I’ve written about VerticalResponse before. It provides online self-service tools for small businesses, including email, event, survey, and social media marketing. It is known for its outstanding customer service.

About five years ago, Janine Popick, CEO and Founder of VerticalResponse, started thinking about selling her company. She had big plans for the company and needed money to fund implementation. Selling the company was one way to get the cash infusion she needed. Three years ago, she engaged an investment banker who matched VerticalResponse with potential suitors. VerticalResponse received three offers. Two they turned down. The other turned them down.

Just as Popick was beginning to think about other ways to raise money, the perfect match came along. VerticalResponse was bought in June for $27 million in cash. It has 110 employees and 800,000 users worldwide who send 8.4 billion emails per year. It has grown 24% compounded annually since 2008. It is consistently ranked on various lists for fastest-growing companies, including Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 500|5000. 

Popick shared with me the five questions to ask to determine if a suitor is the perfect match for your company. You can read them and the entire article on Forbes.com. 

Photo credit: Kudo Kun via Wikimedia Commons