HoldCo Builders

Explore the ambitious journey of raising $450 million for a private equity fund without any prior track record. Discover the importance of having complementary founder strengths and the lessons learned from costly fundraising mistakes, like hiring a disappearing rainmaker. Urs emphasizes a long-term focus on partnerships, especially with pensioners, and shares insights on thematic research that drives their investment strategies. Learn how innovative hiring practices and proactive due diligence set them apart in a competitive market.

In this insightful discussion, Alexis Sikorsky, an entrepreneur who achieved a nine-figure exit from his software company, shares his remarkable journey from launching West Africa's first ISP to navigating the pitfalls of growth and survival during economic downturns. He discusses his innovative APEX methodology for advising founders on successful exits, emphasizing the importance of agility and planning. Alexis also reveals the transformative power of M&A as a growth strategy and reflects on personal lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Nikolai Dimitrov, founder of Unity Investment Partnership and former professional footballer, shares his journey from sports to acquiring small businesses in Central and Eastern Europe. He discusses his unique approach to acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of terms over price and utilizing seller financing. Nikolai recounts his struggles during a 12-18 month dry spell and how he built a strong team despite initial setbacks. He highlights the value of effective post-acquisition management and the significance of culture in growing his firm.

Grant Hensel, founder of Entrepreneurial Capital, has an impressive entrepreneurial background with ten startups, including seven failures but also two successful exits. He dives into his passion for backing self-funded searchers and discusses his unique investment criteria focused on resilient SMBs. Grant shares hilarious anecdotes from buying a marketing agency for his wife, insights on the importance of operator quality, and why he believes self-funded search is a true grit test. Tune in for his thoughts on finding searchers and his post-acquisition playbook!

Dive into the fascinating world of search funds with insights from Tim Ludwig, who shares his journey from investor to operator. Discover the secrets of acquiring and running small businesses, including why emotional intelligence can outshine raw IQ in leadership. Learn about the evolving landscape of search fund investments and how to identify promising industries. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning values and maintaining communication for business success. Plus, get practical tips for navigating the competitive market of acquisitions!

Donza Worden, a former institutional investor and co-founder of Clear Peak Capital, shares his insights into the private equity landscape. He argues that many PE professionals aren't true investors, emphasizing the importance of independent sponsorship. Donza discusses his journey from a small town to the heights of finance and the pivotal conversations that shaped his career. He explores the nuances of acquisition challenges, the role of institutional capital, and his innovative investment philosophy that prioritizes intellectual curiosity over mere deal execution.

A seasoned operator shares his journey from selling a company to acquiring eight others. He emphasizes a strategic playbook tailored for growth, with a focus on obtaining businesses with $4M+ EBITDA. Key insights include how to structure deals for bank approval and the importance of reinvesting alongside sellers. The discussion reveals the significance of disciplined capital allocation and building a robust portfolio that appeals to larger investors. There's also a peek into creating engaging newsletters to enhance business strategy.

Doug Lapisto, co-founder of Sleeping Giant Capital, dives into the exciting world of local business acquisitions. He shares insights on backing seven searchers to close deals worth $34 million, focusing on operator-first strategies. The conversation covers sourcing regional deals, building resilient companies with university talent, and navigating the emotional complexities of acquisitions. Doug emphasizes the unique investment model influenced by industry greats and discusses the importance of fostering community impact while achieving investor returns.

Sam Turner, a former corporate CFO turned small business acquirer from the UK, shares his inspiring journey to freedom and fulfillment after leaving a high-paying job. He discusses the thrill and challenges of purchasing local HVAC businesses, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and thorough due diligence. Sam reveals the hybrid non-integration model that supports growth and provides insight on effective communication strategies for calming teams. With aspirations to reach $150 million by 2033, he highlights the realness of entrepreneurship and the importance of hard work in navigating acquisitions.

Discover the entrepreneurial mindset shaped by a challenging childhood and the immigrant experience. Learn how a family holding company strategically invests across various sectors, from healthcare to technology. Gain insights into lessons from Harvard and Goldman Sachs that emphasize grit over formal education. Explore key strategies for resilient real estate growth and the transformative power of AI in property acquisitions with Crexie. This journey reflects a determination to succeed while navigating market challenges and scaling innovative ventures.