{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/intangible-value","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/intangible-value","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"intangible-value","term":"Intangible value","group":"Reading the business","definition":"This refers to the non-physical assets of a business that contribute to its worth, such as brand reputation, customer lists, patents, and goodwill. These are often crucial for future cash flow.","what_it_means":"For many small businesses, intangible value like customer relationships and brand equity can be a significant portion of the purchase price, often categorized as goodwill. Ensure your business valuation adequately assesses these assets, as they underpin future earnings.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/intangible-value","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"goodwill","term":"Goodwill","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/goodwill"},{"slug":"business-valuation","term":"Business valuation","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/business-valuation"},{"slug":"asset-purchase","term":"Asset purchase","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/asset-purchase"},{"slug":"cash-flow","term":"Cash flow","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/cash-flow"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"How does the SBA typically value intangible assets like customer lists or software for collateral?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-does-the-sba-typically-value-intangible-assets-like-customer-lists-or-software-for-col"},{"question":"How does the SBA assess the value of \"blue sky\" or intangible assets when underwriting a business acquisition?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-does-the-sba-assess-the-value-of-blue-sky-or-intangible-assets-when-underwriting-a-bus"},{"question":"Is it possible to finance a business with an SBA 7(a) loan where most of its value is intangible assets like customer lists and brand reputation?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/is-it-possible-to-finance-a-business-with-an-sba-7-a-loan-where-most-of-its-value-is-intan"},{"question":"How does an SBA 7(a) loan handle intangible assets like intellectual property as collateral?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-does-an-sba-7-a-loan-handle-intangible-assets-like-intellectual-property-as-collateral"},{"question":"Does the SBA take a lien on all business assets, even minor fixtures or intangible assets?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/does-the-sba-take-a-lien-on-all-business-assets-even-minor-fixtures-or-intangible-assets"},{"question":"What specific considerations apply to valuing goodwill and intangible assets in a 7(a) change-of-ownership transaction?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-specific-considerations-apply-to-valuing-goodwill-and-intangible-assets-in-a-7-a-chan"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Intangible value","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/intangible-value","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}