The Search Fund Podcast

In this episode, Mia recounts her unique transition, from engineer by training to management consultant to self-made entrepreneur. From running an African art exhibit as an undergrad to simultaneously launching both her consultancy practice and a beauty startup, Mia's certainly no stranger to the entrepreneurial world. One year into her acquisition of Vital Care Industries, Mia shares the challenges she's faced, especially at the helm of a healthcare business amidst a global pandemic, and how the wealth of operating experience she's gained over the years has helped her navigate them.Some advice from Mia:"You have to strike the balance of being prepared and having the confidence to do this. Having the confidence to take the leap, because it is a big leap. In many cases, you’re going to make, as a searcher, less money than you’re making now at your corporate job and so you’re investing in yourself.""It is something that you have to really want to do. It is not, just like startups are for everyone, ETA is not for everyone either. It’s more than just, “Hey, I just wanna be a CEO or wanna run a company.” There’s a lot that has to go into it. And so taking the time to prepare yourself for that I think is important."Resources:broadtreepartners.comsmeventures.comvitalcareindustries.com

In this discussion, KT Chan, Co-managing Director of Khaokho Talaypu, shares his inspiring path from management consulting to leading a thriving Thai personal care brand. He reflects on overcoming fierce competition and the importance of effective partnerships in entrepreneurship. KT emphasizes the significance of blending personal and professional growth, recounting his family business roots and vision for sustainability. He also outlines strategies that turned Khaokho Talaypu into a leader in herbal shampoo, highlighting innovation and local manufacturing.

In this episode, Sumit Aneja recounts his entrepreneurial journey from luxury shaving start-up founder at Yale to search fund entrepreneur in Canada. Sumit outlines his unique experience acquiring a tech company, raising capital amidst competing searchers, and dealing with the pressures of closing, all while juggling key family milestones, culminating in his migration to Montreal and the acquisition of Voxco.Some advice from Sumit:'It has to feel right to you. If somebody’s doing it for an easy lifestyle or glamour, those are clearly the wrong reasons to do it, I can tell you this much.''Running a company is hard but getting to run a company at such an early age is a privilege and it should be treated as such. It comes with a lot of responsibility so you have to be ready for it.'Resources:https://www.voxco.com/https://www.smeventures.com/

Martin Urrutia, the entrepreneur behind Auronix, shares his remarkable journey from a family business to a search fund in Mexico. He emphasizes the immense learning that comes from taking risks and embracing challenges. Martin discusses the growing trend of customer communication shifting to messaging platforms, and how this represents an evolving market dynamic. He reflects on the unique challenges of navigating a search fund, particularly during negotiation and post-acquisition phases, highlighting the invaluable support from the search fund community.

Corbin Butcher, a search fund entrepreneur and former US Marine, shares his inspiring journey of launching the first search fund in the Czech Republic with his wife. He discusses the pivotal role of operating experience and partnership in overcoming investor skepticism rooted in the nation’s communist history. Corbin also reveals unexpected challenges during the acquisition of Beire Exhibitions, including navigating legal hurdles. He reflects on innovative strategies implemented during the pandemic and ambitions for future investments in Central Europe.

Daniel Muzquiz, a serial search fund entrepreneur with a mechanical engineering background, shares his remarkable 20-year journey from oil rigs to acquiring The Predictive Index. He emphasizes the vital role of good partnerships and a strong acquisition framework. Daniel advises focusing on adding value rather than just making money and the importance of surrounding oneself with talented, enjoyable people. His insights into navigating the emotional challenges of search funds and the significance of aligning goals in business ventures provide inspiring takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs.