Archive - Buyout Diary

What a €4.3 billion deal teaches a self-funded buyer

The best acquirers in the world think differently. Here is how.

Mar 23 • Alexander Kelm

The American ETA playbook does not work in Europe. Here is why.

Different capital, different sellers, different culture. Europe needs its own model.

Mar 16 • Alexander Kelm

Fund vs solo. I made my decision.

I set a deadline of 28 February. I kept it. Here is what I decided and why.

Mar 9 • Alexander Kelm

You told me what you need. Here is what I am building.

Survey results, what they revealed, and the product I built in response.

Mar 2 • Alexander Kelm

January 2026

I’m taking 4 weeks off (here’s why)

Building ETA Europe: the infrastructure European searchers need. First 50 get founding member access.

Jan 26 • Alexander Kelm

From ETA Amsterdam to ETA Benelux: What I’m Building in Q1

Expanding beyond one city. Building European acquisition infrastructure together.

Jan 19 • Alexander Kelm

The 3 Execution Mistakes That Cost Me Most (Part 2: The Execution Mistakes)

Why building relationships matters more than I thought

Jan 12 • Alexander Kelm

I Wasted 6 Months in 2025 (Part 1: The Planning Mistakes)

Here are the 4 planning mistakes that cost me time, money, and momentum

Jan 5 • Alexander Kelm

December 2025

2025, The Year of Building in Public

From searching for one business to building infrastructure for many. My honest reflection on 2025 and what’s next.

Dec 29, 2025 • Alexander Kelm

Building Something Bigger Than My Own Search

Why I’m focusing on community, ownership, and the long game as the year closes.

Dec 22, 2025 • Alexander Kelm

The Weeks Nobody Sees But Everyone Goes Through

A candid reflection on the demanding side of the ETA journey and why the quiet, difficult weeks often shape the owner you become.

Dec 15, 2025 • Alexander Kelm

Three Ideas That Are Shaping My Acquisition Path

Choosing what to build and what to avoid.

Dec 8, 2025 • Alexander Kelm

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