The Search Fund Blog
facts, opinions, and inspiration for searchers
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Making the Most of Your MBA to Launch a Search Fund: A Roadmap for B-School Students
MBA student with an entrepreneurial spirit?
Wondering if the search fund model is your calling?
This post offers actionable advice on leveraging your business school experience to explore this exciting path.
You're a bright-eyed, ambitious MBA student, soaking up all the business knowledge you can get...
Podcast: Briscoe Protective: Alexander Schuil
In this inspiring episode of "The Search Fund Podcast," we delve into Alexander Schuil's remarkable journey from an early interest in entrepreneurship to achieving a significant exit through a search fund. Alexander shares his beginnings, from diverse early work experiences to pivotal educational moments that shaped his path. He discusses the strategic acquisitions that propelled his business forward, leading to a successful exit. This episode is a must-listen for mid-career professionals seeking to explore entrepreneurship through acquisition, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of the search fund model. Alexander's reflections post-sale and his ongoing contributions as an investor and board member provide a comprehensive view of the search fund ecosystem. Join us to uncover how Alexander's journey can inspire your own path to entrepreneurial success.
Podcast: ACE Training: Rob Gaunt
In this compelling episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Rob Gaunt, the dynamic CEO of ACE Training and MultiSkills Training. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Cape Town, South Africa, Rob's story unfolds from his early years in Perth, Australia, where he made the transformative move at the age of eight. A vivacious and sports-loving teenager, Rob's formative years set the stage for a remarkable career marked by passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
As we explore his path from a fun-loving youngster to the helm of a thriving organisation, join us in unraveling the unique narrative of Rob Gaunt—a testament to ambition, dedication, and the pursuit of success in the world of ACE Training and MultiSkills Training.
Podcast: The Manager’s Handbook & David Dodson
In this episode, three-time search fund entrepreneur, 20-year search fund investor, Stanford GSB professor, and now author David Dodson joins us to discuss his new book The Manager's Handbook, which derives lessons from his life and experiences with search funds.
From his humble Colorado upbringing to unconventional early jobs to success as a CEO and investor, Dodson's journey serves as a testament to the power of ambition, collaboration, determination, and solid decision making. Don't miss this insightful episode that explores the life and accomplishments of an exceptional individual.
Highlights from the 2022 ETA conferences
We’ve put together some highlights form the search fund & ETA conferences of 2022.
How much capital should I raise for my search fund?
The first formal step of your search fund journey is raising the search capital. But how much should you raise? Take into consideration how you want to run your search.
Podcast: Sandy Paige & Explora BioLabs
In this episode we hear from Sandy Paige, who is the self-proclaimed oldest person to launch a search fund and one of the most successful search funds to date, having just sold his company for 295 million dollars.
5 reasons a business owner would sell to a search fund entrepreneur
While selling to a search fund entrepreneur is not the correct succession solution for every business, it can be a great option for many aspiring sellers. The model has a track record of hundreds of successful acquisitions, and here are a few of the reasons for that success.
How's it going? Month 4 of the search - less glow, more grind
Ryan is about four months into his search. He's fallen in love with a few opportunities and made offers, but none of these opportunities has moved forward.
How's it going? Month 2 of the search - making offers
Ryan is 2-3 months into his search fund journey and is speaking with 20-30 business owners per week and has eight deals in the pipeline.
Podcast: Jake Cervilla & Interland Design
Jake Cervilla wanted to be a business owner since age 12. Now he is owner and CEO of Interland Design. In this episode, Jake remembers the business owners he looked up to throughout his career before making an acquisition only months before the COVID lockdown.
How much money can a search fund entrepreneur make?
We've all heard the big success stories, but what does the data tell us about how much a search fund entrepreneur can really make? Here's what we know.
How's it going? Month 1 of the search
Ryan Bernsmann is one month into his search for a company to acquire. Hear how he manages the process.
Podcast: Tiago Paixão & TECLENA
Tiago recounts a conventional corporate journey turned unconventional. He and his partner acquired two businesses about a year apart, marking the first acquisitions in Portugal's budding search fund market.
What is a “traditional” search fund?
What exactly is a "traditional" search fund? The term dates back to 2015.
Podcast: Guido Fileppo & Farmoderm
In this episode, Guido recounts his journey to owner and CEO of Farmoderm. Guido shares the struggles of one of Italy's first search fund entrepreneurs.
The 8 most common search fund investor profiles
When you raise a search fund, who are your investors? Many of them fit into these eight categories.
Podcast: Manny Saxena & Contract Sweeping Services
In this episode, Manny recounts his search fund journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, a path that landed him in the CEO seat of Contract Sweeping Services. Manny acquired two companies from the same owner, right at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss the impact of his visa status on his entrepreneurial journey.
How I drove myself crazy while searching, and how you can avoid the same fate
In the early days of my search fund experience, I drove myself nuts trying to please all of my investors. Here's how to avoid the same fate.
EtA vs ETA
A tongue-in-cheek discussion around the grammatical quandaries of entrepreneurship through acquisition.