Entrepreneurial Realities
By TUM Venture Labs
Entrepreneurial Realities is a TUM Venture Lab Podcast. Presenting interesting stories from leading and promising entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and other thought leaders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Entrepreneurial RealitiesApr 29, 2024
#59 // AI and Music, a discussion with Matthias Röder, CEO of the Karajan Institute
Join me In this episode where we discuss with Matthias Röder, CEO of the Karajan Institute.
In this fascinating interview, we discuss his work, how artists can embrace technology and particularly AI to enhance their creativity, classical music and entrepreneurship.
#58 // Why you want to be asked to meet Julien Weissenberg
We are joined this week by Julien Weissenberg.
Julien is Zurich based and the founder of Deep Tech Experts. He is also playing an active role with leading organisations such as the World Economic Forum and Inno-Suisse.
More importantly, he is working with many Swiss leading VCs and Innovation Agencies as the expert they call to assess the quality of the technology of AI startups they want to invest in.
... So he is really someone you want to be asked to meet.
#57 // Learn from Niclas Molinder, (extraordinary) musician and an AI entrepreneur
Do join me in my fascinating conversation with Niclas Molinder.
I met Niclas at the 2024 DLD Munich Conference where he gave a remarquable presentation of creation of music using AI tools.
In addition to his activities as a musician (he has worked with Abba, Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga ..), Niclas is also a founder of SessionStudio and has launched CLIP to help creators manage their Intellectual Property.
Together, we discuss on his career but also on how AI is impacting the music industry.
#56 // Learn to leverage Personal Branding for your startup with Bernhard Neumann
Please join us in our discussion with Bernhard Neumann.
Bernhard is a dear friend and a brand strategist whose recent work focuses on the concept of personal branding. We discuss why this really matters and particularly for younger entrepreneurs and is part of their journey.
#55 // Learn from a (successful) entrepreneur: Leon Merkel, CEO of Bumpee
For this end of year 2023, Antoine Leboyer receives Leon Merkel, Founder and CEO of Bumpee.
Leon is one of the rare entrepreneurs who have already sold their startups. This is a rare experience. Do hear our discussion on the lessons of this great adventure.
#54 // Are entrepreneurs happy: A conversation with Valentin Schelhaas from Zentor
Please join us for our end of year podcast, a conversation with Valentin Schelhaas, CEO of Zentor on ... Happiness.
Valentin and I were guests at the first conference on Mental Health and Entrepreneurship where he gave a revealing presentation.
I reached out to him so that we could discuss it in the context of Entrepreneurship to understand if and how entrepreneurs can also be as good on their ventures as to their happiness.
#53 // Learn from a Startup Expert: A conversation with Bernhard Horst , head of BMW Startup Garage
Do join my colleague Nic Knapp in our interview with Bernhard Horst, head of the BMW Startup Garage, as we discuss on multiple topics, where innovation in the automotive industry will come from, Startups around the world and how to engage with his organisation.
Please note that we had a few seconds where we were disconnected (around 8:30 ...) but all the rest of the conversation is perfectly audible.
#52 // Special Episode: What happened at OpenAI ? A conversation with Harvard Business School Professor Andy Wu
Welcome to a very Special Episode:
Harvard Business School Professor Andy Wu and Antoine Leboyer step back from the events of the last days with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman being fired and joining, along with a likely high number of OpenAI employees and discuss on a big variety of topics: Non profit and for profit board, what this means for the industry, what this means for Microsoft, ...
#51 // AI Business Models and Strategy with Harvard Business School Professor Andy Wu
Andy Wu is Harvard Business School Professor of Strategy with a focus on new technologies.
He also is the holder of multiple patents so in other words, he really has a grasp of strategy and technology.
Join us as we discuss the implications of AI for Businesses, new business models, who are going to be the winners in the new world and what AI startups should take into account ...
#50// Special Episode: Mental Health and Entrepreneurship
For the 50th Episode of the series, we do not have a guest.
This podcast is the audio of a conference I did at the Global Tech Shapers on Mental Health and Entrepreneurship.
It is a "first person testimony" of my personal journey as a founder and the mental health struggles I had to face: I was diagnosed with PTSD.
