Trinity Graph

ETA Platform Thesis · Southeast US · Spring 2026

Social
Who
The network that makes it possible
Retiring CPA Owners
Motivated sellers · legacy transition
Sticky B2B Client Base
Recurring revenue · non-discretionary services
Retained + Upleveled CPA Staff
Risk distribution · institutional knowledge
Search Fund Investors
Partners, not just capital
Lenders
Debt financing relationships
Southeast ETA Searcher Network
Deal flow + service clients · flywheel
Knowledge
What
The expertise that creates the moat
Regulatory Constraints
CPA-required services = structural moat
Service Line Map
AI-eligible vs. CPA-required workflows
AI-Eligible Workflow Inventory
Where leverage lives · sequencing logic
Liability & Risk Architecture
Who signs · who's accountable
Audit Licensing & Credentialing
SOC reports · financial statement audits
QoE & Due Diligence Methodology
Searcher services · deal expertise
AI Implementation Sequencing
Avoid tax season · bookkeeping long-term · greenfield first
Generative
What If
The platform being built
AI-Modernized Platform Company
Target 2x margin · $1M–$10M EBITDA firms
Southeast US Focus
Avoid NY until platform established
Roll-Up Model
Acquire → stabilize → modernize → bolt-on
Search Fund + Debt Financing
Investor partners · traditional structure
ETA Ecosystem Services Layer
QoE · due diligence · searcher clients
Searcher Network as Deal Engine
Network flywheel · sourcing + referrals
Southeast ETA Financial Infrastructure
Platform premium · 4x → 15x exit thesis
🔥
"I acquire underperforming accounting firms, modernize them with AI, and build a platform that commands a premium multiple at exit." Platform Premium · AI Differentiation · Southeast ETA Ecosystem · 4x → 15x