The accounting industry is at a crossroads. With a significant portion of the profession nearing retirement age, the challenge of finding viable exit strategies has never been more pressing.

Many firm owners are looking for ways to step back from their businesses, but the avenues to do so are limited. At the same time, a talent shortage is creating a bottleneck for ambitious and thriving firms to grow.

So, as a logical remedy to both of these problems, it’s no surprise that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are on the rise.

But connecting buyers and sellers effectively remains a daunting task. Firms are either hesitant to put themselves out there or find it challenging to identify the right match.

But today, we’re excited to share a solution: Practice Marketplace by Karbon.

What is Practice Marketplace by Karbon?

Practice Marketplace by Karbon is a platform specifically tailored for accounting firms to connect, negotiate, and complete transactions in a secure, streamlined environment.

Think of it as the ‘Zillow for the accounting profession.' Firms can list their businesses for sale, and potential buyers can browse, filter, and connect based on various criteria.

Taking a closer look at Practice Marketplace

Intuitive navigation

The site features easy-to-use tabs—Buy, Sell, Build, and Help—that guide users through their desired journey. Whether you're interested in purchasing a new firm, selling your existing practice, building a stronger business, or seeking consulting services, Practice Marketplace provides a seamless experience.

Detailed information while protecting privacy

Sellers can create comprehensive profiles showcasing key details such as location, employee count, revenue, services offered, intent to sell, and even personal messages to potential buyers. These thumbnails give buyers a clear snapshot of each firm, helping them make informed decisions. But identifying information is kept anonymous until two firms are matched and agree to connect.

Smart filtering

Buyers can filter listings by various criteria such as location, employee count, revenue, and level of selling intent. This helps buyers find the perfect match for their needs and growth strategy.

Direct connections

When a buyer finds a firm that piques their interest, they can connect directly through the Marketplace. An email is sent to the seller, providing the firm name, URL, and a brief message from the buyer. The seller can then decide to accept the request and set up a ’virtual coffee’ to explore the opportunity further.

Control for both sides

Sellers have the power to accept or deny any request, ensuring that they find the right fit for their firm's culture and values. This feature is especially valuable for owners who are deeply committed to ensuring a smooth transition for their employees and clients.

Comprehensive metrics

Behind the scenes, the Karbon team reviews each buyer and seller to ensure they are in good standing and compliant with the Marketplace rules. We maintain a high level of quality control to protect all parties involved.

Consulting services for building a better practice

For firms not quite ready to buy or sell, the ‘Build’ will provide access to consulting services from the Karbon team. This is perfect for firms looking to optimize their operations, increase profitability, or prepare for a future sale. Our goal is to help firms build practices they love—whether that means selling, buying, or staying and thriving. Stay tuned for more!

Free and exclusive to Karbon accounting firms

Yes, that’s right. Whether you’re selling or buying— or exploring both—the marketplace is completely free. You just need an active Karbon license. This also helps you to ensure that you’re connecting with the most progressive and efficient accounting firms, and your team will have less of a hurdle when it comes to technology change management.

How to get started with Practice Marketplace

Getting started with Practice Marketplace is simple:

1. Create an account: Visit Practice Marketplace and create an account. You can sign up as a buyer, seller, or both.
2. Complete your profile: Fill in the necessary details about your firm. This includes your firm's services, revenue, employee count, selling intent, and more. Our team will review your profile to ensure it meets our guidelines.
3. Browse listings and connect: Once your profile is approved and you see a firm you’re interested in, you can send a connection request. If you’re a seller, you can respond to inquiries from interested buyers.
4. Connect with the right firm: Once you’ve made a connection with another firm, you can set up a time to connect to further discuss a potential partnership.
5. Consult with Karbon: Not sure if selling is the right step? Engage with our consulting team to explore ways to build a more robust practice, whether it’s for a future sale or to keep thriving independently.

Karbon's mission: Enable accounting firms to achieve their boldest aspirations

At Karbon, we exist to empower accounting firms to thrive—whatever that means for them.

Whether it’s through streamlining processes, enhancing team collaboration, or providing the tools needed for growth and success, our mission is to ensure that firms can reach their full potential.

For some, this may mean finding the right opportunity to sell and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. For others, it may be about acquiring new clients and expanding their footprint. No matter the goal, we are here to support firms in their journey.

Practice Marketplace by Karbon is more than just a listing service—it's a dynamic platform designed to bring accounting firms together, foster growth, and create opportunities for all involved.

Whether you're looking to exit gracefully, expand aggressively, or simply build a practice that you love, Karbon is here to help you every step of the way.

Explore Practice Marketplace today and see how we can help your firm thrive.