In this episode, Sean Smith, Managing Partner at Search Fund Ventures and Founder of SMB Investor Network, sits down with Beki Darlin, growth partner, fractional CMO/CRO, and founder of Our Way (Women’s Acquisition Entrepreneur Ecosystem).

Beki shares her journey from an unexpected career pivot into sales and marketing, to becoming a growth partner in search and acquisition. She explains how women are shaping the SMB acquisition landscape, the unique strengths they bring to deal-making, and the importance of community in what is often a lonely process for searchers.

The discussion covers:

• Beki’s transition from paralegal to entrepreneur and operator.
• Her experience building and exiting a marketing agency, then moving into consulting for equity.
• The creation of Our Way, a community supporting women in ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition).
• Key differences in how women approach risk, negotiation, and post-acquisition operations.
• Real stories of female searchers who accelerated their journey to closing deals through community support.
• Why resilience, creativity, and collaboration are superpowers for women in the search fund ecosystem.

If you’re an investor, operator, or searcher exploring SMB acquisitions—or simply interested in the evolving role of women in this space—this conversation offers both practical insights and inspiring stories.

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• Beki Darlin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekidarlin/
• Our Waee (Women’s Acquisition Entrepreneur Ecosystem): https://ourwaee.com/
• Sean Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-smith-47ab2a70/
• SMB Investor Network: https://www.smbinvestornetwork.com/