Category: Capital Markets

Online Capital Formation for Private Companies

Posted on by Andressa

In the fast-paced private company landscape, understanding Online Capital Formation dynamics is not just a strategic advantage – it’s imperative. As we commemorate the twelfth anniversary of the JOBS Act in 2024, it’s evident that evolving capital-raising regulations have paved the way for a transformative approach to business financing. In this ever-changing scenario, everyone in the private market needs to grasp the significance of Online Capital Formation to unlock myriad opportunities for their ventures.

Table of Contents

  1. Making Capital Formation Accessible for Private Enterprises
  2. The Complexity of RegCF and RegA+
  3. Beyond Conventional Crowdfunding
  4. Seizing the Future with Online Capital Formation
  5. Final Insights

 

Making Capital Formation Accessible for Private Enterprises

At its core, the democratization of capital is a driving force behind Online Capital Formation. Gone are the days when crowdfunding merely conjured images of Kickstarter campaigns. Today, it has evolved into a sophisticated financial tool, especially with the maturation of Regulation CF (RegCF) and Regulation A+ (RegA+) over the past decade.

RegCF and RegA+ are two sets of rules established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to govern equity crowdfunding. They were both introduced as part of the JOBS Act (Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act) and their primary goal is to make it easier for businesses and startups (from small to enterprises) to raise capital by offering and selling securities online.

The concept of digital securities involves representing traditional financial instruments (such as stocks or bonds) in digital form using blockchain technology. Digital securities enable more efficient and transparent transactions, and they can be traded on digital securities exchanges.

The Complexity of RegCF and RegA+

RegCF and RegA+ transcend the traditional crowdfunding model, where entrepreneurs pitch ideas for product launches. Instead, they empower companies to transform investors into shareholders. The focus has shifted from merely selling stories to selling stock – a nuanced shift that goes beyond the conventional understanding of crowdfunding.

In order to fit in each of these regulations, companies must pass the eligibility criteria for each of them and provide certain disclosures to investors, including information about their business, financial condition, and the terms of the offering. The level of disclosure required is less extensive compared to traditional IPOs, but it aims to provide investors with enough information to make informed investment decisions.

Beyond Conventional Crowdfunding

These regulations are more than regulatory frameworks; they’re a paradigm shift that offers private companies a more expansive and flexible avenue for raising capital. They allow them to raise capital from both accredited and non-accredited investors, which includes their own clients and employees. RegCF allows them to raise up to 5 million dollars while with RegA+, it’s possible to raise up to 75 million dollars.

Equity Crowdfunding is an alternative pathway to access capital markets, offering a more cost-effective and less burdensome option than a full IPO. It has helped more people invest in early-stage funding, making investment opportunities available to a wider range of investors. With these regulations, you can leverage the internet and technology to connect with more investors and grow the business.

Seizing the Future with Online Capital Formation

While the term “crowdfunding” remains rooted in popular imagination, it falls short of encapsulating the depth and complexity of RegCF and RegA+. We must recognize these exemptions have matured into a robust mechanism that demands a more nuanced understanding. They must carefully navigate the regulatory requirements and considerations as this is monitored by the SEC aiming to ensure investor protection and maintain market integrity.

To shed light on this evolution, we have collaborated with industry experts, including Sara Hanks, CEO/Founder of CrowdCheck, and Douglas Ruark, President of Regulation D Resources, now known as Red Rock Securities Law. Together, we aim to redefine the landscape by emphasizing what we believe heralds a new era in crowdfunding: Online Capital Formation. 

Additionally, success in equity crowdfunding often depends on effective marketing, transparent communication, and a compelling value proposition for investors.  From accessing diverse investors to increasing brand visibility, this overview highlights seven key benefits. Take a look at the chart.

# Top 7 Benefits of Democratizing Capital Formation
1 Access to Diverse Investors
2 Engagement of Customers
3 Increased Brand Visibility
4 Flexibility in Fundraising
5 Gathering Early Feedback
6 Cost-Effectiveness
7 Potential for Liquidity

A Closer Look at the Top 7 Benefits of Democratizing Capital Formation

Final insights

As private company owners and managers, the onus is on you to comprehend the evolving dynamics of Online Capital Formation. It’s not merely a trend. Embrace the opportunities, stay informed, and position your venture at the forefront of this new era in crowdfunding. The journey begins with understanding. If you’re looking to raise capital and want to know more about your company’s suitability and which steps to take first, book a call with one of our specialists.

Subsidiaries using RegCF

Posted on by Sara Hanks

Subsidiaries using RegCF: introduction

This came up no less than three times last week, so I figured it was worth a blog post.

Subsidiaries can raise funds under Reg CF, even if they are subsidiaries of companies who cannot use Reg CF themselves, because they have a class of securities registered with the SEC, or they are not US companies. To determine eligibility, you look at the status of the potential issuer. Is it a US company? Have you confirmed it’s not an investment company? If it’s raised funds under Reg CF before, is it in compliance with ongoing reporting requirements?

We need to add another element to this determination: is the US sub genuinely the issuer under Reg CF, or is there a “co-issuer” in the picture? And if there is, is the co-issuer prevented from using Reg CF because it’s an SEC-registered or foreign company?

There’s no useful definition of “co-issuer” under securities law (and if you go looking for one, what you will find will only confuse you) but when faced with the issue, we often ask clients to take a step back and ask themselves: “Whose performance is the investor relying on when they make their investment?” If the funds raised are going to be used at the subsidiary level, and the subsidiary is a genuine operating company, with employees, and a business plan, then everything may be ok, even if some portion of the funds end up at the parent level; for instance, payments for contracted support functions, or as license payments. But if the US sub is being effectively used as a finance sub, has no employees, and the funds are sent upstream to the parent, then you probably have a co-issuer, who is subject to the same eligibility, financial statement, and disclosure requirements as its sub.

It’s always going to be a matter of judgement, and as the SEC loves to remind us, dependent on facts and circumstances. It is worth going through the above analysis with your counsel to determine if the subsidiary is eligible to raise funds under Reg CF.

 

 

* Subsidiaries using RegCF was originally published on Crowdcheck.

Communications and publicity by issuers prior to and during a Regulation CF (RegCF) Offering

Posted on by Sara Hanks

The idea behind crowdfunding is that the crowd — family, friends, and fans of a small or startup company, even if they are not rich or experienced investors — can invest in that company’s securities. For a traditionally risk-averse area of law, that’s a pretty revolutionary concept.  

In order to make this leap, Congress wanted to ensure that all potential investors had access to the same information. The solution that Congress came up in the JOBS Act with was that there had to be one centralized place that an investor could access that information — the website of the funding portal or broker-dealer that hosts the crowdfunding offering (going forward we will refer to both of these as “platforms”). 

This means (with some very limited exceptions that we’ll describe below) most communications about the offering can ONLY be found on the platform. On the platform, the company can use any form of communication it likes, and can give as much information as it likes (so long as it’s not misleading). Remember that the platforms are required to have a communication channel — basically a chat or Q&A function — a place where you can discuss the offering with investors and potential investors (though you must identify yourself). That gives you the ability to control much of your message. 

So with that background in mind, we wanted to go through what you can and cannot do regarding communications prior to and during the offering. Unfortunately, there are a lot of limitations. Securities law is a highly regulated area and this is not like doing a Kickstarter campaign. Also, bear in mind this is a changing regulatory environment. We put together this guide based on existing law, the SEC’s interpretations that it put out on May 13, and numerous conversations with the SEC Staff. As the industry develops, the Staff’s positions may evolve. 

We do understand that the restrictions are in many cases counter-intuitive and don’t reflect the way people communicate these days. The problems derive from the wording of the statute as passed by Congress. The JOBS Act crowdfunding provisions are pretty stringent with respect to publicity; the SEC has “interpreted” those provisions as much as possible to give startups and small businesses more flexibility. 

What you can say before you launch your offering 

US securities laws regulate both “offers” and sales of securities; whenever you make an offer or sale of securities, that offer or sale must comply with the SEC’s rules. The SEC interprets the term “offer” very broadly and it can include activity that “conditions the market” for the offering. “Conditioning the market” is any activity that raises public interest in your company, and could include suddenly heightened levels of advertising, although regular product and service information or advertising is ok (see discussion below). 

Under new rules which went into effect on March 15, 2021, companies considering making a crowdfunding offering may “test the waters” (TTW) in order to decide whether to commit to the time and 2 expense of making an offering.1 Prior to filing the Form C with the SEC, you may make oral or written communications to find out whether investors might be interested in investing in your offering. The way in which you make these communications (eg, email, Insta, posting on a crowdfunding portal site) and the content of those communications are not limited, but the communications must state that: 

  • No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted; 
  • No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is filed and only though the platform of an intermediary (funding portal or broker-dealer); and 
  • A person’s indication of interest includes no obligation or commitment of any kind.2 

You can collect indications of interest from potential investors including name, address, phone number and/or email address. The rule does not address getting any further information, such as the manner of any potential payment. If you do make TTW communications, you must file any written communication or broadcast script as an exhibit to your Form C. And TTW communications are subject to the regular provisions of securities law that impose liability for misleading statements. 

Before the point at which you file your Form C with the SEC, the TTW process is the only way you can make any offers of securities, either publicly or privately. This would apply to meetings with potential investors, giving out any information on forums which offer “sneak peeks” or “first looks” at your offering, and public announcements about the offering. Discussions at a conference or a demo day about your intentions to do a crowdfunding offering must comply with the TTW rules and you should read out the information in the bullets above. Any non-compliant communication made prior to filing the Form C may be construed as an unregistered offer of securities made in violation of Section 5 of the Securities Act — a “Bad Act” that will prevent you from being able to use Regulation CF, Rule 506, or Regulation A in the future. 

Normal advertising of your product or service is permitted as the SEC knows you have a business to run. However, if just before the offering all of a sudden you produce five times the amount of advertising that you had previously done, the SEC might wonder whether you were doing this to stir up interest in investing in your company. If you plan to change your marketing around the time of your offering (or if you are launching your company at the same time as your RegCF offering, which often happens), it would be prudent to discuss this with your counsel so that you can confirm that your advertising is consistent with the SEC’s rules. 

Genuine conversations with friends or family about what you are planning to do and getting their help and input on your offering and how to structure it, are ok, even if those people invest later. You can’t be pitching to them as investors, though, except in compliance with the TTW rules. 

What you can say after you launch 

After you launch your offering by filing your Form C with the SEC, communications outside the platform fall into two categories: 

  • Communications that don’t mention the “terms of the offering”; and 1 We are talking here about Crowdfunding Regulation Rule 206. There is another new rule that permits testing the waters before deciding which type of exempt offering (eg, Regulation CF or Regulation A) to make, which does not preempt state regulation; using that rule may be complicated and require extensive legal advice. 2 We advise including the entirety of this wording as a legend or disclaimer in the communication in question. The convention in Regulation A is that “it it fits, the legend must be included” and if the legend doesn’t fit (eg, Twitter) the communication must include an active hyperlink to it. 3 
  • Communications that just contain “tombstone” information. 

Communications that don’t mention the terms of the offering 

We are calling these “non-terms” communications in this memo, although you can also think of them as “soft” communications. “Terms” in this context are the following: 

  • The amount of securities offered; 
  • The nature of the securities (i.e., whether they are debt or equity, common or preferred, etc.); 
  • The price of the securities; 
  • The closing date of the offering period; 
  • The use of proceeds; and 
  • The issuer’s progress towards meeting its funding target. 

There are two types of communication that fall into the non-terms category. 

First, regular communications and advertising. You can still continue to run your business as normal and there is nothing wrong with creating press releases, advertisements, newsletters and other publicity to help grow your business. If those communications don’t mention any of the terms of the offering, they are permitted. Once you’ve filed your Form C, you don’t need to worry about “conditioning the market.” You can ramp up your advertising and communications program as much as you like so long as they are genuine business advertising (e.g., typical business advertising would not mention financial performance). 

Second, and more interestingly, offering-related communications that don’t mention the terms of the offering. You can talk about the offering as long as you don’t mention the TERMS of the offering. Yes, we realize that sounds weird but it’s the way the statute (the JOBS Act) was drafted. Rather than restricting the discussion of the “offering,” which is what traditional securities lawyers would have expected, the statute restricts discussion of “terms,” and the SEC defined “terms” to mean only those six things discussed above. This means you can make any kind of communication or advertising in which you say you are doing an offering (although not WHAT you are offering; that would be a “term”) and include all sort of soft information about the company’s mission statement and how the CEO’s grandma’s work ethic inspired her drive and ambition. 

You can link to the platform’s website from such communications. But be careful about linking to any other site that contains the terms of the offering. A link (in the mind of the SEC) is an indirect communication of the terms. So linking to something that contains terms could mean that a non-terms communication becomes a tombstone communication (see below) that doesn’t comply with the tombstone rules. This applies to third-party created content as well. If a third-party journalist has written an article about how great your company is and includes terms of the offering, linking to that article is an implicit endorsement of the article and could become a statement of the company that doesn’t comply with the Tombstone rules. 

Whether you are identifying a “term” of the offering can be pretty subtle. While “We are making an offering so that all our fans can be co-owners,” might indirectly include a term because it’s hinting that you are offering equity, it’s probably ok. Try to avoid hints as to what you are offering, and just drive investors to the intermediary’s site to find out more. 

Even though non-terms communications can effectively include any information (other than terms) that you like, bear in mind that they are subject, like all communications, to the securities antifraud rules. So even though you are technically permitted to say that you anticipate launching your “Uber for Ferrets” in 4 November in a non-terms communication, if you don’t have a reasonable basis for saying that, you are in trouble for making a misleading statement. 

Tombstone communications 

A tombstone is what it sounds like — just the facts — and a very limited set of facts at that. Think of these communications as “hard” factual information. 

The specific rules under Regulation CF (RegCF) allow for “notices” limited to the following, which can be written or oral: 

  • A statement that the issuer is conducting an offering pursuant to Section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act; 
  • The name of the intermediary through which the offering is being conducted and (in written communications) a link directing the potential investor to the intermediary’s platform; 
  • The terms of the offering (the amount of securities offered, the nature of the securities, the price of the securities, the closing date of the offering period, the intended use of proceeds, and progress made so far); and 
  • Factual information about the legal identity and business location of the issuer, limited to the name of the issuer of the security, the address, phone number, and website of the issuer, the e-mail address of a representative of the issuer and a brief description of the business of the issuer. 

These are the outer limits of what you can say. You don’t have to include all or any of the terms. You could just say “Company X has an equity crowdfunding campaign on SuperPortal — Go to www.SuperPortal.com/CompanyX to find out more.” The platform’s address is compulsory.

“Brief description of the business of the issuer” does mean brief. The rule that applies when companies are doing Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), which is the only guidance we have in this area, lets those companies describe their general business, principal products or services, and the industry segment (e.g.,for manufacturing companies, the general type of manufacturing, the principal products or classes of products and the segments in which the company conducts business). The brief description does not allow for inclusion of details about how the product works or the overall addressable market for it, and certainly not any customer endorsements. 

“Limited time and availability”-type statements may be acceptable as part of the “terms of the offering.” For example, the company might state that the offering is “only” open until the termination date, or explain that the amount of securities available is limited to the oversubscription amount. 

A few “context” or filler words might be acceptable in a tombstone notice, depending on that context. For example, the company might state that it is “pleased” to be making an offering under the newly- adopted Regulation Crowdfunding, or even refer to the fact that this is a “historic” event. Such additional wording will generally be a matter of judgement. “Check out our offering on [link]” or “Check out progress of our offering on [link]” are OK. “Our offering is making great progress on [link]” is not. Words that imply growth, success or progress (whether referring to the company or the offering) are always problematic. If you want to use a lot of additional context information, that information can be put in a “non-terms” communication that goes out at the same time and through the same means as a tombstone communication. 

The only links that can be included on a tombstone communication are links to the platform. No links to 5 reviews of the offering on Kingscrowd. No links to any press stories on Crowdfund Insider or CrowdFundBeat. No links to the company’s website. The implicit endorsement principle applies here just as with non-terms communications, meaning that anything you link to becomes a communication by the company. 

An important point with respect to tombstone notices is that while content is severely limited, medium is not. Thus, notices containing tombstone information can be posted on social media, published in newspapers, broadcast on TV, slotted into Google Ads, etc. Craft breweries might wish to publish notices on their beer coasters, and donut shops might wish to have specially printed napkins. 

What constitutes a “notice” 

It is important to note that (until we hear otherwise from the SEC) the “notice” is supposed to be a standalone communication. It can’t be attached to or embedded in other communications. That means you cannot include it on your website (as all the information on your website will probably be deemed to be part of the “notice” and it will likely fail the tombstone rule) and you cannot include it in announcements about new products — again, it will fail the tombstone rule. 

We have listed some examples of permissible communications in Exhibit A. 

Websites 

It’s a bad idea to include ANY information about the terms of the offering on your website. However, some issuers have found a clever solution: you can create a landing page that sits in front of your regular website. The landing page can include the tombstone information and two options: either investors can continue to your company’s regular webpage OR they can go to the platform to find out more about the offering on the platform. We have attached sample text for landing pages on Exhibit A. 

“Invest now” buttons 

Under the SEC’s current interpretations as we understand them, having an “invest now” button on your website with a link to the platform hosting your offering is fine although you should not mention any terms of the offering on your website unless your ENTIRE website complies with the tombstone rule. Most of them don’t. 

Social Media 

As we mention above, the medium of communication is not limited at all, even for tombstone communications. Companies can use social media to draw attention to their offerings as soon as they have filed their Form C with the SEC. Social media are subject to the same restrictions as any other communications: either don’t mention the offering terms at all or limit content to the tombstone information. 

Emails 

“Blast” emails that go out to everyone on your mailing list are subject to the same rules as social media: either don’t mention the offering terms at all or limit content to the tombstone information. Personalized emails to people you know will probably not be deemed to be advertising the terms of the offering, so you can send them, but be careful you don’t give your friends any more information than is on the platform — remember the rule about giving everyone access to the same information. 

Images 

Images are permitted in tombstone communications. However, these images also have to fit within the “tombstone” parameters. So brevity is required. Publishing a few pictures that show what the company does and how it does it is fine. An online coffee table book with hundreds of moodily-lit photos, not so much. Also, a picture tells a thousand words and those words better not be misleading. So use images only of real products actually currently produced by the company (or in planning, so long as you clearly indicate that), actual employees hard at work, genuine workspace, etc. No cash registers, or images of dollar bills or graphics showing (or implying) increase in revenues or stock price. And don’t use images you don’t have the right to use! (Also, we never thought we’d need to say this, but don’t use the SEC’s logo anywhere on your notice, or anywhere else.) 

While the “brevity” requirement doesn’t apply to non-terms communications, the rules about images not being misleading do. 

Videos 

Videos are permitted. You could have the CEO saying the tombstone information, together with video images of the company’s operations, but as with images in general, the video must comport with the tombstone rules. So “Gone with the Wind” length opuses will not work under the tombstone rule, although they are fine with non-terms communications. 

Updates and communications to alert investors that important information is available on the platform 

Updates can and should be found on the crowdfunding platform. You can use communications that don’t mention the terms of the offering, to drive readers to the platform’s site to learn about updates and things like webinars hosted on the platform. They may include links to the platform. 

Press releases 

Yes, they are permitted, but they can’t contain very much. Press releases are also laden with potential pitfalls, as we discuss below. Press releases that mention the offering terms are limited to the same “tombstone” content restrictions that apply to all notices. Companies may say that they are pleased (or even thrilled) to announce that they are making a crowdfunding offering but the usual quotes from company officers can’t be included (unless those quotes are along the lines of “ I am thrilled that Company will be making a crowdfunding offering,” or “Company is a software-as-a-service provider with offices in six states”). The “about the company” section in press releases is subject to the same restrictions and if the press release is put together by a PR outfit, watch out for any non-permitted language in the “about the PR outfit” section of the press release (nothing like “Publicity Hound Agency is happy to help companies seeking crowdfunding from everyday investors who now have the opportunity to invest in the next Facebook”). 

You could also issue non-terms press releases that state you are doing an offering (and you can identify or link to the platform) but don’t include terms and still include all the soft info, including quotes, mission statements and deep backgrounds. It’s likely, though, that journalists would call asking “So what are you offering, then?” and if you answer, you are going to make your non-terms communication into communication that fails the tombstone rule. 

Press interviews and articles 

Interviews with the media can be thorny because participation with a journalist makes the resulting 7 article a communication of the company. In fact, the SEC Staff have stated that they don’t see how interviews can easily be conducted, because even if the company personnel stick to the tombstone information (which would make for a pretty weird interview), the journalist could add non-tombstone information later, which would result in the article being a notice that didn’t comply with the tombstone rule. 

The same thing could happen with interviews where the company tries to keep the interview on a nonterms basis. The company personnel could refrain from mentioning any terms (again, it’s going to be pretty odd saying, “Yes, we are making an offering of securities but I can’t say what we are offering”), but the first thing the journalist is going to do is get the detailed terms from the company’s campaign page on the platform’s site, and again the result is that the article becomes a non-complying notice. 

These rules apply to all articles that the company “participates in.” This means that if you (or your publicists) tell the press, “Hey, take a look at the Company X crowdfunding campaign” any resulting article is probably going to result in a violation of the rules. By you. 

Links to press articles are subject to all the same rules discussed in this memo. If you link to an article, you are adopting and incorporating all the information in that article. If the article mentions the terms of the offering then you can’t link to it from a non-terms communication (such as your website) and if it includes soft non-terms information, then you can’t link to it from a tombstone communication. And if it includes misleading statements, you are now making those statements. 

Remember that prior to the launch of the offering you should not be talking about your campaign with the press (or publicly with anyone else). If you are asked about whether you are doing a campaign priorto launch you should respond with either a “no comment” or “you know companies aren’t allowed to discuss these matters.” No winking (either real or emoji-style.) 

Press articles that the company did not participate in 

In general, if you (or your publicists) didn’t participate in or suggest to a journalist that he or she write an article, it’s not your problem. You aren’t required to monitor the media or correct mistakes. However, if you were to circulate an article (or place it or a link to it on your website), then that would be subject to the rules we discuss in this memo. You can’t do indirectly what you can’t do directly. 

Also, if you add (or link to) press coverage to your campaign page on the platform’s site, you are now adopting that content, so it had better not be misleading. 

Demo Days 

Demo days and industry conferences are subject to many of the same constraints that apply to press interviews. In theory, you could limit your remarks to a statement that you are raising funds through crowdfunding, but in reality people are going to ask what you are selling. You could say “I can’t talk about that; go to SuperPortal.com,” but that would lead to more follow-up questions. And following the tombstone rules means you can’t say too much about your product, which rather undermines the whole purpose of a demo day. 

Demo days might be easier to manage when you are still in the testing-the-waters phase. 

“Ask Me Anythings” 

The only place you can do an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) that references the terms of the offering is on the 8 platform where your offering is hosted. You can’t do AMAs on Reddit. Unless you limit the AMA to nonterms communications or tombstone information. In which case, people aren’t going to be able to ask you “anything.” 

Product and service advertising 

As we mentioned above, once you’ve filed your Form C, ordinary advertising or other communications (such as putting out an informational newsletter) can continue and can even be ramped up. Most advertising by its nature would constitute non-terms communication, so it couldn’t include references to the terms of the offering. So don’t include information about your offering in your supermarket mailer coupons. 

What about side by side communications? 

You are doubtless wondering whether you could do a non-terms Tweet and follow it immediately with a tombstone Tweet. It appears, at least for the moment, that this works. There is the possibility that if you tried to put a non-terms advertisement right next to a tombstone advertisement in print media or online, the SEC might view them collectively as one single (non-complying) “notice”. It is unclear how much time or space would need to separate communications to avoid this problem, or even whether it is a problem. 

“Can I still talk to my friends?”

Yes, you can still talk to your friends face to face at the pub (we are talking real friends, not Facebook friends, here) and even tell them that you are doing a crowdfunding offering, even before you file with the SEC. You aren’t limited to the tombstone information (man, would that be a weird conversation). After you’ve launched the offering, you can ask your friends to help spread the word (that’s the point of social media) but please do not pay them, even in beer or donuts, because that would make them paid “stock touts.” Don’t ask them to make favorable comments on the platform’s chat board either, unless they say on the chat board that they are doing so because you asked them to. If they are journalists, don’t ask them to write a favorable piece about your offering. 

“What if people email me personally with questions?” 

Best practice would be to respond “That’s a great question, Freddie. I’ve answered it here on the SuperPortal chat site [link]”. Remember the Congressional intent of having all investors have access tothe same information. 

Links 

As we’ve seen from the discussion above, you can’t link from a communication that does comply with the rule you are trying to comply with to something that doesn’t. So for example, you can’t link from a Tweet that doesn’t mention the offering terms to something that does and you can’t link from a tombstone communication to anything other than the platform’s website. 

Emoji 

Emoji are subject to antifraud provisions in exactly the same way as text or images are. The current limited range of emoji and their inability to do nuance means that the chance of emoji being misleading is heightened. Seriously people, you need to use your words. 

 

After the offering 

These limitations only last until the offering is closed. Once that happens you are free to speak freely again, so long as you don’t make any misleading statements. 

And what about platforms? 

The rules for publicity by platforms are different, and also depend on whether the platform is a broker or a portal. We have published a separate memo for them. CrowdCheck is not a law firm, the foregoing is not legal advice, and even more than usual, it is subject to change as regulatory positions evolve and the SEC Staff provide guidance in newly-adopted rules. Please contact your lawyer with respect to any of the matters discussed here. 

 

Exhibit A Sample Tombstones: 

  • Company X, Inc. 

[Company Logo] 

 

Company X is a large widget company based in Anywhere, U.S.A. and incorporated on July 4, 1776. We make widgets and they come in red, white, and blue. Our widgets are designed to spread patriotic cheer. 

 

We are selling common shares in our company at $17.76 a share. The minimum amount is $13,000 and the maximum amount is $50,000. The offering will remain open until July 4, 2021. 

 

This offering is being made pursuant to Section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act. 

For additional information please visit: https://www.SuperPortal.com/companyx or Invest Button URL Link direct

  • Freddy’s Ferret Food Company is making a Regulation CF Offering of Preferred Shares on FundCrowdFund.com. Freddy’s Ferret Food Company was incorporated in Delaware in 2006 and has its principal office in Los Angeles, California. Freddy’s Ferret Food Company makes ferret food out of its four manufacturing plants located in Trenton, New Jersey. Freddy’s Ferret Food is offering up to 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock at $2 a share and the offering will remain open until February 2, 2021. For more information on the offering please go to www.fundcrowdfund.com/freddysferretfoodcompany. 

 

Sample “non-terms” communications 

  • We are doing a crowdfunding offering! We planning to Make America Great Again by selling a million extra large red hats and extra small red gloves with logos on them, and to bring jobs back to Big Bug Creek, Arizona. The more stuff we make, the greater our profits will be. We think we are poised for significant growth. Already we’ve received orders from 100,000 people in Cleveland. Invest in us TODAY, while you still can and Make Capitalism Great Again! [LINK TO PLATFORM]. 
  • Feel the “Burn”! We are making a crowdfunding offering on SuperPortal.com to raise funds to expand our hot sauce factory. Be a part of history. Small investors have been screwed for years.This is your chance to Stick it to the Man and buy securities in a business that has grown consistently for the last five years. 

 

Sample Communications on Social Media:
Note all these communications will have a link to the platform. 

 

  • Company Y has launched its crowdfunding campaign; click here to find out more. 

 

  • Interested in investing in Company Y? Click here. 

 

Sample Landing Page: 

Thanks to Regulation CF, now everyone can own shares in our company. 

 

[Button] Invest in our Company 

[Button] Continue to our Website

 

CrowdCheck is not a law firm, the foregoing is not legal advice, and even more than usual, it is subject to change as regulatory positions evolve and the SEC Staff provide guidance in newly-adopted rules. Please contact your lawyer with respect to any of the matters discussed here.

Private Capital Market Regulations – 10 RegA+ Issuers Penalized for SEC Violation: What Can We Learn?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The Importance of Compliance in Private Capital Market Regulations

We’ve discussed compliance at length and how it’s essential for building trust within the private capital markets. But what happens when you’re not compliant?

The SEC will eventually find out and impose penalties to issuers that fail to meet securities regulations, as ten Regulation A+ (RegA+) issuers recently learned.

These recent violations can serve as a cautionary tale to issuers about the importance of adhering to Private Capital Market Regulations.

Regulation A+ and the SEC’s Oversight

Companies selling securities to raise capital generally have to register with the SEC and comply with other rules that can be expensive and onerous for smaller companies, so RegA+ allows exemptions from registration, provided certain other conditions are met. In its press release, the SEC announced that 10 RegA+ issuers failed to comply with these conditions, highlighting the challenges within Private Capital Market Regulations. The SEC reported that each issuer was previously qualified to sell securities under RegA+, but subsequently made significant changes to the offering so that it no longer met exemption requirements. These changes included “improperly increasing the number of shares offered, improperly increasing or decreasing the price of shares offered, failing to file updated financial statements at least annually for ongoing offerings, engaging in prohibited at the market offerings, or engaging in prohibited delayed offerings.”

Private Capital Market Regulations: Protecting Investors and Market Integrity

These regulations are not just arbitrary demands by the SEC; they exist to protect investors and the integrity of the system as a whole. For example, changing the offering price without getting those changes cleared by the SEC is a concern because it could be a vector for fraud or money laundering; issuing securities for a different price conceals the actual amount of money changing hands. Similarly, making unsanctioned changes to offering terms can erode investor confidence. Ideally, each investor conducted their own due diligence before investing – they felt comfortable with the terms listed in offering documents qualified by the SEC. Changing these terms without notifying investors and having changes approved by the SEC just isn’t fair play, and underscores the critical role of Private Capital Market Regulations.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

The ten issuers cited by the SEC violated these principles, and got caught. Each company agreed to stop violating the Securities Act, and to pay civil penalties that ranged from $5,000 to $90,000. In the press release, Daniel R. Gregus, Director of the SEC’s Chicago Regional Office was quoted saying: “Companies that choose to benefit from Regulation A as a cost-effective way to raise capital must meet its requirements,” reinforcing the significance of compliance with Private Capital Market Regulations.

These penalties serve as a reminder that issuers must be careful when making changes to their offering after qualification. Working with an experienced team can help to mitigate some of this risk, but ultimately, it is the issuer’s responsibility to meet all securities regulations, including those pertaining to Private Capital Market Regulations. And as with most things, 90% of the job is preparation.

How not to fall into the wrong with the regulators checklist

  • Always check with your securities lawyer and FINRA Broker-Dealer who did your RegA+ filing before making any public statements, news releases, or announcements related to investment in your company, as these might be construed as offerings subject to SEC rules and Private Capital Market Regulations;
  • Track all your activities date, time, where distributed
  • Be thoroughly familiar with your company, its business, and how it is structured.
  • Have a clear idea of your company’s funding needs, how much capital you need to raise, what kind of equity or control you are prepared to give up in return
  • Seek advice from qualified experts: securities lawyers, broker-dealers, accountants; being familiar with your own company will help you answer their questions and get better advice.
  • Choose the right capital-raising route for your needs, whether it be a bank loan, remortgaging your house, or using one of the JOBS Act exemptions.
  • READ THE REGULATIONS! Seriously, read the regulations, and any explanatory notes from the SEC on how they apply and what you need to do to comply.
  • Make notes about the parts you’re not sure about, and ask your experts how they apply to you.

