From Search to CEO: Mastering the ETA Journey

From Search to CEO: Mastering the ETA Journey

Offered by Seth S.

CEO of CRU | 15+ Years in Franchising | Search Fund Expert

David Eccles School of Business Logo

Studied at David Eccles School of Business

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Hiring Manager at CRU

Package 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:

Deal Sourcing

Due Diligence

Investment Analysis

Industry & Company Targeting

Thesis Development

Process Roadmap

Operational Strategy & Support

Board & Investor Management

Funding Strategy

Investor Selection


Seth S.

Offered by Seth S.

Joined September 2025

CEO of CRU | 15+ Years in Franchising | Search Fund Expert

Welcome to my profile! With over two decades of experience in the restaurant and franchise industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge to aspiring search fund entrepreneurs. As the CEO of CRU, one of the largest franchised nightlife chain in the US, and former President of Sunrise Restaurants (a division of WKS Restaurant Group), I have honed my skills in operational excellence and financial performance across multi-unit businesses. My background as a Vice President at GE Capital, where I originated loans for 30 different franchised restaurant brands, equips me with a unique perspective on financing and scaling businesses. Having coached 18 individuals, I am passionate about helping you navigate the complexities of search funds and achieve your entrepreneurial goals. Let's connect and strategize your path to success!

Experience level: Executive

10+ people coached for Search Fund & ETA

$10,200

30h of coaching

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