My objective is to describe what happened to me but beyond this, also give hints on how to cope with this problem.
At TUM , I meet many remarquable young founders who are under huge stress. This is very common to many of them. And this episode and all what we do at the Venture Lab is for them.
#49 // Why founders dynamics really matter, a conversation with Pr Noam Wasserman
Join us today for a conversation with Pr Noam Wasserman, Dean of the Yeshiva University, former Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Harvard Business School and writer of The founder's Dilemnas.
Pr Wasserman has done an extensive and regular studies of thousands of startups in IT and Life Science. He takes us through some of the key choices founders face at the very beginning of their startup journeys, from ownership and control to roles and responsibilities and why these are among the biggest challenges founders face.
Join us as we uncover the wisdom and expertise of Professor Wasserman, offering practical advice for aspiring founders, students, and startup enthusiasts alike. Whether you're at the inception of your entrepreneurial dream or seeking to scale your existing venture, this conversation promises to shed light on the intricate web of decisions that can make or break a startup.
#48 // Innovation and empowerment with Katrin Redmann, the COO of SAP Paris
Join us this week with Katrin Redmann, the COO of SAP Paris, as she shares insights tailored for first-time entrepreneurs like YOU. Hosted by Svenja Enchelmaier, dive into topics from unearthing your motivation, resilience in entrepreneurship, to the transformative power of female networks and the magic of teamwork in innovation. Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with a dose of real-world wisdom! 🚀🎧 #EmpowerHer #InnovationAtHeart #MunichTechEntrepreneurs
#47 // Meet extraordinary founders: Alexa Sinyachova from Moeco
Dive into the extraordinary journey of https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexasinyachova/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexasinyachova/ on this enlightening episode of "Entrepreneurial Realities," presented by Antoine Leboyer, MD of the SW and AI TUM Venture Lab.
Alexa, a leading entrepreneur, community builder, and mother, shares her wealth of knowledge and insights from her dynamic career.
With her roots in Ukraine, Alexa provides a unique perspective on global entrepreneurship and her efforts to support tech ventures in her home country. As a mother, Alexa showcases how she embraces the beautiful chaos of juggling professional and personal responsibilities, serving as an inspiration to many.
Join us for an enlightening conversation filled with inspiration, realities, and lessons from Alexa's life as an entrepreneur, mentor, and mother. Don't miss this incredible episode!
#46 // Revolutionizing Healthcare: Unveiling Entrepreneurial Visions and Ventures
In this compelling episode of Entrepreneurial Realities, host Antoine delves into the world of healthcare innovation with esteemed guests Marina Leonie Moskvina and Dominik Pförringer. Join them as they explore the exciting realm of (digital) innovation in healthcare and shed light on the entrepreneurial endeavours that are shaping the future of the industry.
Marina Leonie Moskvina, Operating Director of TUM Venture Labs - Healthcare, and Dominik Pförringer, Academic Director of TUM Venture Labs - Healthcare and Medical Director of the University Hospital of TUM, bring their extensive expertise to the table. Together with Antoine, they embark on an insightful journey to uncover the latest trends, challenges and transformative technologies that are revolutionising healthcare.
Throughout this episode, Marina, Dominik and Antoine navigate a wide range of fascinating topics. They delve into the latest digital innovations and the influential role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the healthcare landscape. With a focus on visionary ideas and entrepreneurial ventures, they explore how entrepreneurs are driving change and transforming the industry.
Listen as the guests share compelling stories of successful healthcare startups, emphasising the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the industry. They highlight the key role of academic institutions such as TUM Venture Labs in nurturing and supporting budding entrepreneurs. They also shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities specific to healthcare entrepreneurship.
#45 // Unleashing AI: A Discussion on Ethics, Regulation, and Business Models with Jacy Reese Anthis
In this captivating episode, Antoine Leboyer, MD of the SW/AI TUM Venture Lab, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with esteemed sociologist Jacy Reese Anthis, founder of the Sentience Institute.
