Searcher Newbie - Los Angeles

December 24, 2025

by a searcher from Georgetown University in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hi all, after working in IB/PE for the last 10 years, I have decided that it's finally time to buy my own company. I desire the flexibility, control, and real-world impact that come with running a company. With the exception of college at Georgetown, I have always lived in LA and want to stay here. I want to buy and operate an established company in the greater SoCal area. I know this won't be easy, but it's time to just do the damn thing. I'm a complete newbie to ETA but am hungry to learn about local industries, contact brokers, and hustle hard. LA has it all - aerospace, logistics, service businesses, etc. One of the country's largest consumer populations, the nation's largest port, a hugely diversified economy ... there has to be an absolute PLETHORA of small businesses (although my suspicion is that most of them fall under $1m of EBITDA?). It's like dating - most will be quick passes, but it just takes one good one. I wanted to introduce myself to the community here and hopefully meet some other like-minded folks who are on a similar journey and might be willing to share any tips or tricks. Let's do this!

Reply by a professional-advisory
from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in Portland, OR, USA

Congratulations. It's exciting to take that leap. You may find a plethora of businesses, but finding your opportunity requires alignment of many stars, in criteria as ^redacted‌ mentioned, but also in timing (primarily that of a founder looking for liquidity). Paring down the plethora by criteria and timing will narrow down the group profoundly. If the opportunity finds you through your network, they will also find others which means competition and there is a lot out there. Refine how you will provide value to the founder and the remaining team. Founders want their business to end up in capable hands, and they care deeply for the people that remain. This is even more meaningful if the founder is rolling equity. Understanding this will win you a deal over bidding alone. Good luck. At this size, businesses are very much a family (often literally).

Reply by an intermediary
from Harvard University in Los Angeles, CA, USA

^redacted‌--congratulations on the switch. As a broker, my suggestions are try to nail down your criteria after some exploring. Financial criteria--annual revenues, SDE/EBITDA, gross margin, etc. Geography, industry and type of product/service. Lastly, be able to explain how your past experience/knowledge make you a great buyer to take over the business from the seller.

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