FE International Review
A comprehensive analysis of FE International — the global technology M&A advisory firm and marketplace. Trusted by 500,000+ entrepreneurs with 1,500+ transactions and $50B+ in deal value.
Visit Official Website| Company | FE International |
| Official Website | feinternational.com |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder & CEO | Thomas Smale |
| Executive Chairman | Ismael Wrixen |
| Company Type | Private |
| Headquarters | New York, USA |
| Other Offices | Miami, San Francisco, London, Mumbai, Warsaw |
| Industry | Technology M&A / Business Brokerage / Investment Banking |
| Transactions Completed | 1,500+ |
| Cumulative Transaction Value | $50B+ |
| Success Rate | 94.1% (company‑reported) |
| Qualified Buyer Network | 80,000+ |
| Marketplace Entrepreneurs | 500,000+ |
| Marketplace Deal Volume | $500M+ |
| Marketplace Startups Sold | 2,000+ |
| Verified Buyer Funds (Marketplace) | $4B+ |
| Marketplace Target Valuation | $100K–$10M |
| Marketplace Seller Fee (<$250K) | 5% at closing |
| Marketplace Seller Fee ($250K–$1M) | 4% at closing |
| Marketplace Seller Fee (>$1M) | 3% at closing |
| Traditional Advisory Upfront Fee | None |
| Referral Program | Yes — competitive commission |
| Public Company | No |
| Customer Support | Dedicated M&A advisor, help center, ticket system |
| Trust Score | 9.5 / 10 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6 / 5 |
| Ease of Use | ||
| Beginner Friendly | ||
| Earning Potential | ||
| Payment Reliability | ||
| Transparency | ||
| Customer Support | ||
| Long‑term Reliability | ||
| Overall Rating |
Technology Business Sellers
Founders of SaaS, ecommerce, AI, fintech, and other online businesses seeking a professional exit through M&A advisory or marketplace.
Serious Business Buyers
Investors and entrepreneurs looking to acquire established technology businesses with dedicated M&A support and due diligence.
Referral Partners with Founder Networks
Advisors, consultants, and professionals who can refer business owners considering an exit can earn a competitive commission.
Enterprise & Mid‑Market M&A
FE International handles larger transactions, including strategic acquisitions, private equity deals, and complex M&A structures.
Those Seeking Professional Guidance
Free valuations, dedicated advisors, and structured processes make FE suitable for founders who want expert hand‑holding.
Acquisition Researchers
FE publishes extensive valuation reports and M&A insights, useful for anyone studying online business multiples.
Passive Income Seekers
FE International is not an app or task platform. Referral income requires an actual business sale, which can take months.
Zero‑Investment Earners
While the referral program is free to join, earning requires access to business owners. Buying or selling businesses requires capital or a sellable asset.
Beginners Without Business Knowledge
M&A is complex. Users should understand valuation, due diligence, and transaction structures before engaging.
Those Seeking Quick, Low‑Effort Income
FE is not a side hustle platform. High‑value opportunities exist, but they demand patience and a relevant network.
FE International is a global technology M&A advisory firm and marketplace founded in 2010 by Thomas Smale. Headquartered in New York with offices in Miami, San Francisco, London, Mumbai, and Warsaw, the company helps entrepreneurs sell, buy, and value online businesses. FE International has completed 1,500+ transactions worth more than $50 billion and reports a 94.1% success rate.
The company operates a hybrid model: traditional M&A advisory services, investment banking through FE Capital Markets, due diligence services, and a self‑service M&A marketplace targeting businesses valued from $100K to $10M. The marketplace advertises 500K+ entrepreneurs, 2,000+ startups sold, $500M+ in deal volume, and $4B+ in verified buyer funds.
FE International's seller fees for the marketplace are 5% below $250K, 4% for $250K–$1M, and 3% above $1M—lower than many competitors. Traditional advisory engagements typically have no upfront fee and are success‑based. The company also offers a Refer a Business program where referrers earn a competitive commission when a referred business successfully sells.
Despite its scale and credibility, FE International is not a passive income platform. Earning opportunities are limited to selling a business, acquiring one, or referring founders. The sales cycle is long, and success depends on actual transactions. However, for those with the right network or business assets, the potential returns are substantial.
FE International's evolution from a small website brokerage to a global technology M&A firm is a key part of understanding its current position.
2010 — Founding
Thomas Smale started FE International, initially buying and selling websites from his dorm room. He later partnered with Ismael Wrixen, who brought investment‑banking expertise.
2010s — Expansion & Recognition
The company grew from website brokerage to a full technology M&A advisory firm. It gained recognition through the Inc. 5000 list and IBBA awards.
2020–2024 — Financial Times & International Growth
FE International expanded internationally, opening offices in London, Mumbai, and Warsaw. It was recognized by the Financial Times as a fastest‑growing company for five consecutive years.
2025–2026 — Hybrid M&A Model
FE launched a self‑service M&A marketplace targeting $100K–$10M businesses, while continuing traditional advisory and adding investment banking and capital‑raising services. The 2025 Inc. 5000 ranking reported 132% three‑year growth.
