Startup marketplaces
Marketplaces for startups and side projects list your product in front of people actively looking to buy one. A marketplace focused on failed and shut down startups, such as Exit.so, reaches buyers who expect products with little or no revenue and value them on code, users and data rather than profit.
General business marketplaces suit products with steady revenue. They are less useful for a shut down app with no income, because their buyers are mostly looking for cash flow.
Direct sale to a competitor or adjacent company
The highest prices usually come from a company that wants your specific product, users or position. Make a list of competitors and companies selling to the same customers, and contact them directly with a short summary of what is for sale.
Agencies and product studios
Development agencies and studios sometimes buy codebases to relaunch as their own products or to reuse for clients. They pay less, but they move quickly and understand what they are looking at.
Brokers
A broker runs the sale for a commission, usually a percentage of the price. Brokers are worth considering for larger sales with meaningful revenue. For most shut down startups the fee outweighs the benefit.
How to choose
If the app or SaaS has active users or revenue, list it and contact likely strategic buyers at the same time. If it is code only, a marketplace for failed startups gives the widest reach for the least effort. Either way, prepare the codebase first, as covered in selling a codebase before dissolving the company.
- Code only, no users, list on a failed startup marketplace
- Active users, list and approach competitors directly
- Meaningful recurring revenue, consider a general marketplace or broker as well
- Need to sell within weeks, agencies and direct buyers move fastest
Common questions
Where can I sell code from a shut down startup?
On a marketplace for failed startups, directly to competitors or adjacent companies, to development agencies, or through a broker for larger sales. Exit.so lists failed startups and their code for free.
What companies buy codebases from shutting startups?
Competitors wanting the users or features, companies entering the same market, agencies reusing code for clients, and individual operators who relaunch products.
Can I sell my app's codebase after the product has shut down?
Yes, as long as the company still exists and owns the code. Buyers will want to see that it builds and runs, so keep the repository and deployment notes intact.