Resources for end-to-end self funded search?

May 28, 2025

by a searcher from Queens College in New York, NY, USA

I'm just getting started on my self funded search journey and was wondering if anyone had any comprehensive, one-stop resources they could recommend on the end-to-end process (deal sourcing, due diligence, financing, post-acquisition etc). Ideally something detailed and specific. Open to books, YouTube channels, courses - whatever you've found helpful in your search.

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Reply by a searcher
from Barnard College in New York, NY, USA

Hey Jacob, I kicked off my Search last year and landed on the following resources which I've loved: > ETA IQ (www.etaiq.com): It's a financial modeling platform and CRM built specifically for Searchers. I started out using Hubspot, but it felt like overkill for what I needed. ETA IQ's built-in financial model has been super helpful and usually my first filter to see if I deal is worth pursuing. > Clay.io (www.clay.com): I use them to generate lead lists for proprietary outreach. They're a competitor to Zoominfo, but I've found them more flexible and affordable. The pricing for their intro tier is on a credit system, so you pay for what you use. > Pods: Acquiring Minds, The Intentional Owner, Think Big / Buy Small

Reply by a searcher
from INSEAD in San Francisco, CA, USA

The Stanford primer has a ton of resources from an overview of the process to LOI / purchase agreement templates. Here's the link: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/experience/about/centers-institutes/ces/research/search-funds/primer

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