A Deeper Dive into the Financials
Good businesses don’t need wild assumptions to make the numbers work.
This isn’t about finding a moonshot. It’s about finding a business that already works—and making it better.
The economics of ETA are compelling when done right. With modest leverage, disciplined operations, and aligned capital, a business with $1.0–5.0M in EBITDA can generate meaningful returns without growth that defies gravity.
Typical deals in this space are structured around 80–90% debt (often SBA), with the remaining equity raised from individuals or family offices. I’ll be investing personally and earning equity through my work as the operator. Investors get preferred return rights—annual dividends and first priority on business sale, before any carry splits.
I build my models around what the business is already doing—not what it might do with magic dust. That means conservative projections, margin discipline, and no dependence on heroic exit multiples. I care more about annual cash flow than terminal value. And I care even more about sustainability—of team, culture, and customer relationships.
That’s where the upside lives: in stable, accretive growth. A few more customers. A tighter sales process. Smarter systems. Better visibility. These are the kinds of improvements that compound over time—and that I know how to lead.
I’m not selling a spreadsheet. I’m offering a disciplined, operational path to real ownership—and durable value creation for everyone involved.
Want to Connect?
If you want to go deeper into the numbers—or see how these returns could work in a real deal—let’s talk.
📧 Email: holdings@sidebright.com
📅 Schedule a call or coffee: zcal.me/1WCN1
🔗 Website: sidebright.com/holdings
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericpizzi
📞 Or just give me a call.
Related Resources
▶️ Watch: Understanding ETA Deal Returns – Stanford Search Fund Conference
🎙️ Listen: Breaking Down a Real Deal – Acquiring Minds with Jordan Carter
📄 Read: ETA Deal Economics: Sample Structures and Outcomes – Searchfunder