Mergers and Acquisitions

Dan Peña

Mr. Dan Peña the Trillion Dollar Man was very generous in tweeting and sharing the interview I conducted with him. For the full interview? Click Here

Respect! 100%

Dan Peña’s Website of Interviews.

I made it on his super short list of Interviews. 100% Awesome. Click Image to go to Dan’s Website

If you have not read Dan Peña’s Book “Your First 100 Million?” Do so today, you will likely learn a few things you never thought possible. To Download his book? CLICK HERE

Your First Hundred Million Book Image Dan Pena

Dan Peña Gutherie Castle

Gutherie Castle Scotland Dan Pena

Guthrie Castle valuation? The Castle and estate is 156 acres and just about 500 years old. Mr. Pena rents out the Castle grounds for Events like Marriage Ceremonies and other get togethers. This is not longer the case and this majestic property is private now. \We don’t know the exact worth of the castle but it’s been said to be worth over $25 million!

Godspeed

JS

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Mergers and Acquisitions

Youtube’s Best Acquisition Entrepreneur Show

This morning while I was sipping my coffee Jon Stoddard’s Mergers & Acquisitions Podcast was referred by a Attorney and Im convinced it’s the best damn M&A show online. 100%! No kidding everyday I spend 2 hours after I wake up on study time learning and training for new skills. For the last month I began learning Python coding, and it seriously takes time to learn how to code. But when I opened Youtube I had a message from a New York Attorney that read? “Thought this would be helpful for you to watch in the morning as you train.” This is what I found when I clicked the link. Jon Stoddard’s Mergers and Acquisitions Youtube Show. Since I am in this small Business community I immediately stopped what I was doing and watched the video. Click picture to watch his channel.

What is Youtubes Best M&A Podcast?

According to Entrepreneur Investment Group Partner Sharp J? Jon Stoddards Youtube show about Mergers and Acquisitions is the most informative online.

Christopher Wick M&A Entrepreneur

The first video I watched was the Talented and high energy Mr. Christopher Wick who has a growing and profitable track record of making one Transaction a year. Bravo Good Sir. This is fantastic. I was immediately drawn in because the language and struggles, challenges faced by this good man was exactly the same I am facing. But in a different industry. LOL If you have not watched this youtube show with Jon and Christopher? Do it now.

There is a entire community out there that has the experience that I have been looking for. As I watched this amazing interview? I suddenly found it was if a vail of obscurity was lifted. Matters of financing transactions, finding deal flow, and more was shared generously.

Patch Baker – 100 plus Acquisitions

My second video I began devouring was Patch Baker, interestingly Patch is a former Marine veteran and has completed over one hundred Mergers and Acquisitions Transactions. Plus Patch’s company MOBIUS marketing and media is a former client and partner of juggernaut Black Rifle Coffee Company who just went public.

https://youtu.be/GLb_uAwVP2o

All this content is so valuable and helps the Entrepreneurs who are out doing exactly what they are doing begin asking the right questions. And start pursuing the right answers. Path Baker’s entire conversation on conversion rates and mathematics behind advertising and paid ad spend was eye opening. I had a inkling that this was the case. But he just confirmed to me why so many small businesses fail when placing ads on Facebook and Google. It’s truly fascinating how he went into and shared how Sir. Richard Branson quietly took over the British Virgin islands using strategy that seemed completely natural. It makes sense. I would highly suggest you check out Patch and watch his interview in it’s entirety.

Mergers and Acquisitions Stories and Experience Goldmine

In conclusion for today’s post? I would love to share that there is a entire eco system of content out there if you know where to find it. Patch Baker was saying in his conversation that going super niche is sometimes not the right play. Look at Blockbuster. In the 1990’s everybody was lining up for a chance to go super niche like this failed American brand. Evolution and change happen daily. If you don’t change and don’t keep evolving as a entrepreneur trying to improve growth and create better value in the market? It’s likely you as a entrepreneur probably won’t succeed. The lesson’s learned from this show are truly unique. So I would highly suggest if your are in the Mergers and Acquisitions space and are researching the eco system as a entrepreneur? You will one hundred percent need to watch this fantastic Youtube show by Mr. Jon Stoddard.

Godspeed

JS

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Business Articles, Finance Articles, Venture Capital

Ten Common Problems Entrepreneurs Face With Venture Capitalists

Yesterday I found myself chatting with a local Kansas City VC Attorney and he shared some personal experiences that really shared a few challenges Entrepreneurs face when seeking Venture Capital Partnerships. These insider secrets and failures really snapped a few things into perspective. The VC’s must be very selective and use strategic selections to keep and sort the deal flow that is not a waste of time.

