San Diego
A regional hub for entrepreneurs, operators, and investors building acquisitions together.
How councils operate
Monthly gatherings bring operators together for education, networking, and deal sourcing in a structured environment.
What you'll learn
Education from operators who've bought, scaled, sold and have invested into companies.
The real work
Deal flow sharing and relationship building with vetted AHQ members.
What membership delivers
Access a curated network of operators, investors, and advisors committed to economic development, relationship curation, and growth oriented actions.
Hear from operators and investors
Learn acquisition strategies, deal structures, and scaling tactics from founders and operators who've done it. Each session builds your knowledge and confidence.
Build meaningful connections with peers
Meet entrepreneurs, operators, and investors pursuing similar paths. These relationships become your network, your advisors, and sometimes your partners.
Access opportunities in your region
Share and discover deals within the council. Members bring opportunities, capital, education and expertise around specific qualified deals.
Who belongs in this council
The council brings together serious operators and capital partners. If you're building through acquisition, you belong here.
Operators & HoldCo Builders
Seasoned Operators actively Buying, scaling, and professionalizing companies
Founders Preparing for Exit
Founders & Operators seeking clarity, structure, and valuation alignment to prepare their company for an exit for maximal value.
Investors & Capital Partners
Capital partners seeking deal flow and relationships with founders and operators. Including Private Equity, Family Office, HNWI, Angels, VC.
Advisors
M&A attorneys, CPAs, brokers, and lenders supporting the acquisition process. You serve operators and investors in the council.
Events
Mark your calendar for upcoming council meetings and events in your region.
The AHQ Council Mixer is an evening designed for meaningful connection, not surface level networking. From 5 to 9 PM, members and invited guests gather in a relaxed, high quality setting to build relationships with operators, investors, and advisors actively involved in buying, building, and scaling companies. There is no formal programming during the mixer. The focus is on conversation, relationship building, and organic introductions across the AHQ ecosystem. You can expect: A curated group of founders, operators, investors, and advisors Space for real conversations and thoughtful introductions A welcoming environment for both long standing members and new guests Whether you are exploring acquisitions, growing a portfolio, or advising within the ecosystem, the AHQ Council Mixer provides the space to connect with people who are serious about building long term value. This event is ideal for those who value relationships as much as strategy and want to stay connected within their local AHQ community.
Long-Term Portfolio vs. Flip Strategy One of the most critical decisions an acquisition entrepreneur makes happens before the first deal closes: Are you building a long-term portfolio or optimizing for a near-term exit? This AHQ Council panel brings together experienced operators, capital partners, and advisors to unpack how strategy choice impacts valuation, capital alignment, governance, and deal selection from day one. The discussion features: A HoldCo founder focused on long-term ownership and compounding value A founder with a recent exit, sharing real lessons from a liquidity event A private equity or family office partner, offering the investor’s perspective on alignment and optionality An M&A attorney moderating the conversation and grounding it in structure and risk You’ll walk away with: Clarity on exit optionality vs. forced liquidity A framework for intentional portfolio construction early in your journey Insight into how misaligned strategy creates downstream friction in deals This session is designed for buyers who want to build with intention and avoid strategy drift that erodes value later.
Ready to join
the council?
Apply now to become part of a curated community of operators, investors, and advisors building deals in your region.
FAQs
Everything you need to know about joining and participating in this council.
We welcome entrepreneurs actively buying companies, operators scaling through acquisition, investors seeking deal flow, and M&A advisors. The council is curated to ensure quality relationships and meaningful deal opportunities for all members.
Councils meet regularly for education, networking, and deal flow sharing. You'll hear from operators and investors, connect with peers pursuing similar strategies, and access opportunities within the regional network. Each meeting is structured to maximize relationship building and learning.
Meeting frequency varies by council and is designed around member schedules and regional needs. You'll receive a full calendar upon joining so you can plan accordingly. Attendance expectations are communicated upfront.
Council members gain access to the AHQ Network, our private national membership platform. You'll connect with peers across regions, access resources, and stay informed on national opportunities and events like Acquicon.
Yes, as a council member you have a hybrid access to all online events and in-person council experience and education.
Still have questions?
Reach out and we'll connect you with the right person.