Options CapitalPad Co-Investing Platform Online Forums Direct Networking Searcher Conferences Self-funded search funds are one of the most compelling corners of private equity that most investors have never heard of. The 2023 SIG Self-Funded Search Study found a median investor IRR of 25–30%, with only 5% of deals resulting in capital loss1, a remarkably low […]
How to Invest in Self-Funded Search Funds Read More »
A Complete Dictionary of Terms and Definitions This search fund glossary defines 68 key terms used in small business acquisitions, ETA entrepreneurship, and investing, organized by category. We put it together based on the most common (and confusing) terms in the search fund ecosystem, from our own experience and from polling active searchers. It covers
Search Fund Glossary Read More »
If you’re exploring private equity acquisition strategies in the lower-middle market, you’ve probably come across two models that seem to dominate the conversation: independent sponsors and search funds. Here’s the thing – understanding the independent sponsor versus search fund debate isn’t just academic. It’s crucial if you’re an emerging investor, entrepreneur, or anyone seriously considering their first
Independent Sponsor versus Search Fund Model – Complete Comparison Read More »
List of the Top Capital Providers for Independent Sponsors In this guide, we share a list of the top independent sponsor investors deploying equity capital in lower middle market sponsor-led transactions, including everything from established legacy firms like Petra, to popular new investors like CapitalPad. Each firm has been vetted based on track record,
Capital Providers for Independent Sponsors Read More »
Search Fund Resources The Complete Guide to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Search funds represent one of the most systematic and proven approaches to entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA), offering aspiring business owners a structured path to acquiring and operating profitable small to mid-sized businesses. Whether you’re considering a traditional search fund backed by investors or pursuing a
Search Fund Resources – The Complete Guide to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Read More »
As a financial writer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with information. I often feel like I’m drinking from a firehose of the latest jobs data, chatter about interest rates, and corporate earnings reports. But to get out of the weeds and find a low-resolution, big-picture image of the general shape of the economy, I like
M&A Statistics: The State of the Mergers & Acquisitions Landscape Read More »
I like looking at venture capital (VC) activity as a barometer for economic conditions and investor sentiment. Venture capital statistics paint a picture of investors’ appetite for risk and thirst for innovation. I haven’t personally dabbled in venture investing to date—I’m not sure I have the stomach for it. But I still like to understand
Venture Capital Statistics: A Snapshot of Today’s VC Landscape Read More »
Below are some of the more interesting search fund statistics from our industry. Performance and Returns (some of these are crazy!) Investor Base (who invests in search fund deals) Industry Trends (what sectors are growing) Search funds continue to grow in popularity among both the entrepreneurial community and among investors in the searcher space. Searchers
Search Fund Statistics Read More »
I’ve seen a quiet shift happening in private equity. More and more seasoned principals and deal professionals are stepping away from traditional funds to operate as independent sponsors—raising equity deal by deal, rather than through committed pools of capital. In practice, independent sponsors act like lean, flexible private equity firms. They identify and negotiate acquisitions,
Independent Sponsors – Guide to the Fundless Sponsor Model Read More »
Unlike traditional private equity firms with established LP relationships, independent sponsors must continuously build and maintain relationships with capital providers, intermediaries, and other deal professionals. Industry conferences help solve these challenges by bringing key stakeholders together in one location. We evaluated attendance quality, deal flow generation, and took sponsor feedback, combined with my own personal
The Top Independent Sponsor Conferences Read More »
SMBash (2026 date announced) Southeast Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (SEETA) Conference Booth-Kellogg ETA Conference IESE International Search Fund Conference Harvard Business School ETA Conference Stanford Search Fund CEO Conference MIT ETA Summit Wharton ETA Summit The Self-Funded Search Conference The search fund scene may seem small, but once you’re plugged in, you’ll find the entrepreneurship through
Top 9 Search Fund Conferences Read More »
Here is a list of my personal favorite search fund podcasts to make the acquisition entrepreneur journey more successful, less risky, and dare I say more fulfilling and community focused. Acquiring Minds ETA Insider Acquisitions Anonymous Think Like an Owner Deal-by-Deal M&A Talk Think Big, Buy Small Community can be hard to come by in
Top 7 Search Fund Podcasts Read More »