Join them as they unravel the complexities surrounding AI, diving into the realms of ethics, regulation, and innovative business models. From exploring the societal impact of AI to dissecting the challenges of regional regulations and the evolving landscape of AI startups, this conversation offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the AI revolution. Tune in for a captivating exploration of the ethical, regulatory, and business aspects of unleashing AI.
#44 // Unleashing AI and Generative AI with Simon Greenman
Join Antoine as he engages in a captivating conversation with Simon Greenman, an AI expert with a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology. Simon, a Partner at Best Practice AI and a Global AI Council member at the World Economic Forum, shares his deep insights into the world of AI and its transformative potential. From his co-founding role at MapQuest to his expertise in generative AI, Simon's expertise will leave you inspired and enlightened. Tune in to this episode of "Entrepreneurial Realities" to explore the exciting possibilities of AI with Simon Greenman.
#43 // Thriving as an Anxious Achiever: Insights from Morra Aarons-Mele
In this episode of "Entrepreneurial Realities," host Antoine sits down with Morra Aarons-Mele, a renowned workplace mental health speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the Anxious Achiever podcast. Join the conversation as they delve into the challenges faced by anxious entrepreneurs and explore strategies for not just surviving, but thriving as an entrepreneur with anxiety. Morra shares her expertise on navigating the pressures, self-doubt, and emotional hurdles that come with the entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable insights and practical advice for anxious achievers in the business world. Discover how embracing your unique qualities can be an asset and learn actionable tips for achieving success while taking care of your mental well-being. Don't miss this engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, anxiety, and the path to fulfillment and achievement.
#42 // The Fallout from Silicon Valley Bank's Collapse and Its Impact on the Tech Industry
Welcome to another episode of Entrepreneurial Realities! Today, we're joined by Meg Langan, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in commercial and investment banking, as well as biotech and software startups. Based in New York, Meg brings a unique perspective to the table as we delve into the latest developments at Silicon Valley Bank. During our conversation with Meg, we'll be exploring the past, present, and future of the banking sector, and discussing what this means - or doesn't mean - for the world of startups. From her wealth of experience, Meg shares insights and assessments that are sure to be valuable to anyone interested in the intersection of finance and entrepreneurship. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into this fascinating conversation!
#41 // Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship: Insights from Michael Eckhardt of the Chasm Institute
Welcome to the third season of Entrepreneurial Realities, the podcast for startup founders at the Munich Technical University. Our guest today is Michael Eckhardt, Chairman of the Chasm Institute, a high-tech consulting firm founded by Geoffrey Moore, author of the classic book "Crossing the Chasm." Michael is a highly experienced entrepreneur and advisor to companies in the technology industry. In this episode, we will discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing startup founders today, as well as strategies for successfully navigating the early stages of a startup's development. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to succeed in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the realities of starting and growing a business with Michael Eckhardt.
#40 // Learn from an thought leader: Disruptive Innovation in the age of Startups w/ Prof. Felix Oberholzer-Gee, Professor at Harvard Business School
#39 // Learn from an investor: Dr. Marcus Erken, co-founder and managing partner of Sunfish Partners
🔊 This week's episode of the TUM Venture Labs podcast features investor and entrepreneur Dr. Marcus Erken.
Marcus is a co-founder and managing partner of Sunfish Partners, an early-stage deep tech VC based in #Warsaw and #Berlin.
Together with Jan Mittendorf they speak about
the challenges of setting up a VC fund and the investment focus of Sunfish Partners
the peculiarity of the startup ecosystem in Warsaw and the differences with Munich
the change in the investment climate in 2022
the biggest challenges of deep-tech founders
#38 // Learn from an entrepreneur and investor: Bruce Linton, CEO and Co-Founder of Canopy Growth
In this episode, Antoine interviews Bruce Linton, Legendary Canadian CEO and Co-Founder of Canopy Growth, the world largest Cannabis company.
We discuss a wide range of topics that go beyond Canopy Growth, how to grow companies, spot huge disruptions and the coming revolution on psychedelics for mental health treatment.
#37 // Learn from an investor: Rafael Laguna de la Vera, Director of the federal agency SPRIND
In this week's episode, Antoine talks to Rafael Laguna de la Vera, Co-Founder, and Director of the federal agency SPRIND.
