Rob LeBlanc, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at ambit partners, discusses ETA's momentum in new markets, fund deployment, geographic investments, and potential in major economies. Topics include search funds, talent arbitrage, impact investing in emerging markets, and the importance of building healthy investment communities. The conversation highlights success in exploring new markets and future trend exploration.
ETA is gaining momentum in new markets globally, with a focus on fund deployment and local investor networks.
Innovative strategies in emerging markets involve adapting the traditional ETA model to address local market dynamics.
Deep dives
Rob LeBlanc's Diverse Background and Entry into Entrepreneurship
Rob LeBlanc, co-founder of Ambit Partners, shares his journey from studying in Montreal to his career in management consulting and private equity. His exposure to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) at HBS resonated with his family background in small business. Rob's roommate's success in launching a search fund in Quebec further inspired him, leading him to venture into emerging market venture capital and impact investing.
Innovation in the ETA Model: Flipping the Search Fund Concept in South Africa
Rob's experience in South Africa involved a unique approach to the ETA model. By reversing the traditional search fund methodology, they raised capital, acquired businesses, and then found suitable operators due to the absence of searchers in Africa. This innovative strategy aimed to address the lack of established search funds in Africa by adapting the traditional ETA model to the local market dynamics.
Expansion of Ambit Partners into International Search Fund Investments
Reflecting on his transition from Africa to North American ETA, Rob discusses his unexpected foray into international search fund investments. Searchers sought him out due to his experience in North American search funds and emerging markets, leading to the inception of Ambit Partners. The firm's focus on emerging markets in Africa and Southeast Asia paved the way for a $30 million fund to explore 60-80 search opportunities.
Impact of Teaching MBA-Level Search Fund Courses in South Africa
Rob emphasizes the significance of educating MBA students in South Africa about search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Collaborating with colleagues Neil and Andrew, who share a passion for ETA and impact investing, Rob started teaching MBA-level search fund courses. By evangelizing the search fund model locally, the team aims to nurture talent and foster entrepreneurship in Africa and other emerging markets.
This month’s episode features Rob LeBlanc, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at ambit partners. The discussion highlights the growing momentum of ETA in various countries and delves into fund deployment, geographic investment distribution, and the potential for ETA in major economies outside of North America. The conversation also underscores an optimistic perspective for ETA's expansion into new and emerging international markets, with an emphasis on establishing precedent and cultivating local investor networks.
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