The Evolution of Search Funds: From Scarcity to Abundance

Not only is Zach Duprey a highly experienced commercial lender to those seeking to acquire a small business but, in helping to create a national market for these loans, he has been instrumental in dramatically changing the landscape of small business lending, revolutionizing the market for search. In this episode, Zach describes the “three legs of the stool” that he and his team consider in evaluating transaction opportunities – the underlying business, the searcher / operator, and the investors. Also discussed are the differences and similarities between commercial bankers and equity investors, in terms of their risk assessments and expectations; the relevance of different company attributes, including churn and margins; distinctions between SBA and conventional loans, particularly important to consider when purchasing a growth-oriented company; and many more practical takeaways that will well serve both funded and self-funded searchers on their journeys towards acquisition entrepreneurship.