​From Search to CEO: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) - ESCP Masterclass

​What it is about

​What if your next entrepreneurial venture wasn’t a startup — but an established business ready for its next chapter?

​Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) offers an alternative path to entrepreneurship: acquiring an existing business and leading it into its next phase of growth.

​Join us for the ESCP Masterclass on ETA to explore the world of search funds, business acquisitions, and succession opportunities across the DACH region. Gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and academics, hear firsthand stories from the journey from search to CEO, and discover what it takes to turn an acquisition opportunity into a thriving business.

​But this masterclass goes beyond theory.

​In an interactive Acquisition Investment Committee Simulation, you’ll step into the investor’s shoes, evaluate an acquisition opportunity, debate strategic decisions, and receive investor feedback. Experience the challenges and trade-offs involved in assessing a potential deal.

​Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, curious about search funds, or exploring alternative routes to business ownership, this masterclass offers a practical introduction to the ETA ecosyste

​Speakers

​Prof. Gunnar Graef — ESCP/Deutsche Ventures
Prof. Newton Campos — IE University/Newton Equity Partners
Evgeni Kouris — New Mittelstand
Bastian Faulhaber — Entrepreneur
Dr. Markus Häfele — Entrepreneur

​Programme

• ​Kick-off & Introduction

• ​ETA Models & DACH Succession Landscape

• ​Inside a Search Fund Deal: The Investor’s Perspective

• ​Two ETA Journeys: From Search to CEO + Q&A
  Bastian Faulhaber & Dr. Markus Häfele

• ​Acquisition Investment Committee Simulation
  Put yourself in the investor’s seat and assess an acquisition opportunity.

• ​Group Decisions, Debate & Investor Feedback
  Present your decisions, challenge different perspectives, and learn from investor feedback.

• ​Key Lessons & Closing

​What You’ll Take Away

• ​Understand the ETA landscape and the different models for acquiring and leading an established business.

• ​Explore succession opportunities across the DACH region.

• ​Learn from real entrepreneurial journeys and gain insights into the transition from search to CEO.

• ​Experience acquisition decision-making firsthand through an interactive investment committee simulation.

​Discover a different route to entrepreneurship, exchange perspectives with the ETA community, and explore what it takes to become the next owner and leader of an established business.