Essential Resources for Search Fund Entrepreneurs

Building your knowledge foundation for successful business acquisition

Whether you’re just starting your search fund journey or looking to deepen your expertise, having the right resources can make the difference between success and costly mistakes. This carefully curated guide brings together the most impactful books, podcasts, and learning materials that successful searchers actually use.

What You’ll Find Here

• 📚 Essential Books - Start with foundation reading, then level up
• 🎧 Must-Listen Podcasts - Learn during your commute
• 📺 Video Learning - Comprehensive lecture series
• 🌐 Community Resources - Connect with fellow searchers
• 🚀 Your Learning Path - Step-by-step guidance

📚 Essential Books

Start Here: Foundation Reading

These three books form the core knowledge base every searcher needs. Read these first.

”Buy Then Build” by Walker Deibel

⭐ Why it matters: The definitive playbook for entrepreneurship through acquisition
🎯 Key takeaway: Systematic framework for finding, evaluating, and acquiring businesses
⏱️ Time investment: 6-8 hours
📈 Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

📖 Get the book on Amazon →

This has become essential reading in the search fund community for good reason. Deibel combines practical strategies with real-world case studies, giving you actionable insights you can apply immediately.

”HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business”

by Richard S. Ruback and Royce Yudkoff

⭐ Why it matters: Harvard Business School’s systematic approach to acquisition
🎯 Key takeaway: Step-by-step roadmap from search to closing
⏱️ Time investment: 8-10 hours
📈 Difficulty: Intermediate

📖 Get the book on Amazon →

The authors draw from decades of experience teaching and advising acquisition entrepreneurs. This is your comprehensive guide to doing it right.

”Small Giants” by Bo Burlingham

⭐ Why it matters: Understanding what makes great businesses great
🎯 Key takeaway: Companies that choose to be great instead of big
⏱️ Time investment: 5-7 hours
📈 Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

📖 Get the book on Amazon →

Essential for understanding the characteristics of businesses worth acquiring and how to operate them for long-term success.

Level Up: Advanced Reading

Once you’ve mastered the foundations, these resources will deepen your expertise.

”The Messy Marketplace” by Brent Beshore

🔥 Perfect for: Understanding the reality of private business acquisitions
💡 You’ll learn: How to navigate complex deal dynamics and relationship management

📖 Get the book →

“The Search Fund Primer” (Stanford GSB)

🔥 Perfect for: Deep dive into the search fund model
💡 You’ll learn: Everything from fundraising to investor relations

📄 Read the primer →

🎧 Must-Listen Podcasts

Learn from successful searchers and operators while you commute

”Think Like an Owner” with Alex Bridgeman

🎯 Focus: Deep conversations with successful searchers and operators
⚡ Best for: Real-world insights and practical strategies
📈 Why listen: Get inside the minds of people who’ve done exactly what you want to do

🎧 Start listening →

“Acquiring Minds” with Will Smith

🎯 Focus: Search fund specific content and interviews
⚡ Best for: Detailed discussions about acquisition challenges and opportunities
📈 Why listen: Focused specifically on your exact journey

🎧 Start listening →

“Private Equity Funcast”

🎯 Focus: Broader private equity and acquisition insights
⚡ Best for: Understanding market dynamics and deal structures
📈 Why listen: Context for how your deals fit into the bigger picture

🎧 Start listening →

📺 Video Learning

Stanford GSB Search Fund Series

🔥 What it is: Comprehensive lecture series from the pioneers of search funds
⏱️ Time investment: 10+ hours of content
💡 You’ll learn: Academic foundation plus real-world applications

📺 Watch the series →

🌐 Community & Ongoing Learning

Join Our Community

Connect with fellow searchers, share insights, and stay updated on the latest trends.

🌟 Join Searchers.com →

Permanent Equity Blog

Thought-provoking insights into business acquisition and operations from experienced practitioners.

📝 Read the blog →

🚀 Your Learning Path

Week 1-2: Start with “Buy Then Build” - this gives you the foundational framework
Week 3-4: Read the “HBR Guide” for systematic methodology
Week 5-6: “Small Giants” for understanding great businesses
Ongoing: Subscribe to the podcasts for continuous learning during commutes

💡 Pro Tip: The most successful searchers combine book learning with practical application. Join our community to discuss what you’re learning and get feedback from experienced practitioners.

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