Advice for search funders with unconventional (non-MBA)-backgrounds?

searcher profile

March 19, 2024

by a searcher from University of Florida - Warrington College of Business Administration in Miami, FL, USA

Hi,
I'm looking to connect with people who come from "unconventional" (non-MBA) backgrounds but still have managed to raise a fund and complete an acquisition.

For example: I'm a former maritime officer and cruise ship captain who has pivoted to tech and entrepreneurship, and currently, I serve as the COO of a 40-person adtech startup that was acquired in 2021 for mid-8-figures. I'm an operator to my core and love digging in and building a good business - but I don't come from the traditional background that seems to be standard in the search fund community.

Now I'm at a point where our earnout is expiring and I'm looking for the next big thing. Selling a company gave me a taste for M&A and this time I'd like to be on the buy-side, and I'm looking to potentially raise some capital for a South Florida acquisition.

I'd love to hear from similarly unconventional searchers and how they found success! What were your struggles and how did you get past them?

Thanks :)
Ola

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commentor profile
Reply by a searcher
from University of San Diego in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Your real world experience along w/ leadership and discipline lessons from the military will go a long way with potential investors. I would recommend reaching out to someone like ^redacted‌ or ^redacted‌
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Reply by a professional
from University of Southern California in North Palm Beach, FL, USA
There are quite a few business owners thinking about selling who are not exactly excited about MBAs who have very little, if any, experience managing companies###-###-#### who hope owners might sell their business to them. Appeal to what owners want and, upfront, prove you can provide it. , An MBA does not matter.
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