Venny Guides helpESOP and employee ownership trust advisors, lenders, attorneys
Outside the company
- An individual buyerOften an SBA loan plus a note paid to you
- Another companyA competitor, supplier, or customer
- A peer firm, through a mergerTwo similar firms combine into one
- An investor or holding companySome sell again in a few years. Some hold for good. You can rule out either.
Venny introduces people we've verifiedThen we connect you with the professionals you need
Any path can be gradual. Many owners step back over a few years.
What it costs
Base membership is free. Scans and data room services cost extra. Ask us for pricing.
$50 a month, paid once we've verified you. Cancel anytime. A Public Record Scan is $1,500 per business. Questions? Ask us.
Questions
I don't know where to start. Is that okay?
Yes. That's where most owners start. Answer a few questions, and we'll help you see what's possible. There's no commitment and no clock.
Will anyone push me to sell?
No. You can join just to explore, and some paths never involve an outside buyer. Say no to any introduction, or pause anytime.
Will my employees find out?
Nothing is ever posted. Before you both say yes, a buyer sees only the kind of work, its size and a general region, never your name.
How long until I meet someone?
It depends on your business and what you want. We only make an introduction when there's a real fit, so it can take time. We'll keep you posted.
What if nobody fits?
Then nothing happens and nothing is shared. Your profile stays private until there's someone worth meeting.
What does “Verified by Venny” mean?
Before any introduction, we confirm that each owner and buyer is who they say they are. We may ask for more, depending on who you are and what you're looking for. It isn't a guarantee, so do your own diligence too.
Can my advisor be involved?
Yes, anytime. If you need one, we can suggest a Venny Guide. The choice is yours.
Can I stop anytime?
Yes. Pause introductions or delete everything whenever you like.
What should I do with cold emails from buyers?
Forward them to vet@venny.com. We'll look into them privately and invite them to get verified, without ever mentioning you.
Is Venny a broker or M&A advisor?
No. Venny is not a business broker, M&A advisor, or investment bank. We make private introductions. We don't negotiate deals, handle money, or receive success fees. Your own attorney, CPA, and, if you choose, a licensed broker or banker handle the deal.
Start with a few questions
Free for owners. Nothing is ever posted.