SMB Investor Network Resources
Your hub for SMB investing knowledge — playbooks, proprietary research, podcast interviews, and tools for accredited investors and advisors.
69%
of searchers reach profitability
3–5x
historical LP returns
$2M+
average deal size in lower middle market
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The Self-Funded Search Investor Guide
A comprehensive guide to self-funded search investing — the model, the economics, and how LPs can participate. Free download.
Explore Resources
Playbooks & Analysis
Educational content for SMB investors — due diligence frameworks, fund evaluation guides, and operator assessment playbooks.
Reports & Market Data
Proprietary research on closed deal multiples, market trends, and valuation benchmarks across the lower middle market.
Podcast
Conversations with search fund operators, LP investors, and SMB acquisition entrepreneurs sharing real-world insights.
The SMB Investor Newsletter
Investable deals, proprietary data, and insights from the lower middle market — delivered by Sean Smith.
Glossary
Definitions for key terms in SMB private equity, search funds, and entrepreneurship through acquisition.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about investing through SMB Investor Network, search funds, and co-investment opportunities.
Latest from the Blog
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Why Top VCs Are Buying Small Businesses (And What It Means for Valuations)
Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed, and General Catalyst are pivoting to small business buy-and-build strategies. Here's why venture capital is entering the SMB market and what investors need to watch for as valuation conventions change.
Beyond Stocks and Real Estate: Getting Started with SMB Investing
Looking beyond traditional investments? SMB acquisitions offer real cash flow, tangible assets, and accessible entry points starting at $50K.
How to Evaluate an SMB Fund: A Framework for LP Investors
A practical framework for evaluating SMB fund opportunities, covering operator assessment, deal economics, portfolio strategy, and governance — with benchmarks from real market data.