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LinkBuilder.io: Timing the Exit Before Industry Disruption
TL;DR: Stewart and Michael Dunlop built LinkBuilder.io to mid-7-figures revenue with 100 clients and 35-person team. They skipped networking and social media, instead using SEO to generate leads - the service they sold. They hired great people before demand existed. In 2023, Stewart anticipated AI would disrupt traditional search. They worked with FE International, had multiple interested buyers including big names, but chose Next Net Media based on cultural fit and shared vision. PE-backed buyer ran 500-item due diligence audit. Sold in September 2023 before March 2024's algorithm update shook up SEO.
Key Insights
- Practice what you preach - use your own service to generate clients
- Hire great people before immediate demand, trusting growth will follow
- Anticipate industry disruption and time exit before it hits
- Choose acquirer based on cultural fit and shared vision, not just price
- PE-backed due diligence is exhaustive - prepare for 500+ item checklist
Actionable Takeaways
- If you sell a service, use that service to acquire your own customers
- Watch for macro industry shifts and consider exit before disruption peaks
- Meet multiple potential buyers and evaluate cultural fit alongside financial terms
Principles Validated (4)
Distribution
Founder Mindset
Read full article on theygotacquired.comAdded Feb 3, 2026