Acquire.com Review
A comprehensive analysis of Acquire.com — the leading online business marketplace for buying and selling profitable startups. Trusted by 500,000+ entrepreneurs with $500M+ in closed deal volume.
Visit Official Website| Platform Name | Acquire.com |
| Former Name | MicroAcquire (rebranded January 2023) |
| Official Website | acquire.com |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founder & CEO | Andrew Gazdecki |
| Company Type | Privately held |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Industry | Online business marketplace / M&A |
| Entrepreneurs | 500,000+ |
| Startups Sold | 2,000+ |
| Closed Deal Volume | $500M+ |
| Verified Buyer Funds | $2B+ |
| Seller Listing Fee | $25–$100/month (based on asking price) |
| Seller Closing Fee | 6%–8% (based on transaction size) |
| Buyer Premium | $390/year |
| Buyer Platinum | $780/year |
| Referral Reward | 25% of closing fee |
| 2025 Revenue | $6.1 million |
| 2025 Profit | $1.6 million |
| 2026 Status | Active and expanding |
| Customer Support | Help Center, email, ticket system |
| Trust Score | 9.0 / 10 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4 / 5 |
| Ease of Use | ||
| Beginner Friendly | ||
| Earning Potential | ||
| Payment Reliability | ||
| Transparency | ||
| Customer Support | ||
| Long‑term Reliability | ||
| Overall Rating |
Online Business Sellers
Founders looking to sell profitable SaaS, ecommerce, AI, agency, or content businesses. Acquire provides a large buyer network, escrow, and M&A tools.
Business Buyers & Investors
Entrepreneurs seeking established online businesses. Premium and Platinum plans unlock private listings and direct seller communication.
Referral Partners
People with access to business owners can earn 25% of Acquire's closing fee for successful seller referrals. High earning potential per successful deal.
Startup Founders & Indie Hackers
Acquire is particularly strong in the micro‑SaaS and bootstrapped startup ecosystem, helping founders exit at fair valuations.
Acquisition Researchers
The platform publishes acquisition multiples and market insights, making it useful for understanding online business valuations.
Those Seeking a Trusted Marketplace
With 2,000+ closed deals, verified buyer funds, escrow integration, and strong reviews, Acquire reduces the risk of informal business transactions.
Passive Income Seekers
Acquire is not a passive earning app. Seller referrals require an actual business sale, which can take months and is not guaranteed.
Zero‑Investment Earners
While free to join, earning through referrals requires access to business owners. Buyers need capital, and sellers pay listing/closing fees.
Users Expecting Guaranteed Income
There is no guarantee a referred business will sell, or that a listed business will find a buyer. Referral commissions are performance‑based.
Those Unwilling to Pay Fees
Sellers pay monthly listing fees and 6–8% closing fees. Buyers need Premium/Platinum for private listings. Costs can add up.
Acquire.com is an online marketplace for buying and selling profitable internet businesses. Founded in 2020 as MicroAcquire, the platform has evolved into a comprehensive digital M&A ecosystem that connects founders, buyers, and investors. Unlike conventional earning platforms, Acquire's core purpose is business transactions—not task completion. However, it does offer a seller referral program that allows individuals to earn a commission by referring business owners.
The company was founded by Andrew Gazdecki, a serial entrepreneur who previously built and sold multiple businesses, including Bizness Apps. Originally focused on small SaaS acquisitions, Acquire rebranded in January 2023 and expanded in April 2025 to cover AI, ecommerce, agencies, content sites, marketplaces, mobile apps, newsletters, crypto, and other profitable online businesses.
Acquire claims a community of 500,000+ entrepreneurs, 2,000+ startups sold, $500M+ in closed deal volume, and $2B+ in verified buyer funds. Its public reputation is strong: G2 shows 4.9/5 from 281 reviews, and Trustpilot shows 4.5/5 from 227 reviews. Financially, Acquire reported $6.1M revenue and $1.6M profit in 2025, according to CEO disclosures.
For sellers, Acquire charges monthly listing fees ($25–$100) and a closing fee of 6–8% only if the business sells. For buyers, Premium access starts at $390/year. The referral program advertises 25% of Acquire's closing fee, making it potentially lucrative for those with access to business owners—though conversions depend on actual completed sales.
Acquire.com's growth from a niche micro‑SaaS marketplace to a comprehensive M&A platform is a key part of its story.
2020 — MicroAcquire Launch
Andrew Gazdecki launched MicroAcquire to help founders sell small internet businesses without traditional broker fees.
