eta forum - Returning in 2026

Australia’s flagship event for the Search & Acquisition community

Event overview

A Day for Searchers, Investors, Operators & Advisors

Join us in Sydney this September for a full-day event bringing together Australia's Entrepreneurship through Acquisition community. From insightful panels to real-world operator stories, the EtA Forum is where meaningful connections are made.

What's On

The Agenda

Collect your name tag at the registration desk, grab some breakfast courtesy of EOS and a barista coffee from the SBO coffee cart.

 

Time to start making your way into Foundation Hall and join our host Pete Seligman to kick off the EtA Forum Sydney.

Join us for a very special guest key-note speaker.  A story of challenge, leadership and high performance. Announcement coming soon! 

Real talk from active searchers on sourcing deals, building pipeline and standing out to buyers. 

Panel: Amit Saran, Hugh Podmore, Kennet Sinclair

Enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour on the MCA outdoor terrace. Connect with other attendees over morning tea.

What it actually takes to get a deal across the line, from LOI to close.

Panel: Moderator: Sami Pelenda

Panel: Sam Stevens, Kylie Wright, Jackson Allan

The next chapter of the EtA Central community goes live. Learn about our exciting launch plans, community platform update and a very special offer for the EtA community. Presented by Jemima Cooper, Head of Ecosystem at EtA Central. 

Grab a bite, meet other attendees and enjoy the buzz of Circular Quay. 

Jake Nicholson marks five years on the Forum stage with a look back at how the Australian EtA market has evolved and how the Australian EtA landscape has shifted since the Forum’s very first year.

Lessons from the operator’s chair: leadership, systems and scaling post-acquisition.

Moderator: Pete Seligman

Panel: Ashley Alfs, Japan Mehta, James Collins, Steve Orell

Last chance to grab a coffee from the SBO Coffee Cart. 

FROM ONE TO 450:  The efex Growth Story

A candid conversation about what it really takes to scale.  A fireside chat with Nick Sheehan moderated by James Frank of Frank Law.

Closing remarks and housekeeping from the formal end of day one.

Closing out Day 1 the EtA way: connection over drinks.

Stick around for a bite to eat, stand up style while you continue the conversations. 

That’s a wrap! See you tomorrow for Education Day. 

Fuel up for a huge day ahead with breakfast and a barista coffee from the SBO Coffee Cart. 

Pick one of the following to attend:


Option A: Search/Entrepreneur Stream – Foundation Hall

Financial Modelling for EtA

Speaker:  Jason Andrew

Presented by SBO Financial


Option B: Operator Stream – Quayside Room

Showcase Session: Growth strategies and tools for operators scaling post-acquisition.

Speaker: Rachel Lawler

Presented by Aperture Growth

Pick one of the following to attend:


Option A: Search/Entrepreneur Stream – Foundation Hall

The Advisor Playbook

Speaker: Andrew Phelan

Presented by Liston Newton


Option B: Operator Stream – Quayside Room

Preparing for Exit

Speaker: James Frank

Presented by Frank Advisory

Maximise your networking time by enjoying morning tea in Foundation Hall or Quayside Room.

Pick one of the following to attend:


Option A:  Search/Entrepreneur Stream – Foundation Hall

The legal essentials every searcher needs before signing anything. 

Speakers: James Frank and Bahar Agar

Presented by Frank Law


Option B : Operator Stream – Quayside Room

Tech: AI: How operators are using AI to run leaner, smarter businesses.

Speaker: Jordan Koukides

Presented by AI Intelligence

Pick one of the following to attend:


Option A: Search/Entrepreneur Stream – Foundation Hall

Before You Buy: Understanding Insurance & Risk

Speaker: Austin Rosier, Ominsure



Option B: Operator Stream – Quayside Room

Practical insight for operators.

Speakers: Cameron Honey & David Johnson

Presented by Current Future

We’ll serve lunch in both the Foundation Hall Searcher Stream or the Quayside Room Operator Stream. Either way, you won’t miss out.

