EP 102: Selling to a Search Fund with 37th and Moss
Nov 1, 2023
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Entrepreneurship and acquisition strategies experts, Nick Smith and John Smith from 37th and Moss, discuss topics such as building credibility, long-term business growth, finding acquisition targets, and valuable advice on business valuation and selling. They also highlight the importance of personal risk assessment in business acquisition and the significance of assessing a searcher's strengths and communication skills. Additionally, they address the concern of business owners about their employees after a sale and express their interest in software companies for manufacturing.
Search funds focus on building credibility and relationships with business owners through networking and industry research.
Business owners should prepare their businesses for potential sales or transitions by delegating tasks, streamlining accounting practices, and understanding unit economics to maximize value.
Deep dives
The Search Fund Model and its Operation
Nick and John discuss the concept of search funds, which are professional searchers who connect with business owners for potential acquisitions. They explain the difference between self-funded searchers and traditional search funds, with 37th and Moss falling into the latter category. They emphasize their focus on developing industry theses and building relationships with business owners through networking. They also highlight the importance of understanding unit economics and valuations when considering a sale or transition.
Transparency and the Importance of the Team
Nick and John address common concerns for business owners, including what happens to their team in an acquisition. They emphasize that they value and want to work with the existing teams of acquired businesses, relying on their expertise for continued growth and success. They assure that they do not plan to introduce disruptive changes or break up companies. They stress the importance of clear communication and trust between the buyer and the owner.
Finding Businesses and Assessing Credibility
Nick and John explain that searchers primarily find businesses through powerful databases and software tools specific to search funds. They also emphasize the importance of personal connections and industry research when reaching out to potential businesses. They address concerns about business owners questioning the credibility of searchers and advise on assessing reliability through industry knowledge, interpersonal skills, and validation of financial capabilities.
Preparing for a Transition and Understanding Value
Nick and John advise business owners to start preparing their businesses for potential sales or transitions, even if it is not imminent. They recommend delegating critical tasks, streamlining accounting practices, and building an understanding of unit economics to maximize value. They emphasize the importance of considering the long-term hold approach and carefully weighing the benefits of different strategies based on individual entrepreneurial strengths.
In this episode, "EP 102: Selling to a Search Fund with 37th and Moss" we uncover the world of search funds and their role as an exit strategy for business owners. We explore entrepreneurship, acquisition strategies, and the challenges faced in the M&A landscape. Dive into discussions on building credibility, long-term business growth, finding acquisition targets, and valuable advice on business valuation and selling. Discover how 37th and Moss, with Nick Smith and John Smith, are shaping the future of business acquisition and ownership.
The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business.