Course Description

Interested in becoming an entrepreneur but don’t have an idea for a startup?

This course is for you.

This class introduces students to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), the process of becoming an entrepreneur by buying an existing business. Students will cover the entire process, beginning with exploring different funding models for ETA, conducting a search, negotiating a purchase transaction, the first 100 days on the job, and exiting a successful business.

Class will include a mix of background reading, case discussion, meetings with guest speakers, and industry analysis. The course includes a final project that identifies a candidate industry or geography for a targeted search, or else identifies a candidate acquisition target and potential deal structure.

‼️Important Course Information

Starting Fall 22, this course will be offered through the standard course enrollment process. Please register during the Fall Term 2 registration process. No additional action is required. Note, there is a substantial pre-assignment (see below).

What to expect during the course

⚖️The course will combine theory and practice, bringing together the research-based frameworks from the Fuqua classroom with the application of strategies in the real world. Prof. Robinson, a seasoned finance faculty member who teaches the Venture Capital & Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Finance courses at Fuqua, will serve as lead faculty member. He will be joined by members of the WSC & Company team, Walker Hobson MBA '18 and Badge Stone, who bring extensive practioner-based experiences in ETA.

🍷Most sessions will include an outside speaker that will share their personal experience on the relevant topic. When possible, speakers and special guests will stay after class for an informal social hour. While this portion of the course is not required, participation is encouraged, particularly for those that are seriously considering ETA pathways as part of their professional journeys.