From Search to CEO: Mastering the ETA Journey

From Search to CEO: Mastering the ETA Journey

Offered by Mark D.

4.78

()

Talk with a Failed Seacrhe

Darden School of Business (UVA) Logo

Studied at Darden School of Business (UVA)

Talent War Group Logo

Works at Talent War Group

Description

The Search Fund Coaching package is designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to pursue the ETA path and take ownership of a business. This package offers comprehensive guidance to help you confidently move through every stage of the journey, from shaping your strategy to stepping into the CEO role post-acquisition. Key components of this package can include, but aren't limited to: • Clarify your goals, strengths, and areas for development to ensure you’re prepared for the ETA process. • Compare self-funded, traditional, and incubated approaches to determine the structure that best fits your vision. • Build a differentiated investment thesis and map industries that align with your skills and investor appetite. • Develop polished materials, refine your narrative, and learn effective tactics for securing investor commitments. • Establish a repeatable sourcing engine, including outreach strategies, broker relationships, and deal tracking systems. • Use structured criteria to screen targets quickly and dig deeper into the most promising opportunities. • Learn strategies for structuring offers and managing seller dynamics to reach favorable terms. • Apply a disciplined process to uncover risks across financial, legal, and operational dimensions. • Prepare for the first 100 days post-close, focusing on culture-building, strategy execution, and team management. • Access ongoing mentorship to adjust your strategy, solve challenges, and maximize value creation as an operator. By the end of this package, you’ll walk away with a comprehensive ETA playbook, a refined strategy tailored to your profile, and the confidence to lead a successful acquisition and transition into the CEO seat.


What you'll get from this package

Customized ETA Roadmap – Tailored plan based on your goals, readiness, and fit across ETA models

Investor & Fundraising Playbook – Guidance on crafting your pitch, building relationships, and raising capital

Evaluation & Diligence Frameworks – Tools to analyze targets, run valuations, and conduct disciplined due diligence

Acquisition & Negotiation Support – Strategies for structuring offers, managing terms, and closing deals

CEO Transition Plan – Practical guidance for stepping into leadership and creating value post-close


Additional details

Coaching delivered via live sessions and .

Refund Policy

Services included:

Due Diligence

Investment Analysis

Industry & Company Targeting

Thesis Development

Process Roadmap

Operational Strategy & Support

Board & Investor Management

Funding Strategy

Investor Selection

Deal Sourcing


More packages from Mark

Custom hourly · $45/hr

Get help with Due Diligence, Industry & Company Targeting, and .

Mark also coaches for Talent Acquisition, MBA, Career Coaching, and Transitioning from the Military. View all.


Mark D.

Offered by Mark D.

Joined January 2026

4.78

Talk with a Failed Seacrhe

I'm a failed searcher. I did a self-funded search for 18 months and had a deal fall apart on the 1-yard line a week before my first kid was born. But I am not here to tell you NOT to do this. I just want you to go in eyes wide open. And I want you to succeed where I did not.

Experience level: Director

$1,147.50

30h of coaching

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