Walker Deibel
Walker Deibel is a prominent serial acquisition entrepreneur, bestselling author, and Emmy nominated film producer who has redefined the path to business ownership. He is the Founder of Acquisition Lab, a premier business buying accelerator that provides entrepreneurs with a world class education, proprietary tools, and expert coaching to successfully navigate the complexities of M&A. Deibel is most widely recognized for his Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling book, Buy Then Build, which Forbes listed as one of the top seven books every entrepreneur must read. His framework has become a cornerstone of the "Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition" (ETA) movement, shifting the focus from high risk startups to the acquisition of established, profitable companies. With over a decade of hands on experience, Deibel has personally acquired seven companies and participated in more than 100 private transactions. His diverse operational background spans manufacturing, fulfillment, software, education, and eCommerce, giving him a comprehensive understanding of how to scale businesses across multiple sectors. Beyond his work in the small business ecosystem, Deibel is an award winning M&A advisor and an Emmy nominated producer with nearly a dozen films premiered at festivals such as Sundance and SXSW. By combining financial rigor with a creative approach to deal making, he remains a leading authority for those looking to skip the startup phase and build wealth through acquisition.
Walker Deibel Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Founder and Creator
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Founder
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Contributor
Academic History
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M.B.A., Marketing Strategy and Entrepreneurship
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B.A., English Literature and Religious Studies
THE "BUY AND BUILD" FRAMEWORK
Walker Deibel is a primary architect of the "Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition" (ETA) movement, empowering individuals to bypass the high failure rates of traditional startups by acquiring and scaling established, profitable companies.
As a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Deibel has dedicated his career to building the educational infrastructure necessary for aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate the complex M&A landscape.
Through his definitive book, Buy Then Build, and the Acquisition Lab, he provides a comprehensive ecosystem of world-class education, proprietary search tools, and group coaching.
As of early 2026, the Acquisition Lab has achieved a significant milestone, having facilitated nearly 200 successful acquisitions with an aggregate value exceeding $350 million.
His recent expansion into institutional support through Shareholder Ventures has further solidified his role as a leader in providing end-to-end resources for the next generation of business owners.
INDUSTRY ACCOLADES
Deibel’s contributions to the middle market and small business sectors have earned him numerous prestigious industry accolades.
In 2020, he was named Axial’s Thought Leader of the Year and received the Alliance of M&A Advisors' Middle Market Thought Leader of the Year award.
He is also a recipient of the Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship, honoring his commitment to high-growth mentorship and his impact on the entrepreneurial community.
These recognitions underscore his influence in the M&A space, where he is frequently cited as a top-tier expert in bridging the gap between small business owners and sophisticated buyers.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & CREATIVE VENTURES
Deibel is a dominant voice in international business media, with his work frequently featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Fast Company.
His book, Buy Then Build, has become the definitive guide for acquisition entrepreneurs and is often cited as required reading in university programs and professional circles globally.
A compelling speaker, Deibel has delivered keynote addresses at elite institutions like Duke University and MIT, as well as major industry events such as the Alliance of M&A Advisors Conference.
In 2025 and 2026, he hosted the flagship Buy Then Build Summit, which serves as the premier annual gathering for hundreds of acquisition entrepreneurs and investors.
Beyond the business world, Deibel is an Emmy-nominated film producer with nearly a dozen films that have premiered at world-class festivals, including Sundance, SXSW, and the Toronto International Film Festival.
In 2026, he continues to lead the industry through his Private Capital Call newsletter, providing weekly tactical insights to a global network of buyers and operators.