GoKawiilFast Company panel spotlights rise of buying businesses over founding startups
A Fast Company panel featuring Everbrook Holdings CEO Anica John, Acquiring Minds founder Will Smith, and Village Search Partners founder Jeanne Wang discussed Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), a model where individuals purchase existing, often profitable companies rather than starting new ones. Moderated by staff editor Shalene Gupta, the session examined the model's growing appeal as well as the obstacles facing those who pursue it.
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The discussion suggests ETA is gaining recognition as a legitimate route into business ownership and wealth-building, particularly for those seeking an alternative to founding startups or climbing corporate ranks. Panelists' involvement from search-fund and acquisition-focused firms indicates growing institutional infrastructure supporting this path, though the panel's framing implies challenges remain before it becomes mainstream.
- Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) involves buying established businesses instead of building new ones.
- Panel featured leaders from Everbrook Holdings, Acquiring Minds, and Village Search Partners.
- The model is described as gaining traction but still facing notable challenges for aspiring buyers.
Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-09-30
Published there as: “How to Buy Your Business”
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