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RSM Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) conference

Shape the future of ETA in the Benelux region 

To drive more growth to the ETA ecosystem, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is proud to invite you to join the second RSM ETA conference 

 

Thursday, 26 November 2026

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The RSM ETA conference aims to connect leading investors, operators, search fund entrepreneurs, MBA students and Alumni for an active day of insights, hands-on workshops and networking that focuses on the growing ETA landscape in the Benelux. 

This is your chance to be an early leader in this growing regional ecosystem! 

 

What's in it for you?

This conference is not only designed for those of you who are curious about ETA. It is also an opportunity to connect with investors and potential sellers who want to find the next keen searchers to fund and business owners exploring their options to sell. You also meet savvy MBA students and alumni, early-stage searchers, and experienced operators looking to deepen their knowledge. 

View this conference as both a crash course and a community builder. At the end of the conference, you come away with: 

  • clarity on how to structure your research  

  • insights into what it’s like to become a CEO and tackle your first 100 days  

  • practical skills in valuation and due diligence, and   

  • how to build a stronger network of peers and potential backers. 

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Join the 2026 edition

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Agenda

8:00-9:00
Breakfast Reception

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Theatre

Meet fellow participants over coffee and light refreshments.

9:00-9:20
Welcome remarks & keynote "What Sellers Say"

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Theatre

Erik Roelofsen, partner at SearchRight Capital and academic director Executive MBA, gives a warm welcome to the participants and delivers a keynote.

9:20-10:00
Panel session I - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of ETA: Lessons Learned

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Theatre

 

10:00-10:30
Coffee break

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Lobby

A moment to recharge, reflect and connect with fellow participants. 

10:30-11:15
Panel session II - Low-Hanging Fruit: Real Opportunity or Post-Acquisition Myth

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Theater

 

10:30-11:15
Panel session III - Deal Breakers: When Investors Say No

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Theatre

12:00-13:30
Lunch

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Café 

Deepen your connections with fellow participants and panel speakers during a networking lunch. 

13:30-14:30
Breakout session I

Location: Bayle Building

You can choose one session to attend: 

New to Search: How the Model Really Works – Room tbc

Raising Debt (Match Plan) – Room tbc

Legal Aspects of Search (Stek Lawyers) – Room tbc

Value Creation for SME Operators (Marc Goedhart, co-author of the bestselling book Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies) – Room tbc

Pitch Competition – Room tbc

14:30-14:45
Break and room change

Location: Bayle Building

A brief moment to reflect, grab a drink and connect with other participants. 

14:45-15:45
Breakout session II

Location: Bayle Building

You can choose one session to attend: 

AI in Search (DeeptreeAI) – Room tbc

Women in Search: Why Are There Still So Few, and How Can We Change That? – Room tbc

Raising Debt (Match Plan) – Room tbc

Legal Aspects of Search (Lawyers) – Room tbc

Value Creation for SME Operators (Marc Goedhart, co-author of the bestselling book Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies) – Room tbc

16:15-16:45
Closing keynote Newton Campus: The Growing Momentum of Search in Europe

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Theatre

 

16:45-17:00
Closing

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Theatre

17:00-19:00
Networking drinks

Location: Erasmus Pavilion Lobby

End the day with your fellow participants and speakers by having a drink and light snacks together.  

Speakers

Speaker details are currently being confirmed and will be updated.

More information

Event details Getting to the event
Event details

Dates: Thursday, 26 November 2026

Time: 08:00 – 19:00

Location: Erasmus Paviljoen and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.

Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Format: This is a day-long event. An exciting keynote speech kicks off the day, followed by two panel sessions in the morning, after which, you enjoy a networking lunch. In the afternoon, the focus turns to the more nuanced aspects of the ETA journey through breakout sessions. The day wraps up with a networking happy hour.  

Getting to the event

The ETA conference will take place at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Campus Woudestein. 

You can find more information on how to get to our campus via this webpage.

Thank you to our sponsors

Rotterdam awaits...

Nestled in the heart of Europe. Rotterdam isn't just a city, it's an experience. As you prepare for the RSM Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference, take a moment to immerse yourself in the wonders of this dynamic metropolis.

Register here