What is Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition?

Through ETA (search funds), individuals can acquire an existing business, become its CEO, and build a larger and more successful enterprise. The search fund model gives relatively inexperienced professionals with limited resources the opportunity to search for, acquire, and operate a business in which they have a meaningful ownership position.

For those of us that have ever dreamed of being an entrepreneur and running our own business, but lack an outstanding idea or the technical expertise to launch and build a startup, Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is a great career path.

Club Mission

The Club’s mission is two-fold. First, we intend to provide potential searchers with the network and resources needed to succeed. A key success factor in the ETA career path is having a strong network, as it has proven to be an invaluable asset during the search, acquisition, and operation process. At the ETA Club, we are a tool for students to leverage and build strong relationships with fellow searchers, investors, and mentors. Moreover, we provide potential searchers with access to resources and workshops that strengthen their profiles and complement their skillsets.

Additionally, the Club has the goal of educating the HBS community about Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition and promoting ETA as a viable career path. Despite being increasingly sought-after, we believe that there is still room to grow and that ETA offers an appealing career alternative for a larger share of the HBS student population.

Member Benefits

ETA Club members enjoy benefits such as:

  • Build relationships among fellow searchers, relevant professors/Entrepreneurs in Residence, and key industry players through club events: networking events, speaker events, alumni panels
  • Access to the Search Fund Investor platform and the Club's library of resources (including access to leading data platforms)
  • Summer internship opportunities with current searchers and small business owners

Opportunities for Employers

  • Promote relevant internship or full-time opportunities to ETA club members
  • Host coffee chats with current students interested in ETA

Connect with Us

If you have questions about the club, please reach out to any of the club’s co-presidents: