At Mosaic ETA, we are committed to making entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) accessible to a diverse range of talented leaders. We believe that seeing others like yourself achieving success can inspire and empower you to pursue your dreams. In this article, we showcase exceptional search fund entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds who are making significant strides in their ETA journeys.
Sekou Calliste: From Trinidad and Tobago to Global Impact
Sekou Calliste is a remarkable example of how diverse backgrounds can lead to extraordinary achievements in ETA. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Sekou’s early influences came from a family deeply rooted in education, public service, and entrepreneurship.
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Career Beginnings: Sekou started his career in investment banking at Deutsche Bank in New York, gaining valuable expertise in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. His journey then took him to Deutsche Bank in London and Republic Bank Limited in Trinidad, where he led successful expansions into Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Contributions at IFC: At the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Sekou played a crucial role in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America. His work not only facilitated business growth but also contributed to job creation and economic development in emerging markets.
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ETA Vision: Sekou’s goal as a search fund CEO is to create a people-centred company culture where employees feel valued and empowered. He also aims to give back to the community by sharing his experiences and insights into the search fund model through mentoring and educational initiatives.
Sekou’s LinkedIn Profile
Iris (Zhuoyun) Li: Pioneering Innovation and Resilience
Iris Li’s journey from a small town in Hunan, China, to becoming a leading figure in ETA is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her story is one of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.
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Academic and Professional Excellence: After moving to Singapore on a full-ride government scholarship, Iris excelled academically and pursued a career spanning private equity, business development, and management consulting. Her roles at Deloitte and Corning highlighted her ability to drive innovation and generate substantial business growth.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Iris co-founded Believer Pharmaceuticals during her MBA at Harvard Business School, achieving notable success in venture competitions. Her transition to the search fund model reflects her desire to overcome the hurdles of starting a company from scratch.
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Navigating Challenges: Iris faced unique challenges, including fundraising while 34 weeks pregnant. Despite the exhaustion, she received support and understanding from investors, showcasing the flexibility and empathy within the ETA community.
Iris’s LinkedIn Profile
Jose Ignacio Garcia Suarez: From Immigrant Experience to Entrepreneurial Success
Jose Ignacio Garcia Suarez’s journey from Michoacan, Mexico, to becoming a prominent figure in ETA underscores the power of perseverance and cultural insight.
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Educational Achievements: As an immigrant and first-generation college student, Jose’s determination led him to Harvard University and subsequently to American Realty Advisors. His MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business further enriched his understanding of search fund principles.
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Cultural Connection: Jose’s identity as a person of colour has been a significant asset in his ETA journey. His ability to connect with businesses serving immigrant communities and understanding their unique challenges has fostered trust and facilitated successful outcomes.
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Superpower in ETA: Jose’s background allows him to offer invaluable guidance to immigrant business owners, leveraging his cultural connection to provide support and identify opportunities that others might overlook.
Jose’s LinkedIn Profile
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Future
These entrepreneurs exemplify the transformative power of ETA and highlight the importance of representation in entrepreneurship. Their stories not only inspire but also demonstrate that success in ETA is achievable regardless of background.
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Diverse Paths to Success: The diverse experiences of Sekou, Iris, and Jose illustrate that entrepreneurship through acquisition is a viable path for talented individuals from various backgrounds. Their success stories can serve as a beacon of hope for others considering the ETA journey.
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Empowering Future Leaders: By showcasing these leaders, we aim to encourage others who might not see themselves in traditional entrepreneurial roles. Representation matters, and seeing others succeed can make the ETA path more accessible and attainable.
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Community and Mentorship: The commitment of these entrepreneurs to giving back through mentoring and community involvement underscores the collaborative spirit of the ETA community. Their willingness to share their experiences and insights helps pave the way for future leaders.
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