SearchSphereSource

Stanford Search Fund Primer

Education & programs

Stanford GSB's free, FAQ-style practical guide to the search fund model — the standard first document for prospective searchers and the investors who back them.

Pricing
Free — Free (2026 edition); download gated behind a free registration form.
Best for
Anyone seriously considering the traditional (investor-backed) search path
Last verified
Jul 10, 2026 — pricing and status checked against primary sources
Roadmap stages
1. Decide if ETA is for you2. Choose your path3. Set up & fund the search

Pros

  • The definitive introduction to the traditional search fund model, from the institution that defined it
  • Current 2026 edition
  • Free, and written for practitioners rather than academics

Cons

  • Registration wall before download
  • Traditional-fund lens — self-funded mechanics (SBA loans, personal guarantees) get limited treatment

What searchers say

Universally cited as the starting document across searcher communities and investor sites; 2026 edition confirmed on Stanford's own pages 2026-07-10.

Visit Stanford Search Fund Primer ↗

Verification sources