Annie Huang: Taiwan’s Succession Crisis, Search Funds & Returning to Win Locally – E654

Dec 22

“The bravest moment in my life was deciding to have my twin boys during my two years of MBA and still graduating on time. I walked on stage to receive my diploma with a child in each arm, and that was the bravest thing I have done. I did this while completing a Harvard MBA and launching a search fund at the same time, which still feels mind-blowing.” - Annie Huang, Founder of Taiwan’s first traditional search fund

“There are pros and cons to it. On the plus side, when I am doing search fund work, many sellers are older gentlemen or their wives, and they are genuinely delighted to hear that I have kids because it signals seriousness and commitment. Many side conversations naturally shift to children. You cannot build trust by talking about sales or operations, but you can build trust by talking about how you play with your grandkids or what their favorite snacks are. These kid-related topics are the best icebreakers and the strongest trust builders when speaking with people across generations.” - Annie Huang, Founder of Taiwan’s first traditional search fund

“Why not? If I had the chance to go overseas to see what top talents are learning and doing and to make friends with them, I did not want to lock myself on the island. That is a common islander mindset. You go overseas because an island is an island and you need to see the world. I knew I wanted a master’s degree in business and I wanted to do it before turning 30, while I still had the energy to work hard, do late nights, and explore what I had and what I lacked. So I did it, and I was fortunate to be admitted to Harvard.” - Annie Huang, Founder of Taiwan’s first traditional search fund

Annie Huang, Harvard MBA and founder of Taiwan’s first traditional search fund, joins Jeremy Au to share how global exposure shaped her decision to return home and build in a market others overlook. She traces her journey from growing up outside Taiwan’s major cities to working across Southeast Asia, then studying at Harvard Business School before choosing entrepreneurship over a conventional prestige path. Annie explains how Taiwanese capital and talent move fluidly across China, Southeast Asia, and the US, why aging founders and overseas children have created a real SME succession crisis, and how search funds offer a practical solution. They discuss her experience fundraising from both global and local investors, what daily life looks like as a searcher speaking with founders nearing retirement, and how becoming a mother during her MBA unexpectedly strengthened trust with business owners. Their conversation explores why the biggest opportunities often sit in familiar markets, how autonomy and equity drive long-term wealth, and what it takes to build conviction while balancing family, risk, and leadership.

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