Selling your business shouldn't start with a $50,000 retainer check. These five services connect you with vetted M&A advisors—some free, some success-only—so you can find your closer without the guesswork.
The New Matchmaking Era for Business Sales
The M&A advisory landscape is shifting. Traditional retainers are giving way to performance-based models, and digital matchmakers are stepping in to pair sellers with specialized advisors. Whether you run a $300K online business or a $25M manufacturing firm, these services cut through the noise. They pre-screen advisors, verify credentials, and route you to firms that actually close deals. The result? Faster exits, lower upfront costs, and fewer dead-end conversations.
How We Evaluated These Services
We looked at service scope—does it cover your industry and deal size? Pricing clarity—are fees transparent, and are there no-retainer options? Local fit—does the service understand your regional market? We also considered the vetting process for advisors, the speed of matching, and whether the service offers additional resources like valuations or exit planning. Each service brings a different strength, from free matching to full-service brokerage.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five services, ranked by overall fit for a typical business owner looking to sell.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| They Got Acquired | Founders of online businesses and agencies seeking free, fast advisor matches |
| ProCloser.ai — Find an M&A Advisor to Sell Your Business (No Retainer Options) | Business owners who want a free, fast match with no-retainer advisor options |
| Advisor Legacy | Financial advisors and RIAs looking for a full-service M&A partner |
| SkyView Partners | RIA owners who want a free, credit-checked buyer matchmaking platform |
| M&A Business Advisors | Owners of established lower middle market businesses seeking a traditional advisory firm |
The Five Services, Up Close
#1 They Got Acquired
A screenshot of the They Got Acquired website.
They Got Acquired is a free matching service that hand-picks up to three vetted advisors for your company. It's designed for businesses pulling in $300K to $25M in revenue, making it a sweet spot for online businesses, agencies, and media companies. The service takes about five minutes to complete, and you get introduced to advisors via email—no obligation to work with them. Founder Barbara Pantuso praised the service for asking the right questions and matching her with several great options after interviewing 13 brokers. They Got Acquired is compensated by advisors, so you pay nothing. It's a no-nonsense way to get qualified introductions without the sales pitch.
#2 ProCloser.ai — Find an M&A Advisor to Sell Your Business (No Retainer Options)
A screenshot of the ProCloser.ai website.
ProCloser.ai is a dedicated M&A advisor matching service that's free for sellers. It connects you with vetted advisory firms specialized in your industry and deal size, with some partners working success-only—no retainer required. The matching process includes a free indicative valuation, and you're matched within one business day. Your name stays confidential until you give written permission. If no firm is the right fit, ProCloser.ai tells you what to do instead, which is refreshingly honest. For M&A firms, it routes pre-qualified sellers straight into their pipeline, with fees only on closed deals or qualified meetings. It's built for owners who want to skip the $50,000 retainer check and get straight to a closer.
#3 Advisor Legacy
A screenshot of the Advisor Legacy website.
Advisor Legacy is a full-service M&A advisory firm that goes beyond matchmaking. It offers business valuations, deal support, and practice sales, with a strong focus on financial advisors and RIAs. Their team, led by Todd Doherty, guides you through the entire M&A lifecycle—from readiness to post-close integration. They provide a Legacy Firm Assessment to gauge your practice's health and buyer readiness. If you're in the financial advisory space, this is a specialized option that understands your niche. They also offer resources like white papers and webinars to help you prepare. It's not a free matching service, but it's a comprehensive partner for complex deals.
#4 SkyView Partners
A screenshot of the SkyView Partners website.
SkyView Partners is a lending firm that launched the Advisory Practice Board of Exchange (APBOE), a matchmaking site for RIA buyers and sellers. It's like 'OkCupid for advisors,' as FinancialPlanning.com put it. The site requires sellers to be represented by an M&A consultant, which adds a layer of professionalism. SkyView uses a proprietary ranking methodology to gauge buyer creditworthiness and preparedness. It's free to use, but SkyView hopes to boost its lending business through more M&A transactions. If you're selling an RIA, this is a niche platform that connects you with serious buyers. It's not for general businesses, but it's a smart play for the advisory space.
#5 M&A Business Advisors
A screenshot of the M&A Business Advisors website.
M&A Business Advisors is a traditional full-service brokerage and lower middle market M&A advisory firm. They specialize in confidential sales of privately-owned businesses across manufacturing, distribution, services, e-commerce, and more. Their advisors have extensive backgrounds and use proprietary methods to get deals done. You get a complimentary consultation to start, and they handle everything from valuation to closing. This is a hands-on, relationship-driven option if you prefer a dedicated advisor over a digital matchmaker. They have a strong track record in the lower middle market, making them a solid choice for established businesses. It's not free, but you get a full-service team.
How to Choose the Right Service for You
Start by defining your deal size and industry. If you run an online business or agency, They Got Acquired is a fast, free way to get introductions. If you want no-retainer options and a quick match, ProCloser.ai is your go-to. For financial advisors, Advisor Legacy or SkyView Partners offer niche expertise. If you have a larger, more complex business, M&A Business Advisors provides a full-service approach. Consider whether you want a free matching service or a dedicated advisor. Also, check if the service offers valuations or exit planning as part of the package. Finally, ask about confidentiality and how they vet advisors—you want to know your name is safe until you say otherwise.
Automating Your Exit: How These Services Streamline the Process
These services automate the tedious parts of finding an advisor. You fill out a form, and they use algorithms or human curation to match you with vetted firms. ProCloser.ai even offers a free indicative valuation as part of the matching process. They Got Acquired sends you up to three advisor introductions via email. SkyView Partners uses a proprietary ranking to match buyers and sellers. This automation saves you weeks of cold outreach and vetting. You get a shortlist of qualified advisors, ready to talk, without the guesswork.
The Bottom Line: Find Your Closer Without the Retainer
Selling your business is a big deal, but finding the right advisor shouldn't be a barrier. Whether you choose a free matching service like ProCloser.ai or They Got Acquired, or a full-service firm like M&A Business Advisors, the key is to start with a clear idea of what you need. These five services cover the spectrum—from no-retainer options to traditional advisory. Pick the one that fits your industry, deal size, and budget. Your exit is closer than you think.