Booth-Kellogg Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference: A Guide to Starting a Business by Buying One

The Booth-Kellogg Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference is an annual event aimed at educating and inspiring students, alumni, and service providers on the topic of entrepreneurship through acquisition. Hosted by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Kellogg Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, and the Booth-Kellogg ETA Group, this conference brings together search fund entrepreneurs, investors, MBA students, faculty, and other professionals interested in the field.

The conference features a range of speakers, panels, and networking opportunities designed to provide attendees with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship through acquisition. Topics covered at the conference include everything from the basics of search funds and deal sourcing to due diligence, negotiation, and post-acquisition management. Attendees can also expect to hear from successful entrepreneurs who have gone through the process themselves, as well as investors and service providers who can offer valuable insights and advice.

Overall, the Booth-Kellogg Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition to learn from experts in the field, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights and knowledge that can help them succeed in their own endeavors.

Understanding Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) is a strategy in which an individual or a group of individuals buys an existing business and becomes its owner. ETA is an attractive option for those who want to become entrepreneurs but do not want to go through the process of starting a new business from scratch. The ETA route allows one to acquire a business that already has a proven track record, an established customer base, and a stable cash flow.

Foundational Concepts of ETA

The foundational concepts of ETA include enterprise valuation, deal structuring, and due diligence. Enterprise valuation is the process of determining the value of a business. Deal structuring involves determining the terms of the acquisition, such as the purchase price, payment terms, and contingencies. Due diligence is the process of investigating the business to ensure that the buyer is aware of any potential problems or liabilities.

The Rise of Search Funds

Search funds are a type of ETA in which a group of investors raises capital to search for and acquire a business. Search fund entrepreneurs are individuals who lead the search for a business to acquire. Search funds have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they allow investors to diversify their portfolios and provide entrepreneurs with an opportunity to acquire a business without having to raise capital themselves.

ETA and search funds are becoming more popular as more people are looking for alternative paths to entrepreneurship. By acquiring an existing business, entrepreneurs can bypass many of the challenges associated with starting a new business. With the right skills, knowledge, and resources, ETA can be a viable option for those who want to become entrepreneurs.

Conference Overview

The Booth-Kellogg Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference is an annual event that brings together search fund entrepreneurs, investors, MBA students, faculty, and other professionals from various industries. The conference aims to educate and inspire attendees to pursue the acquisition and operation of a small or mid-sized business.

Keynote Speakers and Sessions

The conference features keynote speakers who are industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. They share their experiences, insights, and strategies on how to successfully acquire and operate a business. In addition to keynote speeches, the conference also has panel discussions, fireside chats, and workshops. The sessions cover a wide range of topics such as enterprise valuation, deal structuring, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration.

Schedule and Events

The ETA Conference is a two-day event that includes several networking events, happy hour sessions, and coffee chats. These events provide attendees with the opportunity to network with other professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. The conference also includes a deal sourcing session, where search fund entrepreneurs can pitch their investment opportunities to investors.

The schedule of the conference is designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship through acquisition. The first day of the conference focuses on the fundamentals of ETA, including how to raise capital, how to identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets, and how to negotiate and close a deal. The second day of the conference focuses on post-acquisition integration, including how to manage the acquired business, how to grow the business, and how to exit the business.

Overall, the ETA Conference is an excellent opportunity for professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to learn, network, and explore the world of entrepreneurship through acquisition.

Educational Opportunities

The Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference is an excellent opportunity for MBA students, alumni, faculty, and business students to learn about the acquisition process. The conference offers various educational opportunities, including workshops, panels, mentorship, and personalized advice.

Workshops and Panels

The ETA Conference features workshops and panels that cover various topics related to entrepreneurship through acquisition. The workshops are designed to provide practical knowledge and skills that can be applied to the acquisition process. The panel discussions feature experienced entrepreneurs and investors who share their insights and experiences.

Some of the workshops and panels that are usually featured at the ETA Conference include:

These workshops and panels provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the acquisition process and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in the business world.

Mentorship and Personalized Advice

The ETA Conference also provides attendees with mentorship and personalized advice. The conference offers one-on-one sessions with experienced entrepreneurs and investors who provide personalized advice and guidance to attendees.

These mentorship sessions are an excellent opportunity for attendees to ask questions, seek advice, and receive feedback on their acquisition plans. The personalized advice provided by experienced entrepreneurs and investors can help attendees refine their acquisition strategies and increase their chances of success.

In conclusion, the ETA Conference offers a range of educational opportunities that are designed to equip MBA students, alumni, faculty, and business students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the acquisition process. The workshops, panels, mentorship, and personalized advice provided by the conference can help attendees refine their acquisition strategies and increase their chances of success.

Networking and Community Building

The Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference is a great opportunity to connect with the ETA community and build lasting relationships. The conference brings together search fund investors, entrepreneurs, bankers, and other professionals interested in ETA.

Connecting with Investors and Lenders

One of the main benefits of attending the ETA Conference is the opportunity to connect with investors and lenders. The conference attracts a diverse group of investors, including family offices, private equity firms, and high net worth individuals. Attendees can schedule one-on-one meetings with investors and present their investment thesis. These meetings can lead to valuable connections and potential funding sources.

In addition to investors, the ETA Conference also attracts lenders who specialize in financing search funds. Attendees can learn about the different financing options available and network with lenders to find a suitable financing partner.

Building Relationships with Peers

The ETA Conference is also a great opportunity to build relationships with peers in the ETA community. Attendees can attend networking events and socialize with other entrepreneurs and professionals interested in ETA. These events provide a relaxed environment to exchange ideas and build lasting relationships.

The ETA community is a tight-knit group of professionals who are passionate about entrepreneurship. Attending the ETA Conference is a great way to become part of this community and build lasting relationships.

Practical Insights into ETA

The Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference is an annual event that brings together mid-career professionals, small or mid-sized business owners, and investors to share insights and best practices on buying and selling businesses. The conference covers a range of topics, including enterprise valuation, deal and contract structuring techniques, and mergers and acquisitions.

Acquisition Strategies and Challenges

One of the key topics discussed at the ETA Conference is acquisition strategies and challenges. Speakers at the conference share their experiences and insights on how to identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets, negotiate deals, and manage the due diligence process. They also discuss the various challenges that arise during the acquisition process, such as legal and regulatory issues, cultural differences, and integration challenges.

To help attendees better understand the acquisition process, the conference often features case studies and interactive sessions that simulate real-world acquisition scenarios. These sessions give attendees the opportunity to apply the concepts and strategies they have learned in a practical setting.

Post-Acquisition Business Management

Another important topic at the ETA Conference is post-acquisition business management. Speakers at the conference share their insights on how to manage the acquired business to ensure its long-term success. They discuss business management skills such as leadership, financial management, and operations management.

To help attendees better understand post-acquisition business management, the conference often features case studies and interactive sessions that simulate real-world business management scenarios. These sessions give attendees the opportunity to apply the concepts and strategies they have learned in a practical setting.

Overall, the ETA Conference provides a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals, small or mid-sized business owners, and investors to learn from industry experts and share their own experiences and insights. By attending the conference, attendees can gain practical insights into ETA that they can apply in their own businesses and careers.