Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is gaining traction across the U.S., and now, the movement is coming to the Rockies. On October 25, 2025, the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business will host the first-ever Rocky Mountain ETA Conference, a full-day event focused on search fund entrepreneurs, investors, and higher education collaboration.
The event takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at CU Boulder’s University Memorial Center. Tickets are $129 for general attendees and $69 for students, making it accessible for founders, finance professionals, and aspiring operators alike. According to CU Boulder’s official site, the conference is designed to build a strong ETA community throughout the Rocky Mountain region—a space that’s been underserved compared to the East and West Coasts.
Zac Sandvig, CFO at Tractor Zoom notes that ETA is an increasingly appealing path for entrepreneurs who prefer acquiring and running existing small businesses rather than starting from scratch. The event will feature two tracks—Introductory ETA and Advanced ETA—so attendees can tailor their experience. Topics will include deal sourcing, post-acquisition operations, financing, and leadership transitions, all set against the backdrop of a $14 trillion generational wealth transfer that’s creating major opportunities for acquisitions nationwide.
Beyond sessions, the conference will emphasize connection. A networking reception will close out the day, giving investors, operators, and students a chance to exchange ideas and form partnerships. For finance professionals like Zac Sandvig, this event represents an important step in fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs and capital providers in the heart of the Rockies.
The Rocky Mountain ETA Conference marks an exciting milestone for Boulder’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, connecting the next generation of acquisition-minded leaders with those shaping the future of small business ownership.
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