Module 1 – Introduction to Search Funds, Entrepreneurial Acquisitions and Fundraising

The course begins with a deep dive into the search fund and entrepreneurial acquisition ecosystem. Participants will explore the origins and evolution of the model, its growing global relevance, and the different paths entrepreneurs can take to acquire and operate a company. Through interactive discussions, you’ll analyze how search funds are structured, how investors think, and what makes this model distinct from traditional entrepreneurship.

Module 2 – Sourcing and Negotiating the Deal

This module focuses on the search and negotiation phase, where the journey from ambition to acquisition truly begins. Participants will learn how to identify attractive industries, build a robust deal pipeline, and evaluate potential targets. Through real cases and simulations, you’ll explore how to approach owners, conduct initial assessments, and craft win-win deal structures. The day emphasizes negotiation strategies, communication with sellers, and the art of balancing risk and opportunity during early-stage discussions.

Module 3 – Due Diligence, Valuation and Closing

The course then moves into the execution phase of the acquisition journey. You’ll step into the role of an acquirer to analyze companies through the lenses of financial, operational, and strategic due diligence. Participants will learn how to assess risks, perform valuation analyses, and negotiate final terms. Real-world examples will help illustrate best practices, and common pitfalls, when closing deals.

Module 4 – Managing the Company & Exiting

Finally, participants turn their attention to what happens after the acquisition, the crucial transition from acquirer to operator. Participants will examine the challenges of taking over a company, leading existing teams, and driving growth in the first months of ownership. Through practical frameworks and case discussions, you’ll explore leadership approaches, governance dynamics, and strategic decision-making under pressure. The module concludes with reflections on value creation and exit planning, helping participants envision how to sustain long-term success as entrepreneurial CEOs.

This course is ideal if you are:

• An aspiring entrepreneur interested in acquiring and running your own business.

• A professional or recent graduate who wants practical, hands-on knowledge of search funds and entrepreneurial acquisitions.

• A mid-career executive, family business successor, or operator looking to explore acquisition entrepreneurship as a career path.

No previous experience with search funds is required, just ambition, analytical curiosity, and a passion for leading businesses.

The course follows a highly interactive, case-driven approach that combines theory with real-world practice. Participants will:

• Analyze and discuss real case studies of entrepreneurial acquisitions.

• Apply proven frameworks and tools to simulate key decisions in acquiring and running a company.

• Engage in role-playing exercises to practice critical moments, from negotiation to scaling and exit strategies.

• Learn from faculty and guest speakers who share practical insights and lessons from their own experiences.

This hands-on methodology ensures that participants not only understand the concepts but also develop the skills to confidently execute an acquisition and manage a business.

The admission process has three steps:

1. Complete and submit the online application.
2. The International Search Fund Center will contact you by email to acknowledge receipt of the application. It will also provide information about the program dates, sending of prior study materials and the bank details needed to pay tuition.
3. Tuition fees must be paid before the start of the course and before the study materials are sent. This is an essential condition for participation in the program.

Fees

• General fee: €4,500
• Alumni fee: €4,050
• IESE Alumni Assn. members: €3,825

Payment is required before the program begins and includes all academic materials and most meals. Please note that travel, accommodation expenses and the taxes on food and beverage are not included. Please also consider the cancellation policy below.

Admissions Requirements

The Admissions Committee admits qualified candidates on a rolling basis as places become available.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received within 20 days of the program’s start date are subject to a payment of 25% of the program tuition. IESE reserves the right to cancel the current edition or modify dates up to 20 days prior to the scheduled start date. Under no circumstances is IESE responsible for any travel expenses incurred. Participants should consider purchasing travel insurance, including cancellation coverage to protect against the unlikely event that the program is cancelled or their own inability to attend for personal or professional reasons.

Cancellation requests received within 3 working calendar days of the program start date as well as those received during the program are subject to full payment of the program fee.

Getting to the Barcelona campus

Barcelona:

These nearby hotels are commonly used by participants; IESE does not manage reservations.

• AC Hotel by Marriott Victoria Suites 4*
• Sansi Pedralbes 4*
• Abba Garden Hotel 4*
• Ikonik Anglí 4*