Ask HN: How do I sell an entire tech stack?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2925069

by rnd18718 • 15 years ago

9 5 15 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

What possibilities are there out there for liquidating technology/applications instead of websites? We have developed a multi platform mobile technology for game development but would like to focus more on pure app development with the company in the future. It's actually very interesting for existing (social) game developers or for an entrepreneur that wants to have some building block to start from.

I'm actually not looking for a super high amount, more like 30-75k. Considering the year we spent working on this, I am merely trying to recuperate some of the costs.

What possibilities are there? I know that for websites there are sites such as Flippa -- is there anything similar for pure software/IP?

TMK• 15 years ago

I'm interested too if there is such site as Flippa to sell software. If not. We have to create one! :D

ses• 15 years ago

Not that I have much experience doing this, I would think selling the entirety of a product including IP is quite a tricky process for which there is no real template in terms of how you should go about it. I know it definitely happens in the sphere of enterprise software where it is usually smaller companies selling some software which large firms have found happens to suit their needs at a particular time. But I think establishing those kinds of interested contacts would take time and a careful awareness of opportunities.

It might be worth considering other possibilities in terms of generating revenue, perhaps by licencing the platform.

It is frustrating when you have a good piece of technology / application and you know it would be useful somewhere, but struggling to make that sale. If the economy was in better shape, larger companies would probably be much more willing to invest in full software / IP acquisition.

One other route is that of making some aspect open source but sell consultancy and support.

I would definitely be interested in any success stories of the kind you are hoping to achieve.

arctangent• 15 years ago

You could try http://www.binpress.com/

rnd18718• 15 years ago

Hadn't heard about that one yet! Thanks, will check it out. :)

OzzyOsbourne• 15 years ago

You could try and license your entire toolchain, sort of like Epic Games does with the Unreal Engine.

Ask HN: How do I sell an entire tech stack?

Related Stories