Who’s ready to pitch? 

A room full of Entrepreneurs. Two former Sharks. One live pitch session.

A live pitch session where searchers and entrepreneurs pitch directly to two of Australia’s most experienced entrepreneurs and investors.

Joining this session will be Dr. Glen Richards, Entrepreneur, Investor & former Shark Tank Australia investor, Founding Managing Director, Greencross.

Steve Baxter, Entrepreneur, Investor & former Shark Tank Australia investor. Co-founder & Executive Chairman, TEN13. Founder, Beaten Zone Ventures.

Hosted by Stew Glynn, Co-founder & Managing Partner TEN13 and Pete Seligman EtA Investor and EtA Central Co-Founder.

Join us for networking drinks to close out the day and make those final connections.

That’s a wrap! See you in 2027. 


Speaker List

DR GLEN RICHARDS

Entrepreneur, Investor & former Shark Tank Australia investor. Founding Managing Director, Greencross

Pitch Session – Thursday 22nd October, 2:00pm

STEVE BAXTER

Entrepreneur, Investor & former Shark Tank Australia investor. Co-founder & Executive Chairman, TEN13. Founder, Beaten Zone Ventures

Pitch Session – Thursday 22nd October, 2:00pm

Glen was the founding Managing Director of Greencross and a co-founder and Director of Mammoth Pet Holdings Pty Ltd (Petbarn) before it merged with Greencross.

Greencross is the leading consuming facing pet care business in Australasia with more than 200 veterinary hospitals and more than 300 pet stores operating under the brand names Greencross, Petbarn and City Farmers in Australia and Animates in New Zealand. The company employs over 6000 employees including veterinarians, nurses, retail team members and managers.

Utilising over thirty years of commercial experience in management, executive and board roles, Glen now spends his time as a professional investor, mentor, and director with a number of businesses. Glen’s experience in developing companies, sourcing funding, capital allocation and strategy has helped to see (in recent years) several of his companies evolve into large private and public companies.

Glen is currently the chairman and a shareholder of Healthia (ex-ASX:HLA) (a national network of over 400 physiotherapy, podiatry, optometry, exercise physiology and hand therapy clinics with more than 2000 employees) and People Infrastructure (ASX:PPE) (a diversified workforce solutions firm delivering a wide range of services to Australian businesses across three main sectors including healthcare and community services, industrial services and professional and information technology services with over 800 internal employees and 15,000 staff). 

He is also chairman and shareholder of two private companies, Arbor Permanent Owners (a serial acquiror of enduringly profitable small to medium businesses in Australia) and Naturo Technologies (food technology businesses value adding the supply chain in Avocado and Milk industries in Australia, Mexico, USA and South Africa).  He is also a non-executive director and shareholder of De Motu Cordis (Qld based Medical Technology Device Co) and Adventure Holdings Australia (Oztrail and Companion brands operating in camping and leisure industry). Glen was a resident panellist and investor on Channel 10’s Shark Tank Series. Shark Tank, as well as being prime time entertainment promoted entrepreneurship and innovation and assisted early-stage entrepreneurs with funding, publicity and mentorship.

Steve Baxter is a proud Queenslander, born in Cloncurry and raised in Emerald in the State’s central highlands. Leaving school at 15, he joined the Army’s apprenticeship program, training as a technician in electronics, telecommunications, and guided weapon systems.

In 1994, at just 23, Steve founded SE Net, a pioneering internet service provider launched from his spare room. Growing to service more than 35,000 customers, SE Net was acquired by Ozemail/UUNet under the leadership of Malcolm Turnbull.

In 2001, Steve co-founded PIPE Networks, a wholesale telecoms infrastructure provider listed on the ASX in 2005 and sold to TPG Group for $373 million eight years later. He then spent a year with Google in California, leading a high-speed telecommunications rollout across North America.

He appeared as a ‘Shark’ on Channel 10’s Shark Tank Australia for four seasons and served as Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur in 2018.

