Advisor comparison
Tiny vs. FE International: run a broad M&A process or talk to a direct buyer
FE International can run a polished technology M&A process. Tiny is different: Tiny is a direct buyer for profitable founder-owned software, internet, services, data, community, marketplace, and other durable businesses.
Short answer
Should I use FE International or sell directly to Tiny?
Use FE International when you want an advisor-led sale process with preparation, buyer outreach, and transaction management. Talk to Tiny when you want a direct founder-friendly buyer that can evaluate the company itself and hold it long term.
- FE International is an M&A advisor for technology businesses.
- Tiny is the acquirer, so the buyer conversation and ownership outcome are direct.
- The tradeoff is broad process support versus direct certainty and continuity.
Advisory process and direct acquisition do different jobs.
An M&A advisor can prepare the company and run a broader process. A direct acquirer can remove layers and make the post-close owner clear from the first serious conversation.
Direct acquirer
Tiny buys and owns the company after close.
M&A advisor
FE International helps prepare and sell technology businesses.
You want a known buyer
One direct conversation with the party that will own the business.
You want a managed process
Preparation, financials, buyer outreach, and process support.
Focused fit check
Tiny decides whether it is the right buyer.
Broad buyer outreach
An advisor-led process can create competitive tension.
Founder provides essentials
Enough context to underwrite the business and make a real offer.
Advisor-led materials
Financial preparation, positioning, and transaction materials.
Tiny owns the outcome
Team and brand continuity are part of the model.
Buyer-dependent
The advisor can negotiate; the final buyer controls the outcome.
No advisor fee from Tiny
Tiny is the buyer, not the seller's representative.
Advisory engagement
A managed process typically involves advisor terms and fees.
Use FE International when
You want a formal process, professional sale materials, buyer outreach, and a team managing the transaction.
Talk to Tiny when
You want to compare one known buyer, avoid a broad process, and protect the team, brand, and product after close.
Compare both when
You want to understand whether the expected process premium outweighs time, fees, and post-close uncertainty.
Useful reference points
When comparing paths, it helps to separate what each company actually does. Tiny is a buyer; marketplaces and advisors can be useful, but they play a different role in the transaction.
Common founder questions
Is Tiny an FE International alternative?
Tiny can be an alternative when a founder wants to sell directly to a long-term buyer rather than hire an advisor to run a broader process. FE International can be valuable when preparation, buyer outreach, and process management matter most.
Should I use FE International or talk to Tiny?
Use an advisor such as FE International when you want a managed sale process and broad buyer outreach. Talk to Tiny when you want a direct buyer conversation, cash simplicity, and a long-term owner for the business.
Does Tiny charge an advisory fee?
No. Tiny is not representing the seller and does not charge a broker or M&A advisory fee. Tiny is the buyer. Founders should still use their own legal, tax, and financial advisors.
When is FE International better than Tiny?
FE International may be better when the founder wants a broad process, professional preparation, and multiple buyer conversations. Tiny is usually the better fit when the founder wants a known buyer and a simpler path to a long-term home.
Want to compare a direct buyer with an advisor-led process?
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