Is a part-time self-funded search advisable?

searcher profile

July 20, 2023

by a searcher from Florida State University - College of Business in Gainesville, FL, USA

I've recently learned about the search community and have been reading the HBR book. I could use a bit of advice on how best to approach a search in my situation: I don't have the means to self-fund, and I have a fairly demanding job that doesn't allow much schedule flexibility during the week. I'm not looking to relocate, so I would be looking for something located nearby, or a SaaS business that can be operated virtually. Is a part-time self-funded search advisable with these constraints? Or should I really be thinking about a traditional search fund? Any other guidance?

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commentor profile
Reply by a searcher
from New York University in Larchmont, NY, USA
Depending on the seller and their motivation for exit, you will need to explain why you the right buyer. If you have a full-time job you may have to ensure that your "story" is compatible with a seller who has spent many years building the business. It is possible that they put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the company and they may be skeptical that you can continue the legacy without full attention.
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Reply by a searcher
from University of Oxford in Johannesburg, South Africa
This is effectively what I'm doing. I think the approach can work but will likely have a much longer search timeframe. You need to be very deliberate about relationship building and networking to have access to good deals though
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