Leland+ for Search Fund & ETA
Popular on Leland+
Getting Started with Search Funds and ETA (Entrepreneurship through Acquisition)
Explore entrepreneurship through acquisition as a path to business ownership. In this event, join Daniel R. as he covers: - Search fund models and which fits your situation - Basic search fund economics and deal structures - Practical first steps to launch your search - Core search strategy and planning fundamentals Leave with clarity on whether ETA aligns with your goals and how to begin.
How to get a Search Fund internship with no PE background
Most candidates aiming for a search fund internship are not underqualified. They’re mis-targeted. They chase prestige instead of fit, spend weeks reaching out to the wrong searchers, and then wonder why nothing moves. I’m Reuben, founder of Parceros Capital. I’ve raised money, built operating plans, and run internship cohorts where I review work, coach output, and decide who’s ready to be trusted with real responsibility. I’ve also helped people land internships at other search funds when it was clear the fit was better elsewhere. That’s part of how I think about this ecosystem: reputation matters, and you never know where one strong reference can take you. This webinar is for undergrads and MBAs who want a real shot or professionals desiring a career switch without a private equity background. I’ll walk you through how search fund internship hiring actually works, what “fit” really means (stage, thesis, geography, working style), and how to position yourself as valuable on day one. The mindset shift is simple: stop leading with what you want to get out of it and start leading with what you can contribute. We’ll also get clear on what interns should do that doesn’t replace paid contractors. Contractors handle specialized execution. Interns create leverage and trust. If you understand that difference, your outreach lands differently. I’ll share a Fit Scorecard you can use to build a smarter target list, plus a practical outreach structure that earns replies. I’ll also do a quick teardown of a common outreach message and show you what I’d change to make it credible. At the end, I’ll share an optional next step for anyone who wants hands-on help: a short 1:1 sprint where we build your best-fit target list, tighten your narrative, and leave you with outreach copy and a proof-of-work plan you can run immediately. If you want to move fast, RSVP and come ready to work.
The Searcher's Dilemma
In this session, Heather B., who started her first company at age twenty-three and now has 5 companies, will break down what it really takes to succeed in the search fund space—from sourcing deals and raising capital to managing the acquisition process. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the tradeoffs, timelines, and strategies behind search entrepreneurship—and leave with practical advice on how to decide whether the path is right for you.
How to Run an Efficient Small Business Search
Buying a small business sounds simple until you actually start searching. Suddenly you are juggling deal flow, broker calls, industry research, financial review, diligence, and legal concepts. All while trying to keep your life and job moving. This session is for the person who is ramping into acquisition entrepreneurship and wants real guidance, not a generic accelerator curriculum and not “just ask ChatGPT.” If you are smart, motivated, and serious about buying a business but feel overwhelmed by the volume of decisions and the lack of a clear path, this will click. We will walk through what an efficient search actually looks like in the real world: the phases of search, where people waste time, what progress looks like, and what it realistically takes to get competent. Spoiler: 5 hours a week is usually not enough. Most people underestimate the reps required (think hundreds of hours, not a weekend), and the main goal is to compress the learning curve by focusing on the highest-leverage work. What you will leave with: - A clear picture of the search process end-to-end and what “good” looks like at each stage - The real time commitment and why most searches stall - Practical ways to run search faster and cleaner (systems, workflows, decision filters) - A map of the core skill areas you need to build: deal sourcing, industry analysis, financial fluency, diligence, and negotiation A simple decision framework for your next step: learn it, hire it out, or partner Who this is for: - You want to buy a small business, but you do not want to wander for 12 months figuring it out the hard way - You want more hands-on support than an accelerator, and more signal than generic online content - You are ready to put in the work, but you want a more efficient path and fewer dead ends We will also share a bit of our own search context - what we have tried, what has worked, what has not - and why we believe 1:1 support can meaningfully cut down ramp time when you apply it correctly. If you have been circling ETA and keep thinking “this is a lot,” you are not wrong. Come get a sharper path.
From Self-Funded Searcher to Owner-Operator: The Search Fund Playbook That Actually Works
Embarking on the search fund journey is equal parts exciting and daunting. From raising capital and sourcing deals to navigating diligence and ultimately stepping into the owner-operator seat, there are countless decisions that shape your path. In this session, hear directly from expert coach Jim T. who will cover what differentiates successful searches from those that stall, the frameworks that actually work in practice, and more. You’ll also get a candid look at the realities of operating a business after acquisition—the challenges, trade-offs, and rewards that don’t always make it into the playbooks. Whether you’re considering launching your own search, supporting one, or just curious about the model, this session will give you insider perspective and practical takeaways on what it really takes to succeed.
AMA: What Every Buyer Should Know About Financial Due Diligence & QofE
Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of financial due diligence? In this AMA-style session, you’ll hear questions answered by an experienced deal professional and Leland coach Patrick M. anything about the process—from understanding Quality of Earnings reports to spotting red flags before you buy. This open conversation is designed for aspiring acquirers, search fund entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the M&A process.
Other Careers in Finance - Venture Capital, Equity Research, Capital Markets & Trading
Discover the range of career opportunities within and beyond investment banking in this insightful panel discussion. Hear from Fiona T.(Capital Markets and Trading), Greg H. (Equity Analyst), and Nicoletta N. (Search Fund) as they share their career paths, daily responsibilities, and strategies for success. You’ll learn how to position yourself for these roles, the skills that firms value most, and how to navigate your career in the broader private equity ecosystem.
