Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) allows those with entrepreneurial mindsets to search for, acquire, and operate an existing business rather than start a venture from scratch.
This practice is growing in popularity due to factors including but not limited to:
- current demographic factors in the U.S. (e.g., many business owners of the Baby Boomer generation are approaching retirement and may be seeking a buyer for their company)
- increased focus on this practice in the university and business communities (see: ETA clubs and conferences at business schools and publications on this topic).
Our research shows that family enterprises are using ETA as an investment strategy and as a leadership lab.
CFAR Principal Megan Helzner discusses Entrpreneurships Through Acquisition in the following three videos.
What ETA is and how family offices are increasingly using it as a strategy to deploy capital, support entrepreneurial talent, and build long-term value.
Three important considerations for family offices evaluating ETA opportunities.
How Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) can provide next-generation family members with hands-on entrepreneurial experience while contributing to the family enterprise.
For family offices exploring new investment approaches or leadership opportunities for rising entrepreneurs, ETA offers a compelling model for ownership and growth. Learn more about CFAR’s approach to working with family enterprises.