KorePartner Spotlight: Andrew Bull, Founding Partner Bull Blockchain Law
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. During the capital raising journey, many components must be in place to increase the potential for success. One of these critical factors is ensuring that a capital raise meets regulatory compliance requirements. This means…
Using RegA+ For Collectibles
RegA+ is a securities exemption that allows companies to raise capital from accredited and unaccredited investors. There has been a lot of interest around Regulation A+ and its potential uses for companies outside of the traditional tech and biotech sectors. In this post, we’ll take a look at how RegA+ could be used to offer…
How Does Social Media Impact RegCF Offerings?
Reg CF allows companies to raise up to $5 million through an SEC-registered intermediary. Since increasing this limit from $1.07 million in 2021, private companies have raised over $1 billion in Reg CF offerings. This highlights Reg CF’s incredible success in opening the doors to capital for these issuers. For many of these offerings, social…
Private Securities and Crowdfunding Surge is Forecast to Continue in 2022
This article was written by our KorePartners at Rialto Markets. View the original post here. Crowdfunding had another record year in 2021 and is forecast to soar even higher in 2022. According to Pitchbook data, global crowdfunding exploded from $8.61 billion in 2020 to $113.52 billion last year – a 1,021% increase. The US market alone…
How Have the JOBS Act Exemptions Impacted Company Founders?
Since the JOBS Act was passed in 2012, it has been easier for company founders to raise money with exemptions like Reg CF and Reg A+, changing the landscape of private capital investments. The JOBS Act provides exemptions from registration for private companies raising money with key benefits, like: Ability to keep the company…
Why are Data and Research Key in the Private Capital Markets?
Data and research are essential pieces of the puzzle regarding the private capital markets. Investors can make informed decisions about where to put their money, and private markets can attract the best investors by having access to accurate and timely data. By conducting thorough research on potential investments, investors can mitigate risk and maximize return…
What Franchisees and Franchisors Should Consider when Crowdfunding
With franchisees and franchisors looking to secure capital, a growing trend is using Regulation CF to raise capital from accredited and nonaccredited investors. Since RegCF’s expansion to $5M in early 2021, the updated limit provides even more potential for franchises to raise the money they need to fund operations and expansions. Here are some…
Is Email Still King for Reg A, Reg CF, and Reg D Marketing?
This article was originally written by KorePartner Dawson Russell of Capital Raise Agency. View the original post here. Email marketing has been around for a while. You might even be surprised to read that email has been around since the ’70s — over 50 years ago! You’d think that as fast as the…
Securities in Real Estate – A Beginner’s Guide!
This blog was originally written by our KorePartners at Crowdfunding Lawyers. View the original post here. Over the past few decades, real estate investing has seen a dramatic shift from individual private investors to syndications of commercial, multifamily and development projects. This has contributed to the substantial growth of the global real estate securities…
What is Sustainable Investing?
This blog was originally written by our KorePartners at Raise Green. View the original post here. OK, How Does Sustainable Investing Work? Some investors seek to make a positive social and environmental impact with their investments and thus, they don’t simply look at the companies who will make them the most money from the get-go….
KorePartner Spotlight: Peter Wright, President and Co-Founder of Intro-act
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. Companies are burdened by high costs when raising capital through traditional public routes. In the private markets, raising capital in inefficient yet undiscovered markets is vital for newer industries to connect their investment opportunity…
The Evolution of Reg A+
During the recent Dare to Dream KoreSummit, David Weild IV, the Father of the JOBS Act, spoke about companies going from public to private, access to capital Reg A+, the future of small businesses raising capital, and the future of the broker-dealer system. The following blog summarizes his keynote address and what Wield believes will…
What are the Different Types of Investors?
Through the JOBS Act exemptions, private companies can access a wider pool of potential investors to fund their business ventures. With many diverse investor types available, it is essential to know who they are and how they work to reap their benefits. Here is our breakdown of the different investment types and their fit into…
Has RegA+ Killed the IPO?
Has RegA+ Killed the IPO? Regulation A+ gives issuers the ability to raise $75 million in crowdfunding while remaining private. With RegA+ benefiting both companies and investors, does this mean the death of IPOs? RegA+, part of the JOBS Act, allows companies to raise funds through the general public, not just accredited investors….
KorePartner Spotlight: Jonathan Stidd, Co-Founder and CEO of Ridge Growth Agency
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. During the capital raising journey, many components must be in place to increase the potential for success. One of these critical factors is ensuring that a raise is marketed to get an issuer’s message in…
End to End for RegCF
When the JOBS Act was signed into law in 2012, it brought about many changes in the private capital markets, namely, the dramatic increase in the availability of capital from more expansive pools of investors. Later on, 2016 saw Regulation Crowdfunding, also known as Title III or RegCF, go live. At that point, US-based issuers…
What is Impact Investing?
Impact investing is the allocation of investments in companies, organizations, and funds to generate social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. Impact investments can be made in developing and developed markets and target various social and environmental issues, including poverty alleviation, climate change, education, and healthcare. These types of investments come in various forms, each…
Crowdfunding SAFE vs. Traditional SAFE – Key Differences
This blog was originally written for our KorePartner Bian Belley at Crowdwise. View the original article here. Since its creation in 2013, the use of the SAFE has proliferated as an early-stage financing instrument and is now used everywhere from Silicon Valley VC deals to online crowdfunding rounds. However, not all SAFEs are created…
Why Digital Marketing is The Key to “Always Raising” Capital
In a recent webinar with StartEngine, Kevin O’Leary succinctly said, “great companies that are growing need money, and they should get it.” With today’s unparalleled changes, raising capital in many ways is much easier said than done. Many great ideas are having a uniquely difficult time raising the money to fuel their vision. …
How Does a Transfer Agent Protect Issuers and Investors?
A transfer agent is responsible for the custody of securities and preserves books and records. They also keep up with who owns what investment, which can be especially important if a company goes bankrupt or merges with another entity. Transfer agents are a crucial part of the securities industry and something all investors and issuers…
Crowdfunding with IRAs
This blog is was written by our KorePartners at New Direction Trust Co. View the original article here. It would be an understatement to say the financial landscape has changed in the past decade. Businesses accept payments with Square, investors buy stocks through apps while listening to podcasts, and cryptocurrency went from geek niche…
An Overview of Digital Securities for the Private Capital Market
Understanding digital securities begin with blockchain, distributed ledger technology that has revolutionized the way records and information are stored. Rather than data being stored in a central database, blockchain technology works because the data is continually appended and verified by many participants. This gives blockchain strength and security because it makes it significantly more challenging…
KorePartner Spotlight: Paul Karrlsson-Willis, CEO of JUSTLY
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. Paul Karrlsson-Willis is the CEO of JUSTLY, a registered broker-dealer designed for companies to promote their ESG profiles as the demand for socially conscious businesses continues to skyrocket. Nearly a quarter of the $400…
What are the Benefits of Digital Securities for Issuers and Investors?
With the emergence and development of blockchain technology, digital securities have seen wider adoption by investors and investment firms. Arising from the need for protection against fraud and as a way for investors to ensure asset ownership, digital securities are a digital representation of traditional securities and follow the same regulatory rules. Since their first…
What is the Difference Between the Public and Private Capital Markets?
The public and private capital markets work differently, but both sectors play essential roles in supporting economic growth. Companies raise funds for long-term growth and acquisitions in the public capital market, usually through debt instruments like bonds or stock, while private companies raise capital through private investments. This article provides an overview of the…
The Economy and the Private Capital Markets
The economy and the private capital markets are intrinsically linked; many of the largest companies in America exist because of investments within the private capital markets. When you invest your money, it is essential to understand how the economy and this market interact. Capital markets are a system in which capital is transferred between…
How KoreChain Helps Companies Raise Capital Compliantly
Recently, KoreConX’s CEO Oscar Jofre was a guest on Fintech.TV’s Digital Asset Report to discuss the KoreChain Infrastructure. Watch the full video on YouTube. What is KoreChain? The KoreChain infrastructure is a blockchain technology that can be leveraged by companies qualified with the SEC to help them raise capital. It is the first fully…
KoreConX Webinar: Why cannabis and RegA+ are the perfect match!
A virtual event held by KoreConX that featured Cannabis experts and Top Thoughts Leaders discussing the potential and possibilities of raising money using Regulation A+ [New York, NY – 03 November 2021 ] – The KoreSummit, an event created by KoreConX to explore major aspects of the capital raising journey, Equity Crowdfunding and technology with…
What is an NFT?
A non-fungible token, more commonly known as NFTs, is a unique cryptographic asset that cannot be replicated and stored on a blockchain. By definition, fungibility is when an asset can be exchanged with more of the same good or asset–think of a dollar that can be easily exchanged into pennies or nickels and retain the same value….
