The 2 Professors Who Helped Start the ETA Movement
Nov 11, 2024
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Rick Ruback and Royce Yudkoff, Harvard Business School professors and co-authors of "HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business," discuss their impact on entrepreneurship through acquisition. They share how their class grew from 17 to nearly 300 students and the emotional challenges faced by students balancing family expectations with entrepreneurial dreams. Insights into the profitability of unconventional businesses and learning from failures are key topics, as well as their passion for educating future entrepreneurs through their podcast and innovative teaching methods.
Entrepreneurship through acquisition is gaining traction as a viable path for aspiring business owners, presenting unique opportunities for independence and success.
The 'magical multiples' concept reveals that small businesses are often sold at significantly lower multiples, highlighting an attractive entry point for potential buyers.
The evolution and popularity of the ETA course at Harvard reflect a cultural shift, positioning acquisition as a legitimate and rewarding career option for students.
Deep dives
The Importance of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) is recognized as a viable path for aspiring entrepreneurs, allowing them to buy existing businesses rather than starting from scratch. Professors Rick Ruback and Royce Yudkoff highlight that this approach presents a unique opportunity for individuals seeking independence and the chance to run a business. The professors discovered that many individuals were unaware of the potential for acquiring small businesses, despite the low multiples associated with them, which often yield significant returns on investment. This realization spurred them to advocate for ETA as a mainstream career option at Harvard Business School, where interest in their course has skyrocketed over the years.
Magical Multiples and Market Insights
One of the critical insights discussed by Ruback and Yudkoff is the concept of 'magical multiples' in the small business market. When they initially explored the marketplace, they were surprised to find small businesses were often sold at low multiples, such as two to three times EBITDA, compared to the much higher multiples seen at larger firms. This discrepancy not only highlights an attractive entry point for potential buyers but also raises questions about market dynamics and the value perception of small firms. Their research into this phenomenon confirmed ETA as a lucrative and often overlooked avenue for entrepreneurship.
The Evolution of the HBS ETA Course
The Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition course at Harvard Business School has evolved significantly since its inception, growing from a small handful of students to nearly 300 per year. Initially, there were doubts about whether students would be interested in learning about small businesses, yet the course has proven to be immensely popular. Students coming through the program now see ETA as a legitimate and financially rewarding career path, thanks to the momentum generated by successful alumni. This growth reflects a broader cultural shift toward valuing acquisition as an entrepreneurship strategy rather than traditional startup methods.
The Role of Technology in Small Business Success
Another key discussion in the episode revolves around the importance of technology in improving small business operations. Many businesses still rely on outdated systems, making the introduction of modern technology a critical lever for growth and efficiency. Adopting new tools can facilitate better customer management, enhance service delivery, and ensure compliance with evolving industry standards. The conversation underscores that searchers must be prepared to invest in technology upgrades to realize the full potential of their acquisitions and maintain competitiveness in the market.
Broader Impacts of Growing Interest in ETA
As interest in entrepreneurship through acquisition grows, both Ruback and Yudkoff predict broader economic and societal impacts. The professors emphasize that successful entrepreneurs who acquire businesses generally contribute positively to their communities by creating jobs and enriching local economies. Moreover, this entrepreneurial path opens doors for individuals from diverse backgrounds who might not have access to traditional funding or resources. They also assert that increased competition in talent will push larger corporations to enhance job quality and working conditions, directly benefiting employees.