Listing Summary

Business Name: CONFIDENTIAL

Established: 2006

Valuation: $17,500,000

Percentage Being Sold: 100%

Revenue (TTM): $14,706,258

Net Profit (SDE): $3,585,437

Business Multiple (EBITDA): 4.88x

Customers (TTM): 31,000

Traffic (TTM): 37 million sessions

Summary

This 18-year-old business is a leader in the academic writing niche and has recently expanded to other services. With a B2C transactional model, it generates $18-20 million annually. Despite a slight decline in new customer acquisition, targeted marketing strategies are expected to address this.

Business Evolution

• 2006: Founded.

• 2008: Expanded team from 5 to 20 employees.

• 2010: Rapid growth, the team expanded to 100 employees.

• 2011: Cooperated with writers from Kenya, improving quality and reducing refunds.

• 2015: Entered the German market.

• 2016: Implemented a custom CRM system, enhancing service quality.

• 2018-20: Team doubled, launched new products (presentations, resume writing, programming).

Key Metrics

• Revenue (2021-2023): $18M-$21M annually

• Customers: 30-40K per year

• Orders: 215K-240K annually

• Active Verified Experts: 1000+

• Sessions: 3.7M-5.0M

• 12-Month LTV: $270-$300

• Margins: Academic writing: 72-75%, Other products: 65-67%

Future Growth Prospects

Academic Writing

• Implement essay writing services in multiple languages (Dutch, Arabic, Spanish, French).

• Enhance SEO for regional websites.

• Utilize social media advertising and influencers.

• Develop a mobile app to improve user engagement and retention.

• Offer complex tasks like dissertations and theses.

• Provide services for online tests.

• Introduce subscription models for academic services.

• Develop AI tools for academic writing and other services.

• Explore low-price segments to increase customer base.

• Focus on STEM-related tasks.

Other Products

• Expand programming services by establishing a dedicated team.

• Develop services for business clients, including presentations, resume writing, and typing services.

Investment Offer

The business is available for a minimum valuation of $17.5M, sold turnkey with full operations and customer base in place. The key highlights include:

• Revenue Figures: $18-21M annually, with 72-75% margins in academic products.

• Client Base: Fresh client base for 2023-2024 with a high retention rate.

• Automation: High level of automation with only 9 employees managing 1000 writers.

• Proprietary CRM System: Advanced system tailored for B2C market.

Market Position and Customer Base

The company is among the top four in the academic writing services market. It operates primarily in English-speaking markets, with a significant presence in the USA. The main reasons for customer use include time constraints, pressure to succeed, lack of confidence, language barriers, procrastination, lack of understanding, and the need to delegate non-essential tasks.

Financial Performance

The business has maintained stable revenue and net income, averaging $20M annually over the past three years. Despite a temporary dip in late 2023 and early 2024, revenue is stabilizing, positioning the business for strong future growth.

Operations and Team

The business operates with a team of over 80 employees, including marketing specialists, project managers, designers, developers, and support staff. The operational and strategic management is handled by a board led by the CEO, ensuring seamless integration and continuity.

Marketing and Customer Acquisition

The company utilizes diversified customer acquisition channels, focusing on organic growth through SEO, contextual advertising on Google and Bing, and an in-house affiliate program. The average cost of customer acquisition varies by channel, with PPC costing $198 and SEO costing $94.

Growth Opportunities

The business is exploring several growth opportunities, including:

• Expanding GEO and languages: Offering writing services in multiple languages to attract new clients.

• Developing new products: Focusing on programming, presentations, resumes, and admissions services.

• Enhancing marketing efforts: Increasing spending on SEO and contextual ads, developing a mobile app, and exploring new marketing channels.

Conclusion

This business presents a significant investment opportunity with stable revenue, high margins, and strong growth potential. The sale includes all operational and strategic management structures, ensuring a smooth transition for the new owner.

About the Agent

FIH.com is a Manhattan-based M&A advisory firm specializing in the sale of remotely-run successful digital companies (around the world) with revenues ranging from $1M to $100M. These include apps, marketplaces, freemium and enterprise SaaS, ecommerce, affiliate/advertising groups, and more. This business is proud to work with the very best entrepreneurs and investors. Potential clients who are in the market to acquire or sell a relevant business are encouraged to reach out for a complimentary consultation.