Lender of the Year
Most ETA deals involve some form of debt capital. In a market where access to debt capital can be challenging and high-street banks often lack appetite for such transactions, this award celebrates the lender who has gone above and beyond to unlock deals and create value in the ETA space.
To enter, download the application form and send back to us at events@geraldedelman.com.
Download application form
Deal of the Year (Self-Funded)
This award will go to the best transaction executed by a self-funded acquisition entrepreneur. The award celebrates deals that exemplify excellence in creating win-win situations, demonstrating significant value creation for both the buyer and the seller.
The winning deal will showcase clear objectives, innovative strategies, and measurable impact, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the field of entrepreneurship through acquisition.
Deal of the Year (Traditional)
This award will go to the best transaction executed by a traditional search fund. This award celebrates deals that exemplify excellence in creating win-win situations, demonstrating significant value creation for both the buyer and the seller.
Serial Acquirer of the Year
This award recognises an exceptional entrepreneur who has demonstrated outstanding success in acquiring multiple businesses through the search fund/ETA model—whether via a traditional or self-funded path.
The recipient exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship through acquisition, having repeatedly navigated the complex process of identifying, acquiring, and operating companies.
Their achievements reflect not only strong deal-making acumen but also a sustained commitment to value creation, leadership, and long-term growth across multiple ventures.
This individual stands out as a leading example of what it means to build a portfolio through search.
ESG Excellence
The ESG Excellence Award recognises acquisition entrepreneurs and search funds who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in their investment strategies and business practices.
This prestigious accolade celebrates those who have gone beyond traditional financial metrics to incorporate ESG considerations into their acquisition processes, due diligence, and post-acquisition management.
Intern of the Year
This award honours an intern who has made a significant and measurable contribution to a searcher’s journey during their internship.
The ideal recipient has demonstrated exceptional performance in one or more of the following areas: sourcing high-quality acquisition targets, conducting in-depth industry and company research, supporting financial modelling, valuation and deal analysis, preparing outreach materials, CRM management and contributing to due diligence efforts.
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Awards
05 Nov 2026
18.30-23.00PM
London
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ATTEND
ENTER
The ETA awards are back for the fourth year running, on Thursday 5 November 2026! We are delighted to once again be bringing together a network of searchers and entrepreneurs to celebrate their achievements and notable acquisitions over the past year.
The ETA awards spotlights promising and established searchers who have demonstrated their dedication and played a critical role in the ETA process, driving growth and success in the acquired companies.
The evening will be a great way to network with other searchers in London. Take a look at last year's event in this video to see for yourself.
New to the world of search? See our full guide here.
We'd love for you to join us!
If you would like to attend this year's ETA Awards, please click the link below to complete the registration form.
*Please note that ticket prices vary for this event.
Register now
"I feel elated, I’ve been at the fund that I have been working for for over a year and it just feels good to get your hard work recognised at an awards ceremony like The ETA Awards… This is my first time and it won’t be the last time."
"It’s great to get the recognition. I am really thankful to Gerald Edelman for putting this together, and I think that’s one of the cool things about search funds is the community and this is a great event for that."
"It’s been great, it’s wonderful to support the community and help drive this ecosystem forward."
"It’s amazing to see how much the space has grown, especially internationally."
AWARD CATEGORIES
ETA Awards 2026
To apply, download the application form by clicking the “Learn More” button for the relevant award above. Then send the award via our form opposite or email events@geraldedelman.com.
You can supply supporting images and documents, which might include testimonials, diagrams or any media coverage.
Good luck!
Submit
Interested in sponsoring the ETA awards? As an event sponsor, you have the opportunity to reach a wide audience with a genuine interest in the Search Fund space. To learn more, read our sponsorship brochure or contact us today.
Bramley has spent more than fifteen years immersed in the search fund community, working alongside, advising, and investing in searchers around the world. He is a founding partner of Victoriam Equity, a global fund committed to putting searchers first. Prior to founding Victoriam, Bramley served as Managing Director of Avanti Ventures—an established investment firm founded in 1988 and a backer of Europe’s first search fund. Over the years, he has invested in search funds across five continents.
Based in Barcelona, Bramley is the former Director of the International Search Fund Center, where he led major initiatives including the International Search Fund Conference—the largest event of its kind outside the U.S.—and the European Investors Summit. He also founded the European CEO Summit and the Women in Search Forum. His contributions to the community include contributions to Jan Simon’s book Search Funds & Entrepreneurial Acquisitions, an appearance on the Found and Funded podcast, and support in completing the 2024 IESE Selected Observations Study. Bramley continues to mentor aspiring searchers as they begin their journey toward acquiring and leading companies.
Founding Partner - Victoriam Equity
Alex is the MD of Workpays, an employability and skills training provider based in the Midlands with ten offices and over 100 staff. Alex acquired the company in 2021 through his search fund, Coniston Peak, which he set up in 2020, bringing together global investors to build a leading training provider. Since acquisition, the company has doubled its revenue and grown its reach and Alex now regularly writes for FE News, the industry’s leading news outlet. Before founding Coniston Peak, Alex worked in investment banking in New York. He started his career as a parliamentary aide for a senior Labour MP and subsequently worked at Citi in equity research and as Director of Strategy of New York Public Radio.
MD of Workpays
Linh is a founding partner at Acacia Partners, a family office dedicated to acquiring and operating small- to medium-sized businesses in the UK and Germany. She's also a director at Infrastructure Design Solutions, a global specialist in ICT & Telecom design.
Founder at Acacia Partners
This will vary depending on the award, so it is important to read the eligibility criteria carefully before submitting an entry.
To enter, download the application form from the award category you wish to enter above. Submit your completed application form via the form above or send to events@geraldedelman.com. You can supply supporting images and documents, which might include testimonials, diagrams or any media coverage. The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2026.
The nominations will be released on 8 October 2026.
While we don't expect tuxedos and ballgowns, the dress code is cocktail for this event. It's a special night and we want to look our best! This includes suits and ties, cocktail dresses, smart trousers and shoes.
FOUND & FUNDED
Did you know we have our very own podcast?
The Found & Funded Podcast is a podcast for searchers, by search experts, where we explore the route to business ownership without having that million dollar idea. Hosted by Carl Lundberg, CEO of Gerald Edelman and Founder of the ETA Awards.
Listen now