It may turn out that the exemption you initially chose isn’t the right one for your needs, so be prepared to go back and change your plans. It’s much easier to change plans before they’re implemented than it is to have to fix something that’s gone wrong with the implementation.

Once you’re satisfied with the regulation you’ve chosen, make a list of all the things you’ll need to do to carry out a compliant and successful raise. You might do this yourself, or with the assistance of your experts, but in any event you should have your experts review it to see if you’ve got anything wrong or left anything out. Execute the plan. You may need to delegate some of the items on the list to others, but ensure that there is always someone accountable to sign off on the completion of every requirement. Maintain a paper trail of who did what and when, not so much to know whom to blame but to be able to identify where something went wrong and how to fix it. Don’t panic. Mistakes happen.

What is an Escrow Provider’s Role in RegA+?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

An escrow provider is a neutral party that handles financial transactions between two or more parties. They are often used in the securities industry to ensure that all parties involved in trade receive their agreed-upon share of the investment. Escrow providers in RegA+ play an essential role, securely holding funds investors have paid until those investors can be verified. This article will explain what an escrow provider is, their importance in RegA+, and some of the benefits they offer companies.

 

An escrow provider is a financial institution or company that holds funds on behalf of two other parties until their agreement has been met. In the context of securities offerings, escrow providers are often used in Regulation A+ transactions to hold funds invested by investors until the broker-dealer has completed their due diligence on those investors. This due diligence includes verifying the investor’s identity and ensuring that the investment is legitimate.

 

The escrow provider plays an important role in protecting both the investor and issuer in a Reg A+ transaction. Holding the funds until the completion of the broker-dealer’s due diligence protects the issuer from fraud and also ensures that the buyer receives their money back if the deal falls through. 

 

Escrow providers help to make sure that all of the necessary steps are taken to complete the transaction and that everyone involved is satisfied with the outcome. Part of this process includes making sure that the correct paperwork is filed and that all of the right people have signed off on it and everyone involved is legitimate. 

 

Beyond using an escrow provider to ensure that your Reg A+ transactions are completed smoothly and efficiently, it is also required for companies utilizing equity crowdfunding. Therefore, choosing an experienced escrow provider can provide valuable assistance and peace of mind throughout the process. 

 

Escrow providers play an essential role in Reg A+ transactions by holding and managing the funds until the necessary due diligence has been completed. They also ensure that all parties involved in the transaction comply with securities laws. These factors make escrow providers in RegA+ a necessary component of a successful offering. 

What Does Direct Listing Mean?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Recently, we received a question from an issuer wondering what “direct listing” means. In short, a direct listing, also sometimes referred to as a direct public offering, is an offering in which an issuer raises capital directly from investors without a third-party intermediary like a broker-dealer or funding platform. 

 

Direct listings can occur in both the public and private markets. In the private market, companies raising capital often do so under JOBS Act exemptions for SEC registration, such as RegA+ or RegD. Companies may opt for a direct listing because it lowers the costs of capital as there are often fewer fees that would otherwise be paid to an intermediary. Issuers can also use a direct listing to allow investors to invest through the issuer’s website, which can prevent investors from being directed to other offerings. This often gives issuers more control over the investment. In contrast, RegCF offerings cannot be conducted without using an SEC-registered intermediary.

 

However, there are significant downsides to opting for a direct listing. Some states require issuers to utilize an intermediary like a broker-dealer or funding portal to sell securities. Additionally, some Tier I RegA+ direct listings require the issuer to register the security in every state that it intends to sell the security, making the offering more burdensome and costly. Additionally, a direct listing can make it easier for companies to miss essential aspects of regulatory compliance, creating additional risks for themselves and investors. This, offerings made via a direct listing require a higher level of due diligence from investors to ensure they aren’t falling victim to fraud.

 

When using a registered intermediary like a broker-dealer or a funding portal, these entities often have defined processes and compliance requirements that ensure capital is being raised in accordance with securities regulations, protecting both issuers and investors. An SEC-registered intermediary ensures that an issuer has gone through due diligence like bad actor checks to validate that it is eligible to be listed on a portal.

 

Ultimately, any company seeking to raise capital through a JOBS Act exemption should talk to a broker-dealer and a securities lawyer to understand how they can compliantly and successfully raise the capital they need to grow in the private market. 

Private Equity vs. Venture Capital

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

For companies looking to raise capital, there are many options on the table. From raising capital from friends and family and crowdfunding to private equity and venture capital, not every option is suited for all entrepreneurs. In this context, the question “Private Equity vs. Venture Capital” is becoming popular.

So in this article we will explore the difference between venture capital and private equity, as well as some alternatives for companies looking to secure funding in the private capital markets. 

 

What is Private Equity?

Private equity firms are investment firms that raise capital from accredited investors to make investments in private companies. In the case of private equity, these firms generally seek to take a majority stake in portfolio companies – which means that the firm will obtain greater than 50% ownership. Another characteristic of private equity firms is that they generally prefer to invest in established companies that have operational inefficiencies. The goal is to reduce these inefficiencies so that the company can turn profitable. If the firm sells a portfolio company or it goes public, it distributes returns to investors. 

 

What is Venture Capital?

Similar to private equity, venture capital (VC) firms raise capital from accredited investors. However, they take a different role in the private capital markets. VC firms seek to invest in early-stage and startup companies with high growth potential. They often control less than 50% ownership and take a mentorship role. Once a portfolio company is acquired or goes public through an IPO, it can distribute returns to investors. 

 

Alternative Capital Raising Opportunities

However, many companies find it difficult to secure VC or private equity funding. Since 2022, VC funding has dropped by more than 50% and late-stage investments have plummeted even more dramatically, down 63%. Still, there is hope for companies seeking to raise capital. During this time, the amount of capital being raised through JOBS Act exemptions had grown considerably, providing viable opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking capital. Through RegA+, companies can raise up to $75 million, and through RegCF, companies can raise up to $5 million. This capital can be raised from both accredited and nonaccredited investors, creating a wide pool of potential investors. At the same time, the minimum investment is typically much smaller, which allows everyday people to get involved with promising companies. It is also more cost-effective to raise capital through these alternatives than traditional VC or private equity firms, or going through an IPO.

 

Now that you know the key-points on Private Equity vs. Venture Capital, it’s easy to understand that learn about the differences can help you identify what capital-raising options may be best suited for your company. However, if you need additional guidance, reaching out to a broker-dealer or securities attorney can help point you in the right direction for your capital-raising journey.

Can I Trade Private Shares?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Think of buying a traditional stock, listed on a public exchange like the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ. You can buy and sell these stocks freely; you can do so through a broker-dealer, online, or even through an app on your smartphone. You can sell it almost immediately, although there can be some limitations.

Can I trade private shares? The answer is yes. Similar to the public market, you can invest in private companies through three common types of capital raises and trade your securities on a secondary market.

 

To sum these exemptions up, they allow private companies to sell securities to US investors without going through the SEC’s registration process. They each vary as to how much capital can be raised. These exemptions include:

 

  • RegA+ is a securities exemption that allows companies to offer and sell securities to US investors and raise up to $75 million in a 12-month period through Reg A+.
  • RegCF allows companies to offer and sell securities to US investors and raise up to $5 million through online marketplaces and crowdfunding sources in a 12-month period.
  • RegD is a securities exemption that allows companies to raise capital from accredited investors (and a limited number of nonaccredited investors) without limit within a 12-month period.

 

With all of these exemptions, investors can share the securities they’ve invested in. However, there are some key differences pertaining to the length of time an investor is required to hold the security before selling it on a secondary trading platform. Reg A+ is the closest to an IPO, assets can be sold the next day, and there is no lockout period. On the other hand, securities sold under RegCF cannot be sold for the first 12 months after buying it unless it’s sold to an accredited investor, back to the issuing company, or a family member. With Reg D, investors can not sell these assets for six months to a year unless they are registered with the SEC.

Once you can trade your securities, the transaction will be carried on an alternative trading system or ATS. An ATS is much like a traditional exchange, the only difference is that they do not take on regulatory responsibilities. They are also operated by a FINRA-registered broker-dealer.

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Before you make an investment decision, be sure to understand the limitations of secondary trading. If you’re unsure of what the limitations are, please reach out to a transfer agent or broker-dealer for additional information.

What is an Option?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 call option allows the holder to buy securities at a set price while a put option allows them to sell. However, options contracts do not come for free. They can be bought for a premium, which is a non-refundable payment due upfront. Once options have been purchased, the holder has a certain amount of time during which they can exercise their options. On the other hand, options do not require the holder to purchase the shares contracts allow. When options are exercised, the price paid is referred to as the strike price.

 

In buying call options, the holder is guaranteed to buy securities at a certain price, even if the underlying security significantly increases in price. A put option works more like an insurance policy, protecting the holder’s portfolio from potential downturns. If a security was to decrease in price, the shareholder would be able to sell at a set price specified by their option contract, even if the market price was to fall lower than what the option allows it to be sold at.

 

In addition to being a way to minimize investment risks and maximize profits, options are becoming a popular incentive for employees, especially in startup companies when looking to attract employees. In addition to options that can be bought, options also refer to the ones issued to employees by their employer. This gives employees the chance, but not the obligation, to buy shares within a specified time. Employee stock options either come as an Incentive Stock Option or Nonqualified Stock Options, with the difference being the tax incentives that go along with exercising the options. 

 

Whether you have call or put options, they are a useful way to protect your portfolio from downsides or benefit from being able to purchase more shares at a discounted price. They are just one of the many forms of securities available, which should be considered carefully when making investment decisions.

 

What is a Burn Rate?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Recently, we received a question from an issuer, asking what a burn rate is. We believe that education is an essential part of the capital raising process, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions that could help you along your capital raising journey.

 

The word “burn rate” gets thrown around a lot in the realm of startups and early-stage businesses. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important? In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of burn rate, including what it is, why it matters, and how you can keep it under control.

 

Simply put, the burn rate is the rate at which a company is losing money. It takes into account the company’s operating expenses and revenue, measuring it monthly. This metric shows how much cash a company needs to continue operating for a certain period of time. For example, if a company has monthly expenses of $100,000 and revenue of $50,000, its burn rate is $50,000 per month. This means that the company is losing $50,000 each month, and if nothing changes, it will run out of cash in two months. It’s important to note that the burn rate can fluctuate based on several factors, including:

 

  • Investments in development
  • Advertising and marketing costs
  • Research and development costs
  • Operating expenses (e.g., wages, rent, etc.)

 

By monitoring the burn rate, businesses can make informed decisions about how to use their resources and budget.

 

Why is Burn Rate Important?

 

Understanding and managing burn rate is crucial for any startup or early-stage business. A high burn rate suggests that a company is depleting its cash supply at a rapid pace, which puts it at a higher risk of entering a state of financial distress. This can have serious consequences for investors, who may need to set more aggressive deadlines for the company to realize revenue, or inject more cash into the business to provide more time to reach profitability.

 

Conversely, a low burn rate can indicate that a company has a stronger financial position and are in a better position to become profitable. Low burn rates are also more attractive to investors since their investments can go further.

 

Keeping Burn Rate Under Control

 

Now that we understand the importance of burn rate, let’s look at some strategies for managing it effectively.

 

Layoffs and Pay Cuts: If a company is experiencing a high burn rate, investors may seek to reduce expenses on employee compensation. While layoffs and pay cuts are never easy, they can help a company achieve a leaner strategy and reduce operating expenses.

 

Growth: One way to reduce the burn rate is to project an increase in growth that will improve economies of scale. For example, some startups are currently in a loss-generating scenario, but investors continue to fund them to achieve future profitability.

 

Marketing: Investing in marketing can help a company grow and expand its user base or product use. However, startups are often constrained by limited resources and budgets, making paid advertising a challenge. Instead, they can use low-cost or no-cost tactics to achieve growth, such as email marketing or social media.

 

Burn rate is a crucial metric for any startup or early-stage business. By understanding and managing it effectively, companies can improve their financial health and position themselves for long-term success. Whether it’s reducing staff or compensation, investing in growth, or using low-cost marketing tactics, there are a variety of strategies for keeping the burn rate in check. And for investors, keeping a close eye on the burn rate can help you make informed decisions about funding and supporting startups.

Veni, Vidi, Verify

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

More than two millennia ago, Julius Caesar said the famous phrase, “Veni, Vidi, Vici”, triumphant in battle. This translates to, “I came, I saw, I conquered.” While the Roman Empire has long since fallen, these powerful words continue to ring true today – only in a different context. When it comes to investment opportunities, there is a simple way to “conquer” the investment process: Veni, Vidi, Verify.


I Came: The Search for Investment Opportunites 

 

With Regulation CF or RegA+, investors have more investment opportunities available to them than ever. Many of these investment opportunities are in startups that have a promising future, ranging from collectibles, MedTech, real estate, and many other growing industries. This is the time to start thinking about how you can use these opportunities to grow your investment portfolio while aligning your risk tolerance with your investing goals.

 

I Saw: Seeking Legitimate Investments

 

The abundance of options available to investors can be considered both a blessing and a curse. Despite the many opportunities available, you must ensure that the company is legitimate and the way you invest. For issuers, the same could be said about making certain investors are who they say they are to protect your company. When investing, it is good to analyze the risk versus the reward of a particular investment. You want to ensure that everything is above board in terms of your investment and there are no underlying additional risks. 

 

I Verified: Confidence Through Verification

 

Verification allows investors and issuers alike to verify the information provided by all parties to help confirm the transaction is legitimate and complies with regulatory requirements. Verification can ensure the quality of an investment with the assistance of data and information, such as:

 

  • ID verification
  • KYC and AML
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Transaction information
  • Company information and history

 

This gives investors the peace of mind to pursue assets knowing that they are making an informed decision and letting issuers know that investors are who they say they are. Additionally, tools such as the KoreID mobile app enhances the process of verification during the investment process. With KoreID, investors can securely manage their investments and personal information to meet KYC requirements. 

Veni, Vidi, Verify helps both issuers and investors ensure that they are making secure investments. Ultimately, verification and adherence to securities regulations create trust between investors and issuers during the investment process.

What is Phishing?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

No one thinks they’ll fall victim to a cybercrime, but in reality, you’ve likely come across a suspicious email that could be trying to steal login credentials, financial information, or your identity or install dangerous computer viruses. Maybe you’ve received an email that claims to be from Netflix or Amazon, requesting your password, account email, payment information, or other personal information and directing you to an unfamiliar website. These characteristics are the hallmarks of a classic phishing attack, which can lead to identity theft, credit card fraud, ransomware attacks, and more. 

 

Where Did Phishing Come From?

 

The history of phishing dates back to the mid-1990s, when groups of hackers posed as AOL employees and used the instant messaging platform to steal passwords and login credentials. The purpose of these attacks was to use the hijacked accounts to access the internet, rather than pay for access once the 30-day free trial of AOL expired. These hackers were known as “phreaks”, a group of individuals who had a keen interest in studying telecommunication systems. The name “phishing” was used to link these scams to this community.

 

In the early 2000s, hackers began to branch out past AOL accounts to target financial systems to steal credit card information and passwords. Since then, the prevalence of phishing scams has grown exponentially, with 36% of data breaches involving a phishing attack, according to a Verizon report. Between 2021 and 2022 alone, the number of malicious phishing emails grew by 569%, according to cybersecurity company Cofense.

 

How Phishing Works

 

In modern phishing attacks, many hackers use spoofing to disguise an email address, website, phone number, or sender name in the hopes that it will appear legitimate. It could be as simple as changing a number, letter, or symbol so that the URL a hacker is using, without close inspection, is coming from a legitimate source. This will often trick victims into disclosing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers, which are then stolen by the hackers. 

 

Protecting Yourself

 

Luckily, there are easy steps to protect yourself against phishing attacks. According to the FBI, companies generally will not contact you asking for your username or password. If you receive an email, text, or phone call requesting this information, that should be a significant red flag. If you receive an unsolicited email with a link, avoid clicking on it. Instead, carefully examine the sender’s name, email address, spelling, and other details about the correspondence to see if there are slight inaccuracies that could point to it being a phishing scam. And, if an email asks you to download something or open an attachment, do not do so unless you can verify that the sender and attachment are legitimate. Also, be wary of the information you share online. Details like birthdays, pet names, schools you attended, and other personal details can be used to guess passwords. 

 

The Importance of Verification

 

Ultimately, the confirmation of someone’s identity can help to avoid potential scams. This can be achieved in the private capital markets by complying with securities regulations. For investors, due diligence and careful research of investment opportunities can highlight potential red flags that could be a telling sign of something too good to be true. At the same time, verifying the identity of a company raising money can provide assurance that it is a legitimate investment opportunity. For issuers, identity verification like AML and KYC confirm that investors are who they claim to be. 

 

Being on the lookout for phishing can help protect your identity and financial information from hackers. Understanding what these scams are and how they work is one of the best defenses available. Stay tuned for the next article in this series, which will shed light on a different type of scam. If you have any questions or topics you’d like to see discussed in more detail, please reach out and share your ideas with us!

My Company is Based in Canada: Can I Use RegCF to Raise Capital?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Recently, we received a question from an issuer, asking if Canadian companies can use RegCF to raise capital. We believe that education is an essential part of the capital raising process, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions that could help you along your capital raising journey.

 

Crowdfunding is a popular way for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to raise capital without necessarily needing the support of venture capitalists or angel investors. Regulation Crowdfunding (RegCF) provides an avenue for companies to legally raise capital through equity crowdfunding in the United States and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

 

Although RegCF is available to US companies, many Canadian companies have questions regarding whether they can also use this exemption to raise capital. This article will answer those questions and provide insight into the legal requirements and structures that work for Canadian companies.

 

Legal Requirements for Raising Capital Through RegCF in Canada

 

In short, the answer is yes, Canadian companies can use RegCF. However, certain requirements must be met for a company outside of the U.S. to take raise capital through this exemption.

 

The main legal requirement is that the company must establish a US entity, such as a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC), which will be managed from within the U.S. The SEC states that “the issuer’s officers, partners, or managers must primarily direct, control, and coordinate its activities from the U.S., and its principal place of business must be in the U.S.”

 

It is also recommended that Canadian companies considering using RegCF to raise capital should provide evidence of their plans to engage the US market. This could include investing in marketing and advertising initiatives, setting up offices or physical locations within the US, hiring personnel from the US, etc.

 

Using RegCF in Canada

 

There are a few different ways that Canadian businesses approach a RegCF offering. One option is to create a wholly-owned subsidiary in the United States that will operate the business and raise funds through RegCF. This subsidiary must have its own business plan and financials, and cannot simply be a shell company. Alternatively, Canadian companies can create a US-based holding company that will own the Canadian entity and operate the business in both countries. This structure can be beneficial for companies looking to expand their operations into the US market while also raising capital from US-based investors. Canadian companies can also create a new US-based company that licenses the product or service of the Canadian company. 

 

Ultimately, a Canadian company seeking to raise capital using RegCF must create a US-based entity with a primary place of business in the US. The company raising capital cannot simply be a shell company that directs capital raised back to the parent company.

 

Alternatives for Canadian Companies

 

There are several other options for raising capital for Canadian companies that cannot or do not wish to use RegCF. These include traditional venture capital and angel investing, as well as debt financing from banks and other lenders. Additionally, many Canadian provinces have their own provincial securities commissions that offer exemptions from the registration requirements for businesses looking to raise funds from investors within their jurisdiction. But because of RegCF’s benefits of allowing companies to advertise offerings, as well as its low minimum investment requirements, it is certainly worth considering for Canadian businesses looking to raise capital.

 

Deciding whether or not to use RegCF for a Canadian company is ultimately a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis. Although US securities laws may present some additional regulations, there are many benefits to using this platform if it is done properly. The ability to access capital from a larger pool of investors, as well as the streamlined process of RegCF, can make it an attractive option for Canadian businesses looking to raise funds.  Ultimately, Canadian companies should discuss their capital raising options with a securities attorney if they have questions about the process and their options.

April Investment Crowdfunding Sees Near-Record Levels

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The last couple of months have been a turbulent time for the financial sector. In March, we first saw the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the largest bank by deposits in Silicon Valley and favored by tech startups. This was followed a couple of days later by the collapse of Signature Bank. The third collapse this year was that of First Republic Bank, the largest banking failure since the financial crisis in 2008. These events have been coupled with stagnation in the venture capital market that has highlighted the stability of the investment crowdfunding industry. Ultimately, April demonstrated a resilient interest in investment crowdfunding.

 

Investment Crowdfunding Proves Appetite for Deals

 

In a recent newsletter, Sherwood Neiss, Principal at Crowdfund Capital Advisors, was quoted saying, “A large amount of capital and number of investors flowing into Investment Crowdfunding offers proves that there is a massive appetite for these deals.” Neiss continues, “While there might have been fewer deals in April, the reality is startups still need capital, and Investment Crowdfunding is where they will find it. We expect to start to see an uptick in deals in May as these issuers realize opportunity exists here.” 

 

Investment Crowdfunding Sees a Decline in New Deals, Rise in Capital Commitments

 

In April, there was a decline in new deals, with only 91 being launched, compared to 147 in March 2023. This marked the lowest number of crowdfunding deals since June 2020. However, capital commitments reached an impressive $65.4 million in April, the second-highest level of commitment since March 2021, when investment crowdfunding was reaching a high point of interest during the pandemic. 

 

There were also 54 issuers that raised over $1 million each during April, while six raised the maximum of $5 million. With the 54 issuers that closed their raise during the month bringing in an impressive $131 million, it was the second-highest monthly close of capital, despite ongoing challenges faced by the private capital markets. 

 

More Investors are Making Investment Decisions

 

The number of checks written by investors in April 2023 increased by 92.9% compared to the prior month but dropped by 4% compared to the prior year. The average check size dropped to $1,174 in April 2023 due to a large number of active deals compared to March. 

 

The investment crowdfunding industry is growing rapidly and shows no signs of slowing down. As investors become more comfortable with deploying capital in private markets, despite current challenges in the private market, it will only continue to fuel this growth trend.

 

What is an Escrow Provider?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

If you’ve bought a home, you’ve likely heard the term escrow. In the homebuying process, escrow can be used to hold a good faith deposit while the contract is being finalized. It can also be used after the home is purchased to pay for property taxes, homeowners insurance, or mortgage insurance. In these instances, money held in escrow is managed by an independent, third-party intermediary. However, escrow is also common during the process of investing in a company, where the escrow provider takes custody of funds and assets until specific transaction conditions are met. But what exactly is the role of an escrow provider in a transaction? What responsibilities do they have? And when should they be utilized? 

 

What is an Escrow Provider?

 

An escrow provider is an independent third-party intermediary which ensures that a transaction is completed in accordance with the rules of the agreement. An escrow provider collects, holds, and distributes funds on behalf of the individuals involved in a transaction. The help of certified escrow providers ensures that both parties meet their obligations and bring confidence to complete a transaction reliably. 

 

In many cases, the buyer and seller agree to use an escrow provider for several advantages, such as:

 

  • Mitigating the risk of nonpayment or fraud
  • Ensuring that all funds are securely handled
  • Being an impartial third party to the transaction

 

The process when utilizing an escrow provider generally includes:

 

  • Creating a contract outlining the obligations of the buyer and seller
  • Depositing funds into an escrow account
  • Ensuring that all conditions of the agreement are met before releasing funds

 

At the same time, technology can play an important role in the escrow process. For example, smart contracts that leverage blockchain technology can be programmed to automatically transfer assets between two parties once the conditions of the contract have been met. This can automate some of the escrow process, which can help to streamline the escrow process.

 

JOBS Act and Escrow

 

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act has since become a major factor in creating a secure capital-raising environment in the private capital markets. To raise capital, issuers must follow securities regulations to ensure compliance in the capital-raising process. This provides an additional layer of protection for investors and startups raising capital.

 

An essential component of compliance includes finding an escrow provider to administer transactions. This ensures that all funds are handled securely and that a third-party intermediary manages the transaction. Putting investors and issuers at ease by bringing peace of mind to the transaction. 

 

Escrow providers are essential for any type of business transaction where an impartial third-party intermediary is involved. With an increase in accredited and nonaccredited investors alike being involved in the private capital markets thanks to the JOBS Act, it is crucial to ensure that one is involved in the capital raising process. Whether you are an investor or issuer, using an escrow provider guarantees all funds are handled correctly while avoiding financial risk or fraud. 

Why the Private Capital Markets are Outpacing the Public Markets

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The private capital market has seen considerable growth over the past few years due to geopolitical tensions, inflation, and interest rate hikes. These factors are driving heightened volatility in public markets, and investors are therefore looking for protection in private market deals. The ability for private companies to raise capital with accredited and nonaccredited investors through regulations like RegCF and RegA+ has also added to this growth.

 

Large Pool of Capital

 

The private capital market is also benefiting from a large pool of capital currently available to investors. According to Preqin, global private capital dry powder stood at around $1.96 trillion in December 2022. Dry powder is the cash that has been committed by investors but has not yet been “called” by investment managers to be allocated for a specific investment. This sizable reserve of money, when deployed, will provide an influx of investment into the private markets.

 

Growth & Flexibility

 

Companies are also opting to stay private for longer durations of time. In 2011, companies typically stayed private for five years before going public. As of 2020, this has extended to a time period of 11 years. Remaining private can give companies greater flexibility as they grow their business. They may find it easier to adapt and make changes in the early stages with private capital, before choosing a public route when they are more mature and established. With the ability to earn up to $75 million in 12 months with RegA+, for example, the ability for private companies to raise capital is unprecedented in the sector. 

 

The Shift from Public Markets to Private Capital Markets

 

This trend is likely to continue into 2023 and beyond as investors seek alternatives to the public markets. As such, understanding the implications of this shift from public to private is essential for any investor looking to capitalize on these opportunities. Private companies are looking to stay private longer because:

 

  • It allows them to keep their business strategies under wraps and maintain control over key decisions.
  • They can gain access to more capital at a lower cost compared to public markets, allowing for accelerated growth.
  • The private capital market has more flexible structures and less regulation compared with the public markets.

 

Private vs Public Market Size

 

McKinsey estimates that in North America, private market fundraising grew by 21% between 2020 and 2021. In the United States alone, there were 7,042,866 private companies. In comparison, there were only 4,000 public companies in the United States as of 2020. These statistics highlight the significant impact that businesses have on the world economy, with diverse markets and industries contributing to growth and prosperity.

 

The private capital market is rapidly outpacing the public market and this trend looks set to continue into 2023. As private companies continue to significantly outnumber public companies, the increase of capital raising opportunities will only help this sector to grow.

What is a Board of Directors?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Recently, we received a question from an issuer, asking to explain what a board of directors is. We believe that education is an essential part of the capital raising process, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions that could help you along your capital raising journey.

 

Without further ado, this article will explore the role of a board of directors and the critical role they play within a company. The board of directors serves as the “operating mind” of the company – providing oversight to shareholders, officers, and employees alike. More importantly, boards can be utilized as a tool to mitigate risk when raising capital. This is because a board of directors typically has experience addressing issues that include:

 

  • Strategic direction
  • Corporate governance
  • Independence and accountability

 

What is a Board of Directors?

 

A board of directors, or ‘board’ is the highest governing body of a company. It is responsible for oversight and providing direction to the organization. The board consists of members who are elected by shareholders, normally on an annual basis. These members act as representatives of shareholders and their interests, ensuring that the company is managed properly. Public companies are required to have a board of directors, and while the same is not true for private companies, many still choose to do so.

 

The Need for a Board of Directors

 

The board of directors plays a vital role in ensuring the company is run correctly and its goals are met. The board works to ensure that any decisions made by the company are in line with shareholders’ interests, such as profitability and value preservation. A board also protects shareholders from potential risks associated with investing, such as fraud or mismanagement. In addition, having a board of directors can help to ensure that the company is making responsible decisions and staying compliant with legal and regulatory requirements. The board also helps to prevent self-dealing by executive officers or other members of management, as well as helping to set policy for the organization. 

 

One of the main benefits of having a board of directors is its ability to provide risk mitigation when raising capital. The presence of an independent board can demonstrate to investors that the company has taken steps to protect their interests and show potential investors that there is a competent and experienced group looking after their investments. It is important to distinguish between a board of directors and the other roles within a company. Officers are usually C-level executives who report directly to the board when making decisions regarding how the company operates. 

 

Early-Stage Companies and the Single-Person Corporation

 

For start-ups or early-stage companies, it is common for one person to wear multiple hats. In these instances, an entrepreneur likely serves as both an officer and a board member, making decisions from both perspectives. However, this differs from larger corporations who usually have more members on their boards, to ensure that the company is managed properly. As the company grows, so does the importance of electing an independent board.

 

Tools to Mitigate Risk When Raising Capital

 

When it comes to raising capital, boards must have access to certain tools to manage risk. This includes a minute book, cap table, and other documents which provide information about how the company is operating. By having access to this information, boards can minimize the risk of investors losing their money. With the advent of digital technologies that streamline this data management, board directors can have real-time access to company data that allows them to make informed decisions.

 

From start-ups to larger corporations, boards of directors play an important role in managing risk and providing oversight. Ultimately, having a board of directors is an important aspect of the capital raising process that can provide investors additional confidence in an investment after completing their due diligence.

What You Should Know About Investing in Private Capital Markets

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Investing in the private market can be a great way to gain returns unavailable elsewhere. With the right research, investments in private companies can yield higher returns than traditional public markets. With the size of the global private markets growing throughout the past two years, notably in North America, investors must know what to consider before investing in a private company. In this blog, we will look at some key considerations for investing in the private market.

 

Pros & Cons for Non-Accredited Investors

 

Investing in privately-held businesses can be an exciting way to:

 

  • Diversify a portfolio
  • Offer access to investment opportunities that are not available through the public market
  • Potentially provide higher returns than traditional stock and bond investments

 

However, non-accredited investors (those who do not meet certain SEC criteria) need to understand the unique regulatory and financial risks associated with private markets before making an investment decision. Consider the cons of divesting in private companies, such as:

  • Requires a higher amount of due diligence
  • Lower liquidity than publicly-traded securities
  • Can be seen as risker investments than public securities

 

Evaluating Potential Investments

 

Before investing, it is important to conduct due diligence and research a potential investment thoroughly. Consider creating a financial plan and closely examining the deal structure, competitive landscape, and why the company needs your investment. Also, take a look at the company’s management team as well. Do they have experience raising capital? Do they pass a bad actor check?

 

Comparing Private and Public Investments

 

Private investments may offer higher potential returns than those found in the public markets, however, they are often riskier. As an investor, you should be aware of the differences between private and publicly-held businesses before deciding to invest. Consider factors such as liquidity, transparency, and financial reporting.

 

Liquidity: Private investments are sometimes illiquid, meaning that it may be difficult to access your money when needed. However, securities purchased through RegA+ are freely tradeable on a secondary market, which can provide some options for liquidity. In contrast, investments in public companies can be sold on the open market quickly and easily.

 

Transparency: Public companies must adhere to strict disclosure rules that allow investors to clearly understand the risks and rewards of their investments. In comparison, private companies do not have the same regulatory requirements and may be less transparent with their operations or provide limited information to shareholders. This means that investors should carefully review materials provided by the issuer to get a better understanding of the investment risk to ensure it meets their level of risk tolerance.

 

Financial Reporting: Public companies are required to report quarterly earnings and provide other financial information to investors regularly. This is not always the case with privately-held businesses which may only provide periodic updates or no financial information at all.

 

Protecting Your Investment

 

As an investor in a privately-held business, you may be at the mercy of the majority shareholders and can be subject to financial losses if the company does not succeed. To protect yourself, it is important to conduct background checks on all potential investments and set terms for your investment up front. Be sure to understand what rights you have as an investor and any restrictions on transferring or liquidating your shares. Especially if investing in JOBS Act exemptions, like RegA+ or RegCF, if the company you are looking to invest in offers a third-party option where you can sell your shares, this is a great way to access liquidity options.

