Funded Search vs Self Funded for a Non MBA Searcher?

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December 11, 2025

by a searcher from British Columbia Institute of Technology in Vancouver, BC, Canada

I’m a non MBA professional based in British Columbia with several years of leadership and project management experience in the tech/ infrastructure/construction space. I am developing my thesis for a self funded or independent sponsor search focused on Western Canada, and I am also evaluating whether it makes sense to consider a traditional funded search.For investors who fund traditional searches, I am curious about how often you back searchers without an MBA. What qualities such as operational experience, sector knowledge, leadership ability or overall CEO readiness can meaningfully offset not having an MBA?I am trying to understand whether funded search investors use the search period to actively evaluate a searcher’s ability to step into the CEO role, or if in reality it is more likely that someone without an MBA would receive investor support only once a deal is already under LOI rather than at the search stage.I would really appreciate any insight from both investors and searchers who have gone through either path. I am also open to connecting directly. Feel free to message me. Thanks!
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commentor profile
Reply by a searcher
from University of KwaZulu in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hey Paula, happy to connect. Am a Vancouver based Searcher, raised a traditional fund, no MBA - redacted
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Reply by an investor
from Université de Sherbrooke in Montréal, QC, Canada
Hi Paula! At the BDC Thrive ETA fund, we back talented female searchers in Canada whether they have an MBA or not. We look for candidates with management experience, vision, empathetic leadership skills and grit. https://www.bdc.ca/en/bdc-capital/venture-capital/funds/thrive-platform/thrive-entrepreneurship-through-acquisition-fund
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