# The Playbook Behind 18 Startup Acquisitions

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/startup-acquisition-stories/the-playbook-behind-18-startup-acquisitions
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/startup-acquisition-stories/the-playbook-behind-18-startup-acquisitions.md
Podcast: [Startup Acquisition Stories](https://stenobird.com/podcast/startup-acquisition-stories)
Published: 2025-11-25T17:57:16+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/startup-acquisitions/episodes/The-Playbook-Behind-18-Startup-Acquisitions-e3b9unj
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/71db7ab0/podcast/play/111524019/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2025-10-21%2Fe2f42985-90ab-195f-3033-ec1c064634a2.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/startup-acquisition-stories/episodes/the-playbook-behind-18-startup-acquisitions
Duration seconds: 1290

## Resource

Stewart Faught has built and sold 18 software companies without venture funding or hype. His path demonstrates how simple tools, focused verticals, and repeatable systems can create tangible outcomes. By focusing on local niches and practical problems, he built products small businesses actually needed, then sold them through ⁠ Acquire.com ⁠ in fast, clean, and buyer-aligned deals. His founder story shows how clarity, documentation, and vertical focus compound into exits you can repeat. You’ll hear: How he built niche SaaS products that grow fast Why partnerships outperform cold outreach How to pick verticals that convert Why first-time founders make great buyers How preparation speeds up every acquisition 3 lessons from Stewart’s playbook: Clear processes win because buyers trust what they can see. Vertical focus works because simplicity outperforms generalization. Flexibility closes deals because structure beats stubbornness. For founders building without VC money, this episode shows why small, narrow, and repeatable beats big, broad, and unfocused, and how simple playbooks turn into real exits. Follow Stewart’s journey: LinkedIn Convington.ai

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## Transcript

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