Inspired by Forbes’ profile on David Owoyemi’s journey through startups and acquisitions
There’s something undeniably romantic about building a business from scratch. The garage office, the napkin sketches, the hustle of turning nothing into something. It’s the stuff of legend. But it’s also hard — brutally hard.
That’s what made Forbes’ recent article on David Owoyemi so refreshing. Here’s someone who didn’t just dream the startup dream — he lived it. And then he tried something different. He bought a business instead.
And in doing so, he hit on a truth that more people in the ETA space need to talk about: buying a business isn’t easier — it’s just a different kind of challenge.
The Allure of the Shortcut (That Isn’t)
Acquisition entrepreneurship is on the rise. And for good reason: you skip the early chaos, walk into an existing operation, and—if you’re lucky—take over something that’s already profitable.
But what most people don’t realize is that you’re also walking into someone else’s culture, their quirks, their team dynamics. It’s not a blank slate — it’s a handoff. And like any good relay race, that transition only works if there’s trust, rhythm, and alignment.
That’s the piece that stuck with me reading about David’s story. Whether you build or buy, success comes down to fit — between the business and the person running it.
You Can’t Spreadsheet Your Way Through Fit
This is something we’ve seen over and over again. The deal looks perfect on paper — great margins, stable team, strong customer base. But then things fall apart because the buyer and seller just don’t see the world the same way. Or the new owner walks in with a leadership style that totally clashes with the team.
And it’s not because anyone’s doing anything wrong. It’s because no one thought to ask: Are we actually compatible?
That’s Why We Built ETA Match
I started ETA Match because I kept seeing this problem get ignored. Brokers are laser-focused on financials and timelines. Sellers just want someone who won’t ruin what they built. And buyers? Most are terrified of making the wrong call — but don’t have a way to measure “fit.”
So we created a platform that uses personality assessments and behavioral insights to match buyers, sellers, and even brokers based on what really matters — who they are, how they lead, what they value.
Because when that clicks? That’s when deals stick. Transitions go smoother. Legacies get preserved. And growth actually happens.
A Better Question to Ask
David Owoyemi’s story is a great reminder that there’s no single right path to business ownership. Building from scratch and buying a business each come with their own risks, rewards, and lessons.
But whichever path you take — especially if you’re buying — I’d argue the most important question isn’t “Can I afford this?” or “Will this scale?”
It’s: “Is this business a fit for me?”
Ask that question early. Ask it often. And if you need help finding that answer — you know where to find me.
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Sean Wright
Founder, ETA Match
