Buy Then Build: How To Start Through Acquisition

​Startup University: Buy Then Build: How To Start Through Acquisition

​Startup University is a semester-long speaker series connecting college students with founders, operators, and builders shaping the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky startup ecosystem.

​This session explores an alternative path to entrepreneurship: buying a business and then building it. Tom O’Brian will share his experience acquiring and leading Acme Lock and Door, and what it looks like to step into an existing company, grow it operationally, and create value without starting from scratch.

​Hosted at SparkHaus, the series blends honest conversation, actionable insights, and intentional networking to help students build meaningful relationships before they graduate.

​What to Expect

• ​45 minutes of conversation and insights on startups and the ecosystem

• ​45 minutes of Q&A and informal networking with speakers and peers

​Event Details

​📅 Friday, Feb 6
⏰ 9:00 - 10:30 AM
📍 SparkHaus - Lagoon Media Room
👥 Open to college students from all universities and all majors

​Sessions will be recorded and archived, and select sessions will be live-streamed for regional universities unable to attend in person.
Once registered, a virtual attendance link will also be sent via email.

​Whether you’re startup-curious or already building, this series is your on-ramp into the startup ecosystem.