New Ep! Regional ETA Mini-Series: UK Focus with Simon Webster

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January 19, 2023

by a searcher from University of KwaZulu-Natal in United Kingdom

In this episode, we are joined by Simon Webster, who raised the first search fund in the UK in the 1990s. That acquisition was an incredible success but not without its challenges.

Since then, he has exited a few turnarounds and invested in over 50 search funds. He is also very involved in several key business schools across Europe as an advisor and lecturer for all things ETA.

Simon shares his story of how he first learned about search funds and his thoughts on the UK market in the 90s. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of being an entrepreneur and offers advice for those interested in the ETA journey today. Enjoy!

Listen on Spotify or Apple

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Reply by a searcher
in Londres, Reino Unido
Interesting to hear Simon speak. I think the main drawback of the uK isn’t the size and scale (as for any searcher the market is pretty big) it’s the access to funding as high street banks are not interested generally until you are proven and are asking for £5m and the alternative lenders are few and far between. Having said that I also see their perspective as many people long for funding don’t have experience enough in business to justify. Just my opinion. Great discussion as always @paul quirk
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Reply by an intermediary
in Vauxhall, London, UK
hey, thanks Luke and Paul! Looks great. Happy to help. I am an exited tech founder now helping other founders sell their companies but in a digitally streamlined manner via our marketplace. I found that the M&A process was stressful, slow and expensive. I am on a mission to help the startup ecosystem to overcome these ancient hurdles at Foundy.
If I can provide you and help do let me know. Thanks
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