Probity launches deal diligence software for small business buyers

Probity launched a software platform on Nov. 3, 2026, to help small business buyers compare seller claims with tax returns before making offers. The tool is aimed at faster, earlier diligence as buyers review more deals and lenders apply stricter SBA rules.

Why it matters: - Small business buyers often have to screen hundreds of listings to find a few viable targets. - Earlier verification can reduce the chance of paying for a business based on inflated or incomplete seller figures. - The timing matters even more for SBA-backed acquisitions, where lender scrutiny of earnings has tightened under SBA SOP 50 10 8.1.

What happened: - Probity launched deal diligence software for small business buyers and entrepreneurship-through-acquisition users on Nov. 3, 2026. - The platform went live at useprobity.com. - Probity is designed to compare a seller's tax returns with the numbers in a confidential information memorandum before a buyer prices a letter of intent.

The details: - Probity runs a proprietary search for businesses that fit a buyer's buy box, including opportunities that are not publicly listed. - The software checks each listing against the buy box. - It analyzes the tax returns and the CIM. - It builds a monthly forecast. - It provides proof of cash. - Probity verifies seller earnings against three years of business tax returns. - The software calculates seller's discretionary earnings, or SDE, from what the returns support. - It flags where the tax-return-backed figure and the CIM's figure differ. - It prompts the buyer with questions to ask the seller. - Each deal gets a data room for documents and a due diligence checklist. - Cash Proof is an optional feature that checks whether money in the seller's bank accounts matches the tax returns. - The platform includes seats for the buyer's CPA, attorney and lender.

Between the lines: - Probity is positioning itself as an early-stage diligence tool, not just a post-LOI review aid. - The product is built around the gap between seller marketing materials and filed tax records, which is a common source of risk in small business acquisitions. - Founder Rob Novak, who is a CFO and has closed and operated multiple acquisitions, said the tool reflects what he wished he had on past deals. - Novak said the platform is meant to help buyers move fast, stay disciplined and focus on the key decisions. - Probity also notes that it is not a quality of earnings report, not an audit and not an opinion of value.

What's next: - Probity is offering the first deal free, with no card required. - Paid plans are aimed at buyers reviewing many deals, firms with multiple partners on one account and deeper diligence after the letter of intent. - The company says deeper diligence features include Cash Proof. - Pricing details are available on the Probity pricing page. - Probity says more information is available at the company's announcement.

The bottom line: - Probity wants to move small business diligence earlier, when buyers are still screening deals and can avoid wasting time on businesses whose numbers do not hold up.