If you really think about it? Venture Capitalists are bombarded with so much junk? Often real opportunities must be challenged and sorted. And the only way to accurately find the real opportunities? Is to create impossible standards and a crucible of challenges. The following is common things Venture Capitalists say to Entrepreneurs who are seeking Capital Partnerships or Investments.

Investor, Partner, or Venture Capitalists

Are you seeking a Partner or Money Investor? Is a question VC’s will likely directly ask you. However if you don’t know what your seeking? Your going to end up disappointed and likely roadkill. Fair warning. When a VC say’s they are Value investors? That means they like to fix things and make money.

However some will add money and other things like connections, guidance for improving operations and more. Some just give you money and say go get busy without guidance or mission support.

Did you catch my last Article and Post on “How Entrepreneurs Stay Safe When Investors Invest?” Read this article before accepting investment money from anyone. Back on topic an Back to business.

Often times when your in the Boardroom with a VC you should already know what you want, how much money your asking for and a laundry list of other details. If your there and unprepared? It’s likely your going to be disappointed like I shared earlier and roadkill. You should always be prepared and have a battle plan that is at least 6 months out.

Impossible Odds and Certain Rejection

2. Thank you for coming in and presenting your vision and business. However my partners just won’t let us move forward right now. (They say this because you weren’t convincing or exciting. They were just curious.)

How to handle this?

I would Thank them for your time. And leave. All things considered? Your going to face lots of rejection. Thousands of people who reject you and your business vision. However it’s likely you will work for face to face meet for over a year. And when you get in that boardroom with a Investment Committee? It was all for nothing. You fail and you move on. Your value process should be creating a huge pipeline. That’s your edge in a market filled with rejection and time wasters.

Scheduling Problems and Impossible Follow Up?

3. Trouble Scheduling a Meeting? Ok. So your a Entrepreneur your working hard and your finding it nearly impossible to have a meeting scheduled with Investors. What is happening? Well two things are happening. A. The Investment Team is watching you and looking at your background and your business vision. They also won’t tell you they are doing this. But expect it to be happening covertly behind your back. B. They want to see if your easily distracted and they want to test your mettle so to Speak. Don’t give up. Be polite. Be Confident. And under no Circumstances be a jerk or look weak.

People in general will watch your behavior and read in detail your communications. If your nice and sincere and completely committed? It will show in your perseverance. To many people call once or twice and are frustrated and never call back or follow up. This is the game they are playing. And it’s ridiculous at times. There is always a reason they don’t answer. It’s been my experience. People will Lie, deceive, and play games. However playing games and protecting their portfolios is how they stay above the fray in the business world.

How are you treated when your invited for a interview?

4. Are you meeting a Vice President of Development or are you meeting in a Board room with a Committee of Partners and Principals? This will gauge the level of interest the Private Equity Firm, Venture Capitalists will have in you as the entrepreneur or new business team.

A. If they place you in a small room with a VP of Development and a smile? This means it’s likely your not very attractive. B. If they invite you in to a large nice board room with coffee and a team of Partners and Principals? Your deal is fucking HOT!!! Act accordingly.

Is the Equity and Finance Structuring Trustworthy?

5. We are going to be fair with structuring Debt, and equity positions. (Unless your good good trust worthy friends? Don’t trust this whatsoever.) You should be taking steps to protect your interests and your equity. Have your own personal corporate Attorney negotiate the structures and equity positions that are best for you. If they threaten to walk away? You walk away first. You don’t want to beg or plead for anyone to ever be your capital partner or be the reason you wasted 20 years on a business that ended up not paying you a healthy equity piece.

The business world is extremely unfair at times. Make sure you know that the Attorneys for the VC will rob you without a gun. Or try to freeze you out as slave labor. Act accordingly. Your welcome.

The Lie Of Performance Based Equity Buy Back

6. Based on Performance you can earn back more equity down the line. ( Meaning if you perform at impossible levels? You will earn back equity in the company.) This should be pretty obvious. You want to do your background checks and put in the effort of interviewing previous successful and unsuccessful Venture Capitalists partners or entrepreneurs. You always want to work with well known names and Business leaders known for integrity and know for taking care of their people.

You don’t want to find out later you are on your own with a ship that is sinking. And your investment partners don’t care either way. They will just come in with corporate raiders and destroy the sinking ship. Leaving you with a failed experiment and a new sad life story. Be smart.. Be prepared, Be vicious in your approach for success.