Today, Steve is Co-founder and Executive Chairman of TEN13, Australia’s leading tech startup investment platform, and Founder & Lead Investor at Beaten Zone Venture Partners, which backs early-stage Australian sovereign defence technology to enhance the lethality and survivability of allied warfighters.

CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

 

Nick Sheehan is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of efex, one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing IT and Cyber managed services firms. Since founding the business in 2013, Nick has led efex through significant national growth, expanding from one employees to more than 450 team members across 24 locations nationwide. Under his leadership, the company has completed 16 strategic acquisitions, including four acquisitions completed in partnership with Advent Partners over the past 12 months, further strengthening efex’s national reach and technical depth. Driven by a belief that technology should enable, detangle and deliver tangibility, Nick has built a decentralised, AI driven, customer-centric platform that helps businesses improve productivity, enforce security and create efficiency expansion. 

An energetic, growth-focused and people-oriented leader, Nick is known for his practical approach to leadership and his belief that “you are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” His leadership philosophy is grounded in resilience, accountability and continuous improvement, shaped by both professional challenges and personal experiences.

Outside of business, Nick enjoys keeping fit through cycling, boxing and also spending time with family and friends, particularly his son, James. He is also passionate about viticulture, farming and winemaking, tending his vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, and is an avid reader with interests in business, history and philosophy. Through both his professional and personal pursuits, Nick remains focused on growth, humility and helping others get the most out of themselves. 

Nick will be the closing keynote on Wednesday 21st October at 3:30pm.

Pete seligman
search investor

Pete is a Search Investor and one of the key founders of EtA Forum. He is one of Australasia’s most experienced practitioners and a leading voice for Search Fund and ETA insights. After a 15‑year career spanning engineering, investment banking and general management, he co‑founded Alpin Group in 2012 to acquire, operate and grow small businesses in Australia. He acquired five businesses between 2013 and 2017, acting as CEO for three of them before managing his own succession and remaining on each Board as a Non‑Executive Director. This owner/operator experience gave Pete the autonomy and accountability he was seeking and now fuels his work backing aspiring entrepreneurs as a Search Investor.

Pete will moderate the Operator Panel on Day 1

Frank_James_255-7405

James Frank
Frank Law

James helps founders build, scale, protect, and exit their businesses on their terms. A self-proclaimed deal-nerd and acquisition aficionado; he likes to see cubes where others see squares, spotting opportunities where others see obstacles.

As Managing Director of The Frank Group, James oversees the firm’s growth and development and brings a rare mix of legal expertise, corporate insight and practical execution. He’s passionate about giving small business owners the tools, frameworks and perspective to not just manage what they have, but seize what is possible.

James will be speaking in the Search Stream on Day 2

Ashley Alfs
Autolift Garage Doors

Ashley is a career operator with 15 years of experience across manufacturing, medical devices and FMCG. In 2024 she launched Project Mule Ventures with the goal of marrying her prrofessional experiences, and boundless energy to find and acquire ana Australian SME. She acquired AutoLift Gargae doors as an Independent Searcher in 2026 and has been operating the business as CEO since then.

For Ashley, Entrepreneurship through Acquisition is the most rewarding and fortifying experience she’s ever had and finds great joy in supporting other budding searchers find their own path to acquisition.

Ashley will be speaking on the Operator Panel on Day 1

Agar_Bahar_209-7139

bahar agar
FRANK LAW

Bahar Agar, Director of Corporate & Commercial, advises clients across various industry sectors on a range of corporate securities and commercial transactions. With a keen focus on public and private mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, and corporate governance, Bahar has been recognised in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Mergers and Acquisitions Law for 2023 and 2024. Her experience includes advising on complex M&A transactions, capital raisings, ASX Listing Rules, and compliance with the Corporations Act.

Bahar holds a Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Social Science in Criminology and Social Policy from the University of New South Wales.