 

Diversify Your Portfolio

 

The key to success with private investments is diversification. Investing in various companies across different sectors can reduce the risk of investing in a single business or startup that may not succeed. This will help to spread out any potential losses should a particular business not perform as expected.

 

Investing in the private market can be an exciting and rewarding venture for non-accredited investors. Understanding the risks and potential rewards of each potential investment is essential for any investor looking to make a profit in this sector. Ensure that you are comfortable with the risk associated before investing in any venture. Doing so will help to minimize potential losses and maximize potential gains. With careful planning and research, investors can benefit from private investments and diversify their portfolios.

 

Additional knowledge sources
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/08/privately-held-company-investing.asp

https://guides.loc.gov/company-research/private

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/22/if-asked-to-invest-in-a-private-venture-heres-what-you-need-to-do.html

How Do I Build a Community for My Company?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

What is a community? The word can be defined as “a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society” or “a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.” Putting this into a bit more context, picture a beaver in the forest, building a dam. This seemingly simple, instinctual event has a profound effect on the surrounding area. The dam forms a pond, which creates the perfect habitat for a diverse range of animals, insects, and other organisms, while also improving the water conditions. 

 

This beaver is much like an entrepreneur building a business. As the business grows, it provides employment opportunities, creates a network of suppliers and partners, develops relationships with customers, and is supported by shareholders. They all play a crucial role in the success of your business. 

 

By nurturing these relationships, especially in today’s highly competitive business environment, this community can help increase engagement, loyalty, and interest in your company, which can translate into more investment and business opportunities down the road.

 

Recognizing the Benefits of a Strong Community

 

From customers to employees and suppliers, building a community around your company can bring numerous benefits. A thriving and engaging community can create:

 

  • Increased customer or employee loyalty: When customers and employees feel a sense of belonging and loyalty to your brand, they are more likely to remain loyal for longer. This can result in higher rates of retention, as well as increased referrals and advocacy.
  • Improved engagement with stakeholders: A thriving community can help you engage with key stakeholders such as investors, partners, and suppliers. This can help to foster stronger relationships over time, leading to better deals and collaborations.
  • Increased brand reputation: A community of loyal customers or employees can promote your brand integrity and trustworthiness, which is essential for building a successful business.
  • More growth opportunities: With a strong network of loyal loyal customers and employees, you’ll have a larger pool of potential buyers or investors when you are looking to grow.
  • A foundation for investors: Ultimately, when you’re looking to raise capital or attract investors, having a strong community of engaged stakeholders around your company can be an invaluable asset by providing evidence of your brand’s trustworthiness and potential. These stakeholders can also become valuable investors that share in your vision for the future.

 

Ultimately, cultivating this community requires transparency and compliance to build trust and instill confidence. But how do you go about building a community for your company? 

 

6 Tips for Building a Community

 

1. Understand Your Audience

 

The first step in building a community is to understand your audience. Who are the people you want to attract and engage with? What are their needs, wants, and interests? What motivates them to invest in your company? By creating customer personas and conducting market research, you can get a better understanding of your target audience. This can help you tailor your messaging, content, and engagement strategies to better resonate with your community.

 

2. Focus on Transparency and Communication

 

Transparency and open communication are essential ingredients for building a strong community. Shareholders, employees, and customers all want to feel like they have a voice and that their concerns are being heard. This is especially important when it comes to managing shareholder relationships. To build trust and transparency, consider implementing regular communication channels like newsletters, social media updates, and webinars. Make a point of responding to customer and shareholder feedback promptly and thoroughly.

 

3. Leverage Technology

 

Technology can be a powerful tool in building and managing your community. Consider investing in a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track and manage your customer interactions. This can help you identify patterns and trends in customer behavior, enabling you to tailor your messaging and engagement strategies to better resonate with your community.

Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can also be powerful tools for building and engaging with your community. Regularly update your social media channels with relevant content, respond to customer feedback and comments, and use social media analytics to track engagement and identify opportunities to better connect with your community.

 

4. Create Meaningful Content

 

Creating high-quality, engaging content is another key element in building a community. Content can come in many different forms, including blog posts, videos, webinars, eBooks, and more. The key is to create content that is tailored specifically to your target audience and resonates with them on an emotional level. This will help you build relationships and foster loyalty among your customers, employees, and shareholders.

 

5. Foster and Incentivize Engagement

 

Engaging your community is an important part of building relationships and developing loyalty. Consider running contests, giveaways, or other promotional activities to incentivize engagement. You can also create loyalty programs or rewards systems to further reward customer engagement.

 

6. Gather Around a Cause

 

When building a strong community creates a sense of purpose around your company. Find something that your customers, employees, and shareholders can all rally behind. This should be something bigger than just making money – it could be related to sustainability, philanthropy, or another cause the community can get behind. By giving people something to believe in, you can create a sense of shared identity that will bring your community together. 

 

When it comes to raising capital, you should also focus on creating experiences that make investors feel appreciated and valued. For example, you could offer exclusive investor-only events or create a private investment platform where invited investors can access exclusive content about your company and its opportunities. 

 

Regardless of how you approach it, building a thriving community around your business is essential to growing and scaling effectively. This will lead to increased loyalty, greater investment opportunities, and higher long-term returns. By taking these key steps to develop a strong community around your business, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your capital-raising goals.

 

Small Businesses and Their Economic Success

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Small businesses have always been an integral part of the economy, contributing to job creation and economic growth. Over the last decade, small businesses have faced a variety of challenges, including economic downturns, government regulations, and evolving consumer preferences. Despite these difficulties, small businesses have continued to play a significant role in driving economic success. In this blog, we’ll examine the level of success small businesses have achieved in the economy over the last decade and how JOBS Act regulations have impacted this success.

 

The Role of Small Businesses in the Economy

 

Small businesses are often referred to as the backbone of the economy. According to the US Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses account for 44 percent of US economic activity and employ nearly half of the country’s private sector workforce. In fact, there are 33.2 million small businesses in the United States and they created 8.7 million jobs created between March 2020 and March 2021. Small businesses also contribute to innovation and competition in the marketplace, which in turn drives economic growth

 

Small Business Challenges and Successes

 

Over the last decade, small businesses have faced a variety of challenges, including the great recession, rising costs, and increased competition from online retailers. Despite these challenges, small businesses have continued to achieve success in the economy. With eight out of ten small businesses having no employees and 16% of small businesses having up to 19 employees, this sector of the economy is mostly driven by individuals who can take risks and innovate for growth.

 

Meaning, small business growth often depends on entrepreneurs’ risk-taking capability and ability to identify profitable opportunities. Additionally, the passage of the JOBS Act in 2012 has enabled small businesses to access capital more easily than ever before. The act allows businesses to raise money from investors without having to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This allows smaller organizations that are still private to raise millions of dollars in capital while tapping into a much wider pool of potential investors.

 

The Impact of JOBS Act Regulations on Small Business Success

 

The JOBS Act allows companies to use SEC exemptions from registration, which include:

 

  • Reg CF to raise up to $5 million
  • Reg A to raise up to $75 million
  • Reg D to raise an unlimited amount of capital

 

These capital-raising methods allow small businesses to access a much wider pool of potential investors, obtain higher levels of capital, and achieve greater success in the economy. By allowing organizations to tap into an audience of investors they would have not had access to previously, the JOBS Act has enabled small businesses to build relationships with their customers, grow their operations, and create good jobs in local economies. With the continued support of government regulations and technological advancements, small businesses are poised to play an even greater role in driving economic success in the years to come.

7 Golden Rules for the Secondary Market

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Secondary markets provide investors a way to trade securities they have previously purchased or buy new ones offered by other investors. This blog will look at the seven golden rules of secondary markets as well as how these rules are enforced through JOBS Act regulations.

 

What is a Secondary Market?

 

A secondary market is an organized platform that provides investors with the opportunity to buy securities from other investors, rather than from the issuer itself. It allows investors to have more flexibility in trading their securities and opens up the potential for greater liquidity. Secondary markets can be used to buy or sell almost any type of security, including stocks, bonds, options, futures, derivatives, and commodities.

 

How an ATS Differ from an Exchange

 

When trading securities on a secondary market, it is vital to understand the different types of Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) available. ATSs are electronic trading platforms that can be used to trade securities without going through a traditional exchange. These systems can provide investors with greater liquidity and flexibility in trading their securities than what is available on an exchange.

 

Like an exchange that brings together buyers and sellers of securities, an ATS does not take on regulatory responsibilities. This means that an ATS can trade both listed and unlisted securities, like those purchased under a JOBS Act exemption. ATSs are also regulated by the SEC but must be operated by a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. 

 

The 7 Golden Rules of Secondary Markets

 

To ensure that transactions are compliant with security regulations, both issuers and investors should consider the following rules when transacting on a secondary market. 

 

Rule 1: Know Your Client (KYC) – Before conducting transactions, there must be a KYC procedure carried out by the broker-dealer. This helps to identify potentially risky investors and ensure that steps are being taken to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

 

Rule 2: Disclose Financial Data – Issuers must disclose all relevant financial data before engaging in a transaction on the secondary market. This includes any material changes that have occurred since the last disclosure was filed. From an investor’s perspective, it is important to understand the financial health of the issuer before investing in their securities. This can be achieved by viewing the issuer’s financial statements, annual reports, and/or audited financials. Transparency is crucial in building trust with investors, and failure to disclose pertinent information can result in legal repercussions that can affect the trading of your security on the secondary market.

 

Rule 3: Respect Minimum Price Fluctuations – When trading on the secondary market, investors must always respect price fluctuation limits set by the governing body. These limits are designed to protect both buyers and sellers from extreme volatility or manipulation of the market. With most investors not being able to trade JOBS Act securities on the secondary market for at least a year, these limits help protect investors from quick market movements while providing issuers with stability.

 

Rule 4: Execute Trades Quickly – All trades on the secondary market must be executed quickly to ensure that buyers and sellers are getting the best price attainable. This is especially important with JOBS Act securities, as they are subject to strict time frames for when trading can take place. By executing orders promptly, investors can maximize their profits and minimize losses.

 

Rule 5: Follow Market Regulations – All transactions on the secondary market must adhere to governing body regulations, such as those set forth by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory agencies. This ensures that trades are conducted fairly and within legal bounds. It also protects all parties involved in a transaction from fraud.

 

Rule 6: Adhere to Securities Laws and Regulations – Issuers must comply with all applicable securities laws and regulations when trading on the secondary market. This includes complying with JOBS Act regulations, such as Regulation A+ and Regulation Crowdfunding. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and legal action.

 

Rule 7: Maintain Good Communication with Investors – Issuers should maintain regular and open communication with investors, providing updates on the company’s performance and any important developments. This helps to build trust and confidence in the relationship between the issuer and the investor. Good communication can also help to mitigate potential issues or conflicts that may arise in the future.

 

Overall, secondary markets can offer a variety of benefits to both investors and issuers, including greater liquidity and flexibility in trading securities. However, both parties need to follow the rules and regulations governing these markets to ensure fair and secure transactions. By adhering to the seven golden rules of secondary markets, investors and issuers can mitigate risk and build trusting relationships that can lead to greater success in their investment endeavors.

5 Things You Need to Know About Transfer Agents

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

When a company issues securities, it is vital to keep the official record of ownership and distribution accurate and up-to-date at all times. This process is managed by transfer agents who in addition to assuming responsibility for maintaining accurate records of security transactions, can also handle shareholder inquiries, distribute shareholder materials, and more. In this blog post, we will discuss the five critical things that companies need to know about transfer agents before embarking on their next capital raise.

 

1. Protecting Issuers and Investors

 

Transfer agents protect issuers and investors by ensuring that the issuance of securities maintains a high degree of accuracy and reliability, and is consistent with the applicable regulations, thereby protecting both the issuer and the investor from the risk of disputes and expensive litigation. Transfer agents play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the security issuance process, closely monitoring any changes in ownership or other company-specific details. This helps to prevent fraudulent activities such as double ownership or over-issuance of securities.

 

2. Issuing and Canceling Certificates

 

Another crucial function of transfer agents is to issue or cancel certificates reflecting shareholder ownership in the company, to ensure that the shareholders receive accurate documentation of their investment. The certificates are tangible evidence that shareholders own securities in the company and that they have the right to vote or receive dividends. Transfer agents must also cancel and decommission certificates to reflect trades or company-specific events such as stock splits, mergers, or acquisitions. Canceling or decommissioning certificates is a vital task in maintaining a current and accurate representation of who owns what within the company.

 

3. Managing the Cap Table

 

Transfer agents play a crucial role in managing the cap table. The cap table is the official record of the ownership structure of the company, including the number of shares held and who holds them. It is essential to manage the cap table effectively to avoid conflicts, confusion, or discrepancies among shareholders. The transfer agent ensures that the cap table stays up to date with any changes that may occur due to equity issuances or mergers and acquisition activity involving the company. The effectiveness of the cap table management is critical for companies raising capital or going through mergers and acquisitions, for helping investors conduct their own due diligence, and for tracking the company’s overall value and growth.

 

4. Legal Compliance

 

Another significant responsibility of transfer agents is ensuring the company’s compliance with specific securities laws and regulations. The transfer agent makes sure that the company is aware of and adhering to the legislative guidelines and rules governing the issuance and transfer of securities. Transfer agents must comply with both federal and state regulations, making this a complex task. Companies need to work closely with their transfer agents to ensure they are clear on aspects of the legal requirements that affect their business. Navigating the regulatory landscape can be daunting, but a transfer agent can help make it smoother for companies.

 

5. Investor Relations

Finally, transfer agents are essential for providing service to shareholders. Often, they are the first point of contact when shareholders have questions, concerns, or problems that require resolution. They help to answer any inquiries shareholders may have and maintain a clear line of communication. Excellent customer service is key to maintaining a positive relationship with shareholders. Shareholders who feel valued are more likely to remain invested in the company and can become valuable brand ambassadors. This, in turn, can lead to more significant investments in the company, improving overall shareholder value.

A transfer agent plays a critical role in ensuring that securities transactions are processed accurately and reliably, protecting the interests of the issuer and the investor. Using an experienced and knowledgeable transfer agent has many valuable benefits for companies. They provide companies with a comprehensive solution for managing securities issuances, maintaining shareholder relationships, and navigating the complex regulatory landscape. Transfer agents are an essential part of the securities industry, and companies who work with them are better positioned to succeed.

KorePartner Spotlight: Richard Johnson, CEO of Texture Capital

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

At Texture Capital, the mission is to revolutionize the two trillion-dollar market for private securities by leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts. The company has received approval from FINRA to commence operations as a digital securities broker-dealer and operate an Alternative Trading System (ATS). This is an important milestone for Texture, enabling them to issue, tokenize, and trade digital securities. We recently spoke to Richard Johnson, the company’s CEO, to ask him about RegA+ and RegCF and their vision for the future of capital markets.

Q: Why did you become involved in the capital markets/digital securities/blockchain industry?

A: I have spent my whole career in capital markets. For most of that time, I was a trader working at different investment banks and broker-dealers in the electronic trading space. But then, in 2014, I discovered crypto… well really just Bitcoin back then. I came into the space with a trader’s mindset, thinking about how to build execution algorithms and electronic routers for the new asset class. However, I quickly went down the rabbit hole and realized there was something much more revolutionary about the technology. Since then I have been working in the space in one form or another – consultant, analyst, operator, and founder.

Q: What services does your company provide to companies looking to raise capital through the JOBS Act exemptions?

A: I started Texture Capital in 2019 as I recognized there was a strong need for regulated intermediaries to help companies compliantly issue tokens representing equity, debt, royalties, revenue share, or other investment contracts, and to provide a regulated venue for secondary trading. Texture Capital is a FINRA and SEC-regulated broker-dealer focused on digital securities. We help clients raise capital through exemptions such as Regulations, A, D, S, and CF and can also support certain registered offerings. We also operate one of the few Alternative Trading Systems for digital securities. Recently, we have been focusing on offering our digital securities market infrastructure on a ‘white label’ basis to fractional marketplaces. We are agnostic to the underlying asset class and work with clients across private equity, private credit, real estate, and alternatives.

Q: What are your unique areas of expertise?

A: The Texture team is steeped in fintech and traditional capital markets experience. We have built ATSs and marketplaces that have executed many billions of dollars of notional transaction value. 

Q: What excites you about this industry?

A: What excited me about this industry, and why I started Texture Capital, is that blockchain technology represents an entirely new (and better) way of recording financial transactions. Fundamentally, blockchain is about the transfer of value. And capital markets, particularly trading, are about the transfer of value. So what we have now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a new market structure from scratch, using the best tech available, and improving how markets work throughout the economy.

Q: Why is a partnership with KoreConX the right fit for your company?

A: We are big fans of KoreConX. KoreConX serves a different, but complementary, part of the ecosystem. You provide the technology to help issuers raise capital and transfer agency services to help them manage the cap table, while we provide all the broker-dealer services. Texture and KoreConX are great partners, and on top of that, we share a commitment to API-driven, technology solutions.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add about RegA+, RegCF, or any other topic that you feel is relevant to your company, our partnership, and the ecosystem you’re a part of?

A: Yes. As a final thought, I want to say how important RegA+ and RegCF are in the capital formation process right now. The current market environment makes it very difficult to raise capital through old-school VC channels. But through these exemptions, companies have a way to fundraise directly from their community, fans, friends, family, partners, suppliers, etc. I expect to see significant growth in the crowdfunding space going forward and tokenization will be the catalyst.

The future of capital markets is bright, and Texture Capital is leading the way with innovative solutions. We look forward to seeing what’s next!

Approaching the 11th Anniversary of the JOBS Act

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Eleven years ago, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act was signed into law in a White House Rose Garden ceremony. Looking back on this landmark legislation, we see its impact has been far-reaching. From increased access to capital for small businesses to the rise of new markets for investment opportunities, the JOBS Act has reshaped how companies raise funds and spur economic growth. In 2022, $150.9 B was raised through Regulations A+, CF, and D, showcasing the tremendous power of these regulations for companies. As we mark the 11th anniversary of this game-changing law, let’s look at what it has accomplished and how it is (still) changing the capital formation landscape.

 

David Wield: The Father of the JOBS Act

 

David Weild IV is a veteran Wall Street executive and advisor to U.S. and international capital markets. He has become well known as a champion of small business as the “Father of the JOBS Act”. Signed into law by President Barack Obama in April 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act has opened up access to capital markets, giving small businesses and startups the ability to raise money from a much larger pool of investors. Wield has remarked that this was not a political action; it was signed in “an incredibly bipartisan fashion, which is really a departure from what we’ve generally seen. It actually increases economic activity. It’s good for poor people, good for rich people. And it adds to the US Treasury”.

 

As such, Weild is seen as a leading figure in the JOBS Act movement, inspiring the startup community to break down barriers and build the future. He has helped make it easier for companies to become public, empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses. Furthermore, Weild’s efforts have allowed more investors to participate in capital markets.

 

Benefitting from the JOBS Act

 

At the inception of the JOBS Act in 2012, non-accredited investors were only allowed to invest up to $2,000 or 5% of their net worth per year. This was designed to protect non-accredited investors from taking on too much risk by investing in startups, as these investments would likely be high risk and high reward. Since then, the JOBS Act has expanded to allow non-accredited investors to invest up to 10% of their net worth or $107,000 per year in startups and private placements.  

 

For companies they were initially allowed to raise:

 

  • Up to $50 million in RegA+ offerings
  • $1 million through crowdfunding (RegCF)
  • Unlimited capital from accredited investors under RegD

 

These numbers have grown significantly since 2012, with:

 

  • Reg A allowing $75 million to be raised
  • Reg CF allowing $5 million to be raised

 

These rules have opened the door for startups to access large amounts of capital that otherwise may not have been available to them. This has allowed more companies to grow, innovate and create jobs in the U.S.

 

How Much has Been Raised with JOBS Act Regulations?

 

The JOBS Act regulations have revolutionized how capital is raised by companies and how investors access new markets. According to Crowdfund Insider, companies have raised:

 

  • $1.8 Billion from July 2021 to June 2022 with RegA+
  • $2.3 trillion with RegD 506(B)
  • $148 trillion with RegD 506(C)
  • $506.7 million with RegCF

 

Since its formation in 2012, the JOBS Act has opened up a variety of avenues for entrepreneurs to access capital. The exempt offering ecosystem has allowed innovators to raise large sums of money with relatively fewer requirements than a traditional public offering, while still requiring compliance and offering investors protection. This has enabled companies to stay in business and grow, allowing the US economy to remain competitive on the global stage.

 

Insights from Industry Leaders

 

Expanding the discussion about capital formation, KoreConX launched its podcast series, KoreTalkX in April 2022. Through this platform, we’ve hosted many thought leaders and experts to share their insights on capital-raising strategies and compliance regulations. Guests have included renowned thought leaders including David Weild, Jason Fishman, Shari Noonan, Joel Steinmetz, Jonny Price, Douglas Ruark, Sara Hanks, and many others. Each of these episodes has explored topics in-depth to provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to be successful when raising capital from investors.

Reforms to RegD

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

With Regulation D (RegD) offerings, companies are exempt from registering securities with the SEC. Under RegD, companies can raise capital from accredited investors (and a limited number of nonaccredited investors in some cases) to support the growth of their business. This has become a popular method for private companies to raise capital, and can often be a starting point for larger capital raises under Regulation CF or Regulation A+. This popularity and the minimal disclosure requirements of RegD have prompted SEC Commissioner Caroline A. Crenshaw to propose changes to RegD disclosure requirements in January. Let’s see about these reforms to RegD.

 

Current Regulations Under RegD

 

The objective of RegD was to enable small and medium-sized businesses to seek capital-raising opportunities, without the cost-prohibitive disclosure requirements of a public offering. Under current regulation, companies may make private offerings of securities without having to register with the SEC, provided that they comply with certain disclosure requirements. These include filing Form D (which provides information about a company’s executives and its financial condition) and providing investors with a private placement memorandum outlining the terms of the offering. However, as this method of capital raising has been leveraged by multi-billion-dollar companies for whom it was not originally intended, the SEC is looking to update the disclosure requirements.

 

Commissioner Crenshaw’s Proposed Reforms

 

Commissioner Crenshaw has proposed a two-tiered framework, similar to Regulation A (RegA) which also provides an exemption from SEC registration requirements. Under the proposed reforms, companies offering securities through RegD would be required to provide more disclosure than is currently required, with the burden of disclosure increasing based on company size. Smaller companies (up to a threshold) would only need to provide basic information about their business operations such as management, operational updates, and financial statements. Larger companies (over the threshold) would be required to provide additional, heightened financial disclosures similar to those that are required under an S-1 filing. 

 

This reform could have far-reaching implications for small and medium businesses that wish to access capital markets and would largely depend on where the threshold is set. It remains to be seen whether these proposed reforms will move forward, but it’s clear that Commissioner Crenshaw is interested in modernizing and streamlining the process of raising capital.  

 

Effects of These Changes

 

The SEC’s proposed reforms would require issuers to provide more extensive disclosure and adhere to certain standards that are typically only associated with public offerings. This could potentially be a costly endeavor, as it would involve additional filing fees, legal expenses, and accounting costs.

 

The proposed reforms could also limit the ability of small businesses to access capital through Regulation D, as the costs associated with meeting the new requirements may be too high for some companies. For example, smaller companies may find it difficult to pay for the necessary accounting and legal fees, or they may not be able to generate enough interest from investors due to the higher thresholds that must be met to qualify for RegD. Small start-ups trying to raise only $250,000, these companies may not have the money to prepare the audited financials and Form 1A level disclosures.

The SEC’s proposed reforms of Regulation D are a step in the right direction toward protecting investors and ensuring that issuers adhere to certain standards. However, these reforms could potentially be harmful to small businesses seeking to raise capital through RegD offerings. The SEC needs to consider the potential effects of its proposed reforms and ensure that they are not overly burdensome on companies whose access to capital is already limited.

 

7 Things You Need to Raise Capital Online in 2023

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

. ising capital online can be a great way to a vast pool of potential investors. With the JOBS Act exemptions and many online funding portals available, it’s easier than ever to get started. Here are 7 Things You Need to Raise Capital Online in 2023.

 

1. Know Your Options

 

From Regulation D 506(c) offerings to RegCF and RegA+ offerings, it’s important to understand the differences between them. Each option has different requirements for time, cost, and resources. Plan accordingly for whatever option you choose by considering the trade-offs. Many issuers start with a RegD, then move on to a RegCF, and then a RegA+ because of the costs and compliance efforts required with each exemption.

 

2. Plan for a Higher Cost of Capital

 

Raising capital can be expensive. Especially when doing so online, you should plan on paying more than you usually would because of the additional costs associated with marketing, platform fees for using a crowdfunding platform, etc. These costs, along with fees for broker-dealers and legal counsel, can add up quickly, but understanding the potential costs will help you to plan accordingly. While raising capital online will cost more than a brokered or VC deal, you will retain greater ownership and control and suffer from less dilution, which may be a valuable tradeoff.

 

3. Find the Best Online Capital-Raising Platform

 

Before you embark on your journey to raise capital online, you need to find the right platform for your needs. You will want to make sure that you are working with the best platform possible. The first step is to do your research and find out which platform suits you best. You should look into the fees each platform charges, their customer service ratings, and whether or not they have any special features such as automated investing tools or portfolios with pre-set risk profiles.


Be wary of platforms that promise unrealistic returns or make promises about how easy it will be to raise capital in a short amount of time. Seek out platforms that have built up a good reputation and are transparent with their fees and services. Platforms do not raise money for you. Be sure to have a clear strategy in place before you launch your capital-raising campaign, and do not use a platform that promises too much. You can explore the list of FINRA-regulated funding platforms here.

 

4. You’re Responsible for Marketing

 

You’ll need to craft an effective message and have the resources available to get it out there – whether that’s through social media, email campaigns, print ads, or other forms of advertising.  When you sign up for a capital raising platform, they do not help you with marketing or getting investors. This is left up to your organization or you can hire a marketing firm that is experienced in marketing for online capital raises. Ensure you know your target market and audience so that your message resonates with the right people who will invest in your cause or project. Researching trends in the current market can help you refine your strategy over time as well. Focus on building relationships with potential investors by providing value upfront before asking them for anything monetary related – this can go far towards building trust and credibility between both parties when marketing for your capital raise.

 

5. Launch with an Announcement and Target Multiple Investors

 

Announce the closing of your last smaller raise and its success when launching your next round. You can create a sense of urgency that will attract investors and help drive interest in your offering. This proven strategy can be rinsed and repeated as often as needed (though it can be overdone, and your audience will eventually catch on that this isn’t really the last chance to invest). Another way to maximize your chances for success when raising capital online is to target multiple investor types. While it’s important to target self-directed investors online, you can also retain marketing partners to reach out to family offices and institutional investors. By targeting multiple investor types simultaneously, you’ll improve your chances of raising more capital.

 

6. Focus on Marketing and Platforms

 

It is essential to have a well-structured marketing plan. That will help you reach your target audience and create awareness of your offering. It’s also important to focus on choosing the right platform for your capital-raising efforts. Consider your capital-raising goals, the platform you plan to use to meet those goals, and the availability of resources to help you achieve success. Will your campaign primarily use affinity marketing? Or will you utilize tools such as advertising, email campaigns, and social media?

 

7. Get a Valuation Report and a Securities Attorney

 

During the process of raising capital online, understand the value of your assets and make sure that you are compliant with security laws. A 3rd-party valuation report can give you a better understanding of your company’s worth and help inform investors about its potential. These reports are available from many reputable firms, and retaining one can help you to make a more convincing case for the worth of your company. It is also essential to hire a securities attorney to ensure you comply with JOBS Act exemptions. Without a lawyer experienced in securities law on your side, you could be risking legal violations and hefty fines.

 

Seeking Opportunities in Times of Crisis

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has sent shockwaves through the financial sector, sending bank stocks plummeting, heightening stresses, and leaving many people with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about the future. However, amidst this chaos lies a unique opportunity to innovate and create jobs, which can stand as a shining message of hope. We see this as a time for ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit to uncover a unique solution to this crisis and serve as the spark that sets off further development in the sector. This blog will discuss how opportunity and crisis are closely linked, showcasing the potential for businesses to use this moment of disruption as a chance for growth and renewal.

The Innovation Opportunity

 

When crises arise, they can often be overwhelming and unsettling. But, in times like these also lies a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to shine, by innovating solutions that meet the challenges of the moment. This is an opportune time for businesses to:

 

  • Make a meaningful difference.
  • Find creative solutions to problems.
  • Identify new markets for their services.
  • Develop products that can meet the unique needs of those affected by this crisis.
  • Offer creative solutions that can help bring stability and growth back to the sector.

 

When businesses take advantage of these types of opportunities, it can result in job growth and increased economic activity. But, to take advantage of this opportunity, companies need access to capital that can fund innovation and job creation. Fortunately, RegA+ and RegCF exist to fund businesses. And because retail investors can make investments into companies through these JOBS Act exemptions, it provides companies a source of capital even if there is decreased venture capital or private equity activity.

 

Raising Capital During a Crisis

 

In times of crisis and disruption, finding capital can also be difficult. This is especially true for start-ups that do not have access to the same resources as large businesses. Fortunately, there is a range of ways that companies can raise capital, such as through RegA+, and RegCF. 

 

Through RegA+, companies can raise up to $75 million from both accredited and nonaccredited investors. And since it offers companies the ability to turn current customers into investors and brand ambassadors, the exemption can bring a company tremendous value and help to grow the business. A Reg A raise is excellent for companies that have a wide customer base or need to raise a large amount of capital.

 

Like RegA+, RegCF allows both accredited and nonaccredited investors to invest in the offering. However, offerings are limited to a maximum of $5 million per year. Compared to other regulations, Reg CF is one of the most popular due to its lower cost and ease of implementation. 

 

These options offer companies a way to raise capital to fund innovation, job growth, and other related activities when traditional means might be less available.

 

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has sent shockwaves throughout the financial sector. But despite times of crisis like this, entrepreneurs can find unique solutions and opportunities to innovate, create new jobs, and make a meaningful difference. By seeking creative solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of those affected by this crisis, entrepreneurs have the potential to help bring stability and growth back to the sector. In addition, through access to capital through the JOBS Act, businesses can have the resources necessary to fund their growth during a time of disruption. All-in-all, the opportunity is closely linked with times of crisis, providing companies and entrepreneurs with a unique chance for growth and renewal.

What is TradeCheck?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Through RegA+, RegCF, and RegD, hundreds of companies across the country have been able to raise capital from both retail and accredited investors. The shares held by these investors are freely tradeable (after one year in the case of RegCF or RegD, however, buying and selling these securities requires compliance with a patchwork of regulations that can differ between different jurisdictions.

 

TradeCheck is a solution offered by KoreConX to ensure that state rules governing the resale of unlisted securities are met by providing clarity on state requirements for trading securities, automating compliance checks, and producing reports detailing transactions. TradeCheck is unique in its ability to provide transparency into transaction compliance, helping companies ensure a smooth and compliant trading process. 

 

TradeCheck can be used by all parties involved in a regulation process, including investors, issuers, and intermediaries. To use it, investors simply enter their email addresses into the platform and follow the prompts, where they will be asked to log in with their KoreID and password, and answer a security question before they can access their account. 