Create an Account
Sign up for free on FE International. Choose your role: seller, buyer, or referral partner.
List or Browse Businesses
Sellers can request a free valuation and list their business. Buyers can browse public listings and access detailed information after NDA.
Negotiate & Due Diligence
Connect with buyers/sellers, negotiate terms, and conduct due diligence using FE's tools, including LOI and APA builders.
Close Transaction
Use FE's escrow integration and M&A support to finalize the sale. Seller fees are deducted at closing (3–5% for marketplace).
Earn Referral Commission
If you referred a business owner and the business sells through FE, you receive a competitive commission as per your referral agreement.
Traditional M&A Advisory
Dedicated M&A advisors, valuation, buyer outreach, negotiation, and transaction management for larger or complex deals.
Self‑Service Marketplace
List your business for 3–5% success fee. Buyers can browse public listings and connect directly.
Free Business Valuation
Get an initial business valuation at no cost. No obligation to proceed with sale.
Verified Buyer Network
80K+ qualified buyers and $4B+ in verified funds across the ecosystem, reducing wasted seller time.
Due Diligence & Legal Tools
AI‑powered due‑diligence checklists, LOI/APA builders, and escrow integration to streamline transactions.
Extensive M&A Research
Regular valuation reports across SaaS, ecommerce, AI, and other technology sectors, providing market intelligence.
FE International 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, or other online business through FE International's advisory or marketplace. Pay a success fee only when the business sells.
Advantages: Access to large buyer network, professional valuation, and M&A support.
Disadvantages: Sale can take months; not every business is accepted; fees reduce net proceeds.
Tip: Prepare clean financials and understand your valuation before listing.
Buy a Business for Profit
Acquire an existing technology business. FE International provides vetted listings and due‑diligence tools to support informed decisions.
Advantages: Established revenue, customers, and systems reduce startup risk.
Disadvantages: Significant capital required; all acquisitions carry inherent risk.
Tip: Always perform independent due diligence—verify revenue, churn, and customer concentration.
Refer a Business
Refer a founder considering an exit. If FE International sells the business, you receive a commission based on the referral agreement.
Advantages: Potentially high‑value commissions; no upfront cost to join.
Disadvantages: No fixed public percentage; long conversion cycle; requires genuine business‑owner contacts.
Tip: Build relationships in SaaS, ecommerce, and startup communities to increase referral quality.
Joining FE International is free. Here's what to expect:
Sign Up for Free
Create an account with your email. No payment is required to browse public listings or join the referral program.
Choose Your Role
Select whether you're buying, selling, or referring. Your dashboard will adapt accordingly.
Complete Profile & Verification
Provide necessary details. Buyers may need to verify funds for premium access; referral partners complete an application.
Engage with Listings or Refer
Browse businesses, request access, or submit a referral. Sellers can request a free valuation.
Close & Earn
Complete a transaction or see your referred business sell to earn commissions or proceeds.
FE International's dashboard is professional and M&A‑focused. Key sections include:
Marketplace
Browse listings, filter by category/revenue, and request NDA access to private business information.
My Listings (Sellers)
Manage your business listing, 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 application status, track referred founders, and monitor commission earnings.
Messages
Secure communication with buyers/sellers after NDA approval, keeping a record for transparency.
Support
Access the help center, contact M&A advisors, or submit tickets for assistance.
Marketplace Seller Fees
5% for businesses under $250K, 4% for $250K–$1M, and 3% for $1M+. Charged at closing only.
Traditional Advisory Fees
No upfront fee. Success fee negotiated as part of the engagement.
Buyer Access
Public listings are free. Premium buyer options may be available for advanced features.
Referral Payouts
Competitive commission determined by referral agreement. Paid only after a successful sale.
| Referral Commission Payout | After referred business closes | No upfront cost |
| Marketplace Seller Fee | At transaction closing | 3–5% of sale price |
| Traditional Advisory Fee | At transaction closing | Success fee (negotiated) |
FE International's legitimacy is supported by extensive third‑party evidence. The company has completed 1,500+ transactions worth $50B+, including deals with Shopify, Stripe, and Summit Partners. It has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years, with 132% three‑year growth in 2025, and was recognized by the Financial Times as a fastest‑growing company.
While individual payment proof from referral partners is less commonly shared, the company's transaction history and institutional recognition provide strong evidence of real payouts. G2 shows 5.0/5 from 3 reviews (small sample), and the company hosts testimonials from successful sellers. However, all metrics are company‑reported and should be interpreted accordingly.
Company Transparency
FE International is privately held, but its leadership, offices, and pricing are publicly documented. Financial metrics are company‑reported rather than audited public filings. However, the company's long history and third‑party recognitions add substantial credibility.
Security & Transaction Integrity
FE International integrates escrow, NDAs, buyer verification, and legal document builders. Its traditional advisory service includes professional due diligence, reducing risk compared to informal transactions.
Risk Assessment
The main risks are commercial: 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.