Stable Coin for RegA+
For many, an issue with cryptocurrency is the intense volatility that persists. For example, the prices of Bitcoin hit a record high on October 20th before dropping over $6,000 in value per coin. Because of this volatility, it is not helpful for everyday use and makes some wary about their investments being tied to such…
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Equity Crowdfunding Portal
Written by KorePartner Jason Fishman at DNA. See the original post here. Before the new SEC regulations, about 20% of Reg CF campaigns hit the seven-figure level. In other words, most campaigns simply do not achieve their full cap. They’re are many reasons why campaigns don’t hit the max, and many would sum it…
Cannabis: An Emerging Market for RegA+
Despite remaining illegal at the federal level, the idea of legalizing cannabis is continuing to gain public acceptance, especially in recent years. As of April 2021, 35 states have made medical marijuana legal, with 18 of them legalizing it recreationally. This growth has been tremendous, raising the industry’s value to over $13 billion and directly supporting…
KoreConX’s KoreChain Infrastructure Leveraged by SEC-Qualified Companies Raising Capital
The KoreConX All-In-One Platform is the first to market with a fully compliant blockchain technology (KoreChain) to connect investors, companies, broker-dealers, secondary market ATS, and all stakeholders to the private capital markets NEW YORK, October 27, 2021 (Newswire.com) – KoreConX’s Infrastructure of Trust launched in 2016 is a cornerstone of the private market’s capital-raising ecosystem,…
$1 Billion Raised Through RegCF
It seems 2021 is the year where we continue to break new ground for the JOBS Act, and today marks a momentous milestone in its history. Fundamentally, the act was designed to empower businesses and democratize capital. Not only has it succeeded in this goal, but it has also allowed companies to create jobs and…
Reflecting on Canadian Small Business Week
As Small Business Week comes to a close in Canada, KoreConX reflects on the role small businesses play in the economy. Our mission has long been to empower the private capital markets with the tools needed to take advantage of innovative capital raising opportunities. Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his statement…
Tokenization in RegA+
As the private capital market continues to undergo a digital transformation, ideas like blockchain, digital securities, and tokenization continue to be discussed by regulators, issuers, and investors. “Tokens” represent actual ownership in a security and is a registered investment vehicle. However, when the term was coined in the mid-2010s, tokens became thought of as unable…
Meet the KorePartners: Adrian Alvarez, CEO and Co-Founder of InvestReady
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. For the last seven years, Adrian Alvarez has been involved in the securities space, coming to know it like the back of his hand. He has received both his law degree and a…
RegA+ for Real Estate
Since the JOBS Act was first passed in 2012, it has vastly changed the way private companies can raise money. One particular industry making use of the Regulation A+ exemption is real estate. In the pre-JOBS Act economy, real estate investment deals were often limited to private equity or family offices that could afford large…
Meet the KorePartners: Eric Fischgrund of FischTank PR
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. For nearly 15 years, Eric Fischgrund has been involved in the communications and marketing industry. He says: “ I have a degree in Communications Journalism and have always been a writer at…
The 1% Broker-dealer & What you need to ask!
When working with FINRA Broker-dealer, it’s not enough that they simply have the required licenses that are necessary, so make sure to ask some questions: Are you registered in all 50 states Are you register for RegA+ It is also key to understand what they actually do when you are raising capital. These are some…
What is a Securities Manual?
For companies to raise capital under the exemptions allowed by the JOBS Act, there are different requirements to maintain compliance with state and federal securities laws. For example, a company looking to raise capital through Regulation A+ must adhere to Blue Sky Laws in each state they are conducting the offering. Similarly, for a…
What is the difference between Title II, III, and IV Crowdfunding?
Through the JOBS Act, issuers can access new sources of capital to fund their business, create jobs, and provide new investment opportunities for everyday investors. Through the legislation, there are various options to choose from depending on which type of raise is best for a particular company. These different modes of fundraising are referred to…
KorePartner Spotlight: Bill Humphrey, CEO and Co-Founder of New Direction Trust Company
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. Bill Humphrey has over 20 years of experience as a CPA, focusing his career on income tax, auditing, tax-related real estate issues, and forensic accounting. In 2003, Bill and Catherine Wynne began New Direction…
Join the new American Revolution – financial markets equality for all
This post originally appeared on the Rialto Markets blog and was written by Lee E. Saba, Head of Market Structure at Rialto Markets. Very few people understand the revolution now taking place in financial markets. It is to do with private markets and has been sparked by new regulations allowing investment and trading access…
What is a Company’s Duty to its Shareholders?
For many companies, raising capital often marks a major milestone. With increased sources of capital, the company can grow, hire new employees, and develop new products that can leave a lasting impact on the world. With the continuing developments of exemptions like Regulation A+ and Regulation CF, companies have a powerful mechanism to raise this…
KorePartner Spotlight: Scott Allen, CEO of InvestAcq
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. Scott Allen is the CEO of InvestAcq, a firm of investor acquisition specialists. For companies looking to raise capital in the private markets, InvestAcq identifies the best potential investors for RegA+, RegCF, and RegD 506(c)…
As a Canadian Company, can Canadians Invest in Your RegA+?
We have extensively discussed how Americans can invest in securities offered under Regulation A+. However, Canadian companies can also use the exemption to raise capital to fund their businesses. Despite the ability for Canadian companies to use Reg A+, this was a decision made by US regulators, as the JOBS Act is a US, not…
Why do I need Blue Sky registration for Secondary Trading?
Through the Regulation A+ exemption, securities issuers can raise up to $75 million as of March 2021. This creates a significant opportunity for the everyday investor to make investments in private companies and for the companies to benefit from the large number of investors that exist within this space. Unlike securities purchased on a national…
KorePartner Spotlight: Stephen Brock, CEO of Medical Funding Professionals
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. There are two things that Stephen Brock is incredibly passionate about in the business world; gaining access to capital for innovative companies to make their products for the benefit of patients in the world…
How often do I need to hold an AGM?
Every year, Warren Buffet hosts the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting. This meeting is an Annual General Meeting (AGM), widely viewed with many people in attendance. The reason for this is that it is often more than the typical AGM, which we will detail below, as Buffet often talks about more than just Berkshire Hathaway….
Why do I need a FINRA Broker-Dealer?
Broker-dealers are an essential part of the fundraising process. These entities can be small, independent firms or part of a large investment bank. However, regardless of a broker-dealer’s size, they are in the business of buying or selling securities. In this sense, whenever a broker-dealer executes orders for clients, they act as a broker, while…
KorePartner Spotlight: Steve Distante, Founder and Chairman of Vanderbilt Financial Group
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. Steve Distante is an entrepreneur and has been his entire life. As a graduate of St. Johns University with a degree in accounting and finance, he intimately knows their struggles and success. Before starting…
How Does RegA+ Impact the Life Sciences Industry?
Since dramatic improvements to Regulation A that went into effect in 2015, the exemption has become a tremendous tool allowing private companies to raise significant capital. Unlike other funding methods, RegA+ allows companies to raise capital more efficiently with less hassle at a lower cost. Companies in diverse industries can benefit from the power…
Shareholder vs. Investor: What is the Difference?
When it comes to supporting a business, whether public or private, there are many ways to go about accomplishing it. There is the public stock market, common knowledge for anyone in the United States, and a central component in many discussions about the economy, and there is the private market. The private market was opened…
KorePartner Spotlight: Sean Levine, Managing Director and Head of Reg A & CF at Entoro
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. As an investment banker, attorney, securities analyst, entrepreneur, and consultant, Sean Levine has a wealth of experience in the private capital markets. He began his career as a lawyer, and subsequently worked with a…
How the Unaccredited Investor Benefits from RegA+
The passage of the JOBS Act in 2012 set in motion a significant change for the private capital markets. For so long, investments in private companies could only be done by wealthy accredited investors who would benefit immensely if the company was ever to go public during an IPO. While the everyday person has long…
The Role of Investor Acquisition in Capital Raising Activities
The goal of any capital raising activity is to secure capital for the growth and development of the business. Without needed capital, it can often be challenging to expand; whether that means hiring more employees to keep up with demand, improving production facilities to manufacture a product, or funding research and development to bring more…
KorePartner Spotlight: Jake Gallagher, Director of Business Development at North Capital
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. Jake Gallagher has always been interested in business. He wanted to know how they worked and why some were sustainable while others were not. On top of that, the private market for company offerings…
Stock Options for Employees
Stock exchanges have a long history within America. The first was the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, originally the Board of Brokers of Philadelphia, founded in 1790 and was followed by the New York Stock Exchange two years later. For nearly as long as the United States has been a country, they have had brokers buying and…
How to Select a Crowdfunding Platform for Your Capital Raise
One of the significant advancements brought to the financial sector in recent years was the enaction of the JOBS Act signed into law by President Obama on April 5th of 2012. Within that legislation contained a form of raising capital for private companies available to any American, whether they were accredited investors or not. This…
KorePartner Spotlight: Dean DeLisle, Founder and CEO of Forward Progress
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners contributing to its ecosystem. Dean DeLisle has been raising capital for the past 35 years both for himself and for other companies. He has made the transition from roadshows and bound pitch decks to sophisticated online marketing funnels. Dean’s…
Nominee vs. Direct: How does this affect investors?
Today, there are many ways to buy and sell securities. For publicly traded companies, 75% of Americans are familiar with investing apps or online accounts. For private companies, many investors in companies invest with a broker-dealer and or maintain their own investments. In the first situation, an investor deals with a broker-dealer who holds the investors’ assets…
Using RegCF to Raise Money for a Non-US Business
To use Reg CF (aka Title III Crowdfunding), an issuer must be “organized under, and subject to, the laws of a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.” That means a Spanish entity cannot issue securities using Reg CF. But it doesn’t mean a Spanish business can’t use Reg CF. First, here’s…
What is KYP?
Previously, we have talked about KYC or Know Your Client. KYC is a rule from the non-profit Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), created in the United States in 2007, in response to the growing fears of economic collapse that could come from underregulated securities firms. One part of the FINRA rule set created in 2012…
What is the Difference Between Fiduciary Responsibility and Regulatory Requirement?
By definition, a fiduciary is a person or an organization who holds a legal or ethical relationship of trust with another person or organization. Typically, this has to do with the responsibility or duty in a financial sense. As an adjective, it gets defined by the Oxford dictionary as “involving trust, especially with regard to…
Why are Background Checks Important?
Money laundering is a global issue, with the United Nations estimating that between $800 billion and $2 Trillion are laundered each year, with 90% of this estimation remaining undetected. Money laundering is the act of taking money obtained through illegal activities and then introducing it into the system to legitimize or clean it and then make…
What are Options?
Like warrants, options are a form of security called a derivative. As a derivative’s name suggests, these securities gain their value from an underlying asset. In the case of options, this is the underlying security. There are typically two primary forms of options; call options and put options. Both are governed by contracts; a…
What is a Virtual Data Room?
