Marketplace Terms

TheStartupBase is a software platform. TheStartupBase is not a broker, escrow agent, or financial advisor, and does not represent either party in any transaction conducted through or in connection with the marketplace.

TheStartupBase does not negotiate, structure, draft, review, or approve asset-transfer agreements. TheStartupBase does not hold, transfer, or safeguard funds, IP, customer lists, or any other asset. TheStartupBase does not facilitate the wire or any other payment.

Every listing on the marketplace is for the assets of a business only: code, brand, customer contracts, infrastructure, intellectual property, and (where applicable) the operating entity. TheStartupBase does not support stock sales, equity sales, asset-share sales, or any other structure.

The founder represents, at the time of submitting a sale application, that the assets being sold are unencumbered or that any encumbrance is disclosed in the listing detail.

TheStartupBase does not charge a success fee, commission, or any percentage of the sale price. TheStartupBase's only marketplace-related charge is the one-time $499 USD application fee paid by the founder when submitting a sale application.

The application fee is refundable if the application is rejected, or if the founder withdraws the application before admin review begins. The fee is non-refundable after admin review has been completed.

Buyers pay nothing to TheStartupBase.

Conversations between buyers and founders happen off-platform. TheStartupBase does not host in-platform messaging, email forwarding, or any other communication channel between buyers and founders. Inquiries submitted through the marketplace are delivered to the founder's email, and the conversation continues by email.

By submitting an inquiry, the buyer acknowledges that the asset-transfer agreement, the wire, the IP assignment, and the customer-notification flow are all negotiated directly between buyer and founder. TheStartupBase is not a party to that negotiation and bears no responsibility for its outcome.

TheStartupBase asks every buyer to complete a short buyer verification (LinkedIn URL, acquisition thesis, proof summary) before the platform exposes sensitive operational detail on a sale listing. Buyer verification is free. A verified buyer's status expires after 12 months; the buyer may re-verify.

Buyer verification does not warrant the buyer's financial capacity, intent, or identity beyond what the founder can independently verify. TheStartupBase is not liable for losses arising from inaccurate or fraudulent buyer information.

TheStartupBase does not mediate transaction disputes. If a founder and a buyer reach an impasse, they negotiate directly. TheStartupBase may, at its discretion, host a structured data-room for the deal using buyer-gated tokens (Phase 11's gated detail view), but TheStartupBase is not a counterparty.

The application fee is refundable per Section 3. TheStartupBase does not otherwise refund any fees related to a sale application, a sale, or a failed sale.

TheStartupBase runs an admin review of founder profiles, sale applications, claims, and buyer verifications. The verification status reflects the strongest form of evidence on file at the time of review. TheStartupBase does not warrant the accuracy of any claim, source, or assertion made by a founder, buyer, or third party. Investors and buyers must do their own diligence.

Anyone can report a problem at /report/<type>/<id>. Reports are reviewed within 24 hours. False reports may affect the reporter's account standing.

We will post material changes to this page and email account-holders at least 30 days before the change takes effect. Continued use of the marketplace after that date constitutes acceptance.

Marketplace questions? Email marketplace@thestartupbase.com.