2021 — Early Venture Funding
MicroAcquire raised $2.8M from Bessemer Venture Partners and others, reaching 60,000+ registered buyers and $318M in listed revenue by July 2021.
January 2023 — Rebrand to Acquire.com
The company dropped "Micro" to reflect larger transactions. It had already helped 750+ founders sell their businesses.
April 2025 — Beyond SaaS Expansion
Acquire expanded to AI, ecommerce, agencies, content, marketplaces, mobile apps, newsletters, and other online businesses. In June 2025, it acquired MicroAssets.
2025–2026 — Profitability & Recognition
CEO reported $6.1M revenue and $1.6M profit in 2025. Acquire was named to the 2026 Inc. 5000, marking continued growth and operational efficiency.
Create a Free Account
Sign up as a buyer, seller, or referral partner. Basic accounts are free, with optional paid upgrades for advanced features.
List a Business (Sellers) or Browse Listings (Buyers)
Sellers create a listing with revenue, profit, business model, and asking price. Buyers browse public listings or subscribe for full access.
Connect & Negotiate
Qualified buyers request access, sign NDAs, and communicate with sellers. Offers, LOIs, and due diligence follow.
Close the Transaction
Use Acquire's APA builder, escrow integration, and M&A support to finalize the sale. Funds are protected via Escrow.com or similar.
Earn from Referrals
If you refer a founder who successfully sells, you earn 25% of Acquire's closing fee. This applies to the referral program only.
Curated Marketplace
Browse thousands of vetted listings across SaaS, AI, ecommerce, agencies, and more. Premium buyers unlock private financials.
Verified Buyer Funds
Acquire claims $2B+ in verified buyer funds, reducing wasted seller time on unqualified buyers.
Escrow Integration
Transactions are protected using Escrow.com and other providers, ensuring funds are secured before ownership transfers.
Legal Document Builders
LOI and APA builders help create acquisition documents, though Acquire still recommends independent legal counsel.
Referral Program
Earn 25% of Acquire's closing fee for successful seller referrals. Commissions are paid only when the referred business sells.
Acquisition Insights
Regular reports on SaaS acquisition multiples, market trends, and valuation benchmarks help both buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
Acquire.com offers three primary ways to earn money, though only one is a traditional "earning opportunity" for people without a business.
Sell Your Own Business
List your SaaS, ecommerce, agency, or content business. Pay a monthly listing fee and a 6–8% closing fee only upon successful sale.
Advantages: Access to 500k+ entrepreneurs, verified buyers, escrow, and M&A tools.
Disadvantages: Fees reduce net proceeds; sale can take months; no guarantee of sale.
Tip: Prepare complete financials and realistic valuation before listing to attract serious buyers.
Buy a Business for Profit
Purchase an existing online business and operate/grow it. Premium buyers access startups up to $250k TTM revenue; Platinum unlocks all sizes.
Advantages: Established cash flows, existing customers, and systems reduce startup risk.
Disadvantages: Significant capital required; due diligence is essential; business may decline.
Tip: Perform thorough due diligence—revenue, churn, SEO dependence, and customer concentration.
Referral Program
Refer founders who sell their businesses on Acquire. Earn 25% of the closing fee (6–8% of sale price). No limit on referrals.
Advantages: Very high commission per successful deal; passive if you have the right network.
Disadvantages: Long sales cycle; referred business must actually sell; not suitable for general audiences.
Tip: Focus on communities of founders, indie hackers, and ecommerce sellers for the best conversion.
Creating an Acquire.com account is free and straightforward. Here's what to expect:
Sign Up for Free
Visit acquire.com and create an account with your email. Basic buyer accounts are free; seller and premium features may have costs.
Choose Your Role
Select whether you're a buyer, seller, or both. Your role determines which dashboard features are available.
Complete Profile & Verification
Provide basic information and, if buying, consider verifying your identity and funds to access premium features.
Explore or List
Browse available businesses or start creating a seller listing. Sellers pay a monthly listing fee based on asking price.
Start Earning
Buyers can acquire businesses, sellers can close a sale, and referral partners can start referring founders via their unique link.
Acquire.com's dashboard is clean and focused on acquisition workflows. Key sections include:
Marketplace
Browse listings, filter by category/revenue/asking price, and request access to private business information.
My Listings (Sellers)
Manage your business listing, update metrics, track buyer interest, and communicate with potential acquirers.