 

For issuers, the process begins with KoreConX walking them through the necessary state requirements, and providing a detailed report on which states transactions may be made in and for what time period. Alongside this, the inclusion of the issuer’s information in the Mergent “Securities Manuals” is also a part of this service. Ultimately, TradeCheck helps companies get clearance for all states and territories except California

 

The TradeCheck service also offers additional assurance to the investor or intermediary regarding the correctness of the disclosure available about the company, operating history, and financial statements. This is achieved by providing a third-party audit of the company’s documents to ensure that all the necessary regulations are met. The audit also helps in preventing any fraudulent activity which can result from incorrect disclosure or faulty financial information being provided to an investor. 

 

TradeCheck helps issuers and intermediaries comply with the regulations set by the broker-dealer operating their Alternative Trading System (ATS). It provides automated compliance checks and produces reports detailing transactions, providing transparency for investors in the regulatory compliance process. TradeCheck applies to many different types of securities and brings multiple benefits to investors, intermediaries, and other parties involved in the trading process. Ultimately, TradeCheck helps to reduce risk and increase investor confidence in trading securities.

What is Affinity Marketing?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Affinity marketing is an effective way to increase brand recognition and reach a larger target audience, especially when it comes to raising capital. By leveraging existing connections with customers, companies can improve their visibility and attract more investors. With the right strategy and tools, affinity marketing can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to expand their customer base and create trust between parties. 

 

Affinity marketing is a type of marketing strategy that focuses on creating relationships between a company and its customer base. This connection could be due to things like shared values, such as environmental sustainability or ethical labor practices. The main goal of this approach is to create loyalty and increase brand recognition. The idea behind affinity marketing is that a brand can appeal to an audience that is connected by brand loyalty, shared values, or other aspects that would make them like to make a purchase, return as a customer, or even become investors. 

 

Using the JOBS Act and Affinity Marketing

 

With Regulations A+ and CF, affinity marketing is an effective way to raise capital. By leveraging existing connections with customers, companies can reach a larger target audience and increase their chances of success. When beginning new capital-raising efforts, affinity marketing promotes a sense of trust and credibility.

 

Whether you have had several raises in the past or this is your first capital raise, affinity marketing is an effective way to reach a larger target audience. Leveraging your existing connections can help you gain exposure and attract more investors because people trust the brands they already know. By leveraging this group of investors, you can improve the visibility of your company and reach a larger pool by utilizing these people as a type of brand ambassador for your marketing.

 

Tips For Implementing Affinity Marketing Effectively

 

When implementing an affinity marketing strategy, there are certain steps you should take to ensure success. Here are some tips for using this type of marketing effectively:

 

Identify your target audience: Identify a customer base that shares similar values or had displayed brand loyalty. This will help you create a more tailored marketing plan that is specific to the target audience.

 

Set clear objectives and goals: Setting clear, measurable objectives and goals will help ensure that your affinity marketing strategy is successful. It will also allow you to track progress and make necessary adjustments as needed.

 

Communicate with your partner: Establishing a strong relationship with your affinity marketing partner, like an investor acquisition firm, is essential for success. Communicating regularly and discussing expectations, challenges, and successes will help foster collaboration and ensure successful outcomes.

 

Measure results: Tracking metrics such as customer acquisition rate, customer engagement rate, or return on investment (ROI) is important to determine the success of your affinity marketing strategy.

 

Affinity marketing is an effective way to increase brand recognition and reach a larger target audience. Especially when raising capital. By leveraging existing connections with customers, companies can reach more potential investors and create trust between parties. Additionally, tracking specific metrics can help measure success and ensure that you are meeting your goals. With the right strategy and tools, affinity marketing can be an effective way to increase brand visibility and reach a larger pool of investors.

 

How Do I Grant Equity to Employees?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Equity to employees gives workers a share of ownership in the company they work for. Ownership in the form of a percentage can be given in recognition of loyalty, hard work, and dedication, or as an incentive to perform.

 

Giving employees equity can be a great way to retain talented staff. It helps motivate them while also providing an additional layer of reward. Let’s explore the basics of employee equity and explain why it’s such a popular benefit for employers and employees alike.

 

What is Employee Equity?

 

Employee equity is a form of stock ownership given to employees by their employers. It allows them to share in the profits and losses of the company. Depending on the type, employee equity can be awarded as virtual shares or in actual shares.

 

Virtual shares are used to reward employees without having to issue actual shares. This can be a cost-effective alternative for companies that would rather avoid the tax and administrative paperwork that come with granting ownership while retaining control over the company, as virtual shares would not possess voting rights. A virtual share is a commitment by the company to pay bonuses that correlate to the share price or declared dividends. 

 

Employee stock options are options to buy actual issued shares at a pre-set price, independent of whatever the market price of the stock might be on the day the option is exercised. They are used to incentivize higher performance and usually come with a vesting period attached. Companies may also include a buyback clause that allows them to repurchase the shares at any time if they choose to terminate an employee’s employment. Restricted stock and restricted stock units are also forms of employee equity. They are shares given to employees with restrictions, such as a vesting period and a minimum number of years that need to be worked before they can claim the stock.

 

Benefits of Equity for Employees and Employers

 

Equity offers numerous compelling benefits to employees. For one, it allows employees to become owners of the companies they work for. This can provide excellent long-term incentives for high-performance workers, as a company that grows in value will raise the ownership stake of each employee. Equity can also be an effective tool to entice talented job seekers who may not be willing to take a role without some form of ownership in the company. Equity is sometimes accompanied by a reduced salary, which can provide more flexibility in tailoring a compensation package to the needs of the employee. For example, sometimes it may be better to take one’s income as salary, sometimes as dividends, sometimes as revenue from the sale of stock, etc. Stocks can also be a means for deferring income for retirement planning.

 

Employers also benefit significantly from offering equity as part of their compensation packages. For one, it can be an incredibly effective tool for recruiting top talent. Equity attracts job seekers who may not otherwise accept a traditional salary offer alone. Additionally, offering equity allows companies to share the rewards of their growth with the employees who helped create it. This can lead to a more loyal and motivated workforce as employees become invested in the company’s success, and are incentivized to help each other do better. Offering employees equity can reduce costs for employers as they are not paying out large salaries or bonuses. This means that companies can offer attractive compensation packages while still controlling their costs.

 

Granting Equity to Employees

 

When setting up an equity grant program it is important to ensure the program is in line with both industry standards and legal regulations. This requires researching competitive salaries, setting a vesting schedule (which determines how long employees must stay with the company before they receive their full grant), and performing a 409A valuation – an IRS-mandated assessment of your company’s finances, as well as seeking advice from a securities lawyer in your company’s jurisdiction. It is also important to plan for grants and promotions, set an expiration timeline for stock options, and decide whether employees can exercise their equity early. By understanding the basics of granting equity to employees, companies can create an effective grant program that rewards and motivates their team members while remaining competitive with industry standards.

Addressing the Decrease in VC Funding to Women-Led Startups

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

In recent years, the number of female entrepreneurs has grown exponentially. Many women have decided to turn their business ideas into reality. Others have leveraged the resources available to expand an existing business. Despite data suggesting that female-led startups outperform male-led startups, studies have shown that women-led startups only received 1.9% or around $4.5 billion of the total venture capital allocated in 2022, a startling statistic when $238.3 billion was raised from VC investments according to PitchBook, a decline from 2.4% the previous year. The gender gap in VC funding to women-led startups has become more pronounced.

 

What are the Causes of this Gender Gap?

 

Various factors cause the gender gap in venture capital (VC) funding, but most importantly it’s due to an overall lack of access to resources, networks, and mentors that can help female entrepreneurs succeed. Male investors dominate most venture capital firms, making it difficult for women to receive funding. Furthermore, women are not as well-represented in the technology industry. That is a key factor in obtaining VC investments due to the high growth potential of tech companies.

 

How Does This Affect Female Entrepreneurs?

 

The gender gap in VC funding can have a huge negative impact on the success of female entrepreneurs. Without adequate startup capital, developing a successful business and scaling it to profitability is difficult. This is especially true compared to male-led startups that receive more access to resources that can help foster growth.  And it’s a vicious circle. Less investment in woman-run companies makes it harder for them to succeed, which feeds the perception that they’re not good investments. With a drop in the female-owned businesses in VC funds, alternative means of capital raising like RegA+ and RegCF offer female entrepreneurs a chance to access the capital they need.

 

The Benefits of Alternative Capital Raising Options for Women-led Startups

 

With VC funding becoming increasingly difficult to attain, there are other options that female entrepreneurs can tap into to secure the resources needed for their companies. RegA+ and RegCF offer two alternatives that allow private companies to raise capital through more accessible means.

 

Regulation A+ is a type of private offering, exempt from SEC reporting requirements, that allows companies to raise up to $75 million from accredited and non-accredited investors. This makes it an attractive option for female entrepreneurs looking for significant sources of capital. Regulation Crowdfunding allows companies to raise up to $5 million from both accredited and non-accredited investors as well. The main advantage of this type of capital raising is that it is typically more cost-effective than a RegA+ raise. For early-stage companies, it is the ideal option.

 

What Can Female Entrepreneurs Do To Combat this Gender Gap?

 

The best way for female entrepreneurs to fight the gender gap in VC funding is by taking advantage of alternative capital-raising options. By utilizing RegA+ and RegCF, female entrepreneurs gain access to much-needed resources to launch their businesses and scale them. Additionally, female entrepreneurs need to continue networking with potential investors and other entrepreneurs to build their own trust networks. By leveraging the power of these networks, female entrepreneurs can gain access to capital from a diverse pool of investors.

Overall, the gender gap in venture capital funding is an issue that needs to be addressed and overcome by women-led companies. Regulation A+ and Regulation Crowdfunding offer two viable solutions for female entrepreneurs to gain access to the resources they need.

To sum up: With these capital-raising options, female entrepreneurs can take their businesses to the next level.

How Do I Know if My Cap Table is Ready?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

A cap table (short for capitalization table) is essential for any company looking to raise capital. It provides a detailed breakdown of the equity owned by shareholders, enabling founders to understand how their offerings will be impacted and make sound decisions regarding their finances. When properly managed, cap tables help potential investors feel confident in their investments as they provide a clear picture of the company’s ownership. As such, understanding your cap table and ensuring it is up to date is important when assessing if your company is ready to move forward with fundraising efforts.

 

Must-Haves for Proper Cap Table Management

 

When it comes to cap table management, remember to include this elements:

 

  • Voting rights
  • Share issuance
  • Past and current shareholders
  • List any future projections for additional capital raises or dilution
  • Track all options grants, vesting schedules, and related information
  • The amount of money each shareholder has invested in the company
  • Include details about convertible notes, warrants, and other debt instruments
  • Clearly list all shareholders, their ownership percentages, and the date of their investments

 

All of the above must be taken into consideration and recorded accurately to ensure proper cap table management. With these basics accounted for, founders can feel confident that their cap table contains the necessary information so they can be ready to raise capital. Still, some dos and don’ts should also be observed to ensure the best possible outcome for organizations raising capital.

 

Cap Table Dos: 

 

  • Ensure that all information is readily available in an easy-to-understand way
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date information
  • Take into account dilution from future funding rounds, options pools, and performance issues

 

Cap Table Don’ts 

 

  • Overlooking the potential for dilution when raising capital
  • Failing to update it when new shareholders invest
  • Hesitating to consult a legal or financial advisor with any questions that arise
  • Neglecting the importance of understanding the cap table and its implications

 

By following these dos and don’ts, organizations can avoid potential pitfalls in the capital raising process and ensure an efficient, effective raise for all involved parties. A well-maintained cap table ensures transparency between investors, founders, and shareholders.

 

Best Practices for Managing a Cap Table

 

Though having a comprehensive cap table is vital, keeping it updated and organized requires consistent effort. To ensure your cap table remains accurate, it’s essential to follow the best practices for managing a cap table, including:

 

  • Updating the tables regularly as new investments come in or out
  • Keeping multiple copies of the tables in both digital and physical form
  • Storing the cap table in a secure location with proper backups for redundancy
  • Utilizing a FINRA broker-deal with knowledge of and experience handling cap tables for JOBS Act raises
  • Monitoring new regulations and laws to ensure the cap table is compliant with all applicable standards

 

By following these best practices for managing a cap table, companies can ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance when looking to benefit from raising capital. It will also give investors confidence that they have all the information they need to make informed decisions.

Who Does Due Diligence on Companies using RegA+?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Due diligence is an essential part of the investment process. Especially following the passage of the JOBS Act in 2012, which expanded Regulation A+ (RegA+), companies now have additional opportunities to seek capital from investors. This has created a need for due diligence on these companies that is both thorough and efficient. In this blog post, we will discuss who does due diligence on companies using RegA+ and who does due diligence on companies using RegA+.

 

What Is Due Diligence?

 

The Securities Act of 1933, a result of the stock market crash years earlier, introduced due diligence as a common practice. The purpose of the act was to create transparency into the financial statements of companies and protect investors from fraud. While the SEC requires the information provided to be accurate, it does not make any guarantees of its accuracy. However, the Securities Act of 1933 for the first time allowed investors to make informed decisions regarding their investments.  

 

In the context of raising capital through RegA+, due diligence means that the issuer has provided all of the necessary information to investors and securities regulators so that they comply with securities laws. This may include information like:

 

  • Funding: The issuer should provide a detailed plan of how the money raised through RegA+ will be used.
  • Products/Services: The issuer should provide a clear description of their products and services, as well as any potential advantages that they may have over the competition.
  • Business Plan: The issuer should provide a detailed and comprehensive business plan outlining their current and future projects, as well as realistic projections based on their financial reports.
  • Management Team: The issuer should disclose information about the company’s officers, founders, board members, and any previous experience in business that may be relevant to investors.

 

Issuers should also use a registered broker-dealer as an intermediary to comply with Regulation A+ (RegA+). By doing this, they will ensure that they are meeting their due diligence requirements.

 

Who Is Responsible for Doing Due Diligence on companies using RegA+?

 

When it comes to due diligence for companies using RegA+, typically, the issuer’s FINRA Broker-Dealer is responsible for conducting due diligence both on the potential investors and the company itself. The broker-dealer will be required to perform regulatory checks on investors such as KYC, AML, and investor suitability to ensure investors are appropriate for the company. Additionally, they will perform due diligence on the issuer so that they can be assured that the company is operating in a manner compliant with securities laws so that they do not present false information to investors. Failing to meet compliance standards can result in the issuer being left responsible for severe penalties, such as returning all money raised to investors. 

 

However, both investors and issuers have a responsibility for due diligence as well. Investors should research the company thoroughly and make sure they understand all details surrounding the offering before investing their money. This includes reviewing all relevant documents, such as the offering circular, stock subscription agreements, and other related materials that give them a good understanding of the investment opportunity and its potential risks.

 

Issuers also contribute to due diligence as they must work with their FINRA Broker-Dealer to ensure that their offering is compliant with all laws and regulations. This includes verifying all information provided in the offering materials and making sure it meets regulatory requirements. The issuer must also disclose all information that could influence an investor’s decision to purchase the securities. 

 

Due diligence is essential for both investors and issuers when it comes to investments under Regulation A+ (RegA+). Ensure that thorough due diligence is conducted ensures that the offering is conducted in a manner that aligns with the best interests of both investors and the issuer. Ultimately, due diligence is a key component when it comes to investments under Regulation A+ (RegA+) and should not be overlooked.

 

The Origins of Blockchain

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

It’s been a little over a decade since Blockchain technology was first introduced, but it’s already revolutionizing the way we do business. By eliminating the need for a central authority in transactions, Blockchain enables secure and tamper-proof data exchanges between parties. This has allowed companies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and ensure accuracy in payments or copyright verification. Let’s explore how the Blockchain came to be.

 

A Brief History

 

  • 1979: Ralph Merkle, a computer scientist and Stanford University Ph.D. student, described a public key distribution and digital signatures in his doctoral thesis, an idea he eventually patented. This came to be known as the Merkle tree.
  • 1982: David Chaum, a Ph.D. student at the Univerity of California, Berkeley, described a system for maintaining and trusting computer systems.
  • 1991: Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta proposed a cryptographically secured chain of blocks that would enable timestamping of documents, then proceeded to upgrade their system the following year to incorporate Merkle trees for more efficient document collection.
  • 2008: Someone under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto conceptualized the first Blockchain, from which the technology has evolved and found its way into many applications, from cryptocurrencies to others.
  • 2009: Satoshi Nakamoto released the first whitepaper about Blockchain technology and Bitcoin, detailing how it was well equipped to enhance digital trust due to its decentralization aspect.
  • 2009: The first Bitcoin block was mined by Nakamoto, validating the blockchain concept.
  • 2011: Litecoin is released, becoming the second-ever cryptocurrency to be based on Blockchain technology.
  • 2013: Ethereum launches, introducing a whole new concept of smart contracts and dApps, ushering in the era of Blockchain 2.0.
  • 2015: The world’s first Blockchain-based stock exchange is launched in Estonia.
  • 2016: Hyperledger project begins to take shape with IBM leading the charge for private enterprises to adopt Blockchain technology for internal use.
  • 2017: Bitcoin experiences a monumental rise in price as the cryptocurrency market cap surpasses $100 billion.

 

The Benefits of Blockchain

 

Blockchain technology has a lot to offer from scalability and cost savings. Here’s how it’s been adopted in various sectors over the last decade:

 

Decentralization: A significant benefit of Blockchain technology is its ability to remove the need for a third-party authority. This means that transactions can be carried out securely with much faster processing times and lower costs. Utilizing Blockchain technology for payments and data storage ensures that the exchange of information is accurate, secure, and immutable.

 

Energy: Blockchain is being used to create decentralized energy systems that enable users to buy and sell electricity directly with each other without relying on any central authority. This helps reduce costs while providing more transparent financial transactions.

 

Finance: Banks, payment companies, and other financial institutions are embracing Blockchain technology to reduce costs while increasing the speed of transactions. Blockchain is also being used to enhance security in stock exchanges by providing an immutable ledger to track ownership of stocks and bonds.

 

Media & Entertainment: Companies like Spotify and Facebook are leveraging blockchain technology to explore emerging trends like NFTs. 

 

Supply Chain Management: By eliminating intermediaries, Blockchain technology makes it easier to track shipments and trace products in the supply chain. This not only enhances transparency but also reduces costs while improving customer service.

 

Healthcare: Blockchain technology can play a significant role in streamlining the healthcare industry by providing an immutable ledger to store and share patient records. This will help reduce costs and improve security as sensitive health data is securely stored on the Blockchain.

 

Blockchain technology has come a long way since its introduction over 10 years ago. What started as a revolutionary concept for cryptocurrency has now been widely adopted across various industries. The possibilities are endless and the future looks bright for Blockchain technology.  With its scalability, cost savings, transparency, and security advancements, Blockchain is set to revolutionize many aspects of our lives in the years ahead.

Online Capital Formation is Always Available, Even When VC Funding Is Not

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The venture capital (VC) industry has been struggling since 2022. Venture funding has dropped by more than 50% since 2022 and late-stage investments have plummeted even more dramatically, down 63%. Online capital raising may be a viable alternative for entrepreneurs seeking funding in an uncertain VC climate.

 

What Is Online Capital Formation?

 

Online capital formation is the process of using digital platforms to raise funds from investors through JOBS Act regulations. Using exemptions from SEC registration such as RegA+ and RegCF, companies can tap into a larger pool of investors beyond traditional VCs and private equity firms. These investments can be accessed by anyone, regardless of their net worth or accreditation status. On the other hand, venture capital firms are typically limited to investing in businesses with high growth potential and start-up costs that require large sums of money. With online capital raising, entrepreneurs can access smaller sums of money from a larger pool of investors. In 2022, companies raised an impressive $494.0 million from RegCF raises and $431.8 from Reg A through over half a million investments. 

 

Benefits of Online Capital Formation

 

Online capital formation offers many benefits for entrepreneurs and investors alike:

 

  1. Access to a larger pool of investors: By using online capital raising platforms, businesses can access a much wider range of investors than traditional VCs or private equity firms. This allows businesses to access capital from individuals and retail investors who may not have the same wealth or investment track record as professional investors.

 

  1. Increased transparency: Online capital raising platforms allow for greater transparency, giving investors more information about an offering before they commit to investing in a particular business. This allows investors to make more informed decisions and reduces the risks associated with investing.

 

  1. Lower cost of capital: Online capital-raising platforms typically charge lower fees than traditional VCs and private equity firms, making it a more cost-effective way to raise funds. Companies are typically able to retain more of their businesses than the VC or private equity route.

 

Available 24/7/365

 

Online capital raising is available 24/7/365, which allows entrepreneurs to access funding when they need it without having to wait for the next round of venture capital or private equity investments. This makes online capital raising a particularly attractive option for businesses that need quick access to funds. This makes online capital raising such as Reg A+, Reg CF, and Reg D an attractive option for companies looking to access funds quickly and efficiently.

 

VCs have traditionally been the go-to source of funding for entrepreneurs, but venture capital investments are dwindling in today’s turbulent economic environment. Online capital raising offers a viable alternative that allows businesses to access a wider pool of investors, increased transparency, and continuous access to capital. With online capital-raising platforms, entrepreneurs can access funding quickly and efficiently without requiring lengthy fundraising cycles. In this challenging economic environment, online capital raising provides a much-needed lifeline for emerging businesses.

Why Use RegCF for Real Estate?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Companies in the real estate industry have a variety of financing options available for their projects, but one that is often overlooked is the use of Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF). Equity crowdfunding is becoming an increasingly popular tool among companies due to its potential to provide access to potentially high-yielding investments and the ability to offer new ways for investors to diversify their portfolios. 

 

What is Reg CF for Real Estate?

 

Reg CF is a type of equity crowdfunding that allows companies to raise capital from everyday individuals, not just accredited investors. Unlike traditional real estate investments, the price tag for Reg CF investments is much smaller, making it more appealing to a wide range of investors. Companies can sell securities such as stocks or debt instruments in exchange for investor funds. For real estate, this can be done in various ways such as selling shares in a real estate investment trust (REIT), selling property-specific investments, or launching a syndication.

 

Benefits of Reg CF for Real Estate

 

Using regulation CF for real estate offers a wide range of benefits to both investors and issuers that may not be readily available with other forms of capital raising. These benefits include:

 

It Can Provide Access to High-Yielding Investment Opportunities: Real estate investments can offer higher returns than traditional stocks and bonds, with an average annual return of 12.9% according to a study by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance in 2017. By using Reg CF, investors can tap into this high-potential market and issuers can access the capital to fund their real estate projects.

 

It Offers a More Diverse Investment Portfolio: Real estate equity crowdfunding allows investors to invest in specific projects or properties, rather than having to invest in an entire REIT or development company. This provides more control and transparency for the investor as they can see exactly where their money is going.

 

It Can Offer Lower Investment Requirements: When using Reg CF, the minimum investment is typically much lower than traditional real estate investments, meaning that anyone can invest as little or as much as they want in a given project. This makes it easier for companies to attract a larger pool of potential investors and increase their chances of successfully raising the necessary funds.

 

It Can Help Facilitate Market Research: When using Reg CF, issuers must provide investors with all the information they need to make an informed decision, in-depth market research included. This can increase investor confidence in the project and potentially lead to higher returns for real estate agents.

 

Reg CF is an effective tool in the real estate space, allowing companies to access capital quickly and easily from a wide range of potential investors. As the popularity of crowdfunding continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for companies in the real estate space to understand how Reg CF works and how it can be used in conjunction with other financing methods to maximize their fundraising efforts.

What is Tokenization in Real Estate?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Real estate tokenization is a new way of dividing property ownership rights using blockchain technology and digital tokens. Tokenization enables fractional real estate ownership, owning just part of a property without having to buy the entire asset. This makes such investments accessible to people without the resources to buy an entire property. So how does real estate tokenization work, and what are the implications for investors, property owners, and other stakeholders?

 

What is Real Estate Tokenization?

 

According to Deloitte, a large amount of our future economy will be powered by tokenization, and the value of blockchain technology is projected to rise about $3.1 trillion by 2030. Investors and realtors alike are using this option more and more often. The total value of tokenized real estate increased from $65 billion in June 2021 to $194 billion in May 2022. 

 

While many countries are developing a legal framework for tokenized assets, not all jurisdictions have implemented regulations yet. It is also important to understand the potential impact of taxes and other fees on profits from tokenized property investments.

 

Distributed Ledger Technology

 

The use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) is key to making real estate tokenization possible. DLT uses blockchain to securely store digital records of fractional ownership shares across a network of computers. Those decentralized digital records allow quick and secure verification of each investor’s ownership stake.

 

Smart Contracts

 

Real estate tokenization can also use smart contracts. A smart contract is a code-based agreement between two or more parties that automatically records transactions on the blockchain when certain conditions are met. Smart contracts facilitate the transfer of shares in a property, automated payment processing and compliance with regulatory requirements. This automation greatly reduces transaction costs.

 

Implications of Real Estate Tokenization

 

Tokenization significantly reduces the costs of investing in real estate, both by increasing the efficiency of transactions and record keeping, and by breaking up assets into affordable chunks. This increases liquidity and market transparency, and brings real estate investment within reach of more people than ever before. 

 

Finally, tokenization provides an additional level of security by protecting investor rights through secure digital records stored on the blockchain. This safeguards investor interests, reducing the risk of fraud or manipulation.

 

Real estate tokenization can revolutionize the way we buy, sell, and invest in properties. Tokenization provides investors with greater liquidity and security, by recording fractional ownership shares in an asset on the blockchain and tracking all subsequent transactions. It also opens up new opportunities for those who may not have had access to traditional real estate investments in the past. However, before investing in tokenized assets, it is important to understand the regulatory landscape and potential risks associated with these types of investments.

The Need for Compliant and Safe Online Capital Formation

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

In the State of the Union address given by President Joe Biden on February 7th, 2023, he remarked: “Every time somebody starts a small business, it’s an act of hope.” This followed a statement citing the record 10 million Americans who applied to start a new business within the past two years. The President also remarked that Vice President Kamala Harris would continue her work to ensure that these businesses can access the capital they need to thrive. But what does this look like? 

 

As he shared in his speech, there are already major changes to the economy underway. From increasing taxes on capital gains to boosting infrastructure spending, many of Biden’s plans are focused on driving domestic growth. But one area that needs more attention is online capital formation – particularly how to do so in a compliant and safe way. The sheer number of Americans applying for small business startups sheds a light on an urgent need to provide access to capital for these entrepreneurs. 

 

The Benefits of Online Capital Formation

 

In 2012, President Obama signed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act into law. This legislation was designed to make it easier for small businesses to raise capital by loosening specific regulations. Most notably, it enhanced Reg A+ and created Reg CF which allows companies to receive investments from everyday people, sometimes referred to as retail investors. The exemptions from SEC registration have since expanded to increase the amount of capital that can be raised by private companies. As a result, more companies have begun to see Reg A+ and Reg CF as viable alternatives to traditional VC and private equity funding, like medtech, real estate, and cannabis companies.

 

The exemptions have also allowed for capital to be raised online, reducing barriers for entrepreneurs as well. Online capital formation has the potential to provide a great benefit to entrepreneurs by providing access to investment opportunities that they can use to scale their businesses faster and more efficiently. This expansion of capital availability can also help drive economic growth across industries, as well as help create jobs in tech and start-ups. Furthermore, it will allow investors to diversify their portfolios and access new markets.

 

Gary Gensler’s Remarks to the Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee

 

In a separate speech also delivered on February 7th, Gary Gensler of the SEC discussed the importance of private funds and their advisers. He noted, “the people whose assets are invested in private funds often are teachers, firefighters, municipal workers, students, and professors.” While addressing the Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, Gensler stated that “there may be somewhere in the range of $250 billion in fees and expenses each year” for private funds. This is money that portfolio companies, like small businesses, do not get to use. He called for greater transparency, efficiency, and competition between intermediaries to help both investors and the companies who benefit from these funds.

 

The Need for Compliance and Safety

 

Although online capital formation can be beneficial for entrepreneurs, investors, and the economy at large, it is important that measures are taken to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. This is especially true for private funds and their advisers, as Gensler discussed. The SEC is focused on protecting not just the investor, but also the companies that are seeking capital.

 

To do this, there must be rigorous enforcement of laws and regulations that govern online capital formation. Companies need to ensure that they understand disclosure requirements so that investors can make informed decisions. Additionally, safeguards must be put in place to protect against data misuse and cyber-security risks that can occur when seeking capital online.

 

The Biden Administration’s Role

 

President Biden has expressed his commitment to creating an environment where entrepreneurs can access the capital they need to grow their businesses. He is in support of the JOBS Act and other key initiatives that have been put in place to help small businesses. Additionally, he has directed his Administration to focus on creating more jobs, including ones in tech and alternative energy sectors.

 

For entrepreneurs to access capital more efficiently and safely, online capital formation must be optimized with compliance in mind. This can be done through the implementation of strong regulations, while also encouraging innovation within the sector.

 

Is Reg D Suitable for My Company?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Regulation D (Reg D) is a set of rules established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that allows companies to raise capital without registering their securities for public sale and is related to, but different than other JOBS Act regulations. Reg D also establishes certain disclosure requirements that companies must comply with when selling securities under this type of offering and offers several advantages for companies seeking to raise capital, these include:

 

  • Ability to raise capital from accredited and some nonaccredited investors
  • Reduced disclosure requirements, and faster access to capital
  • No limits on offering sizes

 

However, there are also certain drawbacks associated with Reg D. For example, companies must comply with state regulations that may require disclosure of notices of sale or the names of those who receive compensation in connection with the sale. Additionally, the benefits of Reg D only apply to the issuer of the securities, not to affiliates of the issuer or to any other individuals who may later resell them.

 

What is Reg D?

 

Reg D is a set of rules established by the SEC to help companies raise capital without registering their securities for public sale. The regulations are designed to make it easier for businesses to access capital markets and take advantage of potential investors who were not previously able to invest in private offerings.

 

Under Regulation D, companies are allowed to raise capital without registering their securities with the SEC under rule 506. Under Rules 506(b) and 506(c), companies are not limited to the amount of capital that can be raised. However, offerings under rule 506(b) cannot use any form of general solicitation, which means they need to rely on their networks of accredited investors. In addition, 506(b) offerings can have up to 35 nonaccredited investors.

 

Who Can Benefit from Reg D?

 

Reg D can benefit both companies and investors. Companies can access capital markets without registering their securities for public sale, a great alternative to a cost-intensive IPO. Issuers can also raise the capital they need to grow and expand their business, as well as fund future rounds of fundraising that may be accomplished through a Reg CF or a Reg A+ offering.

 

For investors, Reg D offers the opportunity to invest in companies with potentially higher returns than other investments due to the increased risk associated with such investments. The majority of investors must meet specific criteria (such as having an annual income of over $200,000) to be considered accredited investors.

 

Is Reg D Suitable For My Company?

 

The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as your company’s financial situation and whether you can meet the disclosure requirements under Reg D. Companies that may benefit from a Reg D offering include:

 

  • Start-ups or development-stage companies
  • Growing businesses needing additional capital
  • Companies looking to access capital more quickly than they could through a traditional public offering

 

Reg D can be beneficial for companies, as well as accredited investors who meet specific criteria. While there are potential risks associated with a Reg D offering, it may be suitable for your company if you can meet the disclosure requirements and familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations. Ultimately, it is important to consult a qualified securities lawyer to determine if Reg D is the right option for your company.

 

What You Need to Know About Cap Table Management

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

More than a simple spreadsheet, a cap table (short for capitalization table) records detailed data regarding the equity owned by shareholders. When it comes to raising capital, your cap table will help you make sound decisions regarding your offering. So, what exactly is cap table management?

