WAVe • ETA Profile

I'm not a search fund or a corporate buyer; I'm an individual looking for a great owner-operator business to run for the long term. My search is managed through my holding company When Applicable Ventures. ↓

The perfect match ↓ for me is a business service company in the Southwest, Austin, or Charleston with $300k-$1M in earnings.

My goal is to continue a seller’s legacy and build upon the foundation they created. I'm a fully funded buyer ↓ with significant personal capital available, an 800+ credit score, and a vetted buyer.

I'm ready to make an offer and able to close. ↓ My prior search experience and established advisory team ensure a professional and decisive process, and means I can complete a transaction quickly.

When Applicable Ventures

• When Applicable Ventures (WAVe) is my holding company, established for the purpose of acquiring and operating one great business for the long term. It is not a search fund or a private equity group. The search is managed and funded entirely by me, Michael Scott.

Professional Experience

• I’m a hands-on general operator with a strong foundation in finance (i.e., bachelor's in finance and previously an investment banking analyst). My career has given me a unique 360-degree view of what makes a business succeed.
• As a Director at a retailer doing $300M in annual revenue, I managed complex systems, budgets, and operational projects, learning how to make a large organization run efficiently.
• I have direct small business leadership experience. As VP of a $2.4M company, I developed and executed the growth strategy myself. And as CTO for a rapidly growing eCommerce business, I learned firsthand how to build the infrastructure needed to scale without breaking. This in-the-trenches operational experience is the toolkit I will bring to your business on day one.

The Perfect Match

• Primary Industries: Business services (e.g., street sweeping, facility services, payroll and administrative services, IT Managed Service Provider).
• Secondary Industries: Niche manufacturing, high net worth client services.
• Exclusions: Franchises, distribution, wholesaling, and businesses with special licenses that are unattainable within one year.
• Location: Based in the Southwest US; Austin, TX; or Charleston, SC, with deep roots in its community.
• Team: A reliable management team and tenured employees in place.

Financial Criteria

• Discretionary Earnings: Between $300,000 and $1,000,000.
• Operating History: A history of at least seven years.
• Revenue Trend: Stable, predictable revenue, without recent spikes or dips.

My Role and the Transition

• My Role: I'm seeking an active, full-time management role. This is not a passive investment.
• My Value-Add: My ideal acquisition is a business where my experience in operations and systems can help unlock the next stage of growth.
• Transition: I'm very flexible and open to discussing a seller's continued involvement, whether through seller financing or a defined consulting role to ensure a smooth transition of knowledge and relationships.

Fully Funded Buyer

• I have over $430,000 in personal liquid capital available for the equity injection.
• My personal funds are more than sufficient for the down payment on a transaction within my stated range, and I'm an ideal SBA loan candidate, with an 800+ credit score and very minimal personal debt.
• Beyond my personal funds, I have secured commitments from friends and family, who can provide additional capital for a larger transaction.
• A detailed Personal Financial Statement (PFS) and proof of funds are available upon request for serious inquiries.

Able to Close

• I have been employed in the M&A process for a search fund, assisting with seller and banker interactions, due diligence, and closing tasks.
• My previous independent search provided me with invaluable, firsthand experience in sourcing, negotiation, and diligence. It has sharpened my focus and prepared me for a swift, professional process.
• My advisory team is in place and ready to move. This includes a dedicated M&A attorney, a transaction-focused CPA, and a Quality of Earnings (QoE) specialist.
• My background in project management, combined with pre-built financial models, ensures a prompt, organized, and transparent process for everyone involved.