In the fast-moving world of startups, things change every day. One day a company is raising funds, and the next day it’s getting bought out or going public! This is called a startup exit. Knowing how to track startup exits is super helpful, especially if you're an investor, founder, student, or just curious.
Let’s break it down into easy steps and show you real tools, expert tips, and cool tricks to keep up with startup journeys.
What is a Startup Exit
A startup exit happens when a startup gets sold, merges with another company, or becomes a public company through an IPO (Initial Public Offering). It’s called an “exit” because the original investors or founders usually sell their shares and “exit” the business.
Common Types of Exits
- Acquisition – A big company buys the startup.
- Merger – Two startups or companies join together.
- IPO – The startup offers shares to the public on the stock market.
Read also: Best Ways To Exit A Failing Startup
Why Should You Track Startup Exits
Understanding how to track startup exits can give you insight into which companies are successful. It helps:
- Investors decide where to invest next.
- Startup founders learn from others' wins.
- Job seekers follow growing companies.
- Tech lovers stay updated with cool trends.
It’s like having a front-row seat to a startup’s journey!
How To Track Startup Exits: Best Methods That Actually Work
Let’s dive into the main topic: How To Track Startup Exits in a smart and simple way.
Use Startup News Websites
Some websites report startup news every day. They tell when a company gets acquired or goes public.
Popular Sites to Follow:
- TechCrunch
- Crunchbase News
- CB Insights
- PitchBook
- Startup Daily
These sites often post headlines like “X Company Acquired by Y for $200 Million!” and give you real facts.
Follow Startup Databases
If you want to go deeper, use startup tracking tools and company databases. These tools show exit history, funding rounds, and company timelines.
Top Tools for Tracking:
- Crunchbase (Free + Paid)
- Dealroom (Great for Europe)
- CB Insights (Business-level insights)
- Tracxn (Good for startup research)
- PrivCo (Focused on private companies)
These platforms help you filter startups by sector, country, or even by exit date.
Set Google Alerts
Google Alerts is super easy to use. You can type phrases like:
- Startup acquisition 2025
- Startup exits India
- IPO announced
Then Google will email you when it finds matching news.
It’s a free tool to stay up to date with startup acquisitions, tech exits, and merger news.
Read also: Top Challenges in Fundraising: Overcoming Barriers to Success
Follow Venture Capital Firms
Big investors often share news about their portfolio companies. If a startup exits, they usually post about it.
Follow VCs like:
- Sequoia Capital
- Accel
- Andreessen Horowitz
- SoftBank
- Y Combinator
Check their websites or LinkedIn updates. You’ll often see real-time exit announcements.
Use Twitter and LinkedIn Threads
Many startup founders and VCs share news and insights on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Follow hashtags like:
- StartupExit
- AcquisitionAlert
- StartupFunding
- IPONews
You can also follow known startup journalists or angel investors for quick updates.
How To Track Startup Exits Using Crunchbase
Here’s a real-life step-by-step guide using Crunchbase, one of the top tools.
Step-by-Step:
- Go to Crunchbase.com.
- In the search bar, type the startup’s name or keyword (like “AI Startups”).
- Click on the company profile.
- Scroll down to find “Acquisitions” or “IPO” under the Timeline.
- Boom! You can now see if it had an exit and when.
This is one of the easiest ways to track startup exits with solid data.
Real Experience: How I Learned About a Startup Exit
A few months ago, I was following a small AI startup called “Revoice”. I had a hunch they’d do well. I set Google Alerts for “Revoice AI” and checked Crunchbase weekly.
One day, I got an alert: “Revoice acquired by Microsoft for $75 million.” That was huge! It proved that even small startups can make big moves, and tracking startup exits can give you an edge.
Trust Real Data, Not Just Hype
When tracking exits, always check trusted sources. Avoid random blogs or social media unless the news is confirmed. Use verified databases and double-check facts.
That’s how experts stay ahead — by trusting real-time, reliable data.
Tips to Be a Pro at Tracking Startup Exits
Here are a few expert tips to get really good at it:
Tip 1: Track by Industry
If you like fintech, only follow fintech startups. If you're into gaming, track gaming exits.
Tip 2: Set Weekly Reminders
Every Friday, check Crunchbase or Dealroom for new exits.
Tip 3: Join Startup Communities
Reddit (r/startups), Indie Hackers, and Discord groups often share exit news fast.
Final Thoughts: Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Learning how to track startup exits is like building a superpower. It helps you know what’s hot in the startup world, find business ideas, or even decide where to invest your time and money.