 

A clear and well-managed cap table paints a detailed picture of exactly who owns what in the company. Whether a founder is looking to raise additional capital or offer incentives to employees, a correctly-managed cap table will show the exact breakdown of shares, digital securities, options, warrants, loans, SAFE, Debenture, etc. This information enables founders to understand how equity distribution is impacted by business decisions.

 

Proper cap table management ensures that all transactions are accounted for and that potential investors are easily able to see the equity structure during funding rounds. Founders are also able to better negotiate the terms of a deal when they have the entire picture of their company’s structure available for reference. Without a cap table, companies can face challenges when it comes to raising capital, due to a lack of transparency in the ownership of the company.

 

But, it’s not enough to simply have a cap table. Once created, it must be maintained properly and updated each time an equity-based transaction is conducted. In the early stages of the company, the cap table will be relatively simple to manage but as rounds of funding progress, it becomes more complex as shares are distributed amongst investors and employees. Some of the key features of a well-managed cap table management include: 

 

  • Records the voting rights of each shareholder.
  • Documents when shares are issued and diluted.
  • Keeps track of all equity holders, past and present.
  • Records who owns what percentage of the company.
  • Increases transparency among shareholders and investors.
  • Enables quicker and more efficient transactions due to up-to-date information.
  • Shows how much money each shareholder has invested in the company.

 

While simple cap tables can be created in programs such as Excel, a cap table management software may provide a better solution as it becomes more complex.  As part of its all-in-one platform, KoreConX provides companies with the tools to properly record every transaction in their cap table. Encouraging transparency of shareholders, every type of security (including digital securities, shares, options, warrants, loans, SAFEs, and Debentures) that may be offered is accounted for and kept up to date as deals occur. By maintaining transparent records, companies can benefit from both shorter transaction times and expedited due diligence.

 

With an understanding of the importance of keeping a properly managed cap table, founders can arm themselves with the ability to make well-informed business decisions. Detailed insight into a company’s financial structure allows potential investors to feel confident in their investments, secure with the knowledge that their share is accurately accounted for. Even if the task of creating a cap table may seem daunting, it is simplified with a cap table management software so that everyone is on the same page.  

What You Need to Know About RegCF

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Raising capital is always a challenge, especially in the startup sector, which means that it’s vital to understand all the options available and how they can help you attain your goals. We will discuss Regulation Crowdfunding (RegCF), which has proved to be an increasingly popular method among early-stage companies looking for funds due to its exemption from SEC registration and access to a vast pool of potential investors, in addition to being cost-effective. This blog post will outline some essential things you need to know before taking advantage of RegCF as a form of raising capital. Understanding what challenges you may face along the way and what resources are at your disposal will hopefully give you greater insight into whether this capital option is right for your business.

 

What is RegCF?

 

  • RegCF refers to equity-based crowdfunding.
  • This type of financing method raises money through small individual investments from many people.
  • Startups and early-stage businesses can use RegCF to offer and sell securities to the investing public.
  • Anyone can invest in a Regulation Crowdfunding offering, but there are limits based on annual income and net worth for investors who are not accredited.

 

What do you need to know about RegCF?

 

RegCF is a type of securities-based crowdfunding that allows startups and early-stage businesses to offer and sell securities to the investing public. This type of financing method raises money through small individual investments from many people, and it has seen a surge in popularity since its enactment in 2012. In 2019, the SEC passed amendments to RegCF, making it even easier for companies to raise capital, such as increasing the offering limit to $5 million. As of 2021, over $1.1 billion has been raised through RegCF.

 

Who can invest in a Regulation Crowdfunding offering?

 

Any person can invest in a Regulation Crowdfunding offering. However, there are certain restrictions based on annual income and net worth for those who are not accredited investors. According to the SEC, an individual will be considered an accredited investor if they have earned income that exceeded $200,000 ($300,000 together with a spouse or spousal equivalent) in each of the prior two years and reasonably expects the same for the current year, have a net worth over $1 million (excluding the value of their primary residence), or hold certain professional certifications.

 

What are the investment limits for non-accredited investors?

 

For non-accredited investors, the amount they can invest in a RegCF offering depends on their net worth and annual income. If an individual’s annual income or net worth is less than $124,000, then during any 12 months, they can invest up to the greater of either $2,500 or 5% of the greater of their annual income or net worth. If their annual income and net worth are equal to or more than $124,000, then during any 12 months, they can invest up to 10% of annual income or net worth, whichever is greater, but not to exceed $124,000.

 

What Are the Benefits of RegCF?

 

Any startup or early-stage business can use RegCF to raise capital. This financing is beneficial for companies that do not have the resources or connections to access traditional forms of financing, such as venture capital or bank loans. RegCF also provides an alternative to Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for companies that are too small for a public offering.

 

RegCF is an excellent way for startups and early-stage businesses to access capital. It offers increased access to capital and no restrictions on who can invest. RegCF is expected to reach $5 billion in raises in the future, and with the popularity of this financing only growing, it’s clear that RegCF is here to stay. By understanding the basics of Regulation Crowdfunding, startups and small businesses can make informed decisions about when and how to raise capital to achieve their business goals.

Online Capital Formation And Why You Have To Understand It

Posted on by Jason Futko

The JOBS Act reached its tenth anniversary in 2022. We celebrated the date with the launch of our Podcast, KoreTalkX, recently mentioned by Spotify as in the top 10% of the most shared shows globally. But the regulations that brought a lot of novelties to the capital raising process still face some misconceptions. Especially regarding Crowdfunding. We are introducing Online Capital Formation and why you have to understand it.

We do write a lot about the democratization of capital because we believe that everyone should be able to participate and share in the benefits. Whether as entrepreneurs, brand advocates, innovators, or investors (both accredited and non-accredited). What we may be missing here is that Regulation CF (RegCF) has matured over the past decade, and it is time to look at it in a more complex way.

Crowdfunding?

For many individuals, the word  “crowdfunding” still evokes Kickstarter as a Top of Mind idea. Entrepreneurs that need money to launch a product pitch their ideas online. People can contribute based on a variety of rewards listed on a website. But that is far from being a regulated entity.

RegCF helps companies turn investors into shareholders. Companies and product makers are not selling their stories anymore. They are selling their stock. And that is why we feel the word “crowdfunding” doesn’t encompass the whole idea behind it.

That is why we put together our KorePartners, like Sara Hanks (CEO/Founder of CrowdCheck) and Douglas Ruark (President of Regulation D Resources) to help us put a flag in the ground to what we believe is the new era in Crowdfunding: Online Capital Formation.

Sara Hanks, Douglas Ruark. and Oscar A Jofre, our CEO and co-founder, will join our communications coordinator Rafael Gonçalves in a webinar next Monday, on December, 19th, at 4 PM EST, to remind us all of the paths we have traveled while pointing the way forward for the Online Capital Formation idea.

Join us on LinkedIn Live or subscribe on Airmeet.

What You Need to Know About RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

If you are an entrepreneur looking to raise funds, you may have heard of Regulation A+, often referred to simply as Reg A+. This alternative to traditional venture capital, private equity, or other funding sources allows companies to sell securities to the public without going through the lengthy and costly process of registering with the SEC. Since it was expanded in 2012 with the JOBS Act, Reg A+ continues to evolve, facilitating increased capital formation for companies within the private capital market.

 

What is Reg A+?

 

The goal of Reg A+ is to make it easier and less expensive for small businesses to access capital while still providing investors with the protection of an SEC-qualified offering. The offering is exempt from complete SEC registration, allowing companies to raise up to $75 million in capital, with certain restrictions and requirements. To qualify for this exemption, a company must file an offering statement (Form 1-A) with the SEC that includes all pertinent information about the business and the offering. The company must also provide ongoing disclosure about its business, including financial statements and other material information.

 

Who is Reg A+ for?

 

Reg A+ is aimed primarily at small and medium-sized businesses looking to raise funds from the public, but larger companies can also use it. Because there are fewer restrictions and requirements than traditional SEC registration, Reg A+ offers a more affordable option for companies that do not have access to venture capital or other significant funding sources. Because Reg A+ is such a robust option for companies looking to raise capital, many companies stay private longer instead of going public through an IPO. 

 

Advantages of Reg A+

 

Beyond lower costs than going public, Reg A+ offers additional benefits for issuers and investors alike. It is a unique opportunity for investors to get involved with early-stage companies since the offering allows both nonaccredited and accredited investors to invest. At the same time, these investors can benefit from the potential for higher returns and the ability to diversify their portfolios. Investors also benefit from SEC oversight, which aims to protect them and ensure that they are investing in legitimate investment opportunities. Investors may also have options for liquidity, as securities purchased through a Reg A+ offering can be traded on a secondary market.

 

Reg A+ benefits companies because it offers a relatively simple and cost-effective way to access the public markets while accessing an increased pool of potential investors than a traditional offering. Unlike conventional VC or private equity funding routes, issuers can also retain more ownership over their business while finding investors who share the vision for the mission and direction of the company. Issuers can also benefit enormously from building brand advocates out of their investors, which can, in turn, inspire new investors or customers. 

 

Reg A+ offers an excellent alternative for small businesses looking to raise capital without going through the lengthy and costly process of registering with the SEC. With a maximum offering cap of $75 million, Reg A+ can be used for companies of all sizes and offers investors the opportunity to access early-stage companies that they may not otherwise have access to. 

How Does Technology Improve Transparency and Sustainability?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Technology has significantly impacted many different aspects of our lives, and the world of capital raising is no exception. With the help of technology, we can more efficiently raise capital and improve transparency and sustainability in the process. Here is a closer look at how technology is helping to improve transparency and sustainability in the world of capital raising and investment:

 

Improving Transparency

 

One of the biggest ways technology improves transparency in capital raising is by providing more information to investors. In the past, it was often difficult for investors to get a clear picture of where their money was going and how it was being used. However, thanks to technology, there are now a number of platforms and tools that provide investors with real-time updates and insights into how their money is being used. This increased transparency gives investors more confidence in the process and helps build trust between them and the companies they invest in.

 

Another way that technology is improving transparency is by making it easier for companies to comply with regulations. In the past, companies often had to spend a lot of time and money on compliance, which could cut into their profits. However, thanks to the advent of compliance automation, companies can now more easily and efficiently comply with regulations, which frees up more time and resources to focus on other areas of their business.

 

Improving Sustainability

 

In addition to improving transparency, technology is also helping to improve sustainability in the world of capital raising. One of the biggest ways technology does this is by making it easier for companies to access alternative funding sources. In the past, companies often had to rely on traditional funding sources, such as banks and venture capitalists. However, thanks to JOBS Act regulations like Reg A+ and Reg CF, companies can now more easily raise capital from a wider pool of investors, including regular people. This not only helps to improve the sustainability of businesses but also helps to create more opportunities for people to invest in the companies they believe in while having customers that not only help you raise capital but can be seen as brand ambassadors.

 

Another way that technology is improving sustainability in capital raising is by making it easier for companies to track their progress and impact. In the past, it was often difficult for companies to track their progress and impact due to a lack of data. However, thanks to technology, companies can now more efficiently collect and track data related to their business. This data can then be used to help improve companies’ sustainability by helping them track their progress and make necessary adjustments. 

 

Thanks to technology, we can raise capital more efficiently and create more opportunities for people to invest in the companies they believe in while improving transparency and sustainability. This means more confidence in the process and trust between investors and the companies they are investing in. For businesses, this means more time and resources to focus on other areas of their business. And for the world, this means a more sustainable future where anyone can invest in the companies they believe in.

 

Real Estate Revolution: Democratization Through Tokens

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The real estate market has seen a substantial uptick in value, with more and more people looking to invest in this asset class. However, the high barrier to entry – requiring significant capital – has traditionally limited participation to only those with deep pockets. But with tokenization and the blockchain technology that supports it, anyone can get in on the action.

 

What is Tokenization?

In simple terms, tokenization is the process of converting something of value – in this case, real estate – into digital tokens that can be bought and sold on a blockchain platform. This allows for fractional ownership of assets, which opens up investment opportunities to a much wider pool of people. Tokenization is a process that can facilitate investment in fractional portions of real property, thus lowering the barrier to entry for retail investors. By digitizing real estate ownership and using blockchain technology to track transactions, tokenization makes it easier and faster to buy and sell property and reduces the costs associated with traditional real estate transactions.

 

Why Tokenize Real Estate?

There are a number of benefits to real estate tokenization. For investors, lower minimums and smaller investment amounts can lead to higher returns as they benefit from the potential appreciation of the underlying real estate asset. For issuers, access to a wider pool of investors is facilitated by the ease of transferability and liquidity of tokens. In addition, through automated processes and a permanent, unchangeable digital ledger, blockchain technology has the potential to streamline investment transactions and reduce transaction costs.

 

For real estate agents, the benefits of tokenization are twofold. First, it presents an opportunity to increase business by working with clients interested in tokenizing their property. In addition, real estate agents who are early adopters of this technology will have a competitive advantage as the industry moves towards greater adoption of blockchain-based solutions. With tokenization, an asset can be transferred and sold much more easily and quickly than through traditional methods, so real estate agents who can help their clients navigate this new landscape will be in high demand.

 

How Does Tokenization Work?

 

The tokenization process begins with the asset owner working with a platform provider to create a digital token representing property ownership. The asset is then appraised, and a value is assigned to the token. Once the token is created, it can be bought and sold on a blockchain platform, similar to how cryptocurrency is traded. When the asset is sold, the tokens are transferred to the new owner, and the transaction is recorded on the blockchain.

 

The entire process is facilitated by smart contracts, self-executing contracts that can be programmed to execute certain actions when certain conditions are met. For example, a smart contract could be programmed to automatically transfer ownership of the tokens when the asset is sold. This would eliminate the need for a third party to facilitate the transaction and ensure that the transaction is completed promptly and efficiently.

 

While there are many advantages to real estate tokenization, issuers should know the securities law implications of issuing tokens. Tokenizing real estate is a complex process, but the benefits are significant for both investors and issuers. By lowering the barrier to entry and increasing liquidity, tokenization has the potential to revolutionize the real estate industry.

 

What eBAY Tells Us About Secondary Markets For Private Companies

Posted on by Mark Roderick

This blog was originally written by KorePartner Mark Roderick. You can view the original post here. 

 

The securities of private companies are illiquid, meaning they’re hard to sell.

Since 2017 I’d guess a billion dollars and a million person-hours have been spent by those who believe blockchain technology will create liquidity for private securities. Joining that chorus, a recent post on LinkedIn first noted that trillions of dollars are locked up in private securities, then claimed that blockchain technology (specifically, the technology created by the company posting) could unlock all that value.

This is all wrong, in my always-humble opinion. All that money and all those person-hours are more or less wasted.

My crystal ball is no clearer than anyone else’s. But when I try to believe that blockchain will create active secondary markets I run up against two facts:

  • Fact #1: Secondary markets for private securities have been perfectly legal in this country for a long time, yet there are very few of them.
  • Fact #2: The New York Stock Exchange and other exchanges around the world were vibrant even when they were using little slips of paper.

Those two things tell me that it’s not the technology that creates an active secondary market and hence that blockchain won’t change much.

An active secondary market is created when there are lots of buyers and lots of sellers, especially buyers. When millions of people wanted to buy Polaroid in the 1960s they didn’t care whether Polaroid used pieces of paper or stone tablets. Conversely, put the stock of a pink sheet company on a blockchain and you won’t increase the volume.

As described more fully here, there are a bunch of reasons why there aren’t lots of potential buyers for a typical private company:

  • It probably has a very limited business, possibly only one product or even one asset.
  • It probably has limited access to capital.
  • It probably lacks professional management.
  • Investors probably have limited voting rights.
  • There are probably no independent directors.
  • Its business probably depends on one or two people who could die or start acting like Elon Musk.
  • Insiders can probably do what they want, including paying themselves unlimited compensation.
  • No stock exchange is imposing rules to protect investors.

All that seems obvious now and was obvious in 2017. But now I’m thinking of another company with lessons about secondary markets: eBay.

If there’s anything even less liquid than stock in a private company, it’s a used refrigerator, a bracelet you inherited from your grandmother, the clock you haven’t used for 15 years.

All those things and thousands more were once completely illiquid and therefore worth nothing. eBay changed that, almost miraculously adding dollars to everyone’s personal balance sheet. Just as every ATS operating today seeks to create an active market for securities, eBay created a market for refrigerators, bracelets, and clocks. Quite amazing when you think about it.

eBay didn’t create the market by turning refrigerators, bracelets, and clocks into NFTs. To the contrary, when you sell something on eBay you have to ship it, physically, using the lowest of low technology. eBay created the secondary market simply by connecting buyers and sellers using Web2. Just like another company that has created a pretty active market, Amazon.

If any ATS operating today had a thousandth of the registered users eBay has, its founders and investors would be even rubbing their hands with glee.

As a Crowdfunding advocate, I wonder what the world would look like if all those dollars and person-hours had been spent improving the experience of initial investors rather than pursuing secondary markets and blockchain, things dreams are made of. As the shine comes off blockchain maybe we’ll find out.

How Can an Update on RegD Impact Private Markets?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Far larger than the initial public offering (IPO) market, Regulation D is incredibly important within the private capital markets, facilitating over $1 trillion in capital every year. Now, the SEC is considering updates to the accredited investor definition, which would have a significant impact on Reg D offerings, the private market, and the economy as a whole.

 

Understanding Regulation D

 

To understand how an update to RegD could impact private markets, it is important to have a brief overview of the regulation. There are two types of Reg D – 506b and 506c. Both offer exemptions from Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration requirements for securities offerings and require investors to be accredited. An accredited investor is an individual who meets certain financial criteria, such as earning $200,000 or more a year or having a net worth of over $1 million. The main difference between 506b and 506c is that 506b does not allow the issuer to solicit generally or advertise the offering to potential investors.

 

Changes on the Horizon

 

The SEC is currently considering updates to RegD, including changes to the definition of an accredited investor. Some changes could include raising the income or net worth thresholds, although it is still somewhat unclear as to what the SEC envisions. Raising these thresholds would mean fewer individuals would qualify as accredited investors and therefore have access to private securities offerings. The impact of these changes could affect different types of investors differently. Still, they will likely have a significant impact on private capital formation and the ability of entrepreneurs to access funding.

 

The update could also impact companies that use Reg D offerings as part of their fundraising strategy. Currently, these companies can access a much larger pool of capital than they would through an IPO or traditional venture capital, as nearly 15 million Americans qualify under the current definition. But if the definition of an accredited investor is narrowed, this could limit access to capital for smaller or startup companies. 

 

What Does This Mean for the Private Market?

 

Even though the SEC says that these changes are to protect investors, net worth and income are not the only way to determine whether an investor is accredited or not. The ability to make an educated investment decision also relies on the education and experience of the investors, which isn’t considered in the definition of an accredited investor. Some organizations, like the Investor Choice Advocate Network, believe that the definition should be updated to reflect non-financial measurements such as the professional certifications required for CPAs, registered investment advisors, financial planners, and other professionals. 

 

Updates could also mean that fewer individuals from underrepresented groups may be able to participate in a Reg D offering. With these groups historically facing obstacles to participating in capital markets, these updates could dramatically reduce investment opportunities for some individuals as well as make it more difficult for companies who are looking to raise capital from underrepresented communities.

 

Of course, it is difficult to say exactly what the impact of updated Reg D would be on private markets when we still do not know what those updates will be. Hopefully, we will have more information soon.

How is Equity Crowdfunding Different Than Kickstarter?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Kickstarter and equity crowdfunding are two different ways to raise money for a project or venture. Kickstarter is a platform where people can donate money to projects in exchange for rewards, such as early access to the product or a copy of the finished product. Equity crowdfunding, on the other hand, allows people to invest in a company or project in exchange for a percentage of ownership in that company or project and has raised over a billion since it was introduced. But what are their differences and similarities, and how do you ensure your crowdfunding platform is compliant?

 

A Unique Way to Raise Money: Kickstarter Vs. Equity Crowdfunding

 

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that allows people to donate money to projects in exchange for rewards. The project creator sets a fundraising goal and a deadline, and if the goal is reached, the project receives the funding. Rewards can be anything from early access to the product or a copy of the finished product. Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing platform, meaning that if the project doesn’t reach its fundraising goal, the project creator doesn’t receive any of the money.

 

On the other hand, equity crowdfunding is a way for people to invest in a company or project in exchange for a percentage of ownership in that company. Equity crowdfunding is different from Kickstarter in a few ways. First, with equity crowdfunding, investors are actually investing in the company, rather than just donating money. Second, equity crowdfunding is not an all-or-nothing platform. Even if a company or project doesn’t reach its fundraising goal, the issuer still receives the money that was raised.

 

If you are trying to choose between the two platforms, it is crucial to consider your goals. If you are looking for a way to raise an amount of money quickly without giving up a percentage of your company, Kickstarter may be the better option. This is because of the all-or-nothing nature of Kickstarter, which means that you either reach your fundraising goal and receive the money, or you don’t receive any money and do not need to pay a fee.

 

However, if you are looking to raise millions of dollars while gaining not only investors but brand ambassadors, equity crowdfunding may be the better option. This is because, with equity crowdfunding, people are actually investing in your company and will want to see it succeed. Additionally, even if you don’t reach your fundraising goal, you will still receive the money that was raised, which can be used to continue growing your company.

 

Ensuring Your Crowdfunding Platform Is Compliant

 

If you are using a crowdfunding platform, it is important to ensure that the platform is compliant with securities laws, especially when it comes to equity crowdfunding. This means that the platform follows all the rules and regulations set by the government. To ensure the equity crowdfunding platform you use is compliant you to consider:

 

  • Does the company actually exist?
  • Has the SEC approved these securities?
  • Have they been filed with the board of directors?

 

Knowing who and who is not doing this is often difficult to determine from the outside. If you are an investor, you look at the actual filing from the company to understand what the company has filed for and its ongoing obligations.

 

If you are looking for a quick way to raise money without giving up equity in your company, Kickstarter may be the better option. However, if you are looking to raise money and gain investors, equity crowdfunding may be the better option. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the platform you are using is compliant with all the rules and regulations set by the government, whether you are raising capital or you are an investor.

How Much Can I Invest in a Company with RegCF?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

As Regulation Crowdfunding offerings continue to grow in popularity, more and more investors are looking to get involved. RegCF gives investors the ability to invest smaller amounts of money into early-stage companies as non-accredited investors. This is why investors put $1.1 billion into RegCF offerings in 2021 and this is predicted to double in 2022. But what exactly is Regulation Crowdfunding? And how much can you invest in a RegCF offering?

 

Why Invest in RegCF?

Reg CF allows you to invest in some of the newest and most innovative companies. This is because early-stage startups often have a difficult time accessing traditional forms of funding, such as venture capital. Other offerings have fairly large minimum investment amounts, which non-accredited investors might have trouble affording (since this prime directive of investing is never to invest more than you can afford to lose). This traditional approach to capital raising meant that only wealthy investors could afford to participate.

 

Since RegCF is specifically set up around the crowdfunding paradigm, the minimum investment amount is more affordable to more people. This is why in 2021 over 540,000 investors put their money into over 1,500 Reg CF offerings, double the number of offerings in 2019 and 2020 combined. This showcases the clear and continued interest in this type of investment from the public.

 

Investing in a RegCF Raise

Regulation Crowdfunding is a process through which companies can offer and sell securities to the general public. This process was created by the JOBS Act, and it allows companies to raise up to $5 million per year from non-accredited investors. So what does this mean for investors? Well, basically, it means that you have the opportunity to invest in some of the newest and most exciting startups, even if you’re not an accredited investor. And while you can’t sell your shares for the first year, there are several other benefits of investing in a RegCF company, but you must be aware of how much you can invest before doing so. Because of the inherent risk of investing, the SEC has placed limits on how much nonaccredited investors can invest within any 12-month period.

 

In a 12-month period, nonaccredited investors are limited in the amount they can invest in a RegCF offering. This limit is based on the investor’s annual income or net worth, whichever is greater. If an investor’s annual income or net worth is less than $124,000, then the investor can invest up to the greater of $2,500 or 5% of the greater of their annual income or net worth. If both an investor’s annual income and net worth are more than $124,000, then the investor can invest up to 10% of their annual income or net worth, whichever is greater. However, the total amount invested in RegCF offerings during a 12-month period cannot exceed $124,000.

 

Accredited investors have no limit to how much they can invest in RegCF offerings and are defined as individuals that meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Annual income greater than $200,000 (or $300,000 with a spouse or spousal equivalent);
  • Net worth of over $1 million (with or without a spouse and excluding the value of the individual’s primary residence);
  • OR holds certain professional certifications, designations, or credentials in good standing, including a Series 7, 65, or 82 license.

 

Calculating Net Worth

To determine how much an individual can invest in securities through crowdfunding, it is vital to understand how Regulation Crowdfunding defines net worth. There are a few ways to calculate net worth, but the most common is to add up all your assets and subtract all your liabilities, according to the SEC. The value of an individual’s primary residence is not included in the calculation of their net worth, and neither is any loan against the residence up to its fair market value. Any increase in the loan amount in the 60 days before the purchase of securities will also be disregarded, to prevent artificially inflated net worth.

 

For joint calculations, you can also determine your combined net worth or annual income by adding your spouse’s income and assets to the calculation, even if the assets are not owned jointly. In these cases, the maximum investment cannot exceed that of an individual with the same net worth. 

 

Once you understand how much you can invest, the only thing left is to do your due diligence! You’ll want to review the provided disclosures so that you can get the full picture of the investment’s risk to ensure it aligns with your level of risk tolerance. 

Call Centers for RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

A call center can be extremely helpful for companies looking to raise capital through a Reg A+ offering. By having a dedicated call center, businesses can easily keep track of all the investors who are interested in their company and ensure that they are meeting all compliance requirements. Additionally, a call center can assist investors with forms. This can help to build trust with potential investors and increase the chances of a successful raise. 

For companies using RegA+, prioritizing compliance is essential for a successful offering; a non-compliant raises risks of SEC penalties. This can be a daunting task for companies, as there are many different regulations to keep track of, and some of these rules have implications for the call center. 

 

In this regard, the call center cannot act like a broker-dealer, which means they cannot sell securities. If the investor has questions about whether or not an offering would be a good investment decision, the call center cannot answer this. However, if the issuer noticed that a potential investor was filling out a form that was not completed, a call center could reach out and see if there was a technical or logistic issue that the investor was experiencing, such as where they could find a routing number or where to fill in other important information. 

 

Still, the call center can direct the investor to resources like the offering circular if they have questions about the investment and its risk. And if the issuer has placed a firm focus on compliance, the offering circular should be a significant source of information for investors to make their decision based on their risk tolerance.

 

A call center can also yield useful, practical information about the market, by noticing and reporting patterns about the sorts of questions clients are asking. Similarly, if there are trouble spots in an online application that are a source of confusion, the feedback from a call center can help to identify them and suggest improvements.

 

These are just a few of the ways a call center can be helpful in a company’s Reg A+ offering and beyond. We interviewed Sara Hanks for a KoreTalkX in which she mentioned the topic. Learn more here:

 

What is the Role of FINRA?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

When it comes to investment, there are a lot of things to think about. You want to make sure that you’re making smart decisions with your money, and that you’re not being taken advantage of. That’s where the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) comes in. FINRA is an independent regulator for securities firms, and its job is to make sure that all firms operate fairly and honestly, and that investors are protected–giving investors confidence in the legitimacy of their investment while holding securities companies to a high standard. Keep reading to learn more about the role of FINRA and how they help to protect investors.

 

What is FINRA?

 

FINRA is a not-for-profit regulatory organization authorized by the US Congress to protect investors. FINRA oversees all US-based securities firms and is considered the front line of defense when it comes to investor protection. FINRA’s rules and regulations ensure that all securities firms operate fairly and honestly and that investors are given the information they need to make informed investment decisions. Operating under the auspices of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), FINRA is the largest independent regulator for securities firms doing business in the United States.

 

Who does FINRA protect?

 

FINRA exists to protect investors, which means that they provide rules and regulations that apply to all securities firms to create a level playing field. They do this through a variety of means, including registration and licensing, monitoring and examining firms, conducting enforcement actions, and providing investor education. FINRA also offers assistance and support to investors who have been wronged by a securities firm. By educating investors about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to investing, FINRA helps protect them from being taken advantage of. In terms of security firms, FINRA’s job is to make sure they are adhering to all relevant rules and regulations, and that they are providing accurate and complete information to their investors.

 

Why is FINRA important?

 

FINRA plays an important role in the investment landscape by ensuring that all securities firms operate fairly and honestly. This helps to create trust between investors and the industry, which is essential for a thriving economy. In today’s day and age, with crowdfunding being available to accredited and non-accredited investors, FINRAs role is more important than ever. Giving peace of mind to investors is one of the most important roles that FINRA plays.

 

What is the role of FINRA as it relates to investment crowdfunding?

 

Investment crowdfunding is a relatively new phenomenon, and FINRA has been working to create rules and regulations that will protect investors while still allowing this innovative form of investing to flourish. The role of FINRA in investment crowdfunding is to protect investors by ensuring that issuers are providing accurate and complete information about their offerings, and that platforms are properly registered and compliant with all relevant rules and regulations. By doing so, FINRA is helping to create a safe and transparent environment for this growing industry.

 

One of the key issues that FINRA is concerned with is the disclosure of information by issuers, which is essential to ensuring that investors can make informed investment decisions. When it comes to Reg CF offerings, FINRA Rule 251(a)(3) requires issuers to file a Form C with the SEC before they can solicit investors. Form C must include information about the issuer, the offering, and the use of proceeds. In addition, all materials that are used to solicit investors must be filed with FINRA. These filings give FINRA the ability to review the offering and make sure that it is compliant with all applicable rules and regulations.

 

How Does Tech Allow People to Make Smaller Investments?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The world of technology has completely revolutionized the way we view investments–no longer do people need to invest large sums of money to have access to incredible investment opportunities. Through the use of online platforms and computerized transactions, people can now make smaller investments that still have the potential to provide generous returns. This change has made it possible for more people to invest in the private market and other forms of capital, thus democratizing the process and giving more people a chance to participate in the economy.

 

Making Investments Accessible

 

In the past, making investments usually required working with a financial advisor and entailed putting down large sums of money. This often puts investing out of reach for the average person. However, with the advent of online platforms, virtually anyone can now get started in investing with relatively little money. For example, Acorns is an app that rounds up your credit or debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and then invests that spare change into a portfolio of ETFs. In this way, users can invest without even realizing it, while simply making purchases as they normally would. This convenience is one of the main reasons why investing has become more popular in recent years. And, with JOBS Act regulations, nonaccredited investors can use technology to pool their money and invest in startups that were only accessible to the wealthy.

 

While VCs have been known to invest large sums of money into startups, there are now platforms that allow nonaccredited investors to get in on the action with as little as $100. This is made possible through the use of crowdfunding platforms such as WeFunder and Republic. These platforms give everyone a chance to support the businesses they believe in and potentially make a profit from their investment. 

 

Technology has also made it easier for people to keep track of their investments and monitor their portfolios. In the past, people had to rely on paper statements and manual calculations to track their progress. Now, numerous apps and websites offer real-time data and analysis of an investment portfolio. This makes it easy for investors to stay on top of their finances and make well-informed decisions about where to allocate their money.

 

A Technology-Driven Evolution

 

It is clear that technology has completely changed the landscape of investing. No longer do people need to have a lot of money to get started. With the click of a button, anyone can now invest in the stock market or support their favorite businesses through crowdfunding. This accessibility has democratized the process of making investments and given more people the opportunity to participate in the economy. In the past, only those with a lot of money could afford to invest. However, thanks to technology, that is no longer the case.

