FE International is proud to announce our inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for the seventh consecutive year. This achievement places us among a select group of businesses that have maintained sustained growth, market leadership, and adaptability in a rapidly changing global economy.
Inc. 5000 Recognition: Seven Years of Growth and Market Leadership
The Inc. 5000 is widely recognized as a benchmark for entrepreneurial success, highlighting companies that combine innovation with disciplined execution. Achieving this recognition year after year requires more than short‑term expansion. It demands the ability to sustain momentum, navigate shifting markets, and consistently deliver measurable value to clients and stakeholders.
For FE International, this milestone reflects over 14 years of dedicated focus on advising founders of SaaS, e-commerce, content-based businesses, agency and marketing solutions, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, ecommerce and consumer products, edtech, fintech, and marketplace apps. During this time, we have completed more than 1,500 transactions with a total value exceeding $50 billion, supported by a global buyer network spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Our proprietary valuation models, built on market comparables, operational performance metrics, and real‑time buyer demand analytics, allow us to position businesses for maximum appeal and achieve strong valuations in competitive processes.
Learn more about how we sell businesses.
SaaS M&A Leadership in a High‑Momentum Market
SaaS and other recurring revenue models remain among the most sought‑after business types in the current M&A environment. Gartner projects global public cloud spending will reach $723.4 billion in 2025, driven by continued enterprise adoption and the rapid integration of AI‑enabled capabilities into business workflows.
This growth is spurring active acquisition interest across SaaS, e‑commerce, and content‑based businesses. Buyers increasingly prioritize companies with scalable infrastructure, defensible market positions, and diversified revenue streams, characteristics that define many of the businesses represented by FE International.
What Seven Years on the Inc. 5000 Reveals
A seven-year streak on the Inc. 5000 is more than a measure of revenue growth. It is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and strategic clarity in a competitive market.
In the technology M&A sector, this level of consistency reflects:
- Sustained buyer demand: High-quality technology assets continue to attract attention from both strategic acquirers and private equity investors across economic cycles.
- Proven processes: Advisory growth is built on repeatable, data-driven systems refined through hundreds of transactions.
- Long-term relationships: Founders return to trusted advisors who consistently deliver exceptional outcomes, fostering enduring partnerships.
These dynamics suggest that 2025 presents strong opportunities for well-positioned technology businesses to capitalize on favorable market conditions.
“Place on the Inc. 5000 for the seventh year in a row reflects the trust our clients place in us, the expertise of our team, and our commitment to delivering results in every market environment. This recognition is not just about growth; it is about consistency, quality, and the ability to adapt while staying true to our mission of setting the standard in technology M&A advisory,” said Thomas Smale, Founder and CEO of FE International.
Positive Signals for 2025
Several key indicators point to a robust M&A environment this year:
Transaction volumes near multi-year highs
S&P Global Market Intelligence reports that global M&A deal value in Q2 2025 reached one of the highest quarterly totals in the past four years. This surge reflects renewed confidence among both corporate and private equity buyers and a strategic emphasis on acquiring complementary capabilities to drive growth.
Abundant private equity capital
According to PitchBook, private equity firms globally are holding more than $1 trillion in dry powder, the highest level on record. This capital surplus intensifies competition for high-quality assets, giving sellers leverage to negotiate favorable terms.
Innovation driving acquisition appetite
Ernst & Young (EY) reports that AI funding in the first half of 2025 has already surpassed the full-year total for 2024. AI integration across products, customer engagement, and operations is now a key value driver, with buyers targeting businesses that can demonstrate measurable performance improvements from AI adoption.
With strong capital flows, active buyers, and innovation at the forefront, the current environment offers an attractive window for technology founders to explore strategic exits.
Supporting Founders and Investors
Our services go beyond transaction matchmaking. We partner with clients to ensure strategic outcomes.
For founders
We begin with a detailed, confidential business valuation that benchmarks your company against relevant comparables and current buyer demand. We then create a tailored positioning strategy, craft high-impact marketing materials, and run a structured, competitive process. Our team manages negotiations and due diligence to secure both optimal value and deal certainty.
For buyers
Through our Buy a Business service, we present vetted, high-quality opportunities that align with specific investment criteria. We provide comprehensive deal materials, market analysis, and transaction support to accelerate decision-making and reduce execution risk.
Market intelligence
Our regularly published Market Reports offer detailed sector analysis, valuation trends, and buyer activity across SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, content, and emerging tech. This intelligence helps both founders and acquirers make informed, data-backed decisions.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate our seventh consecutive year on the Inc. 5000, FE International remains committed to elevating the standard of technology M&A advisory. Our focus for the coming years includes expanding our global reach, investing in AI-powered buyer matching, and continuing to publish research that empowers founders, investors, and acquirers to navigate the evolving market landscape with confidence.
Take the Next Step
If you are considering selling your business or exploring acquisition opportunities in the next 12 to 18 months, our award-winning team is ready to help you achieve your goals.