Episode 00: Deal Diaries Episode Zero

Introduction to the podcast's purpose, Indra’s personal journey, and the vision behind Deal Diaries.
Host: Indra
Duration: ~60 minutes

Main Purpose of the Podcast

  • To learn about M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) through honest, long-form conversations.
  • To build a network of like-minded people interested in small-to-mid-sized business acquisitions (under €30M).
  • To create a community of European entrepreneurs and professionals who want to buy or sell businesses, structure deals, and share experiences.
  • To document a personal journey from zero experience in M&A to making real acquisitions.

About the Host – Indra

  • Estonian entrepreneur with 10+ years of experience running micro-businesses and a LinkedIn-focused agency.
  • Former host of a successful Estonian-language entrepreneurship podcast (nearly 100 episodes).
  • Self-described as strong in starting things and big-picture strategy but weak in finances and operations.
  • Inspired by Cody Sanchez and the Acquiring Minds podcast by Will Smith (US-focused) to explore acquisition entrepreneurship.

What Sparked the Podcast

  • In September 2024, Indra discovered that you don’t always need your own money to buy businesses—deal structures can include seller financing, bank loans, and investor capital.
  • Joined a mastermind group with friends and professionals in banking, forming small teams to explore deals together.
  • Realized that teamwork and complementary skillsets are key in successful acquisitions.
  • Saw the gap in Europe: few resources and communities for small-to-mid-sized M&A like in the US.

Key Messages & Themes

  • Self-learning is the core goal—this podcast is Indra’s learning vehicle.
  • M&A is accessible to more people than typically assumed, even without a financial background.
  • Team-based acquisition is often more viable than solo ventures.
  • Transparency and sharing real numbers and deal structures will be central (if guests are open to it).
  • Target regions: Baltics, Nordics, Eastern Europe, Germany, and other parts of Europe.
  • The show will also feature experts: financial advisors, lawyers, business brokers, and operators who have done real deals.

Foundations Being Built

  • Teams are forming to pursue real deals (example: targeting a €10M revenue company).
  • Actively working on investor pitch decks and preparing for real acquisitions.
  • Host plans to document the full journey—first deal, growth strategies, setbacks, and wins.

Community Call

Looking for people across Europe with experience or interest in M&A:

  • Entrepreneurs, ex-C-level operators, bankers, investors, lawyers, brokers.
  • People who want to collaborate, join a deal team, sell a business, or learn.

The goal is to build a trusted, cross-border community where knowledge and opportunities flow freely.

Final Thoughts

  • This podcast is not investment advice, but an open journey of exploration.
  • Indra will share real progress and learnings.
  • All feedback and participation is welcome, especially through LinkedIn™, where he is most active.
  • The long-term dream is to do a deal, grow it, and maybe teach others in 5 years through classes or a broader platform.

Also available in Apple Podcast

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