SPRIND is a German civil version of the US agency DARPA which focuses on helping local founders to achieve ambitious disrupting innovations.
#36 // Learn from thought leaders: Web3 with Annette Doms
In anticipation of the MUC.XYZ, we interview Annette Doms, founder of MUC/labs, and one of the world best authority on NFT and Web 3 opportunities.
#35 // Learn from thought leaders and entrepreneurs: MUC.XYC and Web3
This is a special episode where we interview the organisers of this conference: Daniel Kliche, Anton Hiller, Dirk Stauder and Christoph Langewisch.
And we hope you can all join us on November 9th.
#34 // Learn from an entrepreneur: Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-Founder of IQM Quantum Computers
In this episode, Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-Founder of IQM Quantum Computers is interviewed by Antoine to discuss the huge opportunities opended by Quantum Computing, IQM's latest raise and the challenges and opportunities of having such a Venture in Europe.
#33 // Learn from an entrepreneur: Zied Bahrouni, CEO and Co-Founder of Motius
In this week's episode, Jan Mittendorf meets Zied Bahrouni, the CEO and Co-Founder of Motius. Zied and Jan talk about the challenges many deep tech founders face and how Zied came from working at BMW and founding a company to starting his own venture fund Spacewalk.
#32 // Learn from entrepreneurs: Flora Geske, CEO & Co-Founder of SUMM and Miloš Zlatković, CEO and Founder of Mily Technologies
#31 // Learn from an entrepreneur: Fabian Warmdt, CEO & Co-Founder of Glocally (YC W22)
#30 // Learn from a VC investor: Andreas Goeldi, Partner at btov Partners
For the first time since many years we are in an economic downturn. This could be due to many reasons: Interest rates are rising, uncertainties in Supply Chain, the war in Ukraine, ... but whatever, this is likely to be the first time that young entrepreneurs will face such a situation.
This will impact both existing funded startups which will need to plan for uncertainty and not growth at all costs and non-funded ones will find it more difficult to raise.
To make sense of this situation, Antoine Leboyer Leboyer interviews Andreas Goeldi, Partner at Btov Partners, who wrote in Medium: The 10 mistakes most founders make in a downturn to help our listeners step back and make the right decisions in the current situation.
#29 // Learn from an entrepreneur: Jochen Engert, Co-Founder and CEO at FlixMobility
In this week's episode, Antoine meets Jochen Engert, Co-Founder and CEO at FlixMobility. Antoine and Jochen are talking about the story of Flixmobility to becoming a dominant player in Germany before going abroad to evolve into a global leader.
#28 // Learn form an entrepreneur: Florian Scherl, Founder at FAST AI Movies
In this week's episode, Antoine meets Florian Scherl, founder of FAST AI Movies. Florian founded his company while being 17years old and still being a pupil. Florian takes us on his journey of how he learned coding identified the opportunity for FAST AI Movies, but also of the importance of intensely listening to what your customers want.
#27 // Learn from an entrepreneur: Mathijs Heutinck, Founder at Venturelytic
In this week's episode, Antoine meets Mathijs Heutinck, Founder of Venturelytic. Mathijs and Antoine talk about the story of Venturelytic as well as how founders can keep relations with interested VCs.
#26 // Learn from entrepreneurs: Dénes Honus, CCO metr Building Management Systems
In this week's episode, Antoine and Christos, MD TUM Venture Labs Built Environment, meet Dénes Honus, a serial entrepreneur and currently Chief Commercial Officer of metr Building Management Systems. Together, they elaborate on the importance of built environment for societal challenges and the corresponding megatrends that shape the industry.
#25 // Learn from entrepreneurs: Patrick Strunkmann-Meister, Founder and CEO of BAO
In this week's episode, Antoine meets Patrick Strunkmann-Meister, the Founder and CEO of BAO. Patrick tells about his experiences as an XPRENEURS mentor and tips on how young founders can identify the true value of their technical solutions and convince potential customers.
#24 // Learn from thought leaders: Ravi Venkatesan and "What the Heck Do I Do with My Life?"
