MBA Loans and Searcher Salaries in High Tax Countries

Hi all,

posting an0nymously as I don't want this post to impact my fundraising efforts.

While the question is primarily directed at European searchers and investors, US searchers and investors feel free to chip in!

MBAs are expensive, making loan repayments a significant chunk of personal expenses. Repayments can range from 500 to###-###-#### EUR pm. Searcher salaries are significantly lower than in the US (80k-99k EUR gross taxed at 35-45%), leaving little to no room for the loan repayments. The options are:

• put an increased salary to cover the loan repayment and risk not getting funded
• default on the MBA loan (not advisable)
• postpone the search for a couple of years and work a grinding corporate, finance or consulting role (not really an appealing prospect for someone passionate about entrepreneurship)

Has anyone found a better solution to the dilemma?