Bahar will be speaking in the Search Stream on Day 2

kyle wright
sme ventures

Kylie is an Oxford MBA and a proven C-suite executive with over 15 years of experience successfully leading high-growth, tech-enabled businesses.
She has excelled in a wide range of roles, from building high-performing sales teams to leading complex operational turnarounds and guiding companies through successful exits. This breadth of experience has equipped her with the strategic thinking, leadership skills, and operational prowess needed to create enduring value in a small business.
Kylie has now partnered with SMEVentures to search for a business to acquire and lead as CEO.

Kylie will be speaking in the Acquiring Panel on Day 1

Andrew Phelan
Liston Newton

Andrew Phelan is a highly experienced and dedicated professional who specialises in providing specialist business and entrepreneurial advice to high net worth clients. With a focus on understanding the unique needs of business owners, Andrew excels in building service offerings that align with client expectations and budgets. One of Andrew’s key strengths lies in his ability to offer guidance and mentorship to younger staff, ensuring their growth and development within the organisation. He is known for his approachability and down-to-earth nature, and his enthusiasm for the profession leaves a lasting impression on his clients and colleagues. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, is a Member of the Institute of Public Accountants (MIPA) and an associate member of the CPA body.

Andrew will be speaking in the Search Stream on Day 2

Jemima Cooper

Jemima Cooper
EtA central

Jemima is the Head of Ecosystem at EtA Central. She brings extensive operational and consulting experience across the UK, Europe, the US, and Australia, specializing in business development, ecosystem design, and investor relations. In her role at ETA Central, she is responsible for driving sponsorship, partnership, and community growth. She also oversees strategic ecosystem expansion, institutional partnerships, and cross-border initiatives across the ANZ and APAC regions.

Jemima will be speaking on Day 1

cameron honey
Current Future

Cam Honey is the Founder and CEO of Current Future as well as a reformed lawyer and chartered accountant. His career spans two decades of finance, advisory and operational experience working in practice and as an executive on complex projects including at PwC, Herbert Smith Freehills, Venues NSW and Michael Cassel Group (Silver Lake investee). Cam created Current Future in response to the operating needs of private businesses going through significant change and events – the need to execute in periods of change with experienced, senior people operating in businesses and delivering value at speed.

Cameron will be speaking in the Operator Stream on Day 2

Jason Andrew
SBO Financial

Jason is a chartered accountant and founder of the Arbor Group – a holdco of financial services business ranging from accounting and tax services, funds management and corporate advisory. His personal mission and passion is to improve the financial literacy of entrepreneurs and executives and change the current worldview of the accounting profession.

Jason will be speaking in the Search Stream on Day 2 

Jake Nicholson
SME ventures

Jake Nicholson leads SMEVentures, which has backed several successful search fund acquisitions, including the first in Australia and the second in New Zealand.  With a deep understanding of the ETA landscape, Jake previously served as the first employee at Search Fund Accelerator. He shares his expertise through The Search Fund Blog and Podcast, and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs as an Entrepreneur in Residence at INSEAD, where he received his MBA.

Jake will be giving a market update on Day 1

Jackson Allan
passmark

Jackson Allan is CEO of PassMark Software, an Australian business whose benchmarking, hardware diagnostics and digital forensics tools are used in 90+ countries. He acquired PassMark in 2026 through a traditional search. Previously, Jackson spent 15 years in B2B sales, leading teams in Brisbane, Houston and Melbourne. He holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School.

Jackson will be speaking in the Acquiring Panel on Day 1

Japan Mehta
Ticketless Parking

Formally trained in mechanical and aerospace engineering, Japan Mehta brings 25+ years of multi-sector experience to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition. 

Driven by the mantra Vision + Strategy + Execution = Growth, Japan transforms operational ambiguity into scalable systems, focusing on long-term enterprise value, strong governance, and a bias for action to empower businesses under new ownership.

Japan will be speaking in the Operator Panel on Day 1

Amit saran
entrepreneur

Amit brings 15+ years of experience across strategy consulting and industry leadership roles at firms including BCG, Uber and Fonterra, leading large-scale, multi-million-dollar strategy and transformation programs.

