Buyout Diary

In spring 2024, halfway through my MBA, I reached a turning point. I had no desire to return to the corporate world, especially after building and exiting a niche startup. I knew I didn’t want to chase venture funding or burn through cash again. So, I started looking elsewhere. That’s when I discovered entrepreneurship through acquisition — buying a profitable small business and building on its foundations. However, nearly everything I found was from the US: playbooks, podcasts and frameworks were all geared towards the American market. But what about Europe? What about the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, where thousands of business owners are retiring without finding successors? That’s why I created Buyout Diary. It's a weekly newsletter (and soon a platform) for people like me: curious and thoughtful individuals looking to take ownership of something tangible. Whether you're searching for your first deal or are just starting to explore the idea, this is a space for honest insights, practical tools and personal reflections from the world of buying a business in the EU and UK. This isn't about flipping. It's about legacy, learning and creating long-term value.