Every way that we do business is changing on what seems a daily basis. In just the last year, we have seen a public health crisis push everyone into their homes to work in the interest of public safety. Along with that change, there was also a change needed in the IT departments to ensure…
USA vs. Canada: Who Has Better Capital Raising Rules
When it comes to raising capital for your business, there is some confusion between rules in the United States and Canada. Can Canadian companies file for Regulation A+ like a United States company? Yes, but with some important caveats. The important thing that separates the two North American countries are some simple but distinct differences…
KorePartner Spotlight: Douglas Ruark, President of Regulation D Resources
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. For over two decades, Douglas Ruark has been involved in the corporate finance world specifically focused on SEC-exempt securities offerings. In 1992, he co-founded Heritage Financial, a company specializing in sourcing commercial real…
What is OrgTech?
Technology is a broader term than we are used to thinking of it. Generally, we think of it as the advanced computing power that we have in our pockets or the systems we build to automate large-scale data or information protection. However, in reality, it is a simpler term. Technology is simply the application of…
What is the private capital market?
In recent years we have seen exponential growth in the issuance of private capital to companies in the US, nearly doubling the amount of money raised by public companies through Initial Public Offerings. The private capital market has dramatically changed in the last ten years as more investors have entered the playing field. This shift…
What is KYC?
In 2007, the SEC approved the founding of the non-profit Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). FINRA was created in the wake of a failing economy to consolidate the regulation of securities firms operating in the United States. The authority’s responsibilities include “rule writing, firm examination, enforcement, arbitration, and mediation functions, plus all functions previously overseen solely by…
What Forms of Alternative Finance are Available?
Starting a business can be difficult. Most young companies enter the scene with little capital to help them grow. Taking a loan out from the bank is a good start, but some options can end in higher rewards without a loan hanging over your head. These are alternative finance options, like raising seed capital from…
Warrants for RegA+
For private companies looking to raise capital through exemptions such as Regulation A+, Regulation CF, or Regulation D, there are many forms of securities that they may be able to issue to investors. Lately, there has been much buzz around warrants for RegA+ offerings and we are seeing them issued to investors as an equivalent…
KorePartner Spotlight: Douglas Ruark, Founder and President of Regulation D Resources
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. Douglas Ruark, the Founder and President of Regulation D Resources, has always been fascinated by the mechanisms and document structure used to syndicate capital. Starting his career nearly 30 years ago in…
What is RegTech?
In the wake of the 2008 economic crisis and the subsequent recession that followed, there was a push to create new regulations to govern financial institutions in the United States. With these regulations came requirements that businesses had to follow to be compliant with the new laws. What followed the new regulations was a rise…
What is Regulated Crowdfunding
On April 5th of 2012, President Obama signed into law legislation called the JOBS Act. Four years after that act was signed, Title III of the JOBS Act was enacted. This was Regulation CF, which allows for private companies in their early stages to use crowdfunding to raise money from any American, not just accredited…
What is a RegA+ Annual Shareholder Meeting?
With Regulation A+ allowing companies to raise up to $75M USD, the regulation enables many great investors to support an issuer’s journey. From the everyday person to accredited investors, people can claim their stake in companies they foresee to be long-term successes. However, with shareholders come significant responsibilities issuers must uphold to maintain compliance with…
What is the role of a board director?
When thinking about corporate governance, the first roles that often come to mind are the executive officers like the CEO or CCO. These roles are often responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, keeping things running smoothly, with other roles reporting to them. However, the board of directors is just as important as they…
Reg A and Reg CF Issuers: Time to Count Your Shareholders!
Reg A and Reg CF have been around for a few years now and we are finding that some of our clients, especially those that have made multiple offerings, are getting to the point where they need to consider the implications of Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act, which requires companies to become registered…
Meet the KorePartners: Louis Bevilacqua of Bevilacqua PLLC
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to the ecosystem. For the past 25 years, Louis Bevilacqua has served as a corporate and securities lawyer. After spending the majority of his time at large, international law firms, Louis discovered his passion for…
What Impact Will Blockchain Have on Private Markets?
Blockchain has become a familiar buzzword, especially as things such as cryptocurrency grow in popularity. Currently, 46 million Americans now own Bitcoin. However, blockchain has many more industry-changing applications. Nearly any asset, both tangible and intangible, can be tracked and traded through blockchain. Blockchain, also known as distributed ledger technology, is a database where transactions are continually…
What is the Role of a Corporate Secretary?
A Corporate Secretary is a required position set forth by state corporation laws and is part of the ‘check and balance’ on board members and offers the board advice and support. While providing the company with advice on the state laws, they are also tasked with ensuring that board members maintain their fiduciary duties to…
What is the Estimated Budget for RegA+ Issuance?
Navigating the fundraising process and understanding how much to budget from a financial standpoint is one of the most frequent questions we receive. In the process of conducting a RegA+ offering ourselves, KoreConX has researched the estimated budget for a RegA+ offering. While the budget varies based on several factors, you need to keep…
Shareholder Rights and Why They’re Important to Know
The first thought that comes to mind when someone says “shareholder,” is Wall Street, understandably, as Wall Street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, the two largest stock exchanges in the world. In this sense, becoming a shareholder is dependent on owning stock. A common word in the financial industry, a…
What is the role of a CCO?
When it comes to business executives with acronyms, there are a few that come to mind fairly quickly: CEO (Chief Executive Officer), COO (Chief Operations Officer), and CFO (Chief Financial Officer). These are the well-known names, but there is one that has as recently as 2000 entered the business executive lexicon outside of the heavily…
KorePartner Spotlight: Brian Belley, Founder and CEO of Crowdwise
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. Brian Belley, founder and CEO of Crowdwise, has always been passionate about investing and alternative investments. By training, Brian is an aerospace engineer, but the JOBS Act represented the culmination of his…
What is Portfolio Management?
Portfolio management, at its most basic level, is the way that an investment portfolio is designed to align with the wants and needs of the investor. Portfolio management focuses on creating an investment strategy that factors in the goals set by the investor, the timeframe involved in the investment, and the risk tolerance of the…
There is a Market for Your Private Securities
KoreConX is proud to announce the upcoming KoreSummit event, “There is a Market for Your Private Securities.” The event, co-hosted with Rialto Markets, CrowdCheck, and Fintech.TV continues our mission of powering private markets with a half-day event dedicated to enhancing education on the availability and potential of the secondary market for private companies. On…
What is a Minute Book and Why is it Important?
Unlike the name suggests, a minute book is by no means minute. As a business grows, a well-kept minute book becomes an essential record of all important company meetings and allows for the information to be easily accessed when required. With an up-to-date minute book, it makes it easier for companies to keep track of…
What is 409(a) and Why Does My Company Need it?
Whether your company is a new startup or an established private company, understanding and proper use of a 409(a) is essential to your company’s success. Thinking about it early will help you avoid potential setbacks and challenges later on, giving you more time to focus on growing your company, rather than tackling penalties. If that…
What is Alternative Finance?
By definition, alternative finance includes any financing source outside of the traditional realm of the traditional finance systems like regulated banks and stock markets. Such methods include raising seed capital from friends and family, angel investors, venture capital firms, peer-to-peer lending, or crowdfunding. In contrast, traditional finance options require companies to apply for loans from…
What is Due Diligence?
When it comes to investments of any kind, due diligence is essential for both issuers and investors alike. Do so what exactly is due diligence? Due diligence is ensuring that a potential investment comes with the accurate disclosure of all offering details. The Securities Act of 1933, a result of the stock market crash…
What is Investor Acquisition?
If you’re a company that is in the process of raising funds for your business, you’re likely looking to do so with the help of investors. By trading a piece of your company in exchange for some much-needed capital, you can fund your ideas and the growth of your business. With Regulation A+ opening up…
Are You Ready to Raise Capital?
Whether you’ve raised capital in the past or are preparing for your first round, being properly prepared will help your company secure the funding it needs. Proper preparation will make investors confident that you are ready for their investments and have a foundation in place for the growth and development of your company. So if…
How a Member of the Crowd Made Crowdfunding Easier
A while back, one of our favorite start-up clients called me and asked me to speak to a potential investor. Paul Efron, a resident of Arizona, wanted to invest in the company’s Regulation A offering. However, when he went onto the company’s website to invest, his subscription was rejected. The company was accepting subscriptions from…
Managing Your Investments in Private Companies
For investors, investing in private companies can be a beneficial way to diversify their investment portfolios. Whether the investment was made through private equity or RegA+, proper management can contribute to long-term success. However, once the investment is made, investors need to ensure that they are correctly managing their shares. With this in mind, how…
Can IRAs Be Used for Private Companies Investments?
