In the mid-eighties, a group of enterprising and industrious MBA students at Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business pioneered an experiment which today we call "Search Funds."Captained and inspired by visionary Leader Irv Grousbeck, they designed a track that allowed them to acquire a company, become its CEO, and, if well executed, also be its largest shareholder. Supported by strong boards and a solid process, it turned an inexperienced entrepreneur into a successful business leader.In this book, Jan Simon, Managing Partner of Vonzeo Capital and Academic Director of the International Search Fund Center at IESE Business School, presents a best-practices-based roadmap for searchers, acquisition entrepreneurs, investors and board members. Drawing on generous contributions from the search fund community as well as his own experience, he sheds light on how this community converted $1.4 billion of investments into $8.7 billion, with $1.8 billion going to the entrepreneurs.
"This is an absolute gem for anyone interested in the world of entrepreneurship and acquisition. The author has done a remarkable job of demystifying the complex world of search funds and acquisitions, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned professionals. His writing style is clear, concise, and engaging, which makes the book an enjoyable and informative read. What sets this book apart is its real-world applicability: whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking to acquire a business or an investor interested in the search fund model, it offers a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the intricacies of the process successfully, with a holistic view of the entrepreneurial acquisition process, from fundraising and sourcing deals to due diligence and post-acquisition management. Highly recommended!"