On this week’s podcast, Antoine interviews Ravi Venkatesan. Ravi was last on this podcast on episode #14 as the founder of GAME (Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship to illustrate how entrepreneurship can be a force for social good.
Ravi is not here in his new capacity as Chairman of The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, he is back this week to speak about his latest book: “What the Heck do I do with my life ?” and how its lessons can be of value for entrepreneurs.
#23 // Learn from Corporates: Nico Kelling and Lamin Ben-Hamdane from Infineon
This week's TUM Venture Labs podcast features two inspiring guests from Infineon: Nico Kelling, Head of AI Center of Excellence, and Lamin Ben-Hamdane, Head of Start-up cooperations.
Together with Antoine, we deep-dived into:
- Infineon’s Digital Agenda
- the vast potential of AI for the semiconductor industry
- how innovation cooperation works for the benefit of both: start-ups and Infineon!
#22 // Learn from a Entrepreneur: Markos Kern founder of the NGO Civil Relief Munich
In today's episode, Antoine meets Markos Kern, a serial entrepreneur, CEO of LYMB.iO, and co-founder of Civil Relief Munich. He tells us about his newest organization (Civil Relief Munich), which he co-founded to help thousands of people who had to fly due to the war in their home country. Three weeks after its creation, Civic Relief Munich has gathered a permanent team of 80 volunteers and 1,000 drivers to safely organize transportation from the Ukrainian Polish border to Germany. Around 1000 refugees have been transported to Munich as well as directly paired with host families with the best possible match.
Details and information is at Civil Relief Convoy Munich | Linktree.
You can donate at Help & donate to Ukraine - Civil Relief Munich.
This is an amazing and inspiring story which illustrates that the principles of entrepreneurship can bring the best of us during the most difficult of the times.
#21 // Learn from a VC investor: Andreas Schwarzenbrunner Partner at Speedinvest
In this week's episode, Antoine meets Andreas Schwarzenbrunner, a Partner at Speedinvest. Andreas introduced Speedinvest and his way from TUM to a VC fund in their discussion. Furthermore, Andreas explained how Speedinvest values early-stage start-ups and added some valuable tips about fundraising.
#20 // Learn from a VC investor: Gregor Haidl Senior Investment Manager at High-Tech Gründerfonds
In this episode Antoine meets Gregor Haidl, a Senior Investment Manger at High-Tech Gründersfonds (HTGF) and TUM Alumnus. The HTGF is a German-based VC fund with public and private investors. In their discussion, Antoine and Gregor are talking about the operating model of the HTGF as well as how early-stage teams should engage with their first customer(s) and early adopters.
#19 // Learn from a VC investor: trends in Food Tech with Judith Camarcat from Five Season Ventures
We are back from our short break: Antoine Leboyer and Roman Werner, the MD of our FAB Venture Lab, discuss with Judith Camarcat, VC Associate at Five Season Ventures, the latest trends, and challenges in Food Tech. In their exciting discussion, they cover the topic from a business as well as a research angle and especially spotlight the DACH market.
#18 // Learn from a Student and VC Founding Partner: Sebastian Böhmer Founding Partner at First Momentum Ventures
First Momentum Ventures is the first student-run VC fund founded by Sebastian and his co-founders. In this week's session, Antoine and Sebastian are talking about the story and business of First Momentum and what fellow students can learn from it.
#17 // Learn from thought leaders: the hype and the reality of Blockchain with Nicolas Kozakiewicz, Chief Innovation Officer of Worldline
In this week's episode, Antoine discusses with Nicolas Kozakiewicz, Chief Innovation Officer of Worldline, the hype and reality of the Blockchain. Therefore, they elaborate on the technology's primary use cases, the chances, and their limitations.
#16 // Hear from entrepreneurs: Pascal Blum, CEO & Co-Founder from unu motors
To reinvent urban mobility Pascal Blum and his Co-Founders developed electric mopeds and founded their own company, unu motors. In this week’s episode, Pascal and Antoine discuss unu’s path to a successful startup and its challenges along the way.