A two-time founder, his career began at sea as a navigating officer before venturing into strategy consulting. Amit is now pursuing Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, searching to acquire and operate an Australian SME as CEO.

Amit will be speaking in the Search Panel on Day 1

 

austin rose
ominsure

Austin Rosier is a Senior Risk Adviser at Omnisure and an industry‑leading expert in holistic risk management and M&A insurance solutions.

A respected thought leader in the insurance sector, his ability to tackle intricate risk challenges has earned him multiple accolades, including being named Insurance Business’ Young Achiever of the Year.

Austin will be speaking in the Operator Stream on Day 2

rachel lawler
Aperture Growth

Rachel is the Managing Director | Commercial Transformation at Aperture Growth.

She works with founders, CEOs, boards and private equity-backed organisations to design commercial operating models that enable sustainable growth. With experience supporting deal teams deploying more than $3.5B across the U.S. and APAC, she specialises in go-to-market strategy, commercial performance, AI and automation, connecting people, processes, technology and data to help businesses scale with clarity and confidence.

Rachel will be speaking in the Operator Panel on Day 2

 

HUGH PODMORE
entrepreneur

Hugh is an experienced entrepreneur and business builder. He has founded and exited two businesses, the first a childcare tech startup, and most recently a 65-person IT services business that he sold to private equity.

He is now an independent sponsor looking to buy and scale services businesses. He also invests in search deals, including the recent acquisition of an in-home aged care provider.

Hugh  will be speaking in the Search Panel on Day 1

 

james collins
glassdec

James is an accomplished executive turned acquisition entrepreneur who successfully transitioned a 25-year corporate career into business ownership.

Starting his professional journey in accounting and finance, he progressed to executive general management roles where he led businesses with turnovers in the hundreds of millions, directed multi-functional teams, and spearheaded complex business transformations.

Driven by a lifelong desire to own his own business, James took the leap into Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) at age 50, acquiring GlasDec – an established glass decorating business.
Now navigating the early stages of business ownership, James brings a fresh, candid perspective on the reality of the transition—sharing the educational, exciting, stressful, and ultimately rewarding aspects of running an acquired business.

James will be speaking in the Operator Panel on Day 1

Sam Stevens
Roadknight Group

Sam owns and operates Almara Cabinets and My Security Door, two businesses he acquired in 2023 and 2026 respectively. Previously, he worked in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and strategy consulting at EY. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Sam will be speaking in the Operator Panel on Day 1

EtA Central Partners

eta central partner

Omnisure is a specialist insurance and risk advisory firm, believing that a holistic risk management approach, and ongoing partnership with businesses and their owners best protects business’ long-term outcomes.

eta central partner​

Western Sydney’s trusted corporate and commercial law firm, and business advisory providing deep expertise and friendly service.

eta central partner​

Current Future are experienced Operating Partners, focused on accelerating the growth of privately held businesses. We partner with CEOs, Private Capital, Venture Capital, Family Offices and portfolio companies.

EtA Forum Sydney Event Sponsors

event & lanyard sponsor

We are motivated by our client relationships to design world class banking and finance solution for Commercial and Corporate clients and their Home Lending needs. Represented by a team with half a century of banking experience we are driven to ensure you receive the right access to market solutions.

Showcase Sponsor

Liston Newton Advisory is a specialist accounting and advisory firm focused on empowering business owners and individuals with expert business, tax and wealth management services. We have tailored our service offering to the Search Fund and Entrepreneurship-through-Acquisition (EtA) community to be practical, professional and competitively priced.

Coffee cart sponsor

SBO Financial is a Virtual CFO and accounting firm for Australian eCommerce, Search Fund, SaaS, agency and startup businesses. Since 2014, our Chartered Accountants have delivered accounting, tax, Virtual CFO and compliance services, turning financial data into practical decisions.

