Lessons From My Business Buying Journey - Craig Dickens, CEO | EP 74

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Craig is a serial and parallel entrepreneur. He has invested in dozens of companies, first as an operator and then as an investor. He has participated in virtually every business dynamic from start-up to IPO, merger to acquisition. Having previously partnered with other family offices, private equity, taken one company public, and sold another company to a public company, Craig has deep relationships and experience across the investing landscape as well as access to growth and acquisition capital around the globe.

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Chapters

[00:00] Intro

[02:55] Acquisition vs. Startup: The Growth Dilemma

[06:03] The Subscription Economy: Trends and Insights

[11:52] Evaluating Business Models: Buy vs. Build

[14:59] Organic vs. Inorganic Growth Strategies

[21:00] Navigating Industry Risks and Opportunities

[34:41] Detective Work in Business Transactions

[39:51] Entering New Markets Without Experience

[43:29] Creative Funding Strategies for Acquisitions

[46:31] Common Mistakes in Business Acquisitions

[47:40] Understanding Working Capital

[51:13] A Roadmap for Deal Flow and Analysis

[56:11] Preparing for Business Acquisition

[01:00:56] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs