Insights from a Searcher: Monika Wincel

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is becoming an increasingly popular career path for recent MBA graduates and mid-career professionals. The entrepreneurial route of acquiring and scaling a business holds immense promise, however the journey is anything but straightforward. In this episode of the INSEAD ETA and Search Funds podcast we speak with Monika Wincel, founder of CEDO Capital and a trailblazer in Poland’s ETA landscape. As the first female-led search fund in the country, CEDO Capital represents a bold step forward in a market ripe with untapped potential. Drawing on her diverse career in consulting Privae Equity and entrepreneurship Monika sheds light on the unique challenges of launching a search fund in a market where such activity is still in its infancy. She shares invaluable insights into the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the fundraising phase, secure acquisitions and scale successfully.Monika also explores how ETA is evolving in Poland, emphasizing the importance of understanding local market dynamics and leveraging diverse experiences to carve out a successful path. This conversation offers practical advice and fresh perspectives for searchers and investors alike.00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition01:26 Monika Winslow's Inspiring Journey07:47 The Birth of CEDO Capital11:40 Identifying Opportunities in Poland15:50 Successful Fundraising Journey22:17 Navigating the Search Phase23:21 Navigating the Search Landscape27:58 Leveraging Past Experiences30:40 The Importance of Resilience33:24 Identifying Value Creation Opportunities38:31 The Future of ETA in Emerging Markets