Individual retirement accounts (commonly shortened to IRAs) allow flexibility and diversity when making investments. Whether investing in stocks, bonds, real estate, private companies, or other types of investments, IRAs can be useful tools when saving for retirement. While traditional IRAs limit investments to more standard options, such as stocks and bonds, a self-directed IRA allows…
KoreConX CEO Oscar Jofre was Recently Interviewed on DNA Podcast
Recently, KoreConX President and CEO Oscar Jofre had the pleasure of joining Jason Fishman on the Digital Niche Agency podcast. Jason and DNA are valued KorePartners and their podcast Test. Optimize. Scale. feature actionable insight for industry leaders on how to grow and optimize brands. In this episode, Jason and Oscar discuss how he…
KorePartner Spotlight: Jonny Price, Vice President of Fundraising at Wefunder
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. Jonny Price has always had an interest in economic development and a passion for economic justice and equity. In his first role in the fundraising sector, he worked for a company called Kiva,…
Conducting a Successful RegA+ Offering
If your company is looking to raise funding, you’ve probably considered many options for doing so. Since the SEC introduced the outlines for Regulation A+ in the JOBS Act, the amount companies are able to raise was increased to $75 million in January 2021 during rounds of funding from both accredited and non-accredited investors alike. If…
CrowdCheck’s Analysis of the New Exempt Offerings Rules: Testing the Waters comes to Reg CF
While the costs of preparing an offering under Reg CF are significantly lower than other types of securities offerings, they can still be expensive in terms of professional and marketing fees prior to having any sense of whether the offering will be successful. The SEC heard the complaints from issuers on this point and have…
Tax Alert for Sponsors and Fund Managers: IRS Issues Final Regulations for Carried Interests
Every real estate syndication and private investment fund involves a “carried interest” for the sponsor, also known as a “promoted interest.” The IRS just issued final regulations on how those interests are taxed. A carried interest is what the sponsor gets for putting the deal together. For example, a typical waterfall might provide that on…
The State of the Jobs Act 2021 KoreSummit Webinar
The JOBS Act was signed into law just nine years ago, in April of 2012. Since then, thousands of companies have taken advantage of the Act’s exemptions to raise capital for their companies. More than half a million investors have participated, providing funding to these companies—and it’s just getting started! The JOBS Act’s fundamentals…
Announcing the 2021 JOBS Act Program RegCF
KoreConX has long been dedicated to helping companies meet all regulatory compliance requirements in the most cost-effective way. This commitment continues with our complimentary 2021 JOBS Act Program for RegCF, which will enable eligible companies to use the KoreConX all-in-one platform for free. KoreConX pledges to make this available to companies who have completed, started,…
Regulation A+ Is Even Better After Passage Of The Economic Growth Act
On May 24, 2018, President Trump signed the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (the Act) into law. The Act was introduced by Senator Mike Crapo, a Republican Senator from Idaho, in the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on November 16, 2017. The 73-page-long Act contains a short…
Using a Transfer Agent Doesn’t Mean You Have a Single Entry on Your Cap Table
Many issuers are concerned that “Crowdfunding will screw up my cap table.” In response, several Title III funding portals offer a mechanism they promise will leave only a single entry on the issuer’s cap table, no matter how many investors sign up. The claim is innocuous, i.e., it doesn’t really hurt anybody. But it’s also false….
KorePartner Spotlight: Shari Noonan, CEO and Co-Founder of Rialto Markets
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Shari Noonan has been instrumental in the electronification of the equities market. Shari began her career in the ‘90s at an electronic trading pioneer…
What Role Does a Transfer Agent or Share Registry Provider Play?
For companies, both private and public, a transfer agent plays a vital role in financial success. With everything a company needs to keep track of on a day-to-day basis, maintaining an accurate record of shareholders is one of these important tasks. However, it is also time consuming, so having a transfer agent or share registry…
Why Does My Company Need a 409(a)?
Whether your company is a new startup or an established private company, understanding and proper use of a 409(a) is essential to your company’s success. Thinking about it early will help you avoid potential setbacks and challenges later on, giving you more time to focus on growing your company, rather than tackling penalties. If that…
KorePartner Spotlight: Sara Hanks, CEO of CrowdCheck
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. With over 30 years in the corporate and securities law field, Sara Hanks has a wealth of experience. Before CrowdCheck began, Sara and one of the firm’s co-founders (whose husband became the…
What is Cap Table Management?
More than a simple spreadsheet, a cap table (short for capitalization table) records detailed data regarding the equity owned by shareholders. For companies at any stage, proper cap table management is essential for good business practices. For founders and shareholders alike, it is important to fully grasp the concept of cap tables. So, what exactly…
What is the Estimated Budget for RegA+ Issuance?
Navigating the fundraising process and understanding how much to budget from a financial standpoint is one of the most frequent questions we receive. In the process of conducting a RegA+ offering ourselves, KoreConX has researched the estimated budget for a RegA+ offering. While the budget varies based on several factors, you need to keep…
KorePartners Spotlight: Rod Turner, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Manhattan Street Capital
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. Rod Turner is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Manhattan Street Capital, an online fundraising platform allowing companies to cost-effectively raise capital using Regulation A+, Regulation D, and other regulations, supporting them throughout…
Bringing Private Placements into the Digital Age
How blockchain-based technology will transform private markets Remember the first time you drove a car with a rear-facing camera? The first time you streamed an on-demand movie at home via the Internet, or used GPS instead of a fold-out paper map to find your way on a trip? Similarly, emerging digital technologies have the…
How Can a Company Raise Capital?
For companies looking to raise capital, there are many different options. While not every option may be best suited for every company, understanding each will help companies choose which one is best for them. In the early stages of raising capital, seeking investments from family and friends can be both a simple and safe…
What is Regulation A+?
Regulation A+ (RegA+) was passed into law by the SEC in the JOBS Act, making it possible for companies to raise funding from the general public and not just from accredited investors. With the implementation of Title IV of the act, the amount that companies can raise was increased to $50 million (since increased to…
KoreConX CEO Oscar Jofre’s Interview on Recent EINBLICK Podcast
Recently, KoreConX President, CEO, and Co-Founder Oscar Jofre had the pleasure of joining Christian Klepp, Co-Founder of EINBLICK Consulting, on their podcast B2B Marketers on a Mission. With Christian, Oscar discusses empowering and transforming the private capital markets through pivotal regulations enabling them to better raise capital. Along with these changes, companies need the…
Effective Date of the Amendments to Reg CF and Reg A
The amendments to Reg CF, Reg A, and other rules relating to capital formation utilizing exempt offerings have finally been published in the Federal Register, with an effective date of March 15, 2021.
Meet the KorePartners: Andrew Corn, CEO of E5A Integrated Marketing
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the partners that contribute to its ecosystem. From the first project he worked on while still in college, Andrew Corn has been involved in financial marketing. After his first analyst’s presentation, “and then second, and then fifth, I decided…
Warrant Issuers, Keep Your Offering Statement Evergreen
An increasing number of issuers have been using Regulation A to make continuous offerings of units, consisting of a combination of equity, often common stock, and warrants to purchase the same equity at a future date. Under the Securities Act, the units, the shares of stock, the warrants and the shares of stock issuable upon…
What is Secondary Market Trading?
Even if you’re unfamiliar with the term secondary market, you’re likely familiar with the concept. Companies sell securities to investors, who in exchange own a piece of the company. The investor can then decide they would rather not own that security any longer, so they sell it to someone else who does. For public companies,…
KorePartner Spotlight: Etan Butler, Chair of Dalmore Group
With the recent launch of the KoreConX all-in-one RegA+ platform, KoreConX is happy to feature the KorePartners that contribute to its ecosystem. Etan Butler is Chairman of Dalmore Group, a FINRA registered national Broker-Dealer, founded in 2005. Dalmore provides a full range of investment banking services and specializes in assisting companies that seek to…
Foreign Issuers Using Regulation A and Regulation CF
For some reason, this issue has been coming up a lot lately. Our usual response to the question “Can non-US issuers make a Regulation A or Reg CF offering?” is to point to the rules: Rule 251(b)(1) says Regulation A can only be used by “an entity organized under the laws of the United States…
What is the Role of a Transfer Agent for a Private Company?
For companies issuing securities to investors, a transfer agent plays an important role in the process. If your company has yet to issue securities but will be doing so soon, a clear understanding of the purpose of a transfer agent is necessary when choosing the best one to fit your company’s needs. Throughout a…
Click “RESET”
In the future, 5 or 10 years from now, we will see an evolution in business and a paradigm shift occurring all due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us have been advocating that the business world has been operating ineffectively, but not until now has everyone been able to see it and experience…
How to be Ready for Raising Capital
Whether you’ve raised capital in the past or are preparing for your first round, being properly prepared will help your company secure the funding it needs. Proper preparation will make investors confident that you are ready for their investments and have a foundation in place for the growth and development of your company. So if…
What are Blue Sky Laws and Why are They Important?
Originating in the aftermath of the Great Depression, “blue sky laws” were made possible by the Uniform Securities Act of 1956. Leading up to the stock market crash of 1929, the SEC did not exist to regulate offerings and many investment deals offered great profits to increase their sale. Today, blue sky laws play a…
Can I Use My IRA for Private Company Investments?
Individual retirement accounts (commonly shortened to IRAs) allow flexibility and diversity when making investments. Whether investing in stocks, bonds, real estate, private companies, or other types of investments, IRAs can be useful tools when saving for retirement. While traditional IRAs limit investments to more standard options, such as stocks and bonds, a self-directed IRA allows…
Wait a Minute, What is a Minute Book?
Unlike the name suggests, a minute book is by no means minute. As a business grows, a well-kept minute book becomes an essential record of all important company meetings and allows for the information to be easily accessed when required. With an up-to-date minute book, it makes it easier for companies to keep track of…
409A – A Guide for Startups
We “Get It” We understand that the last thing any start-up wants to worry about is tax compliance, especially when you have so many other things to worry about. Like product development, sales, recruiting, etc.… But it is wise for a start-up to think about compliance early on to avoid potential penalties and distracting complications…
Reg CF Investment Vehicles: What Are They Good For?
In its recent rulemaking, the SEC added new Rule 3a-9 under the Investment Company Act to allow for the use of “crowdfunding vehicles” for Reg CF investments. It is important to recognize that crowdfunding vehicles are quite limited, and not at all similar to the special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”) used to aggregate accredited investors in…
Why is a Broker-Dealer Important for Private Company Offerings?
If you’re looking to raise money for your private company, chances are that you’ve at least heard the term “broker-dealer.” However, if you’re new to the process, you might not be too familiar with what they do and why they are a key component of the fundraising process. Simply put, a broker-dealer is an…
SEC Proposes Relief for “Finders”
I have long (oh so long) been one of those urging the SEC to give some clarity with respect to the status of “finders.” See here for the latest piece. Early-stage companies raising funds very often reach out to a guy who knows some guys who have money and have invested in startups in the past. If…
How to Manage Investments in Private Companies
For investors, investing in private companies can be a beneficial way to diversify their investment portfolios. Whether the investment was made through private equity or RegA+, proper management can contribute to long-term success. However, once the investment is made, investors need to ensure that they are correctly managing their shares. With this in mind, how…
What is Investor Relations?
