Insights from: The 2025 INSEAD ETA Conference

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INSEAD ETA and Search Funds Podcast

INSEAD

8 episodes

1 week ago

INSEAD’s ETA and Search Funds Podcast explores the dynamic world of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Each episode showcases individuals from across the ETA journey—entrepreneurs in various stages, from search to operations to exit, as well as experienced investors—while showcasing success stories and lessons learned.

Entrepreneurs can gain practical strategies to navigate acquisitions and lead businesses effectively, while investors discover how ETA can generate returns while fostering economic growth. With a spotlight on addressing the global succession crisis, the series highlights ETA’s potential to ensure business continuity and preserve legacies. Whether you're curious or committed, this podcast equips you with actionable knowledge around the topic of to ETA and Search Funds.

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Insights from: The 2025 INSEAD ETA Conference

INSEAD ETA and Search Funds Podcast

23 minutes

4 months ago

Insights from: The 2025 INSEAD ETA Conference

What happens when over 350 of the sharpest minds in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition gather in one room? Pure entrepreneurial gold. For our Season 1 finale, we're bringing you the highlight reel from the INSEAD ETA Conference 2025 - six power-packed segments that distill hours of insights into your personal 30-minute masterclass. From Fontainebleau's historic halls, we captured the conversations that matter: where ETA is heading, how to finance your climb, and why your "why" determines everything. Whether you're drafting your first LOI or running a 50-company roll-up, these aren't just conference takeaways - they're battle-tested strategies from operators who've been in the trenches. What you'll discover:

The ETA boom decoded: 20% CAGR growth, 42 countries, and why right now might be the best entry window ever
Purpose as your north star: How driven searchers like VetCare Canada's Andrew Black turn chaos into competitive advantage
Capital that fits your velocity: From delayed-draw facilities to seller psychology—when structure beats price every time
Boards that actually help: The brutal truth about founder board seats and recruiting for chemistry, not just credentials
Integration without soul-crushing: Templated processes for the spreadsheets, human focus for everything else
Exit paths architected from day one: Why optionality starts with your first acquisition, not your last

Featuring voices from across the ETA ecosystem - seasoned operators, sharp investors, and the academics mapping our future. Plus an exclusive update from the INSEAD ETA and Search Fund Hub on what's coming next. No fluff, no theory - just the distilled wisdom of a community that's redefining how businesses change hands and grow.

00:00 Introduction to ETA and Conference Highlights
02:01 Evolution of ETA and Search Funds
07:52 Connecting with Sellers: The Human Element
14:01 Leveraging Smart Money and Board Dynamics
19:55 Exit Strategies and Value Maximization

Special thanks once again to everyone who made this episode and the conference a possibility. For a text-based summary, visit the INSEAD ETA & Search Fund Hub.