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What is Searchfunder.com?

Searchfunder.com is an online community of searchers, investors, lenders, brokers and other professionals. Over 80% of those involved in searchfunds maintain a Searchfunder account to help them network, hire, and mentor others.

What are the benefits of membership?

In addition to accessing the most active online network of business buyers, Searchfunder licenses research that is simply not cost effective for individuals. Access over 15,000 industry reports and 50,000 transaction financials. You also get monthly credits for contact information for your company sourcing campaign with the option to purchase more at drastically discounted rates. Searchfunder has pre-purchased access from these data providers in order to empower individual buyers and to help searchers level the playing field versus private equity.

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While we are primarily a buy-side network, we do have hundreds of brokers that regularly post deals to the community.

Can I find an internship on Searchfunder?

Absolutely! We have the industry's largest intern job board. If you are considering a search, the first step is to help another business buyer so you can hit the ground running.

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Searchfunder is a subscription service. We offer flexible monthly, annual and lifetime memberships.

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Those who maintain an account with us for over 4 continuous years are permanently added to the community without the need for a membership.

Do I need an MBA to join?

While a large number of our members come from dedicated programs at Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Chicago Booth, and other top programs, searching is no longer reserved for the elite. With the current abundance of dry powder in private equity, and an increasing number of business owners reaching retirement age, good deals rarely go unfunded.

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by a searcher from North Carolina State University
in Sykesville, MD 21784, USA

3yrs ago

The tools and philosophy I used to buy a business in less than 6 months

Tools and Resources:

Education

First I discovered search via the Sweaty Startup Podcast, redacted.

Podcasts

It’s hard to pick a favorite podcast, and each has been helpful on my journey.

redacted

Books

These are the books that inspired and guided me to take the steps necessary to move from employee to employer.

redacted

Blogs/Websites

Searchfunder → Obviously the most valuable. If I only had one resource, it would be this one

redacted

Computer and Software

Macbook Air M1 → Bought for battery life and quietness no other laptop offers 21 hours of continuous use

redacted → Used for modeling, teasers, and all publishing and office needs

redacted→ Easily keeping notes on all devices and sync’d

redacted → Logo creation

redacted → Website creation and hosting

Google workspace → Email hosting for aforementioned domain

redacted → Email campaigns

redacted → CRM to keep track of all the communications

Deal Sites and Broker Listings

redacted → Where I found my business

Banks

redacted → Bruce Marks is super knowledgeable, and he delivered as promised

redacted → Lisa Forrest was super helpful and I almost chose her

Due Diligence

redacted → Where I found my financial due diligence in particular Bob Greisman → Did a fantastic job and fit with what I was looking for, all well under his estimate

redacted → Local Maryland attorney who did an outstanding job even though it ended up costing me considerably

redacted → The broker, one of the good ones who values companies honestly and put together a very convincing CIM

401K ROBS Provider

redacted → I don’t know how they deliver the level of service they provide for the price they charge, highly recommended if you go with a 401K ROBS to fund your injection

My Philosophy

1) To educate myself first in how to acquire a business

2) Build a strong foundation to search from

3) Start the search in earnest, but be efficient

4) Adapt as more knowledge is gained

5) Act quickly once an opportunity presents itself

6) Establish rapport with the seller

7) Keep the big picture in mind while working through the negotiations

8) Drive everyone to the closing table and don’t let time kill the deal

Thanks for reading, if you would like more details on my journey they can be found here: redacted

32 Likes

850 Views

reply by a searcher 2yrs ago
from Escuela de Ingeniería de Antioquia in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

Hi Jordan. Your contributions are excellent. It is important to study these resources that you describe in this post because they have hidden gems among all this information. Wish you, good luck.

reply by a professional 1yr ago
from Embry in Orlando, FL, USA

Look here

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