Control Your Expectations

7. Our procedures for getting our partners funding as VC’s takes a month or two. ( This should be suspect) If you are lucky enough to sit down with a Venture Capital fund? It’s likely that they level of interest is moderate. But based on most of the experiences you should already have from others who have worked with them? You should know that its more likely that your in for a 1 year wait. Or longer. Prepare and keep a full pipeline. Often times after a few month’s they may call you back and follow up. Just to dig and see if your still interested for a sit down or if you have quit. More than likely your in for a year or two wait with VC’s. Be prepared to survive and fill up your VC Pipeline.

Feigning Interest as Investors

8. OH YA WE ARE INTERESTED!!! ( Honestly it’s more likely they are interested in your product or Intellectual property. Can they replicate it? Can they be the first knock off?) Be informed the game is largely rigged for Entrepreneurs. The only hope you have at fairness is from a Banker and someone you know treating you well. Don’t expect VC’s to invite you in and automatically partner and write you a check. Or work with you for the success of the project. Often they are not well organized and are ver opportunistic. Make sure your professional deck is clean, clear, concise with a time line. Don’t wait around. Be proactive and never ever get excited just because they called you back. Lower your expectations. But be pragmatic. You will thank me later.

Financial Modeling, Number Charts, and BS Statistics

9. You think all the financial models and assumed projections will impress their Accountants. WRONG! It will be dissected, interrogated, your math will be questioned for all failures. And you will have to answer slick impossible questions. But the good news is if you happen to have a CPA worth their salt? You can avoid the interrogation and punt to the Accountant or Analyst on your team.

Start at Failure and Build up from there

10. Just expect everything to be almost impossible with downsides and failures around every corner. If your able to prepare and research and interview all possibilities before hand? You may just have a fighting chance. Thank you for reading. I know this post seems impossible. As it was meant to be this way. Honestly most entrepreneurs need to not only change their expectations. But also settle in for a long, disappointing ridiculous ride. That is my experience and you should be aware the world of business is a cruel and unfair place. Make sure you are prepared for certain failure. And do prepare a mindset of certain failure. Armor your expectations and this will ensure your success one day.

Godspeed

JS

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Accounting, Business Articles, Mergers and Acquisitions

Maintenance Capital Expenditures What?

Since your likely in business, a Business professional, or a Entrepreneur who is researching to find more information about the meaning or differences between CAP EX and Maintenance Capital Expenditures? I have great news for you. I am willing to help answer this question for all you Google Searchers. Today’s lesson will be directly about a particular line on your Investing activities cash flow statement, Operating Expenses details, and Balance sheets.

So everybody if you have not yet taken basic Accounting classes? Your likely like me and studying as you go. It’s a ongoing challenge. However you have no excuse in todays online information super highway and access. So in the spirit of sharing cool new Accounting information I discover? And for the fact I find myself implementing this new knowledge in cool ways. Let’s talk about today’s latest topic I discovered while researching what is Intrinsic Value in Investing . Which by the way is an entirely different topic in it’s own right. Now on to the main event. Maintenance Capital Expenditures.

Did you catch my latest article about “Wealth management Trusts?”

What is this “Maintenance Capital Expenditures or CAP EX”?

You don’t need to be an Accountant or business superstar to run a small time Lemonade Stand in your neighborhood. So as you begin to sell lemonade? You will likely have cashflow on the balance sheet. This is where things become interesting.

Today we are talking about financials? I would love to detail what the line on your Financial Statement that say’s Maintenance Capital Expenditures.

When we look at a company’s cash flow statement which you should know “ENTREPRENEURS!” you will be looking for the line CAP EX or Maintenance Capital Expenditures.

Please don’t overcomplicate the info here. However when reading a Cash flow statement you will see a line called Capital Expenditures. It’s the exact same thing as a Maintenance Capital Expenditure. Cap Expenditures and Maintenance Capital Expenditures are the same thing. Often times I do see people who confuse CAP EX with Maintenance Capital Expenditures. Don’t let this confuse you. It’s the same.

Here are the two classifications that capital expenditures can fall under.

When

  1. Maintenance CapEx: Is the required ongoing expenditures of a company to continue operating in its current state (e.g., repair broken equipment, periodic system updates) Operating Expenses.
  2. Growth CapEx: Is the discretionary spending of a company related to new growth strategic plans to acquire more customers and increase geographic reach

According to a friend at a local Regional Law Firm and as TAX Attorney and Accountant,

An income statement reflects operating expenses incurred during a period of time.