My Acquisitions (Buyers)
Track NDAs, messages, saved listings, and due diligence documents for businesses you're evaluating.
Referral Center
Access your referral link, track referred founders, and monitor commission earnings and payout status.
Messages
Communicate directly with buyers/sellers after NDA approval, with a record for transaction transparency.
Settings & Support
Manage subscription plans, payment details, profile information, and access help resources.
Seller Listing Fees
$25/month for businesses under $250k asking, $50/month for $250k–$1M, and $100/month for $1M+. Paid while listing active.
Seller Closing Fees
6% for $1M+ deals, 7% for $250k–$1M, and 8% for under $250k. Charged only when the business sells.
Buyer Subscriptions
Premium: $390/year (access to businesses up to $250k revenue). Platinum: $780/year (access to all sizes).
Referral Payouts
Referral partners earn 25% of the closing fee. Example: A $500k business at 7% fee generates a $35k closing fee, of which 25% is $8,750.
| Referral Commission Payout | After referred business closes | No upfront cost to partner |
| Seller Listing Fee | Monthly | $25–$100/month |
| Seller Closing Fee | At transaction closing | 6–8% of sale price |
| Buyer Premium | Annual | $390/year |
Acquire.com's legitimacy is supported by extensive third‑party evidence. G2 shows 4.9/5 from 281 reviews, with 97% five‑star ratings. Trustpilot shows 4.5/5 from 227 reviews. Many reviews praise successful business sales, responsive support, and the quality of the buyer network. Some negative reviews mention fees and subscription disputes, which Acquire typically responds to publicly.
The company reports $500M+ in closed deal volume and 2,000+ startups sold. While private, its CEO publicly disclosed $6.1M revenue and $1.6M profit in 2025, indicating real operational activity. For referral partners, payout proof is less commonly shared but the official program is clearly documented.
Company Transparency
Acquire is privately held, so financial disclosures are management‑reported rather than audited public filings. However, pricing, terms, and fees are clearly published. The founder has a public track record and shares performance metrics regularly.
Security & Transaction Integrity
Acquire integrates escrow.com, uses NDAs, verifies buyer funds, and provides legal document builders. While no marketplace can eliminate fraud, these mechanisms significantly reduce risk compared to informal transactions.
Risk Assessment
The main risks are commercial rather than legitimacy‑related: business acquisitions may fail, sellers may not find buyers, and referral commissions require completed sales. Users should still perform independent due diligence on any business.
- Trusted platform founded in 2020 by experienced entrepreneur Andrew Gazdecki
- 500,000+ entrepreneurs and 2,000+ startups sold
- $500M+ closed deal volume and $2B+ verified buyer funds
- Strong G2 rating (4.9/5 from 281 reviews) and Trustpilot (4.5/5 from 227 reviews)
- Expanded beyond SaaS to AI, ecommerce, agencies, content, and more
- Escrow integration protects both buyers and sellers
- Buyer verification reduces wasted seller time
- LOI/APA builders and M&A support streamline transactions
- Referral program offers 25% of closing fee—high earning potential
- No closing fee for sellers unless business sells
- Company reported profitable in 2025 ($1.6M net)
- 2026 Inc. 5000 recognition confirms growth
- Not a conventional earning platform—referral income requires actual business sales
- Seller closing fees are 6–8%, which can be substantial on larger deals
- Monthly listing fees are non‑refundable even if no sale occurs
- Buyer Premium/Platinum required to access private listing information
- Referral conversion cycle is long and unpredictable
- No independently verified monthly active user figure
- Private company—financial transparency limited compared to public companies
- Some user complaints about fees and subscription billing
- Not suitable for people without access to business owners or capital
Acquire.com receives consistently high praise for customer support across G2 and Trustpilot. Users mention fast responses, helpful guidance, and proactive seller assistance. Support is provided through a Help Center, email, and ticket system, with M&A advisors available for larger transactions.
Acquire.com offers a clean, professional interface that simplifies the business acquisition process. Sellers find the listing workflow straightforward, while buyers appreciate the filtered marketplace and verified funds. Some users mention notification overload and search limitations, but overall the platform is well‑regarded. The referral dashboard is simple but effective for tracking referred founders.
