Starting a business is one thing, but growing a company all the way to an exit--at a high multiple--is a different story altogether.
While not all entrepreneurs are looking to "flip" a business to a strategic acquirer within a few years of launching, many start their companies with a specific timeline in mind for when they want to exit.
We recently unveiled our list of the 8 best industries for starting a business. But what about the other end of the entrepreneurial process? Which industries are primed for business owners who are looking to make a sale?
CB Insights has compiled an exhaustive list of the 30 tech industries that have witnessed the biggest surge in exits during the past few years. Check out the top 8 industries from their list, below.
8. Supply Chain and Logistics
Exit Growth (2011-2012 vs. 2013-2014): 95 percent
Median Time Between First Funding and Exit: 6 years
Notable Exits: Fleetmatics, ShipStation, Integrated Export Systems
7. HR and Work Force Management
Exit Growth (2011-2012 vs. 2013-2014): 100 percent
Median Time Between First Funding and Exit: 3 years
Notable Exits: Workday, Paylocity, Paycom
6. Accounting and Finance
Exit Growth (2011-2012 vs. 2013-2014): 100 percent
Median Time Between First Funding and Exit: 6 years
Notable Exits: OnDeck Capital, Check, Sterci
5. Application and Data Integration
Exit Growth (2011-2012 vs. 2013-2014): 100 percent
Median Time Between First Funding and Exit: 2 years
Notable Exits: iGware, ServiceMesh, Mashery
4. Travel
Exit Growth (2011-2012 vs. 2013-2014): 106 percent
Median Time Between First Funding and Exit: 2 years
Notable Exits: HomeAway, Kayak Software, Trivago
3. Customer Relationship Management
Exit Growth (2011-2012 vs. 2013-2014): 148 percent
Median Time Between First Funding and Exit: 3 years
Notable Exits: Zendesk, RelateIQ, Five9
2. Data Storage and Security
Exit Growth (2011-2012 vs. 2013-2014): 166 percent
Median Time Between First Funding and Exit: 6 years
Notable Exits: Nimble Storage, Fusion-io, MANDIANT
1. Health and Wellness
Exit Growth (2011-2012 vs. 2013-2014): 181 percent
Median Time Between First Funding and Exit: 3 years
Notable Exits: Everyday Health, MapMyFitness