 

The changes that have been brought about by technology are sure to revolutionize the way we think about investments in the years to come even more than they have already. This not only benefits the common person who wants to invest their money but also smaller organizations and startups looking to raise capital. Through acts like Reg CF and Reg A+, businesses now have a better chance than ever before to get the funding they need from a wider pool of potential investors that are accredited and nonaccredited alike. This is all thanks to the power of technology and its ability to connect people from all over the world.

 

Thanks to technology, making investments has become more convenient and accessible than ever before. Whether you’re looking to invest a small amount of spare change or put together a portfolio of startups, there’s an online platform that can help you do it. This change from the past has democratized investing and given more people the opportunity to participate in the economy. In the years to come, we can only expect this trend to continue as technology continues to evolve.

 

Female Startups Are Outperforming Male Led Startups

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

It is no secret that the world of startups and entrepreneurship is male-dominated. From the early days of Silicon Valley to the present day, men have been the face of startups for the most part. However, this is slowly but surely changing. Women are starting to make their mark in the startup world and they are outperforming their male counterparts in several ways. One excellent measure of this change is that investments in startups that have at least one female founder outperform all-male-founded teams by 63%.

 

Successful Female Startups

 

One of the vital components of being a successful entrepreneur is the ability to grow a company. A recent survey showed that 32 percent of female-owned businesses are in active expansion mode compared to 27 percent of male-led businesses. In addition to being able to grow a company, female entrepreneurs are also more likely to focus on global opportunities. With only 2 percent of all venture capital (VC) funding globally directed towards female-founded startups, women are often forced to look beyond their domestic markets for opportunities. This global focus has led to female-founded startups outperforming their male counterparts when it comes to generating revenue from international markets.

 

Unicorns

 

Another area where female-founded startups are outperforming their male counterparts is in the number of unicorns being produced. A unicorn is a startup that has achieved a billion-dollar valuation. With 83 of 585 unicorn companies having women founders, female-founded startups make up 14.2% of all unicorns, showcasing the impressive returns that can be generated by investing in female-founded startups. Combined with women led-startups, in general, outperforming male-led startups one day we should be able to expect the same from unicorn companies as well.

 

Investment Returns

 

There are several reasons for this outperformance by female-founded startups. One of the key reasons is that women are often underestimated and have to work harder to prove themselves. This gives them a level of grit and determination that is essential for success in the startup world. In addition, women are often more risk-averse than men, leading to them making more calculated decisions when it comes to their business. This can lead to a number of benefits, including less money being wasted on frivolous pursuits and a greater focus on the bottom line.

 

One of the biggest challenges faced by entrepreneurs is access to capital. Women-led startups have historically had a harder time securing funding than their male counterparts. However, this is beginning to change as more and more investors are beginning to see the value in investing in female-founded startups. 

 

With female-founded startups outperforming male-founded startups in a number of key areas, including revenue growth, global expansion, and unicorn production, this showcases that women are not only capable of being successful entrepreneurs but that they are also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to generating returns for investors.

 

Over the Next Five Years, the Private Capital Market is Expected to Double

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Over the past decade, fiscal stimulus and opportunities for liquidity have caused a surge within the private capital markets. Even though this year’s outlook is challenged by increasing borrowing costs and economies cooling, London-based research firm Preqin forecasts that the industry’s global assets under management will double to $18.3 trillion by the end of 2027, from $9.3 trillion currently. The study highlights how investors desire to seek alternative investment types in an economic environment characterized by uncertainties. While the first half of 2022 did see a fundraising drop in private capital by $337 billion from $495 billion in the same period last year. However, by 2023, private capital fundraising is expected to return to 2019 levels as the growing trend of private capital continues.

 

Private equity fundraising hit a record $561 billion in 2021, with North America leading the way, followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe, according to Preqin. According to McKinsey North America had about a 22% growth in private capital markets, compared to Europe with 17% and Asia with 13%. This means that for investors and companies raising capital, the US is a more attractive market than Europe and Asia and is a great place to market your private capital offering, notably through JOBS Act regulations like Reg A+ and Reg CF. 

 

Private markets have been able to continue to grow during this pandemic because of the growth in digitalization and the internet. This has allowed for a decrease in face-to-face interactions, which has made it easier for managers to connect with LPs, as well as an increase in online tools and resources. For example, many fund managers have started using online data rooms, which allow investors to access documents and due diligence materials remotely. In addition, online investor portals have become more popular, providing LPs with 24/7 access to information on their portfolios.

 

The study found that the average private equity fund size has increased over the past decade, while the number of first-time funds has declined. The report attributes this to the “maturing” of the industry and the rise of large institutional investors, which have become an increasingly important source of private capital. Institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurance companies, and endowments, are allocating more of their portfolios to private capital as they seek higher returns. Private markets have outperformed traditional public markets in recent years, but that outperformance is expected to moderate over the next decade. Preqin’s study predicts that private equity returns will net 7.6 percent annually between 2018 and 2027, compared to 6.4 percent for public markets.

 

According to Preqin, the interest in impact investing has also increased in recent years. The firm estimates that there are now more than 3,000 impact funds globally, with assets under management totaling $228 billion. In particular, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are becoming increasingly important to private capital investors. A majority of private capital firms say that they consider ESG factors when making investment decisions, and almost half of firms say that they have adopted policies or strategies specifically focused on impact investing. As the private capital markets continue to grow, firms need to consider how they can best position themselves to capitalize on this growth.

 

The private capital markets are expected to continue growing in the coming years, presenting a unique opportunity for raising capital. In addition, the growth of the private capital markets may lead to more regulation, as policymakers seek to mitigate risk and protect investors. Overall, the study provides a positive outlook for the private capital markets. For firms looking to take advantage of this growth, it’s vital to consider how they can best position themselves to capitalize on these opportunities. For investors, this means considering which private capital investment opportunities offer the best potential returns. But regardless of how the private capital markets evolve, one thing is clear: they are likely to play an increasingly important role in the global economy.

Biden to pardon all federal offenses of simple marijuana possession – Breaking News

Posted on by Jason Futko

As the decriminalizing of marijuana is being extensively debated across the world, President Joe Biden just took his first major step in this direction. Biden announced all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession to be pardoned. This act will affect directly the record of thousands of Americans charged with what was once considered a crime.

In a video release, Biden stated that “It’s legal in many states, and criminal records for marijuana possession have led to needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities”. According to CNN, the Department of Health and Human Services and Attorney General Merrick Garland has been assigned to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law, in what could be another step toward a federal legalization. Read more at CNN.com.

Rafael Gonçalves, communications coordinator at KoreConX, and Brian MacDonald, Managing Director at Arcview Capital, debated the topic in a KoreTalkX episode just a couple of minutes after the breaking news. You can listen to it in your favorite podcast player, such as Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.

Cannabis Consumers’ Home Growth Increases Worldwide

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

As marijuana becomes increasingly legalized all over the world, an interesting trend is developing–an increase in the home-growing of the plant. This can be seen in the US, Canada, and Europe, with more people taking up this activity to ensure they have access to safe, high-quality cannabis, especially in more rural areas where access to dispensaries is limited. Keep reading to learn about what the rise in homegrown means for the global cannabis industry.

 

Global Home-growing Trends

 

Cannabis consumers are growing their own plants at home more frequently worldwide, as laws surrounding cannabis production and consumption continue to change. In Luxembourg, people 18 years or older will now be allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants in their homes, making it the third country in the world to legalize this activity, after Uruguay and Canada. This new legislation is intended to address the problem of drug-related crime by introducing fundamental changes in Luxembourg’s approach to recreational cannabis use.

 

The decision by the small but financially powerful European country to legalize the production and consumption of the drug is a milestone on the continent, which has been slower to adopt more liberal cannabis laws. Consumption will only be legal within the household, although fines for the possession of a maximum of three grams in public will be reduced considerably from current amounts.

 

In the United States, you can grow cannabis for medical or recreational purposes in 19 states. The rules vary by state, but generally, you are allowed to grow a certain number of plants, and the plants must be at a certain maturity level. For example, in Massachusetts, you are allowed to grow up to six plants, and only three of those plants can be mature. In California, you are allowed to grow up to 25 plants, regardless of maturity level. This increased demand for home growing in the US can be seen because of the numerous benefits it offers. Home-grown cannabis is typically cheaper than store-bought cannabis, and it also allows for more customization and control over the product. With store-bought cannabis, you are at the mercy of the growers and manufacturers, but when you grow your own, you can choose exactly what goes into your product. You can also grow unique strains that may not be available at your local dispensary, just a few reasons why home-grown cannabis has risen in popularity across the globe.

 

In Canada, where recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, there is a growing trend of cannabis cultivation in people’s homes. This trend can be seen as an effort by consumers to have more control over the quality and price of the product they are buying. In general, when a product is legalized, there is often a surge in demand for that product. The legal status of cannabis has done nothing to slow this trend. As recreational cannabis has become legal in Canada, 10% of the country’s cannabis users grow it at home, according to the National Cannabis Survey (NCS) of 2019. This showcases how there is an increasing demand among cannabis users to be able to grow their own.

 

Creating Business Opportunities

 

With homegrown cannabis becoming more popular, businesses are taking notice and looking for ways to get in on the action. The JOBS Act regulations provide an opportunity for companies to connect with small investors and raise capital through crowdfunding. By using these regulations, companies can crowd-fund their business ventures related to cannabis home-growing. This includes businesses that sell products or services that help people grow cannabis at home or companies that invest in the cannabis home-growing industry.

 

The JOBS Act regulations have been a boon for small businesses and startups, and the cannabis industry is no exception. These regulations have opened up a new avenue of investment for companies involved in the cannabis home-growing industry. By connecting with small investors through crowdfunding, these businesses can raise the capital they need to grow and expand their operations. With global cannabis sales projected to skyrocket, now is the time for businesses to get involved in the home-growing market.

 

KoreClient Spotlight: Fist Assist

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Fist Assist Devices, LLC, a medical device company from Las Vegas, NV, is on a mission to increase and improve arm circulation around the world. As the brainchild of Dr. Tej Singh, a vascular, endovascular, and vascular access surgeon trained at Stanford University Hospital, First Assist aims to solve a common problem he saw in many patients needing focal arm circulation benefits. Currently, the Fist Assist is an FDA 510k Authorized, minimally invasive device that a patient would wear on their arms to increase focal arm blood flow and relieve pain. However, the company had also been designated  Breakthrough Device status by the FDA for potential arm vein dilation to assist the renal failure community (Formal FDA submission pending for this Indication ).

 

“Throughout my surgical training, first at the University of Chicago, then at Sanford University, I always thought there had to be a way to make a wearable device that could help patients with their veins, especially on the arms. The basic science, clinical science, and exercise science were all there. When we’re looking at arm veins, we’re thinking of patients who need those veins for their medical care, whether it’s for IV placement, chemotherapy access, or possible dialysis access. Arm veins are really important,” said Dr. Singh, CEO and Founder of Fist Assist. In one study, it was reported that 59.3% of highly complex patients exhibit difficult venous access, meaning that for these patients, who may have heart disease, liver failure, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, healthcare providers often have difficulty when attempting to start an IV or draw blood. This often causes pain and discomfort for the patient, as multiple attempts are often required before it can be successful. 

 

“Right now patients have limited choices to improve arm circulation. If they need a medical procedure and it requires access to their arm veins, they’re at the mercy of whatever arm veins they have that distend. If someone is active and they exercise, they probably have decent veins, but if someone doesn’t have good arm veins, there was nothing out there to help them except a compression ball,'” Dr. Singh added. He continues: “Our device is a battery-operated pneumatic focal compression device that you wear below your shoulder or elbow. It gives intermittent compression to your arm up to a pressure of 60 mmHg and can be worn for 1-2 hours a day to increase circulation and decrease present and future pain in your arm in America. In the rest of the world, it can do vein dilation and help with vascular access based on regulatory approvals,” said Dr. Singh.

 

Fist Assist is currently raising capital through RegCF to finance its future FDA submissions and commercialize its product and expand its availability through direct-to-consumer, direct-to-business, and direct to big box stores. The company is excited about its crowdfunding and its upcoming FDA submissions which Will allow more patients to have this device. Outside of the US, the device has been granted CE Mark and approved to sell in Europe, Canada, Australia, and India as an arm massager, a vein dilation device, and to assist dialysis.

 

Dr. Singh said “After being designated as an FDA Breakthrough for potential vein dilation to renal failure patients in December 2021,  we need to formally show the FDA the complete dataset for eventual DeNovo authorization for the renal failure community. If we clear the final FDA hurdles, one day these wearable devices will be marketed to increase arm vein size to help renal failure patients receive better care, meaning they’re able to get a fistula or get better dialysis because they have a better arm vein. That hopefully will translate into significant changes to the way physicians treat and care for renal failure patients with better outcomes and fewer costs. Helping the global community for improved arm blood circulation is our important Mission and its important”, added Dr. Singh

 

Regulation CF Disclaimer

 

This communication may be deemed to be a solicitation of interest under Regulation CF under the Securities Act of 1933, in which case the following applies:

 

  • No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted;
  • No offer to buy the securities can be accepted, and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is qualified, and any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of its acceptance given after the qualification date;
  • A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind; and
  • An offering statement, which would include a preliminary offering circular, has not yet been filed with the SEC.

Best Practices for Shareholder Management

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Shareholder management is a critical part of any company, but it can be especially daunting for those who have recently completed a RegA+ or RegCF offering. When you welcome so many new shareholders on board, it’s important to have a plan in place for how you will manage them to ensure a positive relationship. Thankfully, shareholder management can be streamlined with the right tools and communication strategy.

 

Shareholders have a vested interest in how your company performs. They will want to know about the company’s progress, financial information, or future plans, and they have a right to be kept in the loop. Unhappy shareholders may spread negative word-of-mouth about your company, which could hamper your ability to raise additional funds in the future. Additionally, if shareholders feel like they are in the dark about what’s going on with your company, they may choose to sell their shares, which could hurt your stock price. Thus, it is important to have a shareholder management plan in place to ensure that you are maintaining strong relationships with your shareholders. So, what does this look like in practice?

 

Continuous Improvement

 

A company’s first step should be to accurately evaluate its investor relations performance, with the analysis serving as a benchmark. While share price, analyst ratings, and price-to-earnings ratios provide some measure of a company’s ability to meet shareholder needs, they don’t provide much information about other dimensions of the investor relations function, such as the cost of operating the investor relations department or the quality of investor relations communication channels. It is important to establish an objective assessment of such things because ongoing monitoring of these metrics and the overall investor relations strategy can help to identify areas for improvement

 

Regular Communication

 

One of the most important things you can do to manage shareholders is to maintain regular communication with them. This can be done in many ways, such as through email, webinars, podcasts, or blogs. No matter what method you choose, it’s important to keep shareholders updated on your progress and answer any questions they might have. This will show them that you value their investment and are committed to keeping them informed.

 

Use Shareholder Management Tools

 

Another important tip for shareholder management is to use shareholder management tools, such as the shareholder management solution from KoreConX. This platform provides many features and benefits, such as the ability to keep shareholder documents like earnings reports secure and engage shareholders with portfolio management tools that allow them to see detailed information about their investments. Such tools eliminate the hassle of traditional mail and increase the ease of access for shareholders

 

Establish Expectations

 

When welcoming new shareholders on board, it’s important to set expectations from the start. Shareholders should know what kind of communication they can expect from the company and how often they will receive updates. It’s also important to let shareholders know what information will be shared with them and what will remain confidential. By setting clear expectations from the beginning, you can avoid misunderstandings and build trust with shareholders.

 

Seek Feedback

 

Another important tip for shareholder management is to seek feedback from shareholders regularly. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews. Shareholders will appreciate being asked for their opinions and it can help you identify any areas where you need to improve your communication or management strategy. Feedback from shareholders may also be a great source of ideas for marketing, new or improved products, or other recommendations that will positively affect your business.

 

Be Transparent

 

Finally, it’s important to be transparent with shareholders about the company’s progress, financial information, and future plans. It’s easy to communicate good news, but a transparent company will ensure even the bad news is accurately conveyed to investors in a timely manner. Shareholders need to have confidence in your company–you don’t get that by denying the existence of problems, but by showing that you are proactive in (ideally) preventing them, identifying them, and solving or mitigating them. In some cases, it might make some sense to put on a rosy public face to the public but shareholders aren’t outsiders; they’re owners. This will show them that you’re committed to keeping them informed and help build trust between the company and its shareholders.

 

By following these tips, you can streamline shareholder management and build strong relationships with shareholders. With the right tools and communication strategy in place, you can ensure that shareholders are kept up-to-date on your progress and that their expectations are managed effectively. As a result, everyone remains on the same page, which can lead to a more efficient and cohesive shareholder management strategy, improve shareholder relations, and lead to a more successful enterprise.

 

Global Cannabis Sales are Projected to Skyrocket

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Cannabis has been legalized for both medicinal and recreational use in many states, and this is only expected to increase the demand for the product. Experts believe that the cannabis market will continue to grow as more states legalize it and that by the end of 2026, the global industry will be worth $57 billion. This growth is being driven by many factors, including the changing attitudes towards cannabis, the increasing number of people who are using it for medicinal purposes, and the fact that it is now being sold in more places than ever before.

 

Changing Views on Cannabis Globally

One of the biggest drivers of this growth is the changing attitude towards cannabis. In the past, it was seen as a dangerous drug with no medicinal value. However, over the last few years, there has been a shift in public opinion. More and more people are now beginning to see cannabis as a potential medication, and this is reflected in its legality. In certain states in the US, such as Colorado and Washington, cannabis is now legal for both medicinal and recreational use. This change in attitude is also being seen in other parts of the world. In Canada, cannabis was legalized for medicinal use in 2001, and it became legal for recreational use in 2018. This has had a positive effect on the growth of the industry, as it has made it more socially acceptable. 

 

The changing attitude towards cannabis is not the only factor driving growth; the increasing use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is also having an impact. In the past, cannabis was mostly used to treat pain, but it is now being used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as anxiety, and depression. This is likely because more research is being carried out into the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis. As a result of this research, the number of people using cannabis for medicinal purposes is increasing. In Canada, the number of people with a medical cannabis license increased from just over 5,000 in 2001 to over 300,000 in 2018. This increase is also being seen in other parts of the world, such as Australia and the United States.

 

The final factor driving the growth of the cannabis market is the increasing availability of the product. With cannabis sold in legal dispensaries, this has made it more accessible to people who want to use it, and it has also made it safer, as the product is regulated. In addition, there are now many different types of cannabis products available, which appeals to a wider consumer base.

 

Industry Growth in the US

The growth of cannabis sales in the United States is projected to be a significant contributor to overall global growth. By 2026, US cannabis sales are estimated to reach $42 billion, making up 75% of the global market. This steady growth is attributed to new markets opening in states where cannabis has been legalized for adult use. And, major markets like New Jersey legalized adult use of cannabis this year, and New York is expected to follow, which would bring the number of legal states to 33. These new markets are expected to generate an additional $5 billion in sales by 2026. Medical cannabis sales have also seen a steady increase, although at a slower rate than adult-use sales.

 

Expanding Capital Access for Cannabis Companies

 

Just as the cannabis market is expected to grow, cannabis companies also have the opportunity to take advantage of the growing private capital market. For cannabis companies who often have difficulty seeking traditional funding, there are a growing number of investors looking to invest in private capital through the JOBS Act exemptions, like RegA+ and RegCF. This market is expected to grow to $30 billion by 2030, which gives cannabis companies an excellent opportunity to seek the funding needed to fuel their growth. 

KoreClient Spotlight: Stenergy

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

When Samuel and Leyla Butero decided to start their own business, they knew they had to offer a product that would make a difference in people’s lives, and with Stenergy, they hope to do just that. Stenergy is a health and wellness company that manufactures GluCora, a natural supplement that supports healthy glucose metabolism, and has received approval from Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the US Food and Drug Administration. In this recent interview, Samuel and Leyla shared their story of entrepreneurship and why they chose to do a Regulation CF campaign for their business.

 

Working as consultants for EastGate Biotech, a Canadian pharmaceutical company that creates insulin drug delivery technologies for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, Samuel and Leyla discovered GluCora, a product the pharmaceutical company had decided not to focus on while it developed its core product lines. Leyla, who has long struggled with blood sugar levels, saw the potential of the product and the couple negotiated a licensing agreement with EastGate to be the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of GluCora in the US, Canada, and Central and South America, with first rights to the rest of the world. 

 

The active ingredient of GluCora is the Banaba plant, native to Southeast Asia and known as the crepe myrtle tree in the US. Banaba produces corosolic acid and has demonstrated the ability to improve the metabolism of glucose. The plant has been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicines, but GluCora makes it available in a product that has been approved by the Canadian health regulatory agency and that is available over the counter. Samuel said: “That it’s been shown to be effective and do what it says it’s going to do is really important and we feel that sets us apart from a lot of other natural supplements. We’re not paying a doctor to do an infomercial and say that it works. That’s a very common marketing gimmick, in our opinion, that a lot of supplements use. Health Canada is a third-party, objective health agency from a country that is widely respected for healthcare.”

 

For both Samuel and Leyla, the journey with GluCora has been deeply personal. When Leyla was pregnant with the couple’s first daughter, doctors would tell her that she had high blood sugar, despite avoiding foods that would cause this. They felt an intense stigma–as soon as a doctor saw Leyla’s weight, the doctor would attribute it to poor eating habits and no exercise, even though that was an inaccurate assumption. “We started to do our due diligence and our research and felt that this was something experienced by a lot of women that were having this same issue. Doctors weren’t hearing them,” said Samuel. “With our second daughter, I gained 90 pounds, I had gestational diabetes, and I could not control the weight. No matter what I did, the weight was just coming on,” added Leyla. Additional issues continued post-partum and she sought the help of her doctor, who, unfortunately, was not listening to the concerns that Leyla expressed. “No one would hear me.” 

 

It was at this point that the couple discovered GluCora. “Leyla started taking GluCora and within two weeks, lost 14 pounds,” said Samuel. She was feeling better and had more energy, and the couple realized that bringing GluCora to market was something they would have to do themselves. “I had been doing side hustles before that was even a word,” Samuel said of their journey to become entrepreneurs. “I had also worked in venture capital and private equity for some time, so I knew what it took to put a business together. The number one thing I always noticed from the successes versus failures was that successful businesses have a revenue-generating product or service that is scalable and works. That’s what we feel we’ve discovered in GluCora. We know there’s demand out there from people who have no place to turn to.”

 

To further expand the company, Stenergy has opted to raise capital under the Regulation CF exemption. “The biggest attraction to Regulation CF was visibility and building an ecosystem of not only investors but potential consumers, giving a way to legitimately raise money and work with our investors who are not only excited about the company but a product that could change so many people’s lives,” Samuel finished.

 

By utilizing Reg CF, organizations like Stenergy can bring their product to market quickly and efficiently while interacting with their potential consumers. This provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs like Samuel and Leyla Butero to connect with their target market and get the funding they need to bring their products to life.

 

Regulation CF Disclaimer

 

This communication may be deemed to be a solicitation of interest under Regulation CF under the Securities Act of 1933, in which case the following applies:

 

  • No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted;
  • No offer to buy the securities can be accepted, and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is qualified, and any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of its acceptance given after the qualification date;
  • A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind; and
  • An offering statement, which would include a preliminary offering circular, has not yet been filed with the SEC.

The Growth of Online Startup Investments

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Investments in online startups have been growing rapidly in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue well into the future, with the number of online startup deals growing nearly 10% in 2022, according to KingsCrowd. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing popularity of crowdfunding platforms and the decline in venture capital funding.

 

Why the Popularity Surge?

 

Online startup investing offers many advantages over traditional venture capital funding. For one, it’s much easier to get involved. Platforms like Wefunder and SeedInvest make it simple for anyone to invest in private companies. And because these platforms are online-only, there’s no need to travel or attend tedious meetings. Additionally, online startup investing is much more democratic than traditional venture capital funding. Anyone with a computer or smartphone can participate, which opens up investment opportunities to a much wider audience. With startups being able to grow online instead of requiring a physical presence, this migration to digital-only investing was inevitable.

 

Online startup investing is much less risky than traditional venture capital funding. In most cases, startups that raise money through crowdfunding are already well on their way to becoming successful businesses. This means that investors are far more likely to see a return on their investment. Overall, online startup investing is a great way for retail investors to get exposure to high-quality investment opportunities. With the right platform, getting started is easy, and there’s no need to be a financial expert. So if you’re looking for a way to get involved in the tech industry, online startup investing is definitely worth considering. 

 

Growth in Online Startups

 

With the occurrence of the pandemic and the rise of social distancing, there was a dramatic increase in the number of people working from home. This migration to digital-only workforces has been a boon for online startups. With more people working remotely, there’s been a surge in demand for products and services that can be delivered digitally. And as more and more of these startups pop up, it’s no surprise that online startup investments have been on the rise.

 

Interestingly, this trend appears to be here to stay. Even as some companies are beginning to allow employees to return to the office, many are opting to continue working from home permanently. This is good news for online startups, as they can continue to count on strong demand for their products and services. So if you’re thinking about investing in online startups, now is a great time to get started.

 

What’s Next?

 

With crowdfunding platforms reporting an increase in the amount of fundraising done, sometimes as much as double in the first four months of 2022, this method of startup funding is likely here to stay. This rise in online investing has given everyday Americans the chance to get in on the action and invest in some of the most innovative companies in the world. And as the overall economy continues to struggle, it is expected we’ll see even more companies turning to online crowdfunding platforms to raise money. So if you’re looking for a way to invest in the future, online startup investing is definitely something you should consider. With the right platform, it’s easy to get started, and there’s the potential to see significant returns on your investment. And for startups, this is a great way to raise money and show your company to a larger audience online.

 

KoreClient Spotlight: Brent Fawson, COO of Facible

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Working at Facible, Brent Fawson believes that the company is poised to leave a lasting impact on lives around the world by making medical diagnostic testing more accessible. We sat down with Brent and talked to him about the medical industry, his company, and capital raising in the medical field.

Q: Tell me a little more about your company. How do you impact the Medtech space and the customers you serve?

A: Facible Diagnostics is a diagnostics company that uses our revolutionary Q-LAAD technology to take hospital-grade diagnostics out of the lab and to the point of care. Legacy diagnostic technologies often require a tradeoff between speed, accuracy, and ease of use. Q-LAAD technology enables the development of faster and more accurate diagnostic tests that are easier to run, and don’t require complex machinery so they can be run outside of a hospital laboratory making hospital-grade diagnostic testing available anywhere. It’s ideal for underserved and rural areas, urgent cares, physician’s offices or even the home.

Q: What excites you most about your industry?

A: I think with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we have all seen the limitations with some of the legacy technology platforms. To have a revolutionary technology at the forefront of the industry is very exciting. I feel we are just scratching the surface of understanding and using medical data to improve our lives. There are companies out there, like Apple, that are beginning to use this data for research purposes. We can create richer data sets to understand and address big challenges we all face. With the COVID crisis, we have all seen not only current deficiencies in diagnostics, but also an unprecedented investment at the same time which will work to improve our lives.

Q: How do you see the LSI MedTech event having an impact on your company?

A: We are really excited to meet with like-minded people who understand the value a company like Facible can bring to the world through their partnership. We have a unique vision to offer investors and partners and love to collaborate and explore the endless possibilities of where our technology can go.

Q: Now that your company will be using Regulation A+ for your next offering, how do you see this helping your company?

A: A startup like Facible is always at risk of choosing the wrong funding pathway. Biotechnology development is expensive and it’s easy to start chasing money to keep the company going. You then run the risk of partnering with investors with different goals, objectives, and understanding of how best to use the funds provided.  We feel that because our technology is so revolutionary, we want to see our vision realized and Regulation A+ is the best path toward making that happen. This also is a great way to allow people that have supported us all along to finally be able to invest in our future.

Q: Why do you think education on RegA+ places such a vital role in expanding access to capital for medical companies?

A: Right now, there are very traditional ways to raise money. It’s such a well-worn path, it’s great to have these other alternate options out there and understand them. As we started looking at Reg A+ a couple of months ago, we knew nothing about it. It’s vital that entrepreneurs understand all of their options for capital to allow their company to be as successful as possible. Along with that, Reg A+ is so new that there are not many people that really understand how it works. It’s only through talking to people like Oscar (CEO, President, KoreConX) and Doug (Senior Principle, Regulation D Resources) that we have been able to understand it.

Q: What effect do you think Reg A can have on Medtech companies in general?

A: Medtech development is expensive. For a small company who has great ambition, amazing science, but few institutional connections it can be nearly impossible to fund a company. To have access to a broader capital market allows us to sell our vision directly to investors that understand and appreciate the impact that these emerging technologies can provide.

Q: What advice would you give a young Medtech entrepreneur as they begin their journey through capital raising and building their company?

A: You must have a good plan. You need to be willing to test your ideas with the right people so that you understand what value to bring. Make sure you are surrounding yourself with people who are willing to be critical. I have seen many companies try to move without fully vetting their vision. And beyond that, really try to understand what it’s going to take to bring your product to market. It’s an expensive and challenging process so make sure you go in with your eyes wide open.

Regulation A Disclaimer

This communication may be deemed to be a solicitation of interest under Regulation A under the Securities Act of 1933, in which case the following apply:

  • No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted;
  • No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is qualified, and any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of its acceptance given after the qualification date;
  • A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind; and
  • An offering statement, which would include a preliminary offering circular, has not yet been filed with the SEC.

Opportunities to Invest in the Private Capital Market

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The private equity market is rapidly growing, fueled by expansions to the JOBS Act exemptions in 2021. By 2030, the private capital market is anticipated to grow to a total value of $30 billion. This is largely driven by more companies seeing the potential in regulated crowdfunding through RegA+ and RegCF, and the rising interest of retail investors looking to move into the private space. Plus, research has shown that there is nearly $5 trillion in uninvested funds held by private equity firms alone. In addition, retail investors now represent 25% of the security trading volume in the public markets, a significant increase from the previous decade. According to BNY Mellon, “a new generation of younger retail investors are purchasing equities with the intention of becoming long-term market participants.” These factors have coalesced to create a favorable environment for investments in the private capital market. 

 

With favorable conditions to invest in public companies, there are many emerging and attractive industries for investors. Some of these include:

 

  • Medtech: Every day, companies are creating lifesaving technologies to improve human health and revolutionize medical care. Medtech companies often require high amounts of capital to fund clinical trials, research and development, and the many other processes they must go through. Since offerings limits for RegA+ were expanded to $75M, Medtech companies are increasingly viewing the exemption as a viable choice for raising capital.

 

  • Cannabis: The cannabis industry is rapidly growing, especially as public perception grows more favorable and legalization at the state level spreads across the US. However, cannabis companies are often underserved by traditional financial institutions due to the illegality at the federal level. With RegCF and RegA+, cannabis companies can tap into a vast market of retail investors who are willing to invest in an evolving industry.

 

  • Real Estate: Traditional real estate investments are capital intensive, making them cost prohibitive for many investors who are not high net worth individuals, private equity, or institutional investors. However, with RegA+ and RegCF, retail investors can own fractions of properties. And in, 2020, insurance, finance, and real estate accounted for 53% of qualified RegA+ offerings and 79% of the funds raised through the exemption. This indicates that real estate is an attractive investment opportunity for many investors. 

 

  • Franchises: JOBS Act exemptions create new opportunities for franchisees and franchisors to raise capital. These companies often have existing customers, who can become investors and brand ambassadors.

