HKUST ETA Fellowship: Pioneering Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition in Asia
The HKUST ETA Fellowship is a selective program that prepares high-potential individuals to acquire and become CEOs of established small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) through Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) — using the proven search fund model.
Why ETA?
Lower risk than starting a company from scratch
Acquire an existing business with proven products, customers, revenue and cash flow
Focus on value creation through better operations, digital upgrades, and strategic growth
Become an equity-owning CEO with mentor and investor support
Search funds have delivered strong returns globally — and Asia is the next frontier.
Program Vision
Jointly offered by the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center and HKUST MBA Program, in strategic partnership with Search Panda™, we are building Asia’s leading university-anchored ETA ecosystem — connecting exceptional talent, experienced mentors, long-term capital, and quality SME opportunities.
Who We Are Looking For
We seek driven individuals with the potential to become outstanding searchers and CEOs. Ideal candidates include:
Industry executives with deep operational experience and leadership capability
Investment professionals with SME deal experience and execution skills
Strategic generalists with strong entrepreneurial motivation and learning agility
Priority given to HKUST alumni. Exceptional non-alumni candidates will also be considered. Fellows join a lifelong HKUST ETA community.
What You Get
Structured training in search strategy, valuation, deal structuring, financing, and post-acquisition leadership
Access to a curated network of international and regional search-fund mentors & investors
Guidance to build your investment thesis and prepare for fundraising
A disciplined, mentor-supported pathway toward acquiring and leading a company
Coming in 2026
First information session and application call
Selective fellowship cohort launching mid-2026
Backed By World-Class Expertise
Featuring mentorship from globally recognized search fund leaders including faculty from IESE Business School and experienced operators and investors active in Asia and beyond.
Interested?
Join our upcoming info session to learn more about ETA, the search fund model, and how the HKUST ETA Fellowship works.
Date: 16 April, 2026 (Thur)
Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Venue: HKUST Business School Central
HKUST ETA Fellowship — Education. Industry. Capital. Aligned for long-term value creation in Asia.