No matter the size of the company, investor relations (IR) should be a key component of conducting business. It’s never too early to implement a solid investor relations approach, but if your company has never tackled this issue, the term may seem confusing. Understanding what investor relations entail will allow your company to begin implementing…
How does Investor Acquisition Help Find the Right Investors?
If you’re a company that is in the process of raising funds for your business, you’re likely looking to do so with the help of investors. By trading a piece of your company in exchange for some much-needed capital, you can fund your ideas and the growth of your business. With Regulation A+ opening up…
What is Needed for a Successful RegA+ Offering
If your company is looking to raise funding, you’ve probably considered many options for doing so. Since the SEC introduced the outlines for Regulation A+ in the JOBS Act, companies have been able to raise amounts up to $50 million (which increases to $75 million in January 2021) during rounds of funding from both accredited…
Regulation A Offering Limits Increased to $75 Million
On Monday, November 2, exciting news was announced by the SEC regarding Regulation A offerings. The Securities and Exchange Commission approved long-awaited amendments to offering limits to “promote capital formation and expand investment opportunities.” These amendments, going into effect on January 2, 2021, drastically increase the amount of capital that issuers can raise through RegA+…
SEC Approves Increases to RegCF Maximum Offering and Investor Limits
On Monday, November 2, 2020 the SEC approved updates to Regulation Crowdfunding significantly increasing the limits of offering under this regulation. These changes will go into effect at the beginning of the coming year, January 2, 2021. This move will introduce new business opportunities to companies looking to raise capital. In their Monday press release,…
KoreSummit RegA+ 2020
KoreSummit is all about education, We are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to receive first-hand knowledge from leading thought leaders to help you in your journey to capital raising. The KoreSummit RegA+ 2020 online event was a huge success because of you who attended and shared it with your friends. As…
Forbes interview with KoreConX founders
Start-Up KoreConX Launches A New Blockchain Network To Connect The Private Capital Market Robert AnzaloneContributor Crypto & Blockchain Do you know how to invest in the private capital market? Not many people do. It is complicated, requires a lot of paperwork, has low transaction volume, comes with risk and volatility, and not very liquid. Could…
The SEC proposes expanding the “accredited investor” definition
The SEC has proposed amending the definition of “accredited investors.” Accredited investors are currently defined as (huge generalization here) people who have net worth of $1 million (excluding principal residence) or income of $200,000 ($300,000 with spouse) or entities that have assets of $5 million. Here’s the full definition. The whole point of the accreditation definition was that it…
Equity Crowdfunding Platforms (RegCF)
As of 02 JUNE 2020, there are 51 active RegCF Equity Crowdfunding Platforms helping companies raise up to $1.0M USD. We are all anticipating that RegCF is going to be potentially increased to a $5 million funding cap. The SEC has proposed this increase, along with some other changes, and many observers expect the Commission to…
FINRA BD Requirements for RegA+ & Digital Securities
FINRA BD Requirements for RegA+ & Digital Securities The private markets are receiving a much updated revamp by the SEC which is having a major impact on registered FINRA Broker-dealer firms. Here are two (2) of the most common activities for which FINRA Broker-dealers (BD) are approached by companies. Most BD’s are not aware that…
Wefunder Interviews Oscar Jofre co-founder KoreConX
WeFunder the #1 Equity Crowdfunding platform in the USA interviews Oscar Jofre co-founder of KoreConX. (1) What is a Transfer Agent? This a great question. As each entrepreneur enters the world of raising capital, new responsibilities are brought on. In many instances, the company will need to engage with a registered transfer agent to manage the…
What is Reg A plus versus Reg A?
The simple answer is that today, Regulation A (Reg A) and Regulation A+ (Reg A+) are the exact same law. There is no difference, and the two terms may be used interchangeably. Some confusion stems from the two similar terms, and there is much misleading information about this online. I’ve even spoken at events where…
Why is my cap table so important for my company?
It’s never too early in the process of building a company to start managing your capitalization table (otherwise known as a cap table). As a detailed document recording all information regarding shareholders and the equity owned in the company, a well-managed cap table will become essential to long term success. Even if you’re thinking that…
SEC changes to RegA+ and RegCF
On 04 March 2020, the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has laid out the proposed changes that are going to have a major impact on the private capital markets. This is very positive for the market. These changes have been in the works for a number of years and many in the industry have advocated…
Wake up call, do you have the right chain for securities?
Polymath is the latest of the Ethereum fan club that has woken up to the fact that Ethereum isn’t the right blockchain platform for financial securities. The reasons include the permissionless and unverified participants, gas fees, unpredictable settlement, poor performance, and lack of scalability. Vitalik himself was the first to point this out way back…
Finality, Settlement, and Validation: The Place to Start
One of the most important concepts in capital market transactions is settlement and finality. Even though the payment infrastructure gets the majority of airtime, settlement finality is just as, if not even more, important in the securities markets. In the public markets, the structure of securities and the clearance and settlement process is quite standardized….
Global Crypto Twins one on one with Oscar Jofre co-founder of KoreConX
The Crypto Twins are well-recognized faces in the blockchain space and have been advocates and the voice for those who are supporting the global ecosystem of digital securities formation. This was a great interview by the Crypto Twins to gain insight from a global leading authority on where the market is moving towards. What is…
Blockchain Radio’s one on one with KoreConX Chief Scientist/Technology Officer
This is a rare occasion to have our very own Dr. Kiran Garimella interviewed by Blockchain Radio’s Pierre Bourque, a leading talk show host for blockchain enthusiasts. Kiran highlights the need for trust, compliance, and investor protection in the private capital markets. This is why the participants on the KoreChain and the owners of KoreNodes,…
Midas Letter James West interviews CEO of KoreConX
The Midas Letter show is hosted by personality James West, who gets right into things with his guests. He is an advocate of the capital markets. This interview was a great insight for James and his viewers to learn about the great opportunity in the private capital markets that is emerging.
TalkCents Radio based in UAE interviews KoreConX Director MENA
So much of blockchain is spoken in USA, Europe here is TalkCents coming live from Dubai, UAE. TalkCents brings the latest leaders in the MENA region. Our very own Edwin Lee has an opportunity to speak to TalkCents and discuss how KoreConX’s solution in the MENA region is leading for those who are looking to…
Understanding Digital Assets
There has been a lot of talk in recent years about crypto, tokens, blockchain, ICOs, STOs, Digital Securities, etc. What does it all mean and why should you care? In order to navigate the new financial digital world, it is important to first understand the terminology. Below, I have broken down the typical terms being…
Facebook’s Libra Reboots the Crypto World
Facebook Libra Project set’s to rebook the crypto world. Since the announcement by Facebook of their Libra Project, everyone in the world came out with their take on what Facebook was up to. Thousands of articles and interviews with everyone jumping in. It’s safe to say that what Facebook has done, no other company has…
Many Rights Make the KoreProtocol Right
Over the last few weeks, we have seen the highly entertaining farce of Craig Wright claiming to be Satoshi Nakamoto by registering a copyright to the original bitcoin whitepaper and code. He may very well be Satoshi. However, registering a copyright does not confer an official recognition of identity. Wei Lu, CEO of Coinsumer, proved…
Exempt Market Update 2019
The exempt market in Canada is going through some major developments that will fundamentally change how the private market will be seen by investors.Digital Securities provide companies, who are raising capital, the opportunity to offer their investors another potential exit that until now was only seen as a pipe dream.It’s no longer a dream, it’s…
KoreConX launches $15M Digital Securities Offering using its own Fully-Compliant KoreProtocol
KoreConX is excited to announce its Digital Securities Offering that will utilize its own KoreProtocol. The KoreProtocol is the world’s first complete end-to-end protocol that has built-in AI to manage the entire lifecycle for tokenized securities, from issuance, trading, and all types of corporate actions. The global securities marketplace is changing, and the future is…
Reg A+ Webinar: Q&A Part I
The content on this webinar and associated blogs are provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. During our last Regulation A+ webinar with Sara Hanks and Darren Marble, we received dozens of questions about the topic. As promised, we have answered…
Minimizing Failure Vector Surfaces for Digital Securities
Modern capitalists and ancient Chinese may disagree on many things, but the one thing they do seem to agree on relates to security of the realm. George Washington, back in 1799, said, “…offensive operations, often times, is the surest, if not the only (in some cases) means of defence.” A similar sentiment can be seen…
Meet the KorePartners: David Benizri, Rivver
This post is part of a series of short interviews about the companies and faces that are part of the KorePartners Ecosystem*. We believe that behind every great company there are people, and behind every person, there is a story to tell. KorePartner: David Benizri, CEO & Co-Founder at Rivver Born in: Montreal, Canada Based…
Reg A+ Webinar: The Highlights
In our last webinar, we’ve talked about a very complex topic in the startup industry: The Regulation A+. For those of you who have never heard of it (no shame in learning, folks), Regulation A+, or Reg A, is a section of the JOBS Act that allows private companies to raise up to $ 50…
Digital Securities Webinar: Your Questions Answered!
