Episode 92: Inside the Deal with Robin Fisk

Donify, founded in 2014 by Robin Fisk and his co‑founder, built a SaaS CRM platform specifically for charities and non‑profits across the UK and Scandinavia. By focusing on donation processing, volunteer management and cloud‑based scalability, the company grew to roughly 30 remote employees without external capital. Fisk’s earlier exit of an on‑premise nonprofit software business in 2008 gave him a clear roadmap, allowing him to embed an eventual acquisition into the company’s long‑term strategy from day one.

The sale to Access Group in November 2024 unfolded over a rapid four‑month window after a signed LOI, a timeline that surprised many founders. Fisk turned to Quorum, an advisory firm led by former CEOs, for credibility and disciplined deal execution. Their experience helped keep the process confidential, manage due‑diligence demands, and negotiate a strategic buyer rather than a financial sponsor, ensuring no earn‑out obligations and preserving staff terms. This alignment with a competitor‑turned‑buyer provided a clean exit that matched the founders’ retirement goals.

Fisk’s post‑sale reflections highlight two practical takeaways for tech founders: prepare the business as a clear, buyer‑friendly asset and stay patient through the inevitable ups and downs. He advises dressing the company for sale—organizing contracts, documenting recurring revenue, and understanding basic M&A terminology—while relying on an advisor who can translate those metrics to potential buyers. The emotional transition of letting go of a ‘baby’ business also underscores the importance of a well‑defined exit plan, allowing founders to move on confidently to new pursuits. It also frees them to explore travel, mentorship, or new ventures.