- Operating since 2010 with 16+ years of M&A experience
- 1,500+ transactions and $50B+ cumulative deal value
- 94.1% reported transaction success rate
- 80,000+ qualified buyer network
- 500K+ entrepreneurs in broader ecosystem
- Free initial valuation for sellers
- No upfront fee for traditional advisory
- Marketplace seller fees as low as 3%
- International offices including London, Mumbai, and Warsaw
- Recognized by Inc. 5000 and Financial Times
- Extensive M&A research and industry insights
- Referral program with competitive commissions
- Escrow integration and legal document builders
- Not a conventional earning platform—referral income requires actual business sales
- Referral commission percentage is not publicly fixed
- Seller fees can still be substantial on large transactions
- 90%+ lead rejection means many businesses won't qualify for advisory
- No guarantee a listed business will sell
- Sales cycle is long; referral conversions can take months
- Company metrics are company‑reported, not independently audited
- Not suitable for users without business assets or a founder network
FE International provides dedicated M&A advisors for traditional engagements and a support team for marketplace users. The company is known for responsive, professional support, as reflected in testimonials and G2 reviews. Response times vary depending on transaction complexity and user tier.
FE International's platform is professional and designed for serious M&A activity. Sellers appreciate the structured process and advisor support, while buyers benefit from curated listings and detailed financials. The marketplace is intuitive, though the overall experience is more business‑oriented than consumer‑friendly. Users should expect a learning curve if unfamiliar with M&A.
- Founders of profitable technology businesses seeking an exit
- Investors and entrepreneurs looking to acquire online businesses
- Referral partners with access to SaaS, ecommerce, or agency owners
- Those who value professional M&A guidance and structured processes
- Businesses valued between $100K and $10M (marketplace) or larger (advisory)
- People seeking quick, passive income
- Users without a business to sell or capital to acquire
- Those without access to business owners for referrals
- Beginners unfamiliar with business valuation and due diligence
- Anyone expecting guaranteed returns
Earnings on FE International vary dramatically by role. Sellers earn their business sale price minus fees. Buyers earn ongoing business profits. Referral partners earn commissions, but the exact amount depends on the referral agreement and transaction size. While not publicly fixed, commissions can be substantial for high‑value deals.
| Seller Net Proceeds | Sale price minus 3–5% marketplace fee (or negotiated advisory fee) |
| Buyer Income | Business net profit after acquisition |
| Referral Commission | Competitive commission per successful referral; not publicly fixed |
- Focus on high‑quality referral sources — build relationships with SaaS founders, ecommerce owners, and agency principals.
- Understand the business before referring — a well‑prepared referral with clean financials is more likely to be accepted and sold.
- For sellers, get a free valuation early — understand your business worth and prepare documentation.
- For buyers, conduct thorough due diligence — never rely solely on marketplace data.
- Leverage FE's research — use valuation reports to price or evaluate opportunities accurately.
- Be patient — M&A transactions take time; don't expect quick flips.
- Use referral program correctly — complete the application, meet the team, and introduce genuine prospects.
- Stay informed about market trends — FE's 2026 reports highlight AI and technology consolidation as key drivers.
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 FE support immediately
| Platform | Type | Fee | Min Payout | Best For | Trust Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FE International | M&A Advisor + Marketplace | 3–5% marketplace | Varies | Technology businesses | 9.5/10 |
| Acquire.com | Business Marketplace | 6–8% closing fee | Varies | 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 |
Is FE International legit?
Yes. FE International is a highly credible M&A advisory firm founded in 2010, with 1,500+ transactions, $50B+ in deal value, and multiple industry recognitions.
Can I earn money on FE International without owning a business?
Yes, through the Refer a Business program. You can earn a competitive commission for referring founders who successfully sell through FE.
What are the seller fees on the marketplace?
5% for businesses under $250K, 4% for $250K–$1M, and 3% for $1M+. Traditional advisory fees are negotiated.
Is there an upfront fee to list a business?
For traditional advisory, no upfront fee. The marketplace uses a success fee model. Always check current terms.
Does FE International guarantee a sale?
No. FE International reports a 94.1% success rate, but no sale is guaranteed.
How does the referral program work?
Submit a referral application, meet the team, introduce a business owner, and if the business sells through FE, you earn a commission per your agreement.
What types of businesses does FE International sell?
SaaS, ecommerce, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, edtech, agencies, digital media, and marketplace businesses.
Is FE International a public company?
No. FE International is privately held.
Final Verdict
FE International is a premier technology M&A advisory firm and marketplace with exceptional credibility, a long transaction history, and strong growth—but it is not a passive income platform.
For business sellers and serious buyers, FE International offers professional guidance, a large buyer network, and a robust transaction infrastructure. Its marketplace extends access to smaller businesses with competitive fees. The referral program provides a potential high‑ticket earning opportunity for those with the right founder connections, though commissions are not publicly fixed and conversions depend on actual sales.
FE International is highly recommended for technology business owners, investors, and referral partners with access to a network of entrepreneurs—not for casual earners seeking quick, easy money.
Ready to Buy, Sell, or Refer?
Join FE International and access a global network of technology M&A opportunities. Get a free valuation or refer a business today.
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