Raise $400–600K from 10–15 investors to fund a 2-year search, then acquire and run a $5–30M business.
The traditional search fund model (Stanford GSB origin): Stage 1 — 10–15 investors each put $30–50K for your 2-year search salary + expenses; each earns right (not obligation) to invest pro-rata in the eventual acquisition + 50% common share step-up. Stage 2 — investors fund the $5–30M acquisition (equity + SBA/senior debt), searcher receives 20–30% common equity vested over time based on performance. Median outcome ~$5–10M to the searcher after 5–7 years.
Click Generate advisory deep dive for mechanics, IRC citations, a step-by-step execution plan, a worked numeric example on your profile, costs, risks, and this-week actions.
Sell your C-corp stock for up to $10M tax-free.
Bridge valuation gap and reduce upfront cash with earn-outs.
Shift income between entities to optimize tax and asset protection.
Buy the company you already run with minimal cash.
Raise capital to find and buy a business you'll run as CEO.
Buy a $1–5M profitable business with 10% down.
Buy $100–500k businesses fully seller-financed.
Start agency at $0, acquire competitors on seller notes.