What we look for when we acquire a software business
The criteria Viper Hold uses to evaluate software, SaaS and content businesses — and what founders can expect from the process.
Viper Hold grows in two ways: by building new products and by acquiring established ones. This note sets out what we look for in an acquisition, so founders can quickly tell whether a conversation is worth having.
The businesses we fit best
- Software or web products that solve one clear problem for a broad audience — utilities, productivity tools, document and design tools, consumer AI.
- Real, repeatable demand: customers who search for what the product does, and organic or paid channels that already work.
- Simple, durable business models — subscriptions, one-time purchases or advertising — with clean records of revenue and costs.
- Products where our shared capabilities in paid acquisition, design, localization and engineering would clearly accelerate growth.
What matters less
We are comfortable with businesses that are small, founder-run or a little neglected. A product that has been on autopilot for two years is often an excellent fit: the demand is proven, and the improvements are obvious. We care less about the technology stack than about whether the product works and customers trust it.
What founders can expect
- A direct conversation with the people who would run the business — not a broker relay.
- A clear indication of interest early, and a clear no if it isn't a fit.
- A straightforward diligence process focused on revenue, traffic, customers and code.
- A commitment to keep the product running for its customers and to look after its brand.
Starting a conversation
If you own a software or web business you are considering selling, use the contact form at viperhold.com/contact to send a short description of the product, its audience and its approximate revenue and traffic. Everything you share is treated as confidential.