NYU Stern: The Power of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)
Who says the path to entrepreneurship means starting from scratch?
For many, the fastest and most rewarding path to owning and scaling a successful company isn’t launching one from the ground up—it’s acquiring an existing one. Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) is a popular and proven route for ambitious builders who want to lead and grow a real business, backed by investors who believe in them.
Join us for a panel discussion featuring acquisition entrepreneurs and investors who have successfully navigated the ETA journey. Get an honest, inside look at what it takes to succeed—from launching a search to navigating post-acquisition operations. Walk away better equipped to evaluate whether ETA is right for you.
What we’ll explore:
Opportunity sourcing and evaluation: How to build a high-quality deal pipeline, assess risk, and spot promising industries and sellers.
Capital and deal structuring: How to finance your acquisition—from self-funded searches to traditional search funds and investor-backed deals.
Search and acquisition mechanics: How to manage the due diligence process, seller negotiations, and closing dynamics.
Life after the deal: How to make the transition to company leadership, building a team, and creating long-term value as an operator.
There’s never been a better time to explore ETA. More than 220,000 U.S. businesses generate between $5 million and $50 million in revenue, and many owners nearing retirement have no clear succession plan in place. If you’re an aspiring CEO who thrives on execution, ETA might be the path you've been looking for.
Presented in partnership with The Deal Utility.