 

Regardless of the industry, a key component of any offering is the broker-dealer. Many states require issuers to work with a broker-dealer when selling securities in those states. A broker-dealer ensures that the issuer follows all SEC and state securities laws. More importantly, working with a FINRA-registered broker-dealer gives investors confidence by verifying that the issuer has provided all required information for the investors to make a sound investment decision. FINRA protects American investors by ensuring that brokers operate fairly and honestly. Plus, the broker-dealer also completes compliance activities, such as KYC, AML, and investor suitability and due diligence on the issuer themselves. 

 

Working with a broker-dealer ensures that the issuer behaves compliantly and gives the investor peace of mind when investing in one of the many investment opportunities within the private capital market.

 

RegA+ Offers Stability for Issuers

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

When a company decides to go the RegA+ route, they are opting for a more stable and regulated way to raise capital. This is due in part to the stability of the price; once a company goes public, its stock price can change rapidly and unpredictably because of factors like news, earnings reports, analyst ratings, and supply and demand. By contrast, a RegA+ stock is only allowed to fluctuate within a certain percentage from the original offering price, which makes it a more stable and predictable investment. With a RegA+ offering, the price is set ahead of time and will not change unless there is a significant shift in the market. This makes RegA+ an attractive option for investors looking for a more stable investment.

 

For example, companies that do a RegA+ raise and set their company shares at $5.80 a piece will likely see their shares at a similar price 12 months later. Because shares are unlisted on a public exchange, the share price will stay the same for a while, giving investors some stability in their investment. This stability can be ideal for companies and their shareholders, as it gives them a chance to better plan and predict their finances. 

 

It also gives companies more control over the price of their shares, especially when there are selling shareholders. For example, ATLIS’s stock price went from $5.88 to $15.88 to $27.88 before being listed on the NASDAQ. When companies like this do a Reg A+ before other raises, they can halt and reprice their company before going public. 

 

The stability of RegA+ can be attractive to both companies and investors. It allows for better planning and forecasting of finances and peace of mind knowing that the share price will not rapidly change. This predictability is one of the main reasons why Reg A+ has become such a popular way to raise capital in recent years.

 

If you’re looking for a more stable investment, RegA+ may be the right option for you. With a set price and no sudden changes, you can know what to expect from your investment. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a regulated and predictable way to raise capital. Whether you’re a company or an investor, the stability of RegA+ may be just what you’re looking for.

 

The JOBS Act as the Founding Father Of A New Economy

Posted on by Jason Futko

April 5th, 2012. On this day, Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, signed the JOBS Act into law. This has touched so many lives in so many ways that simply saying the JOBS act has democratized access to capital, does not fully capture the impact. We are talking about creating jobs, and helping people realize their dreams by developing solutions, and not only about capital markets. We can call the it The Founding Father Of A New Economy.

David Weild IV, father of the JOBS Act, has remarked that this was not a political action; it was signed in “an incredibly bipartisan fashion, which is really a departure from what we’ve generally seen. It actually increases economic activity. It’s good for poor people, good for rich people. And it adds to the US Treasury”.

Expanding Benefits In A New Economy

Five years later, in July, 2017, the SEC started expanding access to the JOBS Act benefits originally available only to emerging growth companies (EGC). These could submit draft registration statements relating to initial public offerings for review on a non-public basis. Permitting all companies (not just EGCs) to submit registration statements for non-public review, provides companies with more flexibility to plan their offerings. 

More Investors empowered by the JOBS Act

Private capital markets have grown more important, as both accredited and non-accredited investors started to be a bigger part of raising capital and actually becoming shareholders. There are more than $5 trillion of uninvested funds currently available, and this number is only expected to grow in the coming years.

ESG

This strategy that considers environmental, social, and governance factors. This investing style has been gaining in popularity in recent years, as more and more investors are looking for ways to invest in companies that positively impact the world. The focus on this kind of company, with strong commitment to ESG concerns, will grow especially among equity crowdfunding. 

Is it safe?

With the private capital markets blooming and so many new firms and platforms surfacing, it is only natural that users, issuers, and even broker-dealers and transfer agents feel confused and overwhelmed with logins and uncertain about compliance issues. This is something that the regulations were very careful about: protecting both investors and issuers, creating safe investment ecosystems.

As the JOBS Act has really opened up new ways to operate as the Founding Father of a new economy, there will be many opportunities for new players to enter the markets. These are very exciting times for being optimistic about the future of our startups.

The SEC Released its 41st Annual Small Business Forum Report

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

For 41 years, the Securities and Exchange Commission has hosted its annual Small Business Forum. The event, led by the SEC’s Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation, aims to gather feedback from both the public and private sectors to improve capital raising and sheds light on many issues facing small businesses and investors to help event participants develop policy recommendations.

 

Highlighting the needs of small businesses within the US is crucial, as they play a vital role in the economy and job creation. Over the past 25 years, 2 out of every 3 jobs created can be attributed to small businesses. These businesses serve as the lifeblood of their communities.

 

Some of the key takeaways from the four-day event included the fact that more entrepreneurs need to be made aware of resources available when raising capital, as many have great ideas, but lack the knowledge and experience to raise capital effectively. This also means expanding access to capital to both underrepresented groups and locations, especially outside of major “tech-hub hotspots.” Additionally, panel discussions highlighted the issues minority entrepreneurs continue to face when seeking traditional funding options, such as venture capital or private equity. These funding methods often rely heavily on networks and connections that exclude many entrepreneurs. 

 

According to sources such as Crowdfund Insider, the Commission has addressed past issues such as democratizing the definition of an accredited investor by empowering a more significant segment of the population to gain access to Reg D private securities offerings. However, other suggestions often face political challenges and regulatory obstacles.

 

Even so, Commissioner Hester Pierce urged the Commission and forum participants to be inspired by the JOBS Act. She also commented: 

 

“Heightening the importance of this year’s Forum is the Commission’s current posture of, at best, indifference, and at times, hostility to facilitating capital formation. As it happens, today is the tenth anniversary of President Obama signing into law the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act. That bipartisan legislation required the SEC to write rules lessening the burdens on small companies seeking to raise capital. Some of the Act’s provisions were things we could have done on our own. Congress and the President got fed up waiting for the Commission to take small business capital formation seriously.”

 

Additionally, Commissioner Allison Lee remarked:

 

“Many investors are business owners and vice versa. And capital raising and investor protection are not at odds with one another or a zero-sum proposition. Rather, investors need appropriate investment opportunities, and investor protection increases investor confidence, which in turn helps promote capital raising. The relationship between the two is symbiotic and we can and should seek to balance the need for both robust capital raising opportunities and robust investor protection.”

 

Hopefully, seeing how the JOBS Act has expanded capital formation will encourage the SEC to continue the momentum and create more tools and resources to support small businesses. In the meantime, companies should explore existing options and opportunities for capital, such as through the JOBS Act. Small businesses should not wait for the SEC to create more opportunities – they should take advantage of the rules and regulations that are currently in place to raise the capital they need to grow their businesses.

A $30 Trillion Market in 8 Years: Shari Noonan Speaks with Crowdfund Insider

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The private securities market is predicted to grow exponentially in the next decade, with a total value of $30 trillion by 2030. Recently, Shari Noonan, CEO of Rialto Markets spoke to Crowdfund Insider about this remarkable trajectory.

 

There are several reasons we can anticipate this tremendous growth. First, the JOBS Act introduced powerful exemptions to SEC registration, removing or easing many of the administrative barriers that had stood in the way of capital formation. As well, new tools have emerged to help companies seek capital in online capital markets.

 

Plus, these online tools mean that companies now have access to a wider pool of potential investors that had been traditionally unavailable to the private market. On this subject, Shari Noonan said, “Rialto Markets enables not only venture and institutional investing but also retail investing. This diversity can help private companies seeking capital find a wider range of investors, which might mitigate some of the shakiness in the economy.” With traditional forms of investment, reaching niche investors used to be nearly impossible. It’s a different story online because finding niches is a huge part of what the online world is all about. So whether a company is in real estate, ice cream, or electric vehicles, online platforms make it easier to find the right investors who support unique, innovative companies.

 

So far, the interest in investment through JOBS Act exemptions has not slowed down. “We saw a 1,021% increase in equity crowdfunding in 2021 to $113.52 billion, so that level of growth may be difficult to sustain, but it will still be a strong 2022 for the Reg CF and RegA+ investment markets,” added Shari.

 

So, what does this all mean for investors? Well, the private securities market is set to continue growing at a rapid pace, and with the help of companies like Rialto Markets, it’s easier than ever to get involved. And if it’s easier for investors to get involved, then it’s easier for companies to find investors.

 

For players in the private capital market, like Rialto, the mission is to create a fully democratized ecosystem. Shari believes that “​​this enables private companies looking to raise capital to expand their net and reach a much wider and more diverse investor base, providing investors with access to investments at an earlier stage than previously.” 

 

Continued growth will require a robust infrastructure. “We will continue to expand services to bring greater efficiency and scale to the private markets,” said Noonan when asked about Rialto’s plans for the future. This will also include support for new types of securities, and Rialto is already prepared for the expansion of digital securities. Shari points out that “many NFTs are securities that also live natively on a blockchain. The right way forward is to wrap NFTs into the regulatory framework by registering them as Reg CFs or Reg As, then approving and tracking ownership on a next-gen SEC-registered Transfer Agent.” This would allow the industry to test new technologies while adhering to securities laws that protect issuers and investors alike.

 

The private capital market is growing at an incredible rate as issuers increasingly turn to private capital sources for their funding needs and investors explore new types of investments. With so much growth potential ahead, the private capital market is poised to introduce new technologies, efficiencies, and opportunities to the financial world.

 

Oscar Jofre Speaks at Franchising Event in Denver, CO

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

We are always looking for ways to help our clients and the franchise community grow and succeed. That’s why we’re excited that our CEO, Oscar Jofre, got a chance to speak at the “Living in the Roaring 20s: Looking Ahead to a Wild Decade in Franchising” event in Denver, Colorado this week. The event featured dynamic panels of industry leaders. It was a great opportunity to take advantage of a hands-on learning experience, designed to help franchise businesses reach new heights and share key lessons learned from a global pandemic, tools and strategies for risk mitigation, and explore critical trends and new opportunities on the horizon.

 

Oscar was there to share his valuable expertise regarding raising capital. He joined two panels to discuss how crowdfunding can be used by franchisees and franchisors and how NFTs and cryptocurrencies are permanently altering the franchise landscape.

 

In addition to Oscar’s presentation, the event also featured panels on franchise strategy, industry outlook, sustainability, post-COVID best practices, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and much more of interest to anyone in the franchise industry, from those just starting to explore franchising to established professionals looking for ways to take their businesses to the next level. 

 

KoreConX is proud to have been a sponsor of this event, and we hope to see you at the next one!

Examining RegCF Trends

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The internet has put financial literacy resources at the tip of our fingers and has done the same for investment opportunities. Whether it’s an app that allows you to buy and sell stock or cryptocurrencies, or a website that allows you to invest in a company that could be the next Uber, Tesla, or SpaceX, the average person now has access to new and exciting ways to invest that never existed before. 

 

The private capital market has been transformed by the JOBS Act and its exemptions, like Regulation CF, that allow companies to raise growth-fueling sums of money from accredited and nonaccredited investors alike. And, with companies now able to raise larger amounts than ever before, Reg CF investments are enjoying increasing popularity. This type of crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs to tap into the wallets of thousands of potential investors, providing not only the capital they need but also new networks, brand ambassadors, and more.

 

While the number of companies raising capital online decreased between 2018 and 2019, this number rebounded substantially since according to data shared by KingsCrowd. Between 2019 and 2020, the number of deals nearly doubled from 541 to 1024. The 2019 decrease could be attributed to multiple factors. One possible reason is that online crowdfunding was still considered a new space at the time, so investors and founders still had their reservations. The increased number of deals in 2020, 2021, and so far throughout 2022, suggests that this hesitation is starting to dissipate. This is supported by the tremendous milestone RegCF reached last year; over $1 billion has been raised through this exemption This could be due to a better understanding of how crowdfunding works or increased confidence in the industry as a whole. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that RegCF is becoming more popular among startups and investors alike.

 

When the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading across the US in the spring of 2020, it crippled and even bankrupted thousands of businesses. However, startups that raised capital with Reg CF didn’t appear to be affected the same way, possibly because of exploding demand in industries like telehealth, med-tech and delivery services, creating urgent new investment opportunities, coupled with large numbers of potential investors suddenly working from home and becoming more exposed to and accepting of online transactions and crowdfunding campaigns. 

 

This trend can also be seen in VC funding, which decreased during 2020 by 9% and 23% for the first quarter and second quarter of the year. The negative effect of the pandemic on VC funding largely impacted female founders more heavily than male founders, with female founders receiving only 2.3% of VC funding in 2020. That drove many founders to seek alternatives, which may explain some of the uptick in crowdfunding deals.

 

2022 is seeing a good flow of new crowdfunding deals as well. We’ve seen 429 new deals in the first quarter, according to KingsCrowd, and this number is only expected to increase as the number of founders and investors who recognize the power of crowdfunding continues to grow. With as little as $100, non-accredited investors can now own a part of a company and support a cause they believe in. This democratizes startup investing like never before.

 

Other trends we’re seeing are an increase in the mean amount raised per deal and a decrease in the median amount raised per deal, suggesting that while the biggest deals are getting bigger, the number of smaller deals is also growing, reflecting more participation by small businesses and small investors This has increased the amount of capital raised through RegCF from $239 million in 2020 to $1.1 billion in 2021, and this number is expected to double by the end of 2022. This means that more money is being funneled into startups and small businesses than ever before.

 

Will we see more startups turn to crowdfunding to compensate for the lack of VC funding? Only time will tell, but we’re excited to see how the rest of the year unfolds for the Reg CF community.

Private Capital Trends for the Cannabis Industry

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does the need for new methods of raising capital. Revenues have doubled over the past three years, and the industry is on track to reach $25 billion annually by 2025, or $14.1 billion for CBD alone, but traditional methods such as bank loans and private equity are often unavailable to cannabis businesses, forcing them to turn to the private market for capital. While often more flexible and forgiving than the public market, the private market can be a challenging place to raise capital without the knowledge and experience. 

 

The Constantly Growing Industry of Cannabis

 

The cannabis industry is changing, and new opportunities for entrepreneurs are coming. Thanks to the JOBS Act, businesses in the cannabis industry can now use regulations like A+ and CF to raise capital from the general public. This offers several advantages, particularly the ability to reach a larger pool of investors and thus raise larger sums of money.

 

However, the most significant advantage of Reg A+ is that it allows businesses to retain more control over their company. Traditional methods of raising capital typically require businesses to give up a larger share of their equity. This is especially beneficial for businesses in the cannabis industry, which is still in its early stages and is constantly changing. With Reg A+, companies can raise capital from the general public while avoiding the costly process of going public. With more control over their company, and the ability to avoid costly IPOs, firms in the cannabis industry can better position themselves for success.

 

Investing in the Private Cannabis Market

 

The private market for cannabis investments is growing rapidly as the legalization of cannabis spreads throughout the US. Entrepreneurs are looking to get in on the ground floor of this new industry, and there are several options available to them when it comes to investing in cannabis. 

 

Private CBD companies, such as Stigma Cannabis and UNITY Wellness, are turning to online capital raising to fund their growth. These diverse companies focus on many aspects of the industry, from CBD supplements to CBD skincare products, and represent only two of many companies innovating in this space. Regulations A and CF provide excellent opportunities for these companies and the investors looking to support them. 

 

Getting started as an investor in the rapidly evolving private cannabis industry can be scary, but it’s also an exciting opportunity with many challenges and rewards. You can make the most of this unique opportunity by educating yourself on the process and available resources, and looking for and researching a private cannabis company that resonates with you as an investor. 

 

For cannabis companies looking to raise capital, the process begins by identifying the team that will help you reach your goals, such as experienced securities lawyers, broker-dealers, investor acquisition firms, transfer agents, and other parties critical to your success. However, you should also consider how you can turn customers into investors and brand ambassadors as they will be essential throughout your capital-raising journey.

 

Cannabis Industry Trends in 2022

 

Cannabis companies are benefiting from increasing consumer acceptance of the product in 2022. In states where cannabis is legal, tax revenue from sales has been significantly higher than predicted. This trend will likely continue as more states legalize cannabis, and the industry becomes more mainstream. It could also remove many barriers to entry for potential investors and entrepreneurs looking to enter the space.

 

Despite the current political environment, which is generally unfavorable to cannabis companies, several bills are making their way through Congress that could positively impact the industry. The SAFE Banking Act, for example, would allow FDIC-insured banks to offer their services to cannabis companies, providing much-needed financial infrastructure. 

 

The industry will almost certainly continue to grow because of the acceptance of cannabis and its use in a variety of products. The cannabis plant produces several compounds with medical, industrial and commercial applications, with THC and CBD only the most well-known.  Developing these products and bringing them to market is creating more jobs, stimulating the economy, and becoming more accepted by people from all walks of life.

 

Growth in the cannabis industry is not likely to slow down anytime soon. Investors and companies interested in the industry should keep a close eye on developments at the state and federal levels and the financial health of companies in the space. With the right mix of factors, the cannabis industry could achieve even greater heights in the years to come.

 

Is Equity Crowdfunding Immune to Market Volatility?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

In a recent TechCrunch article, author Rebecca Szkutak asserts, “With the fundraising climate now showing cloudy skies, equity crowdfunding is getting ready for a field day.” The stigma associated with crowdfunding is reversing; once viewed as a fundraising method for companies “not good enough” for venture capital, it has grown substantially in the past few years. Better yet, 2022 is “​​poised to be monumental for equity crowdfunding.” From the start of this year to the end of May, companies have raised $215 million through this method of capital raising, an increase of $200 million from the same period last year. Favorable evolutions to regulations in this space are only contributing to this growth. 

It will be exciting to see how these trends continue to develop and enable companies to raise capital through to the end of the year. To read the full article on TechCrunch, click here.

What Independence Day means to KoreConX

Posted on by Peter Daneyko

Independence Day is a really iconic holiday. Parades and fireworks, concerts and cookouts, celebrations of what America is and what it aspires to be, surrounded by that patriotic pride. Independence Day has special meaning to us at KoreConx, because we have always believed our mission to be the democratization of the American Dream. 

 

Big things start in small garages, like the ones where Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne started planting the Apple seed, or where Bill Gates and Paul Allen started looking at the future through Windows. But it was difficult to raise capital in those days, and those guys were lucky. How many other great ideas never got off the ground, simply because someone couldn’t find the investors to make it happen? How many would-be investors missed out on these opportunities, because they didn’t have the means to hear about them?

 

We set out to change that when KoreConX was founded back in 2016. The private capital market is 4 times the size of the public market, and there are more great ideas in garages than ever before. Our mission is to bring these things together,  to jumpstart innovation, create jobs, and help more people realize their own version of the American Dream. 

 

Whether you are inside your garage or you are looking for a good opportunity to invest, we are sure that is where true independence lies. We wish you a glorious Independence Day of celebration, parades and opportunities ahead.

 

Oscar A Jofre

What is KYC?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Each year, an estimated $2 trillion from illicit activities is laundered. This poses a significant challenge to financial institutions, requiring onerous efforts to verify that individuals involved in financial transactions are who they claim to be. This is where KYC, or Know Your Client, practices come into play. KYC compliance is at the core of any successful risk management strategy and ensures that financial institutions are not inadvertently aiding criminal activity. Let’s dive into KYC a little deeper.

 

What is KYC?

 

Regulations such as AML (anti-money-laundering), and eIDAS (electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) exist to help detect and prevent financial crime, and to reduce the ability of terrorists to fund their operations.

By identifying their clients, financial institutions can help reduce the possibility of doing business with criminals or those who may be involved in criminal activity. KYC is quite complex: this means collecting various personal and professional information from their clients, verifying it, and assessing the risk the clients pose for money laundering.

There is a lot of database and document research involved in this stage, which helps assure the money is traceable: maybe dividends from investments, salaries or any other licit way of making money, with a reliable source.

 

How is KYC Conducted? 


The steps in a KYC procedure vary depending on the organization, but they typically include the following:

 

  1. Client identification: Identify the client and collect certain information, such as their name, date of birth, national identification (SSN, SIN, etc) and address.
  2. Client verification:Verify that the client is who they say they are, typically by examining documents such as a passport or driver’s license.
  3. Risk assessment: Assess the client’s risk level. This helps to determine what type of information needs to be collected from them and how often they will need to be screened. This step depends on the kind of business the client is involved in and each company can decide how much information they need.
  4. KYC compliance: Ensure that the organization complies with KYC regulations. This includes maintaining accurate records and keeping up-to-date with changes to KYC regulations.

 

By following these steps, organizations can effectively implement a KYC procedure.

 

What are the benefits of KYC? 

 

There are many benefits to implementing KYC compliance measures, including:

 

  • Prevention of financial crime: By identifying clients and understanding their financial activities, organizations can help prevent criminal activity such as money laundering.
  • Enhanced client protection: Organizations can better protect their clients from fraud and identity theft by knowing who their clients are. This is especially beneficial to banks or other institutions that are common targets of such crimes.
  • Improved client experience: By streamlining the KYC process and making it more user-friendly, organizations can improve the client experience. Clients must go through verification process with transparency and with clear goals.
  • Increased transparency: KYC compliance measures help create a more transparent environment for both organizations and their clients by sharing information.

 

What are the challenges of KYC? 

 

Despite the many benefits of KYC, there are also some challenges associated with it, such as:

 

  • Cost: the KYC process can be costly for organizations, particularly small businesses. This is because it requires using resources, such as staff time, to collect and verify client information.
  • Client privacy: some clients may be concerned about the amount of personal information that is required during the KYC process. This can potentially lead to identity theft or other privacy breaches.
  • Compliance: the KYC process must be followed correctly to be effective. This can be challenging for organizations, especially if they have a large number of clients.

 

What is the difference between KYC and AML? 

 

AML, or Anti-Money Laundering, is a process that is used to prevent the illicit use of financial services. This can include money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal activities. KYC compliance measures are a part of AML compliance, but they are not the same thing. KYC compliance measures focus specifically on the identification of clients, while AML compliance measures also include monitoring client activity to look for suspicious behavior.

 

KYC is a necessary process that can help to prevent financial crime. It involves collecting certain information from clients and using it to verify their identity to help protect against criminal activity. While KYC compliance measures can be costly and challenging to implement, they are essential to AML compliance, and KYC efforts can protect your company from financial crime.

What Kind of Data is Relevant for Private Equity?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The world of private equity is shrouded in a certain amount of mystery. What data do private equity firms use when making their investment decisions? What kind of research is needed to identify opportunities in this market? With the private equity markets raising over $665 billion in 2021, up from $521 billion in 2020, the use of data for private firms is becoming more crucial than ever. This blog post will look at the data types most relevant for private equity investors and how this information can benefit them in certain situations.

 

The Role of Data in Private Equity

 

Private equity is a type of investment generally reserved for high-net-worth individuals, venture capitalists, and institutional investors. However, these opportunities are being afforded to more individual investors thanks to the JOBS Act. It is an investment strategy that involves buying stakes in companies that are not publicly traded on stock markets. Private equity firms, in particular, typically have a longer time horizon for their investments than other types of investors and often are willing to invest in companies with high growth potential.

 

For these investments, investors may rely heavily on multiple data sources to provide insight and justify investment decisions. These sources may include:

 

  • Financial data is relevant to PE firms because of the need to monitor a company’s financial health. This data can help PE firms identify potential risks and flag companies that may be in trouble. Financial data can also help firms assess a company’s growth potential, allowing them to make more informed investment decisions. 
  • Operational data is relevant to PE firms because it helps them understand a company’s business model and evaluate its efficiency. This data can help firms identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. 
  • Market data lets PE firms know what’s happening in specific industries and understand where there might be opportunities for companies they own to gain or lose market share. It also helps firms keep tabs on broader industry trends that could present opportunities or threats to their portfolio companies.
  • Alternative data allows firms to track a company’s performance in real-time and make more informed investment decisions.

 

Data is an essential part of the private equity investment process, which firms must consider when making investment decisions. Private equity firms often rely on proprietary data sources, such as data from the companies they own or have invested in, to make investment decisions. They also use external data sources, such as public market data, to corroborate what they see from their data sources. 

 

The Importance of Data

 

With the increasing importance of various types of data, private equity firms must be able to access and analyze this data to stay ahead of the competition. Firms that can effectively use data will be well-positioned to make informed investment decisions, improve their portfolio companies’ performance, and generate better returns for their investors.

 

Beyond traditional data sources, alternative data is becoming increasingly important for private equity firms. This data can come from various sources and helps PE firms better understand the companies they invest in, make better investment decisions, and provide more hands-on operational support to their portfolio companies. Alternative data can help PE firms corroborate what they are being told and get a complete picture of the company they are interested in investing in. Alternative data can also help with operational decisions after an investment has been made. The ability to crunch a company’s proprietary data and glean insights into broader industry trends is crucial to helping a private equity company increase its market share, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately time the exit correctly. Therefore, a practical application of alternative data can create a virtuous cycle for private equity firms: better investment strategy, selection, execution, management, and realization, driving improved returns and increased LP demand. 

 

Any one source of data may not provide the entire picture of a potential investment, making it critical for private equity investors to analyze a wealth of data before making an investment decision. Overall, data can help to illustrate patterns and opportunities within the private equity space.

Recapping Our All-Star June Podcast Guests

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Throughout June, we were happy to host another set of excellent speakers to add to our KoreTalkX series, covering timely topics like digital securities, RegA+ for cannabis, and the potential RegA+ unlocks for companies in the Medtech space. Keep reading to explore each episode in more depth. 

 

KoreTalkX #5: Digital securities matter; tokens, coins, and regulations.

 

The June lineup of KoreTalks kicked off with episode #5, during which Andrew Bull discussed the future of digital assets and their impact on the financial industry. As digital securities enter the mainstream, their potential to protect issuers and create opportunities for investors grows with the transparency they can offer. However, education will continue to be an important factor in driving the expansion of the digital asset space. This conversation is helpful for anyone interested in learning more about digital assets and their impact on the financial industry. With their experience in traditional finance and digital assets, Andrew Bull and Dr. Garimella provide valuable insights into this growing industry based on their observations of the industry’s development. 

 

KoreTalkX #6: Cannabis businesses need capital. Let’s raise it.

 

Reg A+ is a powerful tool for companies in the private sector, and it is no different for those in the cannabis industry. In KoreTalkX #6, Brianna Martyn of Big Stock Tips discussed the importance of due diligence when investing in the cannabis industry, advising investors to research and understand each company’s fundamentals before investing. Brianna spoke with Jessica Trapani of KoreConX about our role in helping private companies raise up to $75 million from brand advocates and customers without going public. 

 

KoreTalk #7: The MedTech ecosystem is booming.

 

The JOBS Act was signed into law two decades ago, yet we are just beginning to see more Medtech companies utilize the RegA+ exemption to raise capital. In the last KoreTalkX episode for June, Stephen Brock and Peter Daneyko discussed the benefits of the Jobs Act and how it will help businesses grow and create jobs. Especially in the Medtech space, which is traditionally capital-intensive, RegA+ provides a tremendous opportunity for companies to raise needed capital while retaining more ownership of their company. Additionally, the speakers also discuss new, game-changing opportunities for investors, who are now able to invest in companies that align with deeply personal values. 

 

If you’d like to watch any of these episodes in full, you can catch them on your favorite podcast platform. Click here to view episodes on Spotify, Amazon, or iTunes.

There’s a Lot of Private Capital to Go Around

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

With all the turbulence in the public markets, private markets look even more attractive to investors.  The private markets are 4x the size of public markets. Investors are and will continue to look for investment opportunities and right now, there is a lot of private capital to go around when we see these numbers.

 

A Staggering Amount of Private Capital

 

The private capital available in the world today is staggering. A recent report by Bain & Company found that there is more than $5 trillion of uninvested funds currently available from private equity firms, and this number is only expected to grow in the coming years. With this influx of cash, private equity firms can engage in mega-deals and drive up valuations in the process.

 

The increased availability of private capital is not just limited to traditional private equity firms. Family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds play a more prominent role in the private equity space and have experienced sweeping changes in 2021. With all this capital available, it’s no wonder that the private market is growing. While some people may be concerned about a potential bubble, it’s important to remember that the private equity industry is still relatively small compared to other asset classes. So even though there may be some risk of over-inflated valuations, the private equity industry still has much room to grow

 

Accessing Private Capital

 

We are witnessing record-breaking investment levels reaching billions of dollars. Several reasons for this influx of cash include:

 

  • Low-interest rates
  • An improving global economy
  • A renewed focus on private equity and venture capital

 

The wealth of private capital available today is staggering and growing. The options for accessing this capital are many and diverse, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for each private company looking to raise capital. However, some general guidelines will help you find the right resources for your business. You must understand what stage your company is in. This will help you identify the right kind of capital, as well as the right source of that capital. There are generally four stages of funding for a business:

 

  • Pre-seed Stage: This is when you have an idea but no product or service to sell. You will need to raise funds to develop your concept and bring it to market.
  • Seed Stage: This is when you have a product or service but no sales. You will need funds to finance your product development, marketing, and initial sales efforts.
  • Early Stage: This is when you have initial sales but are not yet profitable. You will need funds to finance your growth and expand your business.
  • Late Stage: This is when you are profitable and looking to scale your business. You will need funds to finance your expansion plans.

 

There are many private capital sources, including family and friends, angel investors, venture capitalists, accredited investors, nonaccredited investors, and private equity firms. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to understand the differences before approaching them for funding.

 

Additionally, we are even beginning to see a growing player in this market: JOBS Act exceptions. These exemptions, Regulation A+, Regulation CF, and Regulation D, are game-changer for companies and investors alike. These exemptions allow companies to raise significant capital from accredited and nonaccredited investors alike, which continues to widen the pool of potential investors. 

 

The private capital market is booming, with record-breaking investment levels reaching billions of dollars. There are several reasons for this influx of cash, including an improving global economy, low-interest rates, and a renewed focus on private equity and venture capital. Not to mention, the JOBS Act has introduced new sources of capital outside of the traditional VC and private equity round. The everyday investor is showing significant interest in the ability to get in on the ground floor with a promising company to grow their wealth. With so much private capital available, it is time to take advantage of it.

 

Private Equity’s Primetime Has Arrived

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Private equity’s primetime has arrived! This stems from a number of reasons, including favorable economic conditions for the private capital market. In fact, 42% of private equity limited partners report a 16% net return in this space. Here are three factors in particular that have caused private equity to outperform public equity in 2022.

 

1) Interest Rates:

A survey found that 71% of global private equity investors have indicated that their equity investments have outperformed their public equity portfolios since the global financial crisis. This is in part because private equity firms are less reliant on debt financing than public companies. Higher borrowing costs will hit public companies harder, putting them at a competitive disadvantage over private companies with rising interest rates.

 

2) Economic Uncertainty:

Some degree of uncertainty characterizes current economic environment. This can be attributed to the ongoing trade conflicts between the United States and China, Brexit, and the coronavirus pandemic. These factors have made it difficult for public companies to make long-term plans and invest for the future. Private equity firms, on the other hand, are better suited to deal with economic uncertainty. This is because they can take a longer-term view and are not as reliant on short-term results.

