I'd value the opportunity to connect with mentors involved in or familiar with search funds and ETA. A few of the questions I have as I explore the industry:
(1) Feasibility/Pros and cons of a self-funded search vs. traditional search fund model
(2) What is the utility of an MBA for new searchers (specifically for veterans pivoting into the industry)? Is it a necessity?
(3) What skills are most critical for succeeding as a search fund operator? Are there programs or opportunities (short of actually operating a search fund) that can help develop these skills? Some sort of search fund internship?
(4) How to analyze/determine industry focus of search? Is over-saturation of searchers an issue?
(5) What are some networking strategies and opportunities to facilitate finding a search fund partner?
(6) How do you see the search fund landscape changing in the next decade?
Mahalo!
Answers
Thank you both for taking the time to reply.
Donald—I just sent you a connection on LI. I’m excited to talk to you
Bryan,
I've been down your road and have quite a bit of info to share if you wish. Reach out on LinkedIn and we can set up a call. Best,
Donald Gourley
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for your question. Although I do not have any experience in this area I was able to find some articles that might be helpful:
https://medium.com/@polskycenter/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-search-funds-a5b747f51898 - from Medium
https://polsky.uchicago.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Booth-Research-Evolution-of-ETA_FA110716.pdf - University of Chicago Booth School of Business
http://jimsteinsharpe.com/contemplating/funding-the-search/ - from Jim Stein Sharpe, Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arthur Rock Center in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit at the Harvard Business School
Best regards,
Chris
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