Capex is considered a long-term investment, rather than an operating expense, because it has an economic life greater than a year (unlike operating expenses).

In conclusion in today’s lesson if you are running a Lemonade stand during the summer while teaching your kids the proper way to expense a business? I hope you would now clearly see? That Capital Expenditures and Maintenance Capital Expenditures are the same and they are for all the little things the business needs to operate and create free cash flow in the simplest of terms. Stay hungry, stay curious and be fearless when walking among Captains of Industry.

JS

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Business Articles

Kansas City Financier G. Kenneth Baum Leaves Us Too Soon.

Prominent Kansas City area philanthropist and financier G. Kenneth Baum Passes Away Tuesday at the age of 91.

Mr. Baum is a Financier, Philanthropist and Business leader in the Kansas City Finance Community. Mr. G. Kenneth Baum passed away Tuesday at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota from health complications.

Mr. Baum is the former Chief Executive Officer of Kansas City Investment Bank George K. Baum & Co. If there was one thing Mr. Baum was genuinely fantastic at? It was making you feel personally valued as a entrepreneur and person. Mr. Baum served on many Boards related to Education and the Arts. Philanthropy was his special interest and Mr. Baum and his wife Ann Baum have been very involved with our amazing local Art Gallery and Museum The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Read more about Mr. Baums activities with the Museum in the link provided. A celebration of life will be held at the Museum. Link provided

How did I meet this legendary Kansas City Financier & Investment Banker?

Let me set the stage for you. About 3 or 4 years ago a non assuming taller, older, smartly dressed gentleman walked up to me at the Nelson Atkins Museum one afternoon. He had stop to ask me if my smartphone had internet on it? I said yes Sir. He asked me if I could pull up a certain phone number and make a phone call because the Museums help desk phone wasn’t an option or working correctly.

After he had finished his phone call, he began just chit chatting with me about how Business sometimes needs to be a priority in a person’s life. I agreed. And before I knew it he was asking about my entrepreneur background. Given I really had no clue who this nice older gentleman was, I began explaining communications and using strategy to push your message through art and film. Mr. Baum recognized I was a go getter and slipped me his Phone number if I ever needed a favor or personal advice related to finance and business. He was a genuine and authentic good man.

He was unforgettable and kind to me during a time when most people I called in business were not. And since he did give me the time of day and did share actionable business advice with me. He earned my personal loyalty and genuine friendship. But most importantly. I appreciated that he would always take and return my calls to share his personal stories and challenges he successfully negotiated as a professional transaction Businessman. Mr. Baum even was inducted to the Kansas City Business Hall of Fame in 2010. His professional experiences and stories in my humble of opinion should be captured in a written memoir. It seems I may make this personal suggestion to his family. As this idea is a real opportunity for them as well. Cementing the legendary positive legacy Mr. Baum and his family deserves in the literary world.

May he rest in peace and his family find grace from their grief. And I do hope his family knows I too share in the sadness of their loss. I have only good words to share. He was and always will be a very good good man.

Godspeed Mr. G. Kenneth Baum. Thank you for the Privilege Sir.
Jameson Sharp

Read More Kansas City Star

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Business Articles

M&A Proprietary Deal Flow

Most Business Professionals are going to find creating Proprietary Deal Flow on their own without help ridiculously difficult. But if you have a good attitude and use your own professional networks. You may just have a fighting chance. How does a entrepreneur become known as someone that will look at your deal? It just kind of develops on it’s own and happens. Here is a story how I was approached by a Veteran Brother to look at a deal.

How can a Entrepreneur create Proprietary Deal Flow?

If your running a Search Fund, or if your a accomplished Investment Banker, or even Hedge Fund manger creating streams of Proprietary Deal Flow is no easy task. Here’s some fundamentals that will help you along in your search. Let’s get busy.

Some Entrepreneurs, VC, and Private Equity Fund Managers are new school. But most are still using the Old School Deal Flow opportunities. Or better put! Business Partners of a certain wealth level, more likely known as “The good Ole Boy’s Network.” Watch this insightful honest insight form Entrepreneur Naval Ravikant. Oh! Click to read his Almanck Book.

Is Proprietary Deal Flow dead as Naval shares? That depends on who you ask.

First we must list the different way’s many Entrepreneurs, VC’s, Private Equity, and other Investors access Deal Flow Opportunities. And the truth is this. It comes down to your track record, credibility, who you know, and people you currently do business with.

