New to Searchfunder: Exploring Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, HoldCo Models, and Long-Term Ownership

Hi everyone, I am new to Searchfunder and wanted to introduce myself. I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area and am exploring Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, HoldCo models, and long-term ownership as a potential next chapter. My background is 20 years in technology and product leadership across Facebook, Instagram, Oculus, Lyft, Toyota, and Woven by Toyota, along with several years building and operating a residential real estate portfolio focused on high-yield rentals and small-scale infill development. I will be starting the Stanford MSx program this year and plan to use the next year to deeply explore acquisition entrepreneurship, search funds, HoldCo models, and how long-term ownership could fit with my operating background. I am early in the process and currently exploring whether a self-funded search, independent sponsor path, or small HoldCo model is the right fit. I am solo for now, but open to meeting potential partners if there is strong alignment in values, operating style, and long-term vision. My initial buy box is still evolving, but I am especially interested in cash-flowing services businesses where operational discipline, technology, customer experience, and strong local execution can create value. Areas that feel adjacent to my background include real estate services, property services, home services, construction services, facilities services, and other B2B or local services businesses. I have not acquired an operating company yet, but I have acquired, financed, improved, and operated multiple real estate assets, so I am hoping to bring that ownership mindset into this space. Right now, I would value help on understanding buy box design, deal sourcing, diligence, capital structure, and the tradeoffs between self-funded search, traditional search, independent sponsor, and HoldCo models. I can be helpful to others on product strategy, technology, AI workflows, real estate operations, small-scale development, ADUs, rental operations, and Bay Area real estate. Excited to learn from this community and connect with searchers, investors, operators, and anyone who has made the move from tech, real estate, or product leadership into acquisition entrepreneurship.