Entrepreneurship through Acquisition might sound like the next big thing… but it’s actually been around for 40+ years. Still, the surge in momentum is real — and the conference at Erasmus University last week proved it.
🚀 ETA in the Netherlands: Highlights from the First Conference at Erasmus University
On 20 November 2025, something pretty exciting happened: Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) hosted the very first ETA Conference in the Netherlands — in fact, the first one in the entire Benelux. And judging by the energy in the room, it definitely won’t be the last.
More than 250 people showed up: aspiring entrepreneurs, active searchers, investors, MBA students, alumni, and plenty of people simply curious about what Entrepreneurship through Acquisition is all about.
🌟 What the day was like
The best part of the conference? It felt real. Practical. Honest.
Participants got to:
Hear first-hand experiences from entrepreneurs and searchers who’ve already been through the ups and downs of ETA
Join lively panel discussions about how to structure a search, what investors look for, and what life looks like afterstepping into the CEO seat
Roll up their sleeves in workshops, including a very hands-on session on due diligence and valuation
Meet each other — because the ETA world is growing fast, and events like this help build the relationships that make it work
🇳🇱 Why this matters
For the Benelux, the conference was a milestone. ETA is becoming a real career path — and a real solution for the many SMEs in the region facing succession challenges. Bringing entrepreneurs, investors and operators together in one place helps the whole ecosystem grow. You could feel the momentum.
🙌 Already excited for next year
A big thank you to everyone who made this first edition such a success: speakers, organisers, panelists, and of course the 250+ participants who filled the rooms with ideas and enthusiasm.
And yes — the plans for Edition #2 next year are already in motion. We can’t wait.