In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Andrew Hoffman, founder of the Search Fund Coalition. They discuss the concept of search funds, the evolution of acquisition entrepreneurship, and the importance of community support for entrepreneurs. Andrew shares insights on the different types of acquisition entrepreneurs, funding sources, deal structures, and the long-term goals of those looking to acquire and operate businesses. The conversation highlights the growing interest in acquisition entrepreneurship and the resources available to support aspiring entrepreneurs in their journey. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.   Some Key takeaways include: Search funds are a collaborative vehicle for entrepreneurs and investors. The Search Fund Coalition was created to combat the loneliness of entrepreneurship. Self-funded searchers are increasingly common in the acquisition space. Access to capital is a key factor for acquisition entrepreneurs. Deal structures vary significantly based on enterprise value and cash flow. Acquisition entrepreneurs aim for value creation and operational success. Networking and educational opportunities are vital for aspiring entrepreneurs. The market for acquisition deals is evolving with more participants. Understanding investor dynamics is crucial for successful transactions. Long-term goals include transitioning businesses into profitable operations.   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Search Funds and Acquisition Entrepreneurship 04:57 The Birth of the Search Fund Coalition 09:47 Types of Acquisition Entrepreneurs 15:07 Funding Sources and Investor Dynamics 19:56 Deal Structures and Components 29:49 Long-Term Goals of Acquisition Entrepreneurs   Keywords: search funds, acquisition entrepreneurship, Search Fund Coalition, M&A, investment, business acquisition, entrepreneur community, funding sources, deal structure, investor dynamics