  • Who do you know?
  • Angel Investors?
  • Professionals in your Industry or Space?
  • Successful Entrepreneurs & Other Business Personalities?
  • The Good Ole Boy’s models as I like to say?

All great questions of who? Now what actual tangible useful advice can I share with you to begin building that network of Deal Flowing opportunities? This is where it pay’s to be a shrewd networker and belong to certain communities. Truth is I am always strategically looking to develop my network and deal flow opportunities. I must share this particular post will be about being a member of a group that is across the world. Yes I do belong to a few networks that involve groups of men that have served our Country in the Elite Special Operations community. Its a fantastic community to be involved with. Their is always someone who served in Uniform that ended up being a Professional in business somewhere. This community Is packed full of professionals that are great to know!

For purposes to share how opportunities happen. I would like to share with you this short story. A good friend and Veteran Brother who is a newly retired Army Special Forces Green Beret. Let’s call him John.

John is undoubtedly a professionally trained Bad Ass Guerrilla who served in Afghanistan and also has a Business MBA. He was up until recently the Chief Operations and Development Officer for a Harley Davidson Product company. This business is growing because of who John is and the groups of men he knows and activities he does on the weekends. This company manufactures a part for all new Factory Harley Davidson Motorcycles.

Listen to this. We follow each other on Instagram and have known each other for sometime prviously in the SOF community. I ended up doing some professional work with a former Team Mate of Johns. And we got to know each other online over time and through friends of friends. John had messaged me he was moving on in life from his position at his company. And the team who built this company wanted to sell. Interestingly this Business has a impressive Hockey Stick sales profile. And is growing literally quarterly. Annual Revenue was right at about 20 million dollars. The owners were motivated to sell. Since they are ready to retire and move on with life.

If you like this Post Check out my previous post on if you should Trust Business Brokers?

At the end of this opportunity it was fast turning into a Broker pursuit. And my mentor and business partner was persuasive enough to share with me we needed to stick with our own industry and strategy. But it was neat to look at this company.

With this story complete you can see having a personal network or belonging to a member only club that expands across the world is ideal for deal flow opportunities. It seems I should probably go into more strategies and developing business relationships to expand on this a very wide subject. I do hope you received something from this moderately long post. Because in the end it’s gonna most likely be people who know you and your business reputation that will approach you. And they will come from all walks in life as Naval Ravikant shares in the Video.

Thanks for Reading & Godspeed!

JS

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Business Articles

The Secret Formula of Business Development?

Developing Trust & Relationships with Local Influential Millionaires

In this post I am going to reveal the secret formula I use that could help Real Estate Agents, Business Brokers, and just any serious entrepreneur who wants to take their life and business opportunities to the next level. I would like to share a unique story that happened to me recently. It’s a story that is completely Serendipitous. And shares how using service as a helpful friend while not asking anything in return. Will help you develop trust within relationships with people who can change your business future.

Two weeks ago I was searching Downtown Kansas City, Missouri for possible Buildings and Multi Family housing as possible targets for Acquisition. And I pulled up in front of this large building that has a History in the Crossroads area. It was once built and used as a commercial property for a Fortune 500 rubber company. I liked what I saw. The old building has real character and personality. So I decided to research who the company was that owned it. And then I made the call.

Now I must share that I made this call at 8:15pm on a Friday evening. So I was certain I was probably going to end up in the mailbox. However let me describe what happens next. The traffic is going by, it’s loud. People are walking by going on their way to dinner and enjoying their evening. And here I am in Khaki Shorts and old Ripped up military T-shirt cold calling the Owners of this 9 story building on a Friday night. So I dial and take a deep breath. And it rings. Then just as I thought I hear a voice that has to be the Answering machine. Or was it? Nope. It was the owner. And I was Shocked!

It was 8:15pm Friday Night and I have reached the owner of the Building. And from my limited research He has a portfolio that seems to be at right about 25million Dollars. So I immediate begin talking to him and sharing how I am outside his building and how I feel his building has Character and Personality. It’s literally a fantastic Building. Mr. N begins sharing more about himself and how he has worked hard on the Building. And I say back, I can tell. Im impressed. And before I know it. Mr. N introduces the idea we should meet in person. And usually that would be during business Hours the next week. However an Entrepreneur immediately recognized another Entrepreneur. And we both agree now is great. He shares his Address to his home a few blocks away.

