Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) is often seen as a shortcut to owning a business, but it comes with its own set of challenges. In today’s episode of the Dealmaking with Laura DiFrancesco Podcast, Laura explains what ETA really is, why it's gaining popularity, and how to approach it with the right mindset. She points out the advantages of buying a business, like existing cash flow and customers, as well as the risks, such as personal guarantees and mismanagement. Laura also discusses financing options, legal considerations, and how ETA compares to other paths like starting a business or investing in real estate. Whether you’re new to the idea or already exploring it, this episode is a helpful starting point for understanding if ETA is right for you.

What You’ll Learn

• The Definition of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition 

// Learn how ETA fits into the world of mergers and acquisitions.

• Navigating the ETA Landscape

// Explore the unique terms, deal sizes, and models that set ETA apart from other acquisition strategies.

• The Importance of Due Diligence // Get a clear view of what due diligence involves and how it protects you during the acquisition process.

• Legal Support in ETA Deals // Understand why early legal guidance is critical and how it shapes deal structure and liability.

• Building Strong Negotiation Skills // Learn how negotiation impacts stages of the acquisition process and how to do it well.

• Exploring ETA Models // Compare different approaches to ETA, including self-funded, search funds, and hybrid models.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00 ] Introduction

[02:33 ] Defining Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

[10:22 ] Advantages of ETA 

[13:17 ] Dean Street Law ad

[14:15 ] Key risks to understand before buying a business

[18:19 ] Legal considerations in ETA

[22:35 ] Negotiation and dealmaking as key ETA skills

[24:43 ] Acquisition Insights ad

[25:42 ] Different ETA models and what to consider

[27:41 ] Using education and reflection to decide if ETA is right for you

[33:09 ] Outro

Resources Mentioned

• Episode 1: Introduction to Buying a Business

• Episode 2: Asset vs. Stock Purchases

• Episode 23: Negotiating the Purchase Price and Seller Notes

• Join the waitlist for my new book Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

• For free legal guides and resources click HERE.

• Unlock your legal roadmap to success with Acquisitions Insights 

• Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dean Street Law today!

Connect with Us

• Follow on Twitter: @LMDiFrancesco

• Follow on Instagram: @lauramdifrancesco and @deanstreetlaw

• Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauradifrancesco

Our Sister Brands

• Follow Flourish Coworking Space on Instagram: @flourishwestchester 

• Follow Ethereal Farms on Instagram: @etherealfarms

• Check out my other podcast We Grow Together on Spotify and Apple Music 

Don't miss an episode of "Dealmaking with Laura DiFrancesco." Follow me on your favorite podcast platform and visit deanstreelaw.com to schedule a consultation today. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or stepping into the world of mergers and acquisitions for the first time, let us guide you to success. 

Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more aspiring dealmakers like you!

Credits

Host // Laura DiFrancesco

Executive Producer // Teagan Rowland 

Editor // Ariel Yu

Associate Producer // Ariel Yu

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