From Search to CEO: Mastering the ETA Journey

From Search to CEO: Mastering the ETA Journey

Offered by Zonta O.

5.0

()

I have purchased 3 companies ($5M total value) and sold 1 (10x return)

Harvard Business School Logo

Studied at Harvard Business School

Bain & Company Logo

Worked at Bain & Company

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


Zonta O.

Offered by Zonta O.

Joined December 2025

5.0

I have purchased 3 companies ($5M total value) and sold 1 (10x return)

Welcome to my profile! I have 5+ years of experience in ETA & consulting. I founded Pondr Group where I bought 3 digital marketing companies via self funded searches and sold 1 for a 10x return in 2 years prior to attending Harvard Business School where I have personally met 50+ people who have bought companies via traditional and self funded searches and 50+ investors in the space. I also founded a company Midstone Service Group that buys and holds essential service businesses. I can assist you in searching, due diligence and closing acquisitions With a robust background in both consulting and entrepreneurship, I am well-equipped to guide you through the intricacies of search-fund ventures. As a former Associate Consultant at Bain & Company, I honed my skills in private equity due diligence and growth strategy, which are crucial for identifying and scaling successful acquisitions. Currently, as a Co-founder of Midstone Service Group and Managing Partner at Pondr, I have firsthand experience in building and scaling businesses through strategic acquisitions. My academic journey includes an MBA from Harvard Business School, further solidifying my expertise in business strategy and operations. Let's connect to discuss how I can help you navigate your search-fund journey and achieve your entrepreneurial goals!

Experience level: Executive

20+ people coached for Search Fund & ETA

$1,020

30h of coaching

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