ETA Insider Podcast

A podcast series featuring all things related to search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Hosted by Brian O'Connor, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and Managing Partner of NextGen Growth Partners.

ETA Insider Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 96 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 82. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts ETA Insider Podcast, a business show with 96 episodes published.

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  ETA Insider Podcast

  A Decade of ETA Insider: Why Capital Structure Is Still Everything in the Lower Middle Market

  Jul 31, 202627 min

  In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we continue celebrating our 10-year podcast anniversary with Steve Groya, Managing Partner at Aldine Capital Partners, returning to the show a decade after his first conversation with us. As Aldine prepares to hold the final close on its fifth fund — a lower middle market vehicle investing both mezzanine and equity in $3–6 million EBITDA businesses — Steve reflects on what has held true over ten years and what has surprised him. From his non-traditional start in public accounting and investment banking to his own stint as an independent sponsor, Steve digs into why capital structure is everything, how over-equitizing at entry can save a deal when the unpredictable inevitably happens, and why staying disciplined in the lower middle market beats chasing the shiny object of bigger AUM. Released July 31, 2026.

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  ETA Insider Podcast

  A Decade of ETA Insider: The Things They Don't Put in the Syllabus

  Jun 30, 202631 min

  In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we kick off our 10-year podcast anniversary with Alex Schneider, Adjunct Lecturer in ETA at Kellogg at Northwestern, co-leader of the Kellogg Zell Fellows, and Co-Founder and Partner of Clover Capital Partners. From his accidental start, buying a college shipping and storage business, to building a multifaceted investment career spanning search funds, venture, and independent sponsorship, Alex offers a decade's worth of perspective on what has changed in ETA — and what never will. Alex digs into what it truly takes to find and close a deal in today's more competitive market, how to balance credibility and conviction, and why AI is reshaping everything from the classroom to the back office of small businesses.

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  ETA Insider Podcast

  AI, Seller Integrity, and Smarter ETA Deals

  May 29, 202633 min

  In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, Sunil Grover, MBA ’99, joins the podcast to discuss his decades-long journey from investment banking and startup founder to ETA investor and advisor. Sunil is Managing Partner at Aavaran Capital, and a longtime supporter of Chicago Booth’s Polsky Center. From navigating a painful post-acquisition culture clash to identifying the red flags that separate a great deal from an expensive mistake, Sunil offers hard-won wisdom on what it truly takes to buy well, operate wisely, and build a capital-efficient business that lasts — including how AI is poised to transform the businesses searchers are buying today. Released May 29, 2026

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  ETA Insider Podcast

  Split Roles, Shared Vision: Making Partnerships Work in ETA

  Apr 24, 202632 min

  In this episode, Grant, MBA ’23, and Julia, MBA ’20, Hensel share how they’ve built a unique partnership—both personally and professionally—through ETA.. From meeting as undergraduates to pursuing separate but complementary paths at Chicago Booth, the couple now operates across investing and operating roles, with Julia leading two acquired businesses and Grant building an investment platform. They discuss how they divide responsibilities, leverage complementary strengths, and maintain alignment while managing multiple companies and global teams. The conversation also explores acquisition strategy, the power of buying complementary businesses, and the realities of scaling across geographies. Throughout, Grant and Julia offer a candid look at what makes partnerships work—and the intentional habits that keep both the business and relationship strong.

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  ETA Insider Podcast

  Unpacking the Self-Funded ETA Experience

  Mar 27, 202624 min

  In this episode, Mark Hoffman, MBA ’91, owner of Larson Packaging Company, sits down to explore his decades-long journey as a self-funded business owner. Mark shares the realities of moving from consulting to entrepreneurship, describes the challenges and triumphs of growing a packaging company from the ground up, and reflects on the personal rewards, identity, and wealth that come from committing to a “boring” business over the long haul. Mark’s perspective offers actionable advice for anyone considering a self-funded search or looking to build a meaningful legacy in a small business.

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