In brief: Buyers can source deals through broad marketplaces, startup marketplaces, curated broker platforms and direct outreach; the right source depends on mandate and diligence capacity.
Where buyers find deals
- Broad online-business marketplaces
- Startup-focused marketplaces
- Curated broker marketplaces
- Direct outreach to owners
- Professional networks and acquisition communities
Marketplace breadth vs curation
Broad marketplaces produce more raw deal flow, while curated marketplaces reduce the universe before you see it. Neither is inherently safer: the buyer still needs a repeatable filter and diligence process.
What to define before browsing
- Maximum purchase price and total capital available
- Minimum acceptable owner earnings or cash flow
- Business models you understand
- Owner-hours ceiling
- Concentration and platform risks you will not accept
A better browsing habit
Save only businesses that meet your written acquisition criteria. Do not let the marketplace's available inventory redefine your mandate every time a listing looks exciting.
Flippa as a sourcing venue
Flippa can be a useful sourcing venue because of its breadth. Pair that breadth with a strict first-pass filter and the due diligence process in this site.
Official-source note: Current Flippa platform and pricing details referenced on this page were checked against Flippa's official pricing page and platform overview on September 14, 2026.