#15 // Hear from entrepreneurs: Mark Gazecki
Entrepreneurial Realities, listen to Mark Gazeki, a serial entrepreneur and angel investor, to start the year. Mark talks about his lessons learned during the founding and scaling companies and his tips for other founders.
#14 // Entrepreneurship as a force for good: Ravi Venkatesan, founder of Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship
We conclude this 2021 year with a thoughtful interview with Ravi Venkatesan.
On this podcast so far, we have discussed with Entrepreneurs, VCs and Thought leaders to better understand some of the aspects of building companies.
There is another aspect of entrepreneurship which is to be a force for positive societal change.This is for this purpose that Ravi Venkatesan has created India’s Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship.
He is interviewed here by Klaus Liegener from the TUM-Venture Lab Central team.
Entrepreneurial Realities will take a break for the end of year and will be back the second week of January. We wish you wonderful end of year vacations, do recommend that you all get boosted and vaccinated and wish you an entrepreneurial happy new year.
Thanks to Dominik Reuter, for doing an amazing job as producer of the podcast.
Again thanks to the magical pianist Gabriela Montero whose unique fascinating improvisational skills have created the music of the podcast and who, like our guest Ravi Vekatesan, is both an amazing talent and a force for good.
#13 // Learn from thought student: the TUM.AI team
This week's TUM Venture Labs podcast features the winners of the TUM.ai Makeathon.
As a Munich-based student initiative, TUM.ai aims to have a positive impact through combining AI with entrepreneurship including their Makeathons and projects such as TUM.ai Entrepreneurship Lab in Ghana. In this episode, we talked about the exciting combination of Venture and AI, as well as the Makeathon, AI4Good, and other projects of TUM.ai with Nils Jacobsen (Team Cabalytics), Sebastian Wilhelm (Team Cabalytics), David Podolskyi (AI4Good Organizer, TUM.ai), Ekin Karabulut (Makeathon Lead, TUM.ai)!
#12 // Learn from thought leaders: Richard Tedlow and the “Rise of Charismatic Leaders”
It is not obvious that all Tech Entrepreneurs are charismatic figures like some of the greatest entrepreneurs. Many aspiring students at Munich TUM need some form of encouragement and confidence. Too many believe that their technological prowess is only what they need to succeed on their ventures.
Richard Tedlow is Professor of Business History at the Harvard Business School. Immediately after his first “retirement” from HBS, he joined the Apple University where he stayed until 2018. He is an “emeritus” Professor of both institutions.
He has published several very important History Books: the complex relation between Watson father and son at IBM , the definitive biography of Andy Grove, CEO of Intel and my personal favorite "Denial, Why Business Leaders Fail to Look Facts in the Face--and What to Do About It".
He speaks on his last book: The Emergence of Charismatic Business Leadership and on this podcast, discusses some of the inspiring characteristics of leading entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.
#11 // Masterclass for Entrepreneurs 2: Peter Raulerson on the “Technology Adoption LifeCycle”
Peter Raulerson is a former SW CEO - Technology Consultant. He has worked on a large number of engagements related to Go-to-Market redesigns for HW and SW Companies.
Along with former Plantronics Europe GM Jean-Claude Malraison and Antoine Leboyer, Current MD of the TUM Venture Lab for Software and AI, he has co-written Building Routes to Customers: Proven Strategies for Profitable Growth.
One of the cornerstones of the book is the framework developed by Goeffrey Moore in Crossing the Chasm which explains the various stages through which new technologies go through to be adopted by consumers.
Peter gives an introduction to this framework which is fundamental for Technology Entrepreneurs.
#10 // Learn from thought leaders: Royce Yudkoff and “entrepreneurship by acquisition”
One of the many misconceptions on Entrepreneurship is that it is linked with innovation and reserved for brilliant young graduates.
At the Harvard Business School, Professor Royce Yudkoff has done a comprehensive study of different types of entrepreneurs that, at a stage in their career, want to use their experience and position to become entrepreneurs by acquiring an existing company with their means and running it.
Our discussion centers on the dynamics of such a project, the risks, and the returns. The characteristics of these are not so different from other entrepreneurs.
And Royce’s book: HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business is recommended reading to go further.