 

3) Regulation:

The increased regulation of public companies has made it more difficult and expensive for them to operate. Private companies are not subject to the same level of regulation, giving them a competitive advantage. Additionally, private companies can benefit from registration exemptions, like RegA+ and RegCF, which allow them to raise capital from everyday investors without the need to go public. This provides private companies a significant tool they can use to their advantage and fuel their growth.

 

These combined factors show that private equity has arrived and is here to stay. This will likely continue in the future, making private equity an attractive investment for investors. More individuals are involved in the private markets with the rise in forms of private investment for regulated and non-regulated investors, such as the JOBS Act regulations. This means more capital is flowing into private markets, which drives up valuations. With the current market conditions, investors would be wise to allocate a portion of their portfolio to private equity to protect and grow their wealth and prepare their portfolios for the future.

What Does ATS Mean in Trading

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Many investors are turning to the private capital market to make long-term investments in light of the current market conditions. This has increased alternate trading systems and secondary market trading for RegA+, RegCF, and RegD securities. An alternate trading system (ATS) is a non-exchange trading venue that matches buyers and sellers to trade securities. In the United States, an ATS must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and must comply with specific regulations.

 

Different Forms of ATSs

 

There are many benefits to using an ATS, such as increased liquidity, lower costs, and greater flexibility. For example, an ATS can provide more liquidity for a security by providing shareholders with a means to sell private company shares. In addition, an ATS may offer lower costs than an exchange, such as no membership fees or listing requirements. In addition, an can often be categorized as an electronic communication network, dark pool, crossing network, or call market.

 

  • Electronic Communication Network: An ECN allows buyers and sellers to exchange shares without a middleman. Trades can also happen outside of business hours, which means that hours are not tied to the traditional stock market.
  • Dark Pools: A dark pool is a type of ATS that does not publicly display the prices or orders of its participants. Dark pools are typically used by institutional investors, such as hedge funds, to trade large blocks of shares without moving the market.
  • Crossing Network: A crossing network is very similar to a dark pool, meaning that the details of a trade are not made publicly available 
  • Call Markets: In a call market, trades are only executed once a certain number of orders has been reached, often at a set interval of time. 

 

Secondary market trading of RegA+, RegCF, and RegD securities can take place on an ATS, which is typically a registered broker-dealer platform. These platforms allow investors to buy and sell these securities even if the buyer did not invest in the initial offering. The secondary market for RegA+ securities is the most developed due to the long history of these securities. The main difference is that RegCF and RegD shareholders are required to own their securities for a longer period of time before they can be traded in a secondary market.

 

What is the Difference Between an ATS and Exchange?

Many people are familiar with the concept of an exchange; whenever you buy stocks in publicly traded companies, you go through a stock exchange like the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ. National securities exchanges are self-regulatory and their members, or listed companies, must meet the requirements established by the exchange. Exchanges are also SEC-registered

 

An ATS is much like an exchange in that it brings together buyers and sellers of securities. However, the main difference is that an ATS does not take on regulatory responsibilities. Therefore, an ATS can trade both listed and unlisted securities, like those purchased under a JOBS Act exemption. ATSs are also regulated by the SEC but must be operated by a FINRA-registered broker-dealer.

 

The Impact of Liquidity on Investing

 

Liquidity is an important concept to understand when trading securities and refers to the ability of a security to be bought or sold quickly and at a fair price. A security that is easy to buy and sell is said to be liquid. A security that is difficult to buy or sell is said to be illiquid. An investor might consider the liquidity of a security when making an investment decision. For example, an investor might choose to invest in a liquid security if they plan on selling it quickly. An investor might choose to invest in an illiquid security if they are willing to hold it for a more extended time. When trading securities on an ATS, it is crucial to consider the security’s liquidity. A security that is not liquid may be challenging to sell, and worth considering the liquidity of a security before investing in it.

Trends We Believe Will Shape Investment Crowdfunding

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

In the first half of the year, a great deal has happened in investment crowdfunding. We’ve seen several trends emerge that are worth looking at as we move into 2022. These trends can impact everything from how you raise capital, structure your investments, and what kinds of companies you invest in. Here are three trends that we believe will shape investment crowdfunding in the coming year:

 

More support for Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs)

 

Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) have been around for a while, but they’ve been slow to catch on in the investment crowdfunding space. That’s starting to change, though, as more and more platforms are beginning to see the benefits of using an ATS. An ATS is a platform that allows for the secondary trading of securities, which means that it can be used to buy and sell shares of companies not listed on a traditional stock exchange. One of the benefits of using an ATS is that it gives investors more liquidity for their investments. This means that investors will be able to sell their shares more efficiently and at a better price. ATS will also be a significant player as digital securities continue to evolve and see wider adoption.

 

Another benefit of using an ATS is that it can help to level the playing field for issuers. By using an ATS, issuers will be able to list their securities on a platform that is open to a broader range of investors. We believe that the increased use of ATSs will positively impact crowdfunding investments in the coming year. That’s because ATSs can help make the market more efficient, giving issuers and investors more options, but sweeping regulations are being proposed for alternative trading systems.

 

More focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors

 

ESG investing is an investment strategy that considers environmental, social, and governance factors. This investing style has been gaining in popularity in recent years, as more and more investors are looking for ways to invest in companies that positively impact the world. We believe that the focus on ESG factors will continue to grow in the coming year as more investors look for ways to align their investments with their values, and crowdfunding can make the most out of this.

 

There are several reasons why we believe that the focus on ESG will continue to grow in the coming year:

  • A recent Gallups study showed that nearly half of the respondents polled are interested in sustainable investments, yet only 25% had heard about it. This could be a significant opportunity for companies looking to raise capital for ESG-focused businesses.
  • We also expect to see more regulation around ESG investing in the coming year. The SEC proposed a rule in March of 2022 requiring any SEC-registered companies to add specific disclosures on periodic reports and registration statements. Companies must also share information on climate-related risks that may impact business. While companies using JOBS Act exemptions are not SEC-registered, this may be an interesting development as investor demand continues to rise.
  • We also expect to see more interest from retail investors in ESG investing. A recent survey by Morgan Stanley found that 75% of millennial investors are interested in sustainable investments. This is a trend that we expect to continue in the coming year as more and more retail investors look for ways to invest in companies that positively impact the world.

 

Impact on Minority Companies

 

The past couple of years have been challenging for many businesses, but it has been especially challenging for minority-owned companies. That’s because the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on minority communities. For example, Black and Latino households have lost more wealth than white households during the pandemic, with 55% of households facing major financial problems. This has led to many people of color rethinking their investment strategies.

 

In addition, traditional financial institutions have long underserved minority-owned companies. Of venture capitalists, only 2% of their portfolio companies had a Latino founder, and 1% were led by a black person in 2017. 2020 data has shown little improvement The pandemic has highlighted just how important it is for minority communities to have access to capital. That’s why we predict that investment crowdfunding will become an increasingly popular way for minority-owned businesses to raise capital in the coming years.

 

Closing Thoughts

 

These three trends we believe will shape investment crowdfunding in the coming years. By understanding these trends, issuers and investors will be better positioned to take advantage of their present opportunities, allowing investors to connect more with businesses that they are passionate about and that align with their values. At the same time, it is also important for us to continue pushing the industry forward, enabling wider access to capital for businesses and more investment opportunities for investors.

Quarterbacks: Their Role and Why They’re Essential for Your RegA+ Raise

Posted on by Peter Daneyko

In the world of Reg A+, quarterbacks are essential to a successful offering. They play a critical role in the overall success of an offering, and their importance should not be underestimated. This article will explore the role of the quarterback and explain why they are so crucial for Reg A+. 

 

What is a Reg A+ Quarterback?

 

A quarterback works with issuers to advise and bring the necessary players to the table in a RegA+ offering. They are essential to ensure everything goes smoothly, lending their capital raising expertise to aid issuers on their capital raising journey. Without a quarterback, a company can easily overlook the nuances and complexities of securities regulations. A quarterback’s role is to manage and monitor the entire process. Doug Ruark, founder and president of Regulation D Resources Enterprises, Inc., defines the role of the quarterback as someone who has got to “work with clients that are looking to execute a securities offering, and need to get everything structured. Companies need to get all of their offering documents drafted, they need to go through the filing process with the SEC. And then, typically, a quarterback provides compliance support as they, company and quarterback, move forward and execute their offering”.

 

For a company to file with the SEC under RegA+, it must go through qualified testing. This is where a company’s financials, management team, and other factors are analyzed. A quarterback is essential in this process as they can provide valuable insight and knowledge about the company. Without a quarterback, a company may be at risk of not being fully prepared for this vital step.

 

The Importance of a Quarterback

 

A quarterback is a crucial part of any capital raising activity. They will be a valuable asset in the process and can help you avoid any costly mistakes. Some key QB responsibilities include:

  • Provide non-legal advisory services to management teams
  • Coordinate fundraising efforts with online platforms or crowdfunding portals
  • Facilitate communication between issuers and financial professionals like broker-dealers
  • Assist with due diligence
  • Work with marketing teams to establish marketing strategies
  • Other services to streamline the offering

 

Reg A+ Raises and QBs

 

By preparing well for a Reg A+ offering with a quarterback, companies can put their best foot forward and make a strong impression on potential investors. Having a well-coordinated team in place is critical, as is having all the necessary documentation and financials. Quarterbacks play an essential role in ensuring all the pieces are in place and working together smoothly so that when it comes time to present to investors, companies can do so with confidence. Quarterbacks can help their companies make a successful Reg A+ offering and attract the funding they need to grow by taking the time to do things right from the start.

 

It All Started with the JOBS Act

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

This month, we launched our newest series, KoreTalkX, during which we have hosted exciting, one-on-one conversations with industry experts to expand the knowledge base on capital raising in the private markets. We’re recapping the episodes so far and look forward to the next live event on Tuesday, May 31st, when Dr. Kiran Garimella (CTO, KoreConX) and Andrew Bull (Founding Memeber), Bull Blockchain Law) discuss digital securities. 

 

KoreTalkX #1: 10th Anniversary of the JOBS Act

In this conversation, David Weild IV, Father of the JOBS Act, and Oscar Jofre discuss the importance of the JOBS Act concerning small businesses and entrepreneurship. An important focus has been how the Act has helped increase innovation and expand access to capital for smaller companies, which is crucial for paving a brighter future.

 

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Amazon, or iTunes!

 

KoreTalkX #2: How Can ESG Reshape Capital Raising?

This talk between Peter Daneyko and Paul Karrlsson-Willis, CEO of Justly Markets, discusses impact investing and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria. Since the JOBS Act has allowed more people to invest in companies and given rise to the popularity of crowdfunding and investing for non-accredited investors, they discuss how many people are investing in businesses with missions they’re passionate about. 

 

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Amazon, or iTunes!

 

KoreTalkX #3: How to Start and Manage a Cap Table?

In this discussion, Amanda Grange and Matthew McNamara, Managing Partner at Assurance Dimensions, talk about starting and managing a cap table. A primary focus is how the SEC compliance guidelines protect companies and how a good transfer agent will help a company stay within those guidelines. They also talk about how a well-managed and structured cap table can streamline a raise.

 

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Amazon, or iTunes!

 

KoreTalkX #4: Thoughts on Investor Acquisition

Jason Futko and Tim Martinez, co-founder of Digital Niche Agency, talk about how to acquire investors for your startup. They highlight how important it is to have a good strategy before launching your campaign and how companies have a powerful opportunity to transform investors and customers into brand ambassadors. Additionally, they suggest entrepreneurs be prepared for a long marathon to achieve success and how to help achieve this in today’s climate.

 

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Amazon, or iTunes!

 

Security Tokens for RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Although security tokens have been around for a while, they have started to gain popularity because they offer several advantages over traditional investment vehicles. In particular, security tokens can be used in RegA+ offerings, allowing companies to raise money from accredited and unaccredited investors. As a result, security tokens have quickly become one of the most popular ways to invest in startups and other high-growth businesses.

 

What are Security Tokens?

 

Security tokens, as the name implies, are securities. And much like traditional securities, they represent an ownership stake in a company or some other asset and are subject to the same SEC oversight as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other forms of investment vehicles. Because of this, they share a familiar structure and have regulatory protection that makes them attractive for companies and investors alike. There is a greater assurance for the issuer that their investment will be protected from the volatility often associated with unregulated cryptocurrencies. For the investor, there is the added security of knowing that an asset backs its investment with value outside of the blockchain. 

 

​​”Security tokens are the missing link between the traditional financial world and the blockchain,” says Andrew Bull, founding partner of Bull Blockchain Law and KorePartner. “They provide the benefits of both worlds: the security of regulated securities and the flexibility and opportunity of digital assets.”

 

However, are security tokens the same as digital securities? The short answer is: yes, security tokens are the same as digital securities. Both represent an ownership stake in an entity or property, subject to SEC regulations. Thus, the names can be used interchangeably. The key difference between security tokens and traditional securities is that the former are digital representations that move and exist on a blockchain. 

 

It is also important to consider that while security tokens are cryptocurrencies, they are different from coins. Coins represent value on their own, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, whereas tokens have a function other than storage or exchange alone. And unlike utility tokens, security tokens represent a stake in an asset that has value outside of the blockchain. 

 

“Because security tokens denominate a stake in an asset that already has value outside of the blockchain, their value is not necessarily domain or ecosystem specific, as is the case with utility tokens,” says Bull. “Instead, the assets apportioned through the security tokens exist in the traditional market, in public and private equities. This makes the security token a naturally more attractive investment to both issuers and investors, as it provides a connection between traditional and digital investment assets.”

 

Benefits of Security Tokens for Issuers and Investors

 

Security tokens offer many benefits to companies and investors. Perhaps most importantly, they provide a bridge between traditional and digital investment assets, making it easier for companies to raise money and investors to gain exposure to the blockchain ecosystem. Because security tokens are subject to SEC regulations, issuing companies may benefit from the reassurance that their investment might be protected to a certain extent. The same benefit goes to the investor.

 

“Both parties can expect their ownership stake to be preserved on the blockchain ledger, as well,” said Bull. Investors can benefit from security tokens because they connect traditional and digital investment assets. Security tokens also have the potential to help investors by providing regulatory protection. This is important because it can help to mitigate the risk associated with investing in more experimental, unregulated cryptocurrencies.

 

On the other hand, digital assets not subject to SEC regulation, like utility tokens, have proven vulnerable to volatility and, therefore, challenging to maintain conditions stable enough to run a company. In this case, the investor in the utility token is exposed to a great deal more risk than the investor in the security token.

 

In summary, security tokens offer several benefits to both companies and investors. They provide a bridge between traditional and digital investment assets, making it easier for companies to raise money and investors to gain exposure to the blockchain ecosystem. These characteristics make security tokens less vulnerable to volatility and a more stable form of investment. They are also subject to SEC regulations, which provide some protection for both companies and investors.

Can Cannabis Companies Use RegCF?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

In recent years, public perception of cannabis is gaining positive momentum. 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 340,000 jobs. Additionally, 91% of Americans believe that regulators should legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use.

 

These factors have created an excellent opportunity for companies in this space. As public perceptions continue to rise, investments in cannabis companies may become more attractive to retail and accredited investors. Projections show that by 2028, cannabis will be an industry worth $70.8 billion globally. 

 

The passing of the JOBS Act in 2012, and its subsequent amendments, have made it easier for companies to raise money from investors. But can cannabis companies use RegCF to raise money? The answer is yes, but there are a few things they need to keep in mind. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how cannabis companies can use RegCF to raise money and how it can benefit companies and investors alike.

 

RegCF and Cannabis

 

Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise money, especially for small businesses and startups. It’s a way to get funding from a large pool of investors, each contributing a small amount of money. This can be helpful for companies looking to forego traditional funding sources, like venture capitalists or angel investors. Another factor contributing to the growing popularity of RegCF for cannabis companies is the growing legalization of cannabis products, especially across the United States and Canada.

 

RegCF is an exemption from securities laws that companies use to raise money from the public, without having to be registered as a publicly-traded company. This allows greater access to capital, without having to go through the arduous and expensive process of going through an IPO. 

 

So far, RegCF has been a successful way for cannabis companies to raise money, especially in an industry where traditional loans or going public may not be an option. The benefits of cannabis companies using RegCF to raise capital are:

 

  • Raising money from accredited and non-accredited investors.
  • Reaching a large number of potential investors through online platforms.
  • Enabling founders to retain more ownership of their company, while raising needed capital.

 

RegCF is a flexible way for all-sized companies to get funding, and it’s helping to fuel the growth of the cannabis industry. 

 

Growing with RegCF

 

The premise of the JOBS Act was to fuel the economy, create jobs, and allow startups to flourish. Cannabis companies can now capitalize on the success other companies have had using RegCF over the past decade and cannabis companies are seeing exciting potential in this ability. This democratization of capital will help fuel the industry’s growth and create jobs. In addition, RegCF provides a cost-effective way to raise money, which is critical for early-stage companies. The future looks bright for RegCF and cannabis companies as more states legalize marijuana and businesses continue to enter the space. The industry is still in its early stages, and RegCF provides an excellent opportunity for companies to raise the capital they need to grow.

Credit Cards, Escrow, and Broker-Dealers for RegA+ = $75 Million for Cannabis Companies

Posted on by Peter Daneyko

 

“It’s About Time”

 

Up until now, it was a real challenge for Cannabis companies to take advantage of Reg A+ exemptions that allow private companies to raise up to $75 million from the crowd; accredited and non-accredited investors alike.  So you have the investor community’s appetite, the table is set and they are ready, willing, and able; but what else do you need?

 

FINRA Broker-dealer

 

The regulation is meant to create jobs, allow private companies another way to raise capital, and allow for the investor community at large to participate. Before RegA+ exemptions, many potential investors were left looking into the candy store without any way to invest.  So with the democratization of capital and the ability of an untapped investor community to now have a seat at the table, the broker-dealer becomes an all-important intermediary.  In a highly regulated environment, the Broker-dealer takes the onerous task of KYC, ID verification, and AML ( anti-money laundering) off the issuer’s shoulder;  so you, the Issuer, can run your business without worrying about this important compliance requirement. As a result, you not only have the opportunity to gain large groups of investors but also develop brand advocates who share in your story.

 

Escrow Agent 

After the broker-dealer, you need an escrow agent that can hold funds from investors in all 50 states and territories and only charge you one flat fee. 

 

This key intermediary holds the investors’ funds on behalf of the Issuer until the broker-dealer completes the ID, KYC, and AML verification. Once these checks are complete, the escrow agent can release the funds. Until recently, a couple of historical challenges for industry sectors such as cannabis included the inability to get Escrow for their capital raises. Not only is Escrow now available but also at a cost-effective price point and with normalized fees, which is really the way it should have always been.  

 

Credit Cards 

 

Now below 2.9%  allowing both cannabis companies and their shareholders to be fairly treated when investing in the growth of their companies;  bringing jobs to communities and opportunities to those that believe in the company. Being responsible with your credit cards is common sense. Still, the ease of use and points as an added bonus is certainly one of the nice perks and perhaps a big reason for their high usage via crowd participation in private capital raises.

 

If you’re part of the Cannabis ecosystem looking to learn more about how KoreConX can help you on your capital raising journey, please fill out the form here.

Accredited Vs. Non-Accredited Investors: What’s the difference?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

There is a big difference between accredited and non-accredited investors. Understanding the difference is key to knowing which type of investor you are or understanding the type of investor your offering is targeting. Let’s look at each type of investor and find out more about their specific benefits and limitations.

 

Accredited Investors

 

An accredited investor is an individual or institution that has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to invest in certain types of securities. These investments are typically unavailable to the retail investor, as they are considered high-risk and high-return. Historically, accredited investors have been able to:

 

  • Access to exclusive investment opportunities: Traditionally, many startups and early-stage companies will only accept investments from accredited investors, as they were considered to be more sophisticated and able to handle the higher risk.
  • Invest in private companies: Many accredited investors choose to invest in private companies, as they can offer higher returns than public companies. Before the JOBS Act, only accredited were able to invest in these companies.

 

To become an accredited investor, an individual must meet certain criteria set forth by the SEC. These include:

  • Entities that have assets of $5 million.
  • Earning an annual income of $200,000 (or $300,000 for couples) for the past two years.
  • Having a net worth of $1 million (excluding their primary residence).

 

Investing in private companies is often considered a high-risk investment, as there is often less information available about these companies than public companies. However, accredited investors are typically seen as more sophisticated and able to handle the higher risk.

 

Non-accredited Investors

 

A non-accredited investor is an individual who does not have the financial qualifications to be deemed an accredited investor. This can be due to a low net worth or a lack of investment experience. Historically, many non-accredited investors may have missed out on beneficial investment opportunities, especially in the private market. However, with the rise of JOBS Act exemptions, we are seeing more companies looking toward nonaccredited investors. The benefits of being a nonaccredited investor include:

 

  • No SEC qualification: Anyone with the desire to invest can be a non-accredited investor. There are no criteria set by the SEC that must be met. 
  • Access to new and exciting companies: Companies can tap into a new pool of potential investors by marketing toward non-accredited investors. These investors can also tap into a broader range of investment opportunities that may have been unavailable before the JOBS Act was passed into law.
  • The ability to invest smaller amounts of money: For non-accredited investors, the minimum investment amount is often lower than it is for accredited investors. This can be helpful for those who want to get started in investing but don’t have a large sum of money to put towards it.

 

As the private market continues to grow, both non-accredited and accredited investors alike can take advantage of exciting opportunities to invest in growing companies. The JOBS Act has also done an incredible job leveling the playing field for investors, which will only incentive more companies to tap into the growing pool of potential investors.

What are the Benefits of Having a Diverse Investment Portfolio?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Building a diverse investment portfolio is one of the smartest things you can do for your financial health. By spreading your money across various asset classes, you can reduce your risk and maximize your return potential. Keep reading to explore the benefits of diversifying your investments and learn some tips for creating a well-rounded portfolio.

 

Benefiting from a Diverse Portfolio

 

A diverse investment portfolio is spread out across several different businesses, industries, and asset classes. This reduces the risk that any single investment will fail, making your overall portfolio more resilient to economic downturns. This is done by having less than 50% of your entire investment portfolio tied to any specific business, country, or industry. Instead, a good risk-averse strategy for investing would be spreading out investments among assets as much as possible: like investing in 10-20 companies, each with 7.5-10% of your investment capital in each. This will form a far more robust investment portfolio. It is worth considering a diverse investment portfolio, even if you are a more experienced investor, as it will help balance risk and reward.

 

The benefits of having a diverse investment portfolio include:

 

  • More resilience: A diverse investment portfolio is more resistant to economic downturns as it is not reliant on one specific industry or sector.
  • Better returns: A well-diversified portfolio will typically outperform a non-diversified one over the long term.
  • Reduced risk: By spreading your investment across many different businesses, industries, and asset classes, you are less likely to lose everything if one particular investment fails.

 

When deciding whether to invest in a diverse range of asset classes, you must consider your investment goals and financial objectives. For example, an investor with less experience and fewer aversions to risk may choose to invest in high-risk assets. In contrast, investors with more experience or less risk tolerance may shift their focus to lower-risk assets for diversification, such as fixed-income investments. Both investors will be able to diversify their portfolios, however, this diversification is based on a strategy they feel most comfortable with.

 

Systematic vs. Specific Risk

 

Systematic risk is the inherent risk in an investment that cannot be eliminated by diversifying your assets. This type of risk is also known as market risk, and it affects all investments in the same way. For example, a stock market crash will affect all stocks, regardless of whether they are in different sectors or countries. This type of risk is impossible to eliminate and must be considered when making any investment.

 

Specific risk is associated with one particular investment, such as a company going bankrupt. This type of risk can be diversified away by investing in different companies or assets. For example, if you are worried about the possibility of a company going bankrupt, you can diversify your portfolio by investing in other companies in different industries.

 

Diversification is important because it allows you to reduce the overall risk of your investment portfolio. By investing in various assets, you can minimize the impact that any one investment has on your portfolio. For example, if you invest only in stocks, then a stock market crash will significantly impact the value of your portfolio. However, if you also invest in bonds, the stock market crash will not have as significant an impact because bonds will still be worth something. Diversification is not a guaranteed way to make money, but it is a way to minimize risk.

 

Tips for a Diverse Portfolio

 

When it comes to investing, it’s always important to diversify your portfolio. This way, if one of your investments fails, you still have others thriving. Here are some tips for diversifying your investment portfolio:

 

  • Invest in various industries: This will help minimize the effects of any one industry downturn. Allowing you to see growth in other sectors still.
  • Spread your investment across several companies: This will help ensure that if one company fails, others still have the potential to make you money.
  • Invest in a variety of asset classes: This includes things like index funds, bonds, equities, commodities, and dividend stocks. This will help you balance risk and reward.
  • Choose the right mix of investments for your situation: This will vary depending on your financial goals, objectives, and your risk tolerance.

 

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your investment portfolio is well diversified. Even with a diverse selection of assets, it is essential to monitor your portfolio regularly to confirm that your continued investment is still in-line with your goals, protecting you if one of your investments fails.

 

If you’re looking to explore your options for investments, consult your financial, tax, or investment advisor. You should also be aware of and accept the risks of investing. This article is not financial advice.

 

This post was adapted from content by our KorePartners at Rialto Markets. You can view their article here.

How Does A Convertible Note Work?

Posted on by Raise Green

This article was originally written by our KorePartners at Raise Green. View the original article here. 

A Cornerstone of Regulation Crowdfunding

Convertible notes are a form of debt that converts to equity over time; said simply, convertible notes allow investors to loan money to a startup or early stage venture and receive equity in return, instead of their principal loan plus interest.

The greatest advantage of convertible notes is that investors and the note issuer do not have to finalize a valuation of the company at an early stage, which is especially important for companies that don’t have comprehensive data or time that allows an accurate valuation. Instead, investors “loan” their money to the business and in return will receive equity when an event, such as a future financing round, where the company’s valuation becomes more concrete. This type of security is very popular with Silicon Valley technology companies that have great interest from angel investors at an early stage, but lack the ability to make a proper valuation of the company’s worth.

Investing In A Convertible Note

So you’ve identified a compelling company that’s offering the sale of convertible notes for early stage fundraising. You’re interested in purchasing one or some of these convertible notes, but where do you start? It’s important to understand the terms of a convertible note before you invest.

Here’s the main aspects of a convertible note to know before you make any investment decisions.

Discount Rate

The discount rate represents the discount that you receive when purchasing a note relative to investors in a later round of funding, compensating investors for their additional risk taken by investing at an earlier point.

Valuation Cap

The valuation cap is an extra bonus for taking on risk by investing early. This tool limits the price at which your debt notes convert to equity, allowing investors to receive a greater return on their investment if the issuing company grows quickly.

Interest rate

As a convertible note acts as a loan from you (the investor) to the company issuing the note, there will be interest that accrues on the principal amount you invest. Instead of being paid out to investors in cash, this accrued interest converts to equity, increasing the total number of shares the investor receives upon the note’s conversion to equity.

Maturity date

This is the “due date” for the convertible note, signifying the date on which the issuing company must repay their investors.

Why Purchase a Convertible Note?

Convertible notes allow you to invest in early stage companies and projects that you believe have the opportunity to grow exponentially. By getting in at the ground floor and purchasing a convertible note, individual investors stand to earn a higher return on their investment. Whereas investing in early stage startups and projects has historically been off limits to the wider public, Regulation Crowdfunding now allows almost everyone to invest in companies that have the possibility to grow exponentially. Convertible notes carry risk like all forms of investing, but offer early investors bonuses for their willingness to accept this risk. As many companies and projects in the climate space are young and need funding, convertible notes provide a simple way for these businesses to raise capital that they desperately need, while offering their early believers a way to get them off the ground.

Online is Proving Successful for Minority Founders

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Minority-owned startups are proving to be incredibly successful in gaining exposure on online platforms, growing their customer base and raising capital. In 2021, funding from crowd raising grew 33.7%, showing the increasing use of online fundraising.

A Lack of Diversity in Traditional Capital 

Online platforms for startup investing are more inclusive than traditional options. They don’t rely as heavily on already established personal relationships and networks between founders and investors. Instead, they provide a level playing field for all types of founders online.

These entrepreneurs can now get the funding to launch or expand their businesses through RegA+ and RegCF. Online startup investing platforms are also transparent, allowing founders to see which startups are doing well and which ones aren’t. This information was often hidden from view by traditional VCs, which could lead to bias. 

The Internet is Improving Equity Crowdfunding for Minorities

In 2020, only 2.6% of VC dollars were invested in minority-founded businesses. However, over $486 million were invested through online startups in 2021 – a significantly higher sum than traditional VC investment. Through regulations like RegA+ and RegCF, investors have the opportunity to invest in promising startups led by underrepresented founders. These online platforms level the playing field, allowing minority founders to receive the support and capital funding they need to succeed.

As more investors engage with these platforms and more promising startups seek funding through regulations, we will see continued growth in minority-founded companies receiving the support they deserve. Overall, online startup investing has the potential to create a more diverse and dynamic VC landscape – one that better reflects the diversity of several markets.

The Future of Online Funding

There are several reasons why online fundraising is such a valuable tool for minority entrepreneurs. In the past, minority entrepreneurs have often been shut out of traditional funding sources. Also, they have often been pigeon-holed into stereotypes by the mainstream media. But with online fundraising, they can bypass the traditional gatekeepers and structural obstacles, speaking directly to potential investors. They can tell their own stories and showcase the unique strengths of their businesses.

As the world becomes more digital, so too does entrepreneurship. This is especially apparent in how online fundraising is helping businesses of all sizes to raise money. It’s also becoming an increasingly important tool for these minority entrepreneurs.

Why Are Brand Ambassadors Valuable Investors?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

 

When it comes to raising capital, it’s important to think outside the box. The JOBS Act created a new type of investor a “brand ambassador”, with whom companies should build strong relationships to help the business grow. This community of investors can be extremely valuable for your company, capital raise, or product. Brand ambassadors are often passionate and can connect with others, which can help promote a product or investment opportunity. Because of this, brand ambassadors can often be valuable investors, especially when it comes to RegA+ and RegCF offerings.

 

The value of brand ambassadors when raising capital

 

Brand ambassadors can be defined as individuals that have a vested interest in the success of a company or product. They are often passionate about the company and its mission, and they work to promote the company and its products to their friends, family, and online followers. Because of these attributes, they are also valuable investors, as they can help a company raise capital through their investment dollars and in-person or online networks.

 

They can use their social media platforms to promote the company, which can help drive sales and bring attention to capital raises. However, brand ambassadors themselves can be seen as value investors because of their connection to a brand and their willingness to invest in a company they already believe in. When a brand ambassador invests in a company through RegA+ or RegCF, they show not only their belief in the company but also their faith in its future success.

 

By investing their own money in the company, brand ambassadors can help it raise the capital it needs to grow and succeed. And as the company grows, so does the value of the brand ambassador’s investment, and they share this excitement and are often more willing to invest in subsequent offerings or drive others to invest. Brand ambassadors are thus extremely valuable investors for companies using RegA+ or RegCF to raise capital.

 

Increased capital raises with the help of ambassadors

 

Brand ambassadors help promote a company because of their affinity towards an organization, which can be just as helpful with raising capital. These individuals may often be the first to invest in your capital raise because they already believe in your company.

 

Ambassadors can also help a company by providing feedback, product testing, and market research to help improve the product before raising capital. Furthermore, they may already have an established relationship with key influencers in the same industry as the company they’re investing in. Some key benefits for companies when brand ambassadors invest in them are:

  • The brand ambassador brings not only money to the table but also invaluable social capital.
  • The powerful brand ambassadors can help the company save on marketing costs.
  • The brand ambassador can be a powerful voice in promoting the company to their networks.
