From Minecraft Programs to a Startup Exit

Mike Blackwell did not plan to build a business around Minecraft. What started as coding classes evolved into a growing educational business serving libraries, schools, and community programs across multiple states.

Code Knights combined Minecraft STEM programs, curriculum, and technology into a repeatable model that libraries wanted and families embraced. As demand grew, Mike expanded the business, built valuable assets, and eventually sold the company through Acquire.com.

In this Startup Acquisition Story, Mike shares how he found product-market fit, built a niche business, attracted buyers, and navigated the acquisition process.

What he reveals:
► Why Minecraft created a stronger demand than traditional coding classes
► How library partnerships became the foundation of growth
► What made the business attractive to buyers
► Why niche businesses can still generate acquisition interest
► How he positioned Code Knights for potential buyers
► Why finding the right buyer mattered as much as the deal itself
► What founders should know before selling a business
► How the acquisition helped him focus on new ventures

From local programs to a successful business sale, this is the story of how Code Knights got acquired.

Chapters:
00:00 – Meet Mike Blackwell and Code Knights
00:44 – The idea behind Code Knights
01:31 – From coding classes to Minecraft STEM programs
03:02 – The business model and library partnerships
04:42 – Finding customers through outreach and HubSpot
05:21 – Why Mike decided to sell
06:41 – Listing on Acquire.com and buyer interest
07:34 – The biggest challenge during the acquisition
08:32 – Advice for founders considering a sale
09:46 – Finding the right buyer
10:00 – Celebrating the acquisition
10:17 – What's next for Mike Blackwell

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Follow the Guest: Mike Blackwell
► MichaelDBlackwell.com
► linkedin.com/in/mike-blackwell/
► minecraftevents.com

Follow the Host: Andrew Gazdecki
► https://twitter.com/agazdecki
► https://www.linkedin.com/in/agazdecki/
► https://acquire.com

Видео From Minecraft Programs to a Startup Exit канала acquiredotcom