About
Dmitry Dragilev is a serial SaaS entrepreneur and SEO specialist best known for achieving four successful exits, including selling companies to Google, SEOJet, and Semrush (which was acquired by Adobe in November 2025).
Dmitry built his first major success as Head of Marketing at Polar, a polling app he scaled from zero to 40 million pageviews per month before Google acquired it in 2014. He then founded JustReachOut, a DIY PR platform serving 5,000+ businesses that sold to SEOJet in 2020. In 2023, he sold his business tools review site SmallBiz.tools to Semrush. In 2022, Dmitry founded TopicRanker, launching it as a SERP Gap Analyzer app on the Semrush app center. The tool rapidly became the top performing app in the center before Semrush acquired it in October 2025.
Today, Dmitry is building two companies specifically designed with Semrush in mind as an acquisition partner: YouTubeGap Analyzer, which has already been accepted into the Semrush app center, and LLM Gap Analyzer. He also runs PRThatConverts, a coaching program that has helped 500+ students in 25+ countries rank #1 on Google and secure press coverage. Dmitry specializes in negotiating creative deal structures with strategic acquirers like Semrush, Adobe, and Google, often securing upfront cash combined with revenue share agreements that prove highly lucrative for sellers. He founded the ZURBsoapbox speaker series, where he interviewed industry leaders including Tim Ferriss, Neil Patel, and the founders of LinkedIn, Twitter, and WordPress. Dmitry is passionate about connecting entrepreneurs navigating acquisitions with advisors and key relationships to maximize their outcomes.
"The best exits happen when you've proven your value to the acquirer's ecosystem long before the first conversation. I help founders identify those strategic buyers early and build with the end in mind."
Schedule a call with an Exitwise advisor to learn more about engaging Dmitry to Maximize Your Exit™.
Previous Exits
Polar sold to Google
Valuation: Undisclosed
In September 2014, Google acquired Polar, a visual polling platform that Dmitry helped scale from zero to 40 million pageviews per month as Head of Marketing. Dmitry's systematic approach to PR outreach and SEO keyword targeting around trending news topics drove the exponential growth that attracted Google's attention.
JustReachOut sold to SEOJet
Valuation: Six Figures
In late 2020, Dmitry sold an 80% stake of JustReachOut to SEOJet in a high six figure all cash transaction. Founded in 2014, JustReachOut was a DIY PR software platform helping 5,000+ businesses pitch journalists and build authority backlinks. The company was generating approximately $250,000 in annual revenue at the time of sale.
SmallBiz.tools sold to Semrush (acquired by Adobe)
Valuation: Undisclosed
In September 2023, Semrush (NYSE: SEMR) acquired SmallBiz.tools, a business software review site that Dmitry built through strategic SEO targeting comparison keywords and software alternatives. The acquisition expanded Semrush's reach to small business audiences seeking tool recommendations and reviews.
TopicRanker sold to Semrush (acquired by Adobe)
Valuation: Undisclosed
In October 2025, Semrush (NYSE: SEMR) acquired TopicRanker, marking Dmitry's second exit to the publicly traded platform. Founded in 2022, TopicRanker launched as a SERP Gap Analyzer app on the Semrush app center, identifying easy-to-rank keywords by finding weaknesses in search results. The app rapidly became the top performing tool in the center before Semrush acquired it.
Media & Education
.svg)
.svg)
Prepare to Exit
Ready to sell in 1–3 years? Work with an Exited Founder who knows exactly what buyers look for and who will help you value, position, and prepare your business to maximize your exit.
FEES START AT:
$500 / hour (or)
$10,000 / month
Sell Your Company
Selling your business is one of the most important transactions of your life. An Exited Founder works alongside you and your M&A team throughout the entire process, bringing buyer relationships, strategic insights, and a mentor who has walked in your shoes.
FEES START AT:
1% Success Fee
(only pay when you sell your business)
How It Works
MEET YOUR TOP MATCHES.
Interview a short list of recommended Exited Founders to find the best fit for your business.
ENGAGE ON YOUR TERMS.
Work with your chosen Exited Founder hourly, monthly, or as an M&A advisor.
Give us a call to learn how helpful an Exited Founder can be when selling your business.
Todd Sullivan
CEO, Exitwise
Increase in Sales Price
Increase in Number of Offers
Increase Transaction
Success Rate
Accelerated Time to Exit
Exited Founder Benefits
This Exited Founder offers personal M&A experience and deep professional networks in their respective industries to help you Maximize Your Exit.™
How to Engage This Exited Founder
Every Exited Founder’s goal is to make sure you create the exit you deserve. Engaging is easy!
Schedule a
Free Call
Exited Founder Interview
Hire Your
Exited Founder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Exited Founder?
Why should I hire an Exited Founder to sell my business?
What services do Exited Founders provide during the sale process?
How does an Exited Founder help with the valuation of my company?
What should I consider when choosing an Exited Founder?
How long does it take to sell a business with an Exited Founder?
429 S Main St
Rochester, MI 48307
(248) 781-0072