We had an overwhelming response to our last webinar on Digital Securities. While Oscar Jofre and Darren Marble did their best to answer all the questions, we didn’t have time to go through it all. So as promised, here are the remaining questions from our Q & A on Digital Securities. If you missed the…
Webinar sheds light on Digital Securities Terrain
The regulator’s message is clear: there’s no room for tampering with the regulation when it comes to capital raising, and many companies that invested time and energy on ICOs (Initial Coin Offering) are now facing the consequences. But that doesn’t mean that the private capital markets are dead when it comes to digital assets, on…
Much Ado About Nothing: the SEC’s No-Action Letter
On April 3, the SEC issued its first no-action letter saying that the tokens proposed to be issued by the applicant, TurnKey Jet (or TKJ, a Florida-based charter airline operator), are not deemed securities. The actual letter is here. The media widely reported this using, in their headlines, the words “crypto”, “ICO”, and one reference…
Meet the KorePartners: Dan Eyman, Meld Valuation
This post is part of a series of short interviews about the companies and faces that are part of the KorePartners Ecosystem*. We believe that behind every great company there are people, and behind every person, there is a story to tell. KorePartner: Dan Eyman, Founder and Managing Director of Meld Valuation Born in: Seattle,…
Meet the KorePartners: Adrian Alvarez, InvestReady
This post is part of a series of short interviews about the companies and faces that are part of the KorePartners Ecosystem*. We believe that behind every great company there are people, and behind every person, there is a story to tell. KorePartner: Adrian Alvarez, Co-Founder & CEO at InvestReady Born in: Miami, USA Based in:…
Meet the KorePartners: Rick Tapia, Blockchain Agility
This post is part of a series of short interviews about the companies and faces that are part of the KorePartners Ecosystem*. We believe that behind every great company there are people, and behind every person, there is a story to tell. KorePartner: Rick Tapia, Chief Marketing Officer & Partner at Blockchain Agility Born in: Indianapolis,…
Who do you trust with your Crypto?
“The great thing about trustless cryptocurrency systems is just how many incompetents you have to trust along the way.” – David Gerard, author of Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain. Lately, I’ve stopped reading fiction because real life drama with public blockchains is way more entertaining. The fun never stops. For example, one tragi-comedy began…
Meet the KorePartners: Peter Woodard, DLTMI
This post is part of a series of short interviews about the companies and faces that are part of the KorePartners Ecosystem*. We believe that behind every great company there are people, and behind every person, there is a story to tell. KorePartner: Peter Woodard, DLTMI Born in: Toronto, Canada Based in: London, UK What…
The Right Technology – The Case of Mercury Cash
Nothing proves the wisdom of choosing the right technology for the right job than the case of Mercury Cash, a hosted-wallet solution for real-time liquidation and transfer of cryptocurrency and fiat assets. Recognizing the importance of being prepared for a new cryptoworld, Mercury Cash set out to explore various blockchain protocols to find the one…
Meet the KorePartners: Luka Gubo, Blocktrade
This post is part of a series of short interviews about the companies and faces that are part of the KorePartners Ecosystem*. We believe that behind every great company there are people, and behind every person, there is a story to tell. KorePartner: Luka Gubo, CEO at Blocktrade Born in: Celje, Slovenia Based in: Ljubljana, Slovenia…
Decentralized vs Distributed Systems Part I
Blockchain per se is not about decentralization; rather, it is a distributed system technology. The two terms, decentralized system and distributed system, are often confused, so much so that the term ‘blockchain’ seems almost synonymous with a public, decentralized system. The usual picture used to show the distinction between decentralized versus distributed systems is the…
Meet the KorePartners: Kyle Asman, BX3 Capital
This post is part of a series of short interviews about the companies and faces that are part of the KorePartners Ecosystem*. We believe that behind every great company there are people, and behind every person, there is a story to tell. KorePartner: Kyle Asman, BX3 Capital Born in: Livingston, USA Based in: New York,…
Meet the KorePartners: Michel Aliphon, SME Brokers
This week we are launching a special series to introduce you to our KorePartners. These are the people and companies who share KoreConX’s governance standards, such as Investor Protection, Compliance, Integration, Security, and Efficiency. We believe that behind every great company there are great people, and each of those people has a unique story to…
KoreChain & KoreContract
What is the KoreConX blockchain strategy & why choose KoreChain? In this video, KoreConX Co-Founder and CEO, Oscar Jofre, and our Chief Scientist/CTO, Kiran Garimella, share the details of our permissioned blockchain. Built on the Hyperledger Fabric, it is secure and governed with the ability to have full lifecycle management of contracts for tokenized securities…
Technologies of Blockchain Part 4: Conclusion
In parts 1, 2 and 3, we briefly touched on some of the historical foundations of blockchains from computer science and mathematics, including their sub-topics such as distributed systems and cryptography. Specific topics in either of these categories were consensus mechanisms, fault-tolerance, scaling, zero-knowledge proofs, etc. Obviously, this brief series doesn’t do justice. The history…
Technologies of Blockchain Part 3: Cryptography, Scaling, and Consensus
In Part 2, we saw how a simple concept of a linked list can morph into complex, distributed systems. Obviously, this is a simple, conceptual evolution leading up to blockchain, but it’s not the only way distributed systems can arise. Distributed systems need coordination, fault tolerance, consensus, and several layers of technology management (in the…
Lessons To Be Learned From The SEC’s Recent Penalties for ICO Companies
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently brought their regulatory hammer down on several ICO-related companies. After months of public statements from officials and rumors of numerous subpoenas and investigations, the SEC sent a strong and undeniable message to companies that have held unregulated initial coin offerings, and to those who are considering it. Don’t do it. There…
Technologies of Blockchain – Part 2: Distributed Systems
We saw in Part 1 that linked lists provide the conceptual foundation for blockchain, where a ‘block’ is a package of data and blocks are strung together by some type of linking mechanism such as pointers, references, addresses, etc. In this Part 2, we will see how this simple concept gives rise to powerful ideas…
Technologies of Blockchain – Part 1: The Foundations
Blockchain is not just a single technology but a package of a number of technologies and techniques. The rich lexicon in the blockchain includes terms such as Merkle trees, sharding, state machine replication, fault tolerance, cryptographic hashing, zero-knowledge proofs, zkSNARKS, and other exotic terms. In this four-part series, we will provide a very high-level overview…
The Three Fallacies of Smart Contracts
Smart contracts have become popular due to the extensibility of the Ethereum blockchain beyond its main foundation as a cryptocurrency platform, where it competes with Bitcoin. The phrase ‘smart contract’ caught on in the popular imagination. After all, contracts are important mechanisms for transacting business, and what better than to make our contracts smart with…
Forking – the New ‘F’ Word in Blockchain
Forking seems to be an integral part of the Blockchain architecture. This is due to Blockchain’s decentralized nature and the need to establish systemic trust among multiple participants (who are generally unknown to each other and therefore untrustworthy by definition). To most of the non-technical population and a fair amount of the technical population as…
Difference between Crypto and Security Token
Is there a difference between cryptocurrency and a security token? The answer is yes, there is a big difference. And it is time we get these right so the thick fog around this topic can begin to clear up. It is very important to understand how each of them is very different from each other….
Joining Hyperledger to Revolutionize Tokenization of Private Securities Globally
We are thrilled to announce our membership in the Hyperledger Project. This was a carefully thought-out decision, but given the nature of our business, a fairly easy one to make. Our roots are in providing managed compliance-related services to private companies globally. Building on this experience and success, we are well into executing on our…
KoreSummit is honored to have Mr. David Weild IV as its keynote speaker
The first KoreSummit event just got even more interesting. We are thrilled to announce Mr. David Weild IV, the father of the JOBS Act, as our keynote speaker. Weild is currently CEO and Chairman of Weild & Co. He also gathers the expertise of the most competitive stock markets, as he was a former Vice…
KoreSummit – an opportunity to learn about what is a fully compliant Security Token
Security Token – and all the technology and buzzwords that go with it – is not an easy topic. Search these terms online, and you can get lost in a labyrinth of links, manuals and definitive guides. Above all, you will find many experts that will guarantee this is the next big thing and they…
Top Questions a Securities Lawyer will Ask an STO Issuer (in USA or Canada)
Security Token Offering is a serious business. The days of the ICO are over. These are clear messages not only from the SEC and other regulatory bodies but also from thoughtful and experienced professionals. The SEC, in particular, is delivering this message mainly through regulatory actions and the position of SEC Chairman Jay Clayton. Most…
Life of a Company
I know, the title is odd. But the goal is to show how a company is formed and what is required for it to be maintained. What most of the public sees is only related to sales or marketing, never the insides of the corporate structure or management. The first step each of us make…
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Compliance
Functional Layer – Compliance Allows broker dealers to manage their due diligence requirements from issuers including full transparency on the entire application, review and listing (if subscribed to KoreConX Capital Markets), and includes reporting. Perform all your know your client (KYC), anti-money laundering, ID verification, suitability through our Compliance feature and even track online payments….