Showcase sponsor

Applied Intelligence helps businesses identify, develop and implement AI solutions that deliver measurable commercial results, supporting clients from opportunity identification through to development and adoption.

networking drinks sponsor

Arrowpoint is an Australian-based lender dedicated to providing flexible, purpose-driven debt and hybrid debt solutions to mid-market companies in Australia and New Zealand. Arrowpoint’s strength is understanding more complex borrower requirements and responding in a timely and bespoke manner.

Showcase sponsor

Aperture Growth designs and builds bespoke commercial operating models for mid-market professional and technical services firms. We integrate people, process, technology, AI and automation to make revenue generation traceable, repeatable and scalable.

Attendee FAQs

Event Overview

The Forum takes place on Wednesday 21st October and Thursday 22nd October, 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. 

Daily schedule

  • Registration opens: 7:45am
  • Networking breakfast: 7:45am
  • Program start: 8:30am
  • Program finish: 4:30pm
  • Optional Networking Drinks & Light Dinner: 4:30pm–8:00pm
  • Registration opens: 7:45am
  • Networking breakfast: 7:45am
  • Workshops start: 8:30am
  • Choose your own adventure: Search Stream (Foundation Hall) or Operator Stream (Quayside Room)
  • Workshop end: 2:30pm
  • Pitch Session: 2:30pm Shark Tank Style (Foundation Hall)
  • Program finish: 4:00pm
  • Optional Networking Drinks and Afternoon Tea: 4:00pm 
  • Event Close: 5:30pm
  • Full agenda available on the event website.

tickets & registration

Collect your name badge at the registration desk – your badge is your entry.

Entry Foyer of Foundation Hall

Refunds or credits are available if you cancel by 7th  October (14 days prior). Cancellations after this date are non-refundable.

getting there

  • Public transport: Ferry to Circular Quay, Martin Place Metro (15 min walk) or Barangaroo Metro (13 min walk), Light Rail to Circular Quay, Train to Circular Quay
  • Rideshare/taxi: Drop-off at The Overseas Passenger Terminal entry at the Rocks
  • Parking: Paid parking Wilson Parking, 75 Harrington St, The Rocks 

Yes, there is step-free access throughout. Access to Quayside Room via the lifts.

attire

The Forum is not a formal event and comfort is key! Business casual is recommended, but think of it in the relaxed sense: neat jeans and t-shirt, shirts, polos, dresses, or whatever you feel comfortable networking and learning in. No need for suits or ties. Bring a light layer for air-conditioning or cool weather.

food & dietaries

Yes, meals will cater for dietary needs where possible. Please note food is prepared in a commercial kitchen and may contain traces of allergens. If you have severe allergies, bring your EpiPen/medication and you’re welcome to bring your own food.

photography & filming

Yes, content may be used on EtA Central and LinkedIn. If you haven’t consented, please notify registration staff and email a headshot to hello@etacentral.com.au so you can be excluded where possible.

onsite extras

  • Complimentary barista coffee each morning.
  • Meeting/work spaces: MCA Cafe or The Terrace (other than break times)
  • Wi-Fi – details at registration and on room signage.
  • Cloak/storage – please ask the staff at the registration desk should you need to store bags or jackets.
  • Meals – breakfast, lunch, and morning/afternoon tea included both days.
  • Networking drinks and a light dinner on Wed 21st October. Networking drinks and afternoon tea on Thurs 22nd October.

pre-forum meetup

Yes, an informal Sydney Meetup on Tuesday 20th October from 5:00pm – venue tba. Self-funded food & drinks available.

support

You can email us at hello@etacentral.com.au or reach out to Helen Clark via EtA Central or on 0405 724 004.

Who Should Attend

Who is the EtA Forum For?

Typical eta forum attendees include:

Does this sound like you?

Event Feedback

What Past Attendees Say

Overall was a brilliant conference, thank you all. Will definitely be back. Thank you very much for your hard work and what you're doing for the community!

I'll be coming back every year from now!

Everyone was there to genuinely help and support the growing community

Thanks for creating such a quality but relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It was a pleasure to participate this event and I am very happy to be part of the EtA community

It was my first introduction to the community. High quality of professionals and experienced business owners. Quality networking opportunity

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