Can I learn to search through investing?
August 14, 2024
by a searcher from Georgia Institute of Technology in Denver, CO, USA
I'm a successful, mid-career tech executive transitioning to EtA, and likely a self-funded search. I'm consuming all the books/podcasts and part of an accelerator cohort starting in September.
I'm also lucky enough to be in the financial position to invest in other searchers. While I'd obviously make those investments with the goal of returns, I am also interested in how being an investor might accelerate my learning.
For those of you with self-fundend search investing experience, can investing be a valuable learning experience for someone aspiring to be a searcher themselves? Are there experienced investors who might be open to someone like me being a minority/add on?
Feel free to tell me straight if this is a bad idea, or if folks wouldn't be open to me joining their investment. I appreciate straight talk :)
in Zwolle, Nederland
I also invested a few times myself, not very big amounts, but it's very appriciated in my experience if you come alongside the entrepreneurs . MT, and it gives much insides. Also good for sharing your own experiences.
Maybe intresting for you and for other investors too: we are now in process of growing organic, as there are no businesses to take over that are in the same niche as we are (advanced data driven care for children with severe autism, focussed on behaviour and essential development skills). We are having this idea of setting up some fund, that goes with us the long run, and will give a good return, both in terms of impact (we have amazing stories of the families we help), as in terms of interest / profits. Our idea is (but that can be adjusted) to have loans, that can be converted to shares in the long run, so everybody benefits. Also, we look for people that are willing to invest not just money, but also experience, network, and thinking along with us. I think thats much undervalued.
Maybe I should open a new topic on this, if this resonates ^redacted, so we can have some searchfunder funded impact fund with good profits, and, impact thats very real. We are located in the EU, Netherlands, I would love to explore some kind of fund (can be based in Luxembourg, I have good contacts there), which stands out and is innovative. Some mix between traditiona crowdfunding, active community and participation, but also long term opportunities in terms of shares / equity.
from Eastern Illinois University in 900 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
I agree with others, starting to look at investing in deals is probably a good way to see additional opportunities and start to understand what is available. But you want to be sure you can fully vet a deal before investing in it. These types of investments you are taking a back seat to the primary owner and the lender as well. It is not like investing in a traditional stock that you can sell at any time.
Ultimately your best potential return is going to come from buying your own business. But that will also come with the most risk. Happy to discuss options for either at any time. You can reach me here or directly at redacted Good luck with your decision.