- Founders of profitable online businesses seeking an exit
- Entrepreneurs looking to buy an established internet business
- Referral partners with access to SaaS founders, ecommerce owners, or agency owners
- Investors seeking vetted digital business opportunities
- Researchers interested in online business valuations and acquisition multiples
- People seeking quick, passive income with no business network
- Users unwilling to pay listing fees or closing fees
- Buyers who cannot perform their own due diligence
- Those expecting guaranteed returns from referrals or acquisitions
- Anyone looking for a conventional microtask or survey earning site
Earnings on Acquire.com vary dramatically by role. Sellers earn their business sale price, buyers earn ongoing business profits, and referral partners earn commissions on successful sales. The following examples illustrate potential referral earnings based on advertised rates:
| Referral: $100k business (8% fee) | Closing fee $8,000 → 25% reward = $2,000 |
| Referral: $500k business (7% fee) | Closing fee $35,000 → 25% reward = $8,750 |
| Referral: $2M business (6% fee) | Closing fee $120,000 → 25% reward = $30,000 |
| Seller Net Proceeds | Sale price minus 6–8% closing fee and listing fees |
| Buyer Income | Business net profit after acquisition |
- Focus on seller referrals with real business owners — target SaaS founders, ecommerce sellers, and agency owners.
- Build relationships in founder communities — Indie Hackers, Twitter/X, and niche SaaS groups are high‑converting referral sources.
- Provide value first — share acquisition insights or help founders understand valuation before referring them.
- Use your referral link consistently — track conversions and optimize your outreach.
- For sellers, complete your listing accurately — synced metrics and clear financials attract serious buyers.
- For buyers, verify all claims — conduct due diligence and don't rely solely on marketplace data.
- Understand fees before committing — calculate net proceeds after listing and closing fees.
- Be patient — business sales and referral commissions can take months.
- Leverage Acquire's tools — escrow integration, legal builders, and M&A advisors can speed up transactions.
- Stay informed about acquisition multiples — Acquire's reports help you price or evaluate businesses.
Critical Platform Rules
General Safety Recommendations
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA if available
- Keep all communications on the platform for record
- Verify buyer/seller identities through official verification features
- Report suspicious behavior to Acquire support immediately
| Platform | Type | Fee | Min Payout | Best For | Trust Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquire.com | Business Marketplace | 6–8% closing fee | Varies | Buying/selling online businesses | 9.0/10 |
| Flippa | Business Marketplace | 5–15% | Varies | Websites, domains, ecommerce | 8.5/10 |
| Empire Flippers | Brokerage | 8–15% | Varies | Larger online businesses | 9.0/10 |
| SideProjectors | Marketplace | Varies | Varies | Small projects and startups | 7.5/10 |
Is Acquire.com legit?
Yes. Acquire.com is a legitimate business marketplace founded in 2020, with 500k+ entrepreneurs, 2,000+ completed sales, and strong independent reviews.
Can I earn money on Acquire.com without owning a business?
Yes, through the referral program. You can earn 25% of Acquire's closing fee for referring founders who successfully sell their businesses.
What is the seller closing fee?
6% for businesses over $1M, 7% for $250k–$1M, and 8% for under $250k. It is charged only when the business sells.
Is there a listing fee?
Yes. Sellers pay $25–$100/month depending on the asking price. This fee is non‑refundable and continues while listed.
What do buyers pay?
Basic buyer accounts are free. Premium access costs $390/year (businesses up to $250k revenue), and Platinum costs $780/year (all sizes).
Does Acquire guarantee a sale?
No. Acquire provides a marketplace and tools, but there is no guarantee a listed business will sell or that a referral will result in a commission.
How does escrow work?
Acquire integrates with Escrow.com and other providers to hold funds securely until transaction milestones are completed.
Is Acquire.com a public company?
No. Acquire.com is privately held. Financial figures are disclosed by management but not audited as public filings.
Is the referral program open globally?
The published referral terms do not restrict participation solely to the US, but eligibility and payout compliance may vary by jurisdiction.
Final Verdict
Acquire.com is a highly credible, growing marketplace for buying and selling profitable online businesses. Its seller referral program offers substantial earning potential—but only for those with access to real business owners.
The platform's strength lies in its scale, verified buyer network, escrow integration, and strong reputation. For founders, it provides an accessible alternative to traditional brokers. For buyers, it offers a curated pipeline of vetted businesses. For referral partners, it can produce large commissions—but success depends on actual sales, making it unsuitable for passive income seekers.
Acquire.com is recommended for business sellers, serious buyers, and referral partners with access to founder communities—not for casual earners expecting quick, easy money.
Ready to Buy, Sell, or Refer?
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