So after spending several hours with this Building developer and Building Owner. I look down and see it’s 10pm. How many entrepreneurs can say they cold called a Commercial Real Estate Developer on a Friday night and established a future working relationship? It’s just one of those cool stories that is serendipitous in nature. I really did with all honestly have a blast getting to know this Couple. I found out that this Commercial Real Estate Developer and owner I just met needs a trusted experienced friend to help with Marketing and developing other opportunities within the local market. That is something I definitely can offer as a friend.

So at the end of the day. This new relationship with these two fantastic like minded Business professionals will likely develop into a working alliance that will grow organically. How awesome is that? It truly is just one of those crazy cool stories you will have as a entrepreneur if you take caution out of your approach. And move forward with the intent of being a servant, seeking to understand. And just going for it. You honestly just never know what will happen if you let the chips fall where they may when doing cold outreach.

In conclusion I would like to highlight an important business entrepreneurial lesson for anyone who is a Entrepreneur or relies on Sales to succeed. If you just take one step forward fearlessly. Be willing to serve others and help them without expecting anything in return. Your going to have a very very successful future. However if you include service with a smile and seek to understand how you can help them achieve their goals without expecting anything in return. Your going to be a killer in your space or market guaranteed.

You most likely will think I am Bat Shit Crazy for sharing this. However the TV super star of “The Profit” on CNBC Mr. Marcus Lemonis is good man responsible for sculpting my empathy and my sensitive approach to business relationships. Don’t believe me? Here’s your proof.

I do hope you learned something from this encounter. It’s my hope that anyone who reads my Blog post’s can and will leverage my successes and defeats for their own entrepreneurial successes.

Thank you for reading.

JS

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Business Articles

Search Funds

Entrepreneurs Are You Ready To See If Your Worth Your Salt? This guide explains more about Search Funds. If your needing structure. Search Funds may be a unconventional option for you.

Let us define Search Funds.

How many search funds are there? Irving Grousbeck, a professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, who originated the concept in 1984 while lecturing at Harvard Business School. Since then, it is estimated that 627 traditional funds have been or are currently being formed, with 198 operating currently.

Good day to all the visitors who showed up to read the Investment Fund advice. I genuinely would like to Thank you. Your here probably because you have an interest in Search Funds for Entrepreneurship through Acquisitions. Let’s get down to Brass Tax and open up with the two types of Search Funds I am privy to.

  • Self-Funded Search Funds
  • Investment Fund Backed Search Funds
  • Private Equity Funded Search Fund
  • Private Individual Funded Search Fund

Both are polar opposites from each other. And honestly I have to be straight with you here. If your serious and backed by a well funded Private Equity Firm? I do not feel you will have to work as hard as a Scrappy Entrepreneur who is self funded. That’s my opinion. However I guess the old stand by should be suggested. Warning “RESULTS MAY VARY.” I hope you get chuckle. You are out searching or are about to begin your search for a Company to approach and acquire? In all seriousness there seems to be some assumptions that I am going to address to set up your expectations.

Self Funded Search Fund

I feel the well funded entrepreneur should out perform the scrappy entrepreneur. Because the scrappy entrepreneur who is not as well funded may have to work harder or longer. But! Just because an Entrepreneur is well funded? Doesn’t prove he or she will out perform the poorly funded or scrappy entrepreneur. There are to many variables at play in this analysis.

Self Funded Entrepreneurs are exactly just that. They’re using their own money to cover costs of being on the road and traveling while searching. Usually these entrepreneurs are incredibly resourceful using self taught street smarts and pure hustle to achieve their goals. Uncertainty and being uncomfortable are normal operating environments.

Traditional Search Funds

What is a traditional Search Fund? These are funds that are funded by wealthy private individuals or investment funds including Private Equity Partners. If we really consider the roots of Search Funds. The model originated at Stanford Graduate School of Business in California. A few Stanford Alums raised some funds to search for an Acquisition.

In conclusion wether your funded by a wealthy Private Individual or secured funding from a Private Equity Firm. Search Funds are defined differently by different experts. As I had mentioned earlier “Results may vary.” There are no metrics to discern which entrepreneur will be successful. However from the research I have completed. If you follow a Search Fund Model 60% of Entrepreneurs who adhere to the model of a Search Fund are likely to be successful.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. Please do drop us your email address for new Blog posts as I write them. Because I will be writing a ton more about Search Funds as my own Business model evolves.

Please feel free to share on Linkedin or any groups. And If I missed something in writing this? Please feel free to send me a email and I will consider your information you provide to add to this guide.

Happy Hunting to all Entrepreneurs using a Search Fund model.

JS

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