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Capital Markets
Functional Layer – Capital Markets Simplify compliance for all parties involved in the capital raising process. KoreConX Capital Markets helps broker dealers manage all the regulatory requirements for know your product (KYP) related to issuers and for each investor ID verification, suitability, anti-money laundering (AML), know your client (KYC) , and investor accreditation.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Transfer Agent
Functional Layer – Transfer Agent Manage and perform securities transfers without the wait, risk or cost. KoreConX’s SEC-registered Transfer Agent service combines simplified, efficient and secure security transactions. Require a transfer agent or just want someone else to manage your securities transactions, then you have found an inexpensive solution that provides, you and your investors,…
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Investor Relations
Functional Layer – Investor Relations Communicate with investors and potential investors directly using KoreConX Investor Relations feature. Track shareholder engagement with the ability to view downloads and confirm opened messages. Generate reports sent directly from the platform, complete regulatory filings, contract facilitation and more. Set up, organize and run shareholder meetings, create e-voting items and…
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Minute Book
Functional Layer – Minute Book Keep bylaws, shareholder agreements, articles of incorporation and other business-critical documents in one secure location. Provide access to lawyers, auditors, shareholders and prospective investors, allowing consistent view across all parties.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – CapTable Management
Functional Layer – CapTable Management Manage your capitalization table down to each transaction including the details and documents that are cross-linked to the individual security holder’s profiles. View the information in summary or by security type (shares, options, warrants, debentures, loans, promissory notes, SAFE/SAFT, etc.). Easily update data with the powerful bulk upload tool.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Portfolio Management
Functional Layer – Portfolio Management Get the full and simplified view of all your investments, organized in one central location. View company information (including board and management team), scheduled meetings, voting opportunities (electronic/e-voting), send and receive messages. Categorized by holding type (shares, options, warrants, debentures, etc.), as well as designations such as public and private.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Enterprise Data
Integration & Data Layer – Enterprise Data Functionality to manage the data of clients, investors, and all tokenholders, ensuring privacy and security.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Enterprise User Directory
Integration & Data Layer – Enterprise User Directory Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer et convallis nisi. Etiam rutrum finibus elit. In pulvinar purus sagittis nibh eleifend ornare. Nulla rutrum dapibus lacus. Praesent vestibulum a est vitae finibus. Donec vulputate erat ex, suscipit sodales libero porttitor in. Integer at arcu lacinia, sodales…
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Enterprise User Directory
Integration & Data Layer – Enterprise User Directory Manage the directory of all user accounts, including individual, corporate, partners, and external providers.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Transformation & Connectivity
Integration & Data Layer – Transformation & Connectivity Functionality for transforming data between various formats and establishing connectivity between functional modules of the KoreChain as well as connectivity between external systems and ecosystem providers.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – System Integration
Integration & Data Layer – System Integration Functionality for integrating with other systems using adapters, private API keys, and message protocols.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – KoreAuditChain
Security Layer – KoreAuditChain The KoreAuditChain is a separate, parallel blockchain that immutably logs all interactions, both at the level of individual transactions and complete processes. The network identities of participants and all datetime stamps are logged. The KoreChain cannot access the KoreAuditChain, while the KoreAuditChain can only read the KoreChain data.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Security Monitoring & Intelligence
Security Layer – Security Monitoring & Intelligence Monitoring of all interactions from the viewpoint of security.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Infrastructure Security
Security Layer – Infrastructure Security Management of all security functions that include cryptography, privacy, network security, and application security.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Technical Governance
Security Layer – Technical Governance Functionality for logging of all interactions and automated transactions as well as implementation of rules for validation and detection of potentially risky behavior.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – IL – Account Management
Infrastructure Layer – Account Management Management of access rights and roles for account holders of various types, such as individual investors, issuers’ authorized representatives, broker dealers, etc.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Distributed Ledger
Infrastructure Layer – Distributed Ledger The Distributed Ledger Technology functions manage the complete ledger of transactions through private channels, including on-chain and off-chain management of both data and KoreContracts.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Technical Consensus
Infrastructure Layer – Technical Consensus Technical validation and consensus of transactions between multiple validators and application of consensus algorithms which may be dynamically configured based on real-time requirements.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Membership
Infrastructure Layer – Membership Management of membership of various participants in the KoreChain infrastructure such as validators, peers, and users.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Blockchain Admin & Ops
Infrastructure Layer – Blockchain Admin & Operations Administration & operational management of the KoreChain.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Lifecycle Process Rules
AI Expert Layer – Lifecycle Process Rules Expert system rules that describe the complete end-to-end processes for securities transactions. They cover transactions that are synchronous, asynchronous, and long-standing.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Securities Business Rules
AI Expert Layer – Securities Business Rules Expert system repository of rules that pertain to securities in all jurisdictions worldwide.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – AIL – Contract Management
AI Expert Layer – Contract Management Expert system repository of rules for managing contracts of various types.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Jurisdiction Rules
AI Expert Layer – Jurisdiction Rules An expert repository for rules that pertain to contract regulations in various jurisdictions worldwide. Rules that are specific to securities are compiled in other functional modules.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Business Goverance Rules
AI Expert Layer – Business Governance Rules An expert system repository of rules for governance of security token transactions.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – AIL – Business Consensus
AI Expert Layer – Business Consensus Achieve business consensus for transactions using engagement rules for selection of validating parties based on service-level agreements, performance, availability, and expertise.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – BM Layer – Account Management
Business Management Layer – Account Management Manages various types of accounts, from issuers, individual investors, token holders, company, broker dealers, etc.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Process Management
Business Management Layer – Process Management Orchestration of multiple transactions that form end-to-end processes, with support for long-running transactions; these processes handle the complete lifecycle of the contracts.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Transaction Management
Business Management Layer – Transaction Management Management of transactions from inception to completion; this includes exception-handling, tracking, notifications, escalations, resolution, and logging.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Events Management
Business Management Layer – Events Management Subscriptions to events that affect securities, including corporate events, regulatory events, economic events, etc. Notifications and event server access for automated execution of contracts.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – AI Management
Business Management Layer – AI Management Application of AI and machine learning algorithms and their monitoring and management.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Contract Management
Business Management Layer – Contract Management Framework for the design, development, deployment, and operational monitoring and management of all contracts.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Secondary Market
EcoSystem Layer – Secondary Market Integrate with ATS operators for trading security tokens.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Third Party Providers
EcoSystem Layer – Third Party Providers All other services that are complementary to one or more of the participants of the private securities ecosystem.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Legal
EcoSystem Layer – Legal Connect with legal service providers; integrate with legal automation; perform automated due diligence.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Business Consensus
EcoSystem Layer – Business Consensus Ecosystem participants are managed and selected based on their expertise and agreement to validate transactions at the business level.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Validation
EcoSystem Layer – Validation Perform business validation of transactions.
KoreChain – Interactive Item – Verification
EcoSystem Layer – Verification Verify identity; provide KYC, KYP, AML; conduct investor suitability and risk profiling.
A Big Lesson from the Delaware Blockchain Amendments
Andrea Tinianow, the founding director of the Delaware Blockchain Initiative (and ‘Blockchain Czarina’), recently published a very insightful article on the significant gap in the mainstream protocols for security tokens. The gap is in the way the Delaware Blockchain Amendments are interpreted by the mainstream security token platforms. The Delaware Blockchain Amendments were an outcome…
A Security Token for Full Lifecycle Compliance
ICOs suffer from disapproval from not only the SEC but also several media that have banned ICO advertising. This disapproval seems justified, since many of the ICOs had no business plans, no product, no service, no credible team, and no roadmap for generating value. Of the remaining well-intentioned ones, the problem of passing regulatory scrutiny for…
Introducing the KoreChain
The KoreChain is the first blockchain on a serious industrial-strength infrastructure that is focused exclusively on the complex world of global financial securities. The KoreChain is a permissioned Hyperledger Fabric blockchain. This gives it the native advantage of Fabric, a blockchain platform that has been engineered from the ground up for handling enterprise-class applications. KoreChain…
Capital Raising “Capital markets point of view” dealer
For private issuers, raising capital is the next natural step once you have exhausted other traditional forms of financing. It becomes even more enticing when you read about other firms doing it, and thinking why shouldn’t that be us. However, being prepared to take the issuer to the next level can be a source of…
What is Investor Relations for Private Companies?
While Investor Relations may seem like an all-encompassing term referring to the relationship between investors and the company that they invest in, in practice the definition is more precise. Investor Relations professionals are tasked with providing investors with up-to-date information on company affairs, so that private and institutional investors stay informed on the goings of…
StartUp Law 101
Late last year I had the opportunity to collaborate with Catherine Lovrics, B.A., LL.B at Bereskin & Parr LLP, on the inner workings of raising capital for entrepreneurs. Her book, Startup Law 101: A Practical Guide, published last week. The basis of our conversations surrounded accessing funding at the right time and identifying the the…
Today Investors Want
The internet changed everything when it was first introduced but it has not been until now that Broker Dealers, Exempt Market Dealers (EMD) are playing catch up to what clients expect from them. Investor want this today: They ask for all this because in other parts of their daily lives they are doing their tasks…
What is Portfolio Management?
Anyone that invests in more than one company or investment asset has a portfolio of investments to manage. With global markets opening up and alternative finance platforms such as P2P (Peer to Peer) or Equity Crowdfunding platforms we are seeing a variety of new investments in private companies becoming available to non-accredited investors (non high…
Hiring in the Securities Industry: What you Need to Know
Hiring a new employee can be challenging in any environment, but it’s even harder in the securities industry. Employee not only have to be the right choice for the firm, but they must also pass muster with the securities regulators who approve registration. In reviewing an application for registration, the regulators focus on three key…
Proficiency Requirements
Securities legislation is quite clear on what courses and designations you need in order to register in the various categories, but what relevant experience is sufficient is less clear cut. No matter the category you are applying under, the regulators must determine than individual is fit for registration. They look at the proficiency of the…
The Death of the ICO and the RISE of #TAO
The term ICO has been very confusing to the investing market, even those selling ICOs have no understanding of it — when you start asking questions people give you a look like a deer caught in headlights. So, what does ICO stand for? #ICO = Initial Coin Offering COIN = CURRENCY = MONEY The most…
Product Due Diligence (Company/Issuer)
Dealing Representatives are only allowed to sell products that have been approved by the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) — and only after they’ve been trained on a product features, risks and costs. Depending on your firm’s size, product due diligence may be performed by the CCO herself, or by a dedicated corporate finance team. Here’s…
Wild Wild West of ICO’s time to move over, Regulated ICO’s are coming (#TAO)
Those that can remember the wild wild west of crowdfunding back in 2010-2011 will have a feeling of dejavu seeing the 2017 ICO market take off. Not that crowdfunding ever saw the numbers that we are seeing in the ICO market, but that is because the securities regulators stepped in early when crowdfunding launched in…
Investor Relations Hashtag #IRPrivate
I know what you are thinking, why on earth do a blog regarding a hashtag. Clearly everyone knows what Investor Relations (IR) is and how to find it. I felt that it was time to launch a new tool to find information about private companies online for 2018. Like any good article I wanted to make sure…
The Good, The Bad, and the Confusing Messaging
Think of yourself standing in front of a room full of strangers, about to give a speech on particle physics. You don’t know if they are experts on the topic, or know nothing at all. You don’t know what their interests are, what they think you’re going to tell them, what they want to hear…
Compliance Review
Compliance Review Compliance reviews by regulators follow a prescribed format depending on what has triggered the visit, whether a full compliance review, targeted review or a for-cause review based on information that has come to their attention. But, during any type of review, there are certain deficiencies that are more significant than others. Here’s what…
Happy 2nd Anniversary KoreConX !
We are so excited to be celebrating the 2nd year anniversary of the KoreConX all-in-one business platform launch. It’s amazing how fast the past 2 years have gone by. We have made friends all over the world who have shared their stories of how they use KoreConX to manage their investments with our Portfolio Management tool and how managing their companies corporate information is so easy.
Yes ONE login Yes ONE platform
The All-in-ONE platform The promise land of technology since the early days (going back to the 80’s) was to have one platform to make us more efficient, bring us online to collaborate and connect to a variety of other technology services like Fintech, InsurTech, LegalTech, RegTech, etc. The internet changed a lot for businesses and…
Shareholders = Customers = Ambassadors
Each interview I’ve had in the past two weeks has asked a question about how some companies or outsiders believe that having a large pool of investors is not good for a company and is distracting. I pondered my response on a number of occasions and then I reflected on comments from the founders of…
Who is KoreConX
Welcome to the KoreConX blog. You are probably wondering who we are and what we do? As our first blog, we wanted to start by telling you our story, explaining what we do and our target audience. First lets start with our company name. For us, it was important to select a name that would…
Don’t Let Compliance Become Chaos
Are you spending too much time on compliance and getting frustrated with all the paperwork? Compliance Officers have to deal with compliance and regulatory issues on a daily basis, but it does not have to be a burden or paper shuffling affair. The smart Compliance Officers take control of their situation and find effective and efficient tools…
How to Build an Effective Compliance System
Regulators are paying increasing attention to firms’ compliance structures to ensure there is a system of control and supervision in accordance with securities rules and regulations. The system should include internal procedures to detect non-compliance and contain remedies to resolve these issues. By implementing online technologies to assist and make compliance more efficient. Here’s what…
How should I manage my shareholders?
Just raised money via crowdfunding? Have you raised money traditionally several times and have lots of shareholders to manage? So, what is the best way to manage all your shareholders? Managing one’s shareholders via equity crowdfunding is something that gets raised a lot. It is a hot topic because now companies are finding they have…
All Hands On Deck
All too often, the responsibility of a company raising capital is left in the hands of a few people…and that weighs on them, affecting everyone. The majority of the team is left out of the process, carrying on day to day operations without input into where the company is going, and how it’ll get there….
Three Compliance Commandments to Obey
Advisors have a duty to act fairly, honestly and in good faith with clients. To meet these obligations, they must know their clients, understand the products they sell them and ensure investments are suitable. KNOW YOUR CLIENT (KYC) Having clients complete a basic KYC form isn’t enough. You also need to make detailed notes about…
Entrepreneurs Get Naked for Money
I think you should get naked. There’s a reason why people have nightmares about being naked in front of a crowd, and it’s because they hate the idea of being that vulnerable. As an entrepreneur, it can be even more daunting. Your success or failure depends on what that crowd decides, and you’ve likely been…
Becoming an EMD
So, you’re thinking of setting up your own Exempt Market Dealer “EMD”. Starting your own firm, along with the additional compliance responsibilities, can be daunting, but being your own boss can be rewarding. Since NI 31-103 was enacted in 2009, regulators have imposed more obligations on EMD registrants: audit, insurance, proficiency, and now Chief Compliance Officer experience…
Equity vs. Debt Crowdfunding
There is a lot of media focus on crowdfunding, but sometimes the types of crowdfunding are not properly distinguished. You hear a lot about the Kickstarter’s and Indiegogo’s of the world and people are confusing these with actual investments in companies. To understand debt (lending) vs. equity based crowdfunding you must first know the four…
Role for Corporate Secretaries in Companies with Equity Crowdfunding?
The Corporate Secretary’s role to date has only been utilized, appreciated and well understood by listed companies and larger private company enterprises. Rules mandate their extensive role in corporate governance. Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups however, have not seen the importance of this role in their business and have very little understanding on…
What will happen to blockchain in 2017?
Banks are beginning to recognise the potential of blockchain. Oscar Jofre looks at what this could mean for financial services in 2017. Blockchain is transformative. It has this massive potential to alter the economic framework, bringing it in line with the age of the internet. What’s been holding it back thus far has been the…
Size Matters: How to Manage Shareholders Under Title III
Most companies go out to raise capital knowing exactly what they’ll do with the money once they have it. They’ve got an itemized plan broken down by category, and by months and years, but they forget about the source of that cash: Their new shareholders. If your company is thinking of raising capital, your shareholder…
Perspective: Alternative Finance in Asia
I’ve been in Shanghai and Hong Kong quite often over the last few months, speaking at events and meeting with partners. As a Canadian, what struck me most is scale. There is outstanding potential here, and that in itself isn’t at all surprising; but for alternative finance, the Asia-Pacific region has progressed at breakneck speed….
Fintech and Equity Crowdfunding in Germany
FinTech is about to get an upgrade. In 2016, get ready to see GermTech – the entry and infectious spread of high potential German technological financing companies. With investments nearly quadrupling since 2013, seed funding expected to grow well into 2016, and a well-defined main hub (Berlin, Rhein-Main-Neckar region, and Munich), Germany is poised to become a…
The Double-D (as in Due Diligence)
Get your mind out of the gutter! Now, when you first saw the title, you asked yourself what business has to do with anything relating to double-Ds – of any kind. We’re talking about Due Diligence. Sexy, isn’t it? Due diligence is a topic that gets a lot of people talking and writing, but they…
Fintech: The New World Order
Like most of you today, I spend a lot of time reading about fintech. You can get massive amounts of news reports and companies talking about fintech, saying that they’re part of it. But what does “fintech” really mean? Fintech is not new, but it has been given a facelift. Most would say that financial technology…
The U.K.’s Mature Financial Disruption: What the Rest of Us Can Learn
I’ve spent a lot of time in the UK lately, and it’s been on my mind even more. I was just there for the AltFi Europe Summit, and for the launch of The World’s First Fintech Book (I happen to be one of the authors), and while I learned plenty, what stick with me now wasn’t…
Trance Music and Equity Crowdfunding
You might not guess it looking at me, but I <a href=”https://www.equities.com/news/electronic-dance-music-las-vegas-and-its-unlikely-savior” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow”>love trance music</a>. I have been a big fan of trance all of my life, and it makes sense for me. It’s something that I just <em>get</em>. As I write this article I am listing to the state of trance sounds…
The R.A.B.B.I.T. Race: The Importance of The Crowd, and the R.A.B.B.I.T Report
The tortoise may sometimes beat the rabbit, but in technology, it’s rarely much of a race. CB Insights CEO Anand Sanwal said <a href=”https://www.businessinsider.com/vc-analyst-claims-2016-will-be-the-year-of-the-rabbits-2016-1?r=UK&IR=T” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>just this</a>: that rabbits – real actual business building interesting tech – were needed for the 21st century. This means grounding a company’s’ operations. It implies avoiding the…
World Domination: The New Fintech
Banking, finance, and insurance have been largely constant and unchanging for decades. It’s been the very definition of an “old boys’ club”, static, institution, monopolistic, and powerful. Competition hasn’t come from within, at least not to the same extent that it once did, with monster banks working hard to simply take chunks out of each other. Fintech is…
Holy Grail of Regulated Crowdfunding
Travelling around the world gives you great perspective on many things. From the people, culture, food, and market, to how everyone has their own way of getting things done. I spent the tail end of 2015 in airports and on airplanes travelling around the world to speak at conferences, and it has fundamentally changed my…
One more standard post with images
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
Fullwidth post
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt…
Post with several images inside
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
Image post format
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
Post with embed audio file
Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficitur massa, nec congue sem dapibus sed. Sed eget justo at erat suscipit tristique sit. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut,…
Read Article →Post with multiple images inside
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
POST WITH VIDEO ELIT LIBERO, AUCTOR QUIS QUAM, LUCTUS
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
Read Article →Another standard post with images
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
STANDART POST WITHOUT IMAGE LIBERO, AUCTOR QUIS QUAM, LUCTUS
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
POST WITH GALLERY ELIT LIBERO, AUCTOR QUIS QUAM, LUCTUS
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
Read Article →POST WITH QUOTE LIBERO, AUCTOR QUIS QUAM, LUCTUS
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. Mauris posuere diam at enim malesuada, ac malesuada erat auctor. Ut porta mattis tellus eu sagittis. Nunc maximus ipsum…
Read Article →STANDART POST ELIT LIBERO, AUCTOR QUIS QUAM, LUCTUS
Suspendisse id pharetra lacus, et hendrerit mi. Praesent at vestibulum tortor. Praesent condimentum efficiturus sed. Vestibulum ac tincidunt enim. Curabitur justo lectus, ultricies sit amet risus eu. Curabitur nunc erat, consequat in erat ut, congue bibendum nulla. OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS INTERESTING OFFERS: Shopping history Hot offers according your settings Multi-product search Opportunity to…
Its great to be Canadian eh !!
It’s an exciting time to be in Canada. On March 20, 2014, the Canadian regulators proposed 4 ways that companies can raise capital in Canada via equity crowdfunding, and more importantly 4 ways investors can invest. This is a great start!!! There is no longer going to be the issue of a investment gap in…
Equity Crowdfunding Eco-System
Like any new business sector you need to look at the entire eco-system to understand how it works. Back in 2003 I had the pleasure of been given a great education from one of the leading VC firms about eco-systems. During the meeting the VC expressed an interest in our opportunity but provided us a…