Learn to Acquire Businesses
Through Experience
Novera puts you in the seat of a real buyer. Form groups of up to 5, each specializing in a department -- Finance, Marketing, Technology, Operations, or HR -- then evaluate an AI-generated business and make the ultimate GO/NO-GO decision.
Two powerful modes: Class Mode for instructor-led sessions or Independent Mode for unique scenarios per group. Or practice solo at your own pace.
Why Novera?
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is one of the fastest-growing paths to business ownership -- but most education stops at theory. Novera changes that.
Beyond the Textbook
Live analysis, real-time debate, and ownership of outcomes -- not just reading what happened.
AI-Powered Scenarios
Every session features a unique, industry-specific business with planted risks, contracts, and financials to analyze.
Measurable Learning
Individual and team scoring, achievements, and AI feedback give clear insight into analytical strengths.
Instructor Control
Class Mode or Independent Mode, projector view for debriefing, scenario customization, and paced session control.
How It Works
Experience the acquisition process from start to finish in a gamified simulation
Two Powerful Modes
Instructors choose how their class engages with the simulation
Every group analyzes the same AI-generated business. Perfect for class-wide debriefing, comparing approaches, and projecting the leaderboard.
- + Side-by-side group comparison
- + Instructor projector view for live debriefing
- + Up to 10 groups (50 students max)
Each group gets a different AI-generated business to evaluate independently. Great for homework, async sessions, and preventing answer-sharing.
- + Unique scenario for each group
- + Self-paced navigation available
- + AI Mentor hints for guidance
5 Departments, 5 Perspectives
Each group member leads a department, bringing their unique perspective to the acquisition decision
Analyze the financial health, valuation accuracy, and deal structure of the acquisition target.
Evaluate brand equity, customer acquisition strategies, and market positioning opportunities.
Evaluate technology infrastructure, digital capabilities, and innovation potential.
Analyze team dynamics, culture fit, and talent retention risks for integration planning.
Evaluate operational processes, vendor relationships, and day-one integration challenges.
Earn Achievements & Compete
Identify hidden risks, make accurate valuations, and collaborate with your group to climb the leaderboard and earn exclusive badges.
Session Leaderboard
The Story Behind Novera
Novera was born from a simple observation: students learning about ETA rarely get to practice the skills that matter most. We built Novera to close that gap -- giving every student the chance to think like a buyer, evaluate like an analyst, and decide like an entrepreneur within the safety of a classroom simulation.
Safe to Fail
High-stakes decisions with zero real-world risk, building confidence before facing real deals.
Team-Based Learning
Cross-functional collaboration mirrors real acquisition teams across 5 departments.
Instructor-Driven
Professors control the pace, choose modes, project results, and lead AI-powered debriefs.
Meet the Founders
Built by Butler Bulldogs passionate about making ETA education accessible, engaging, and experiential.
Dominic Mininni
Co-Founder
Butler University Lacy School of Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation major (Class of 2027). CFO at Bulldog Enterprises. Architected the Novera concept while bringing financial acumen and a builder's mindset to the future of ETA education.
James Dombro
Co-Founder & Platform Developer
Butler University alum (Class of 2019), double major in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and MIS. 15+ years in technology consulting. CDO at Crown Haven Wealth Advisors and Pinecone. Built the Novera platform.
jamesdombro.comReady to Think Like a Buyer?
Join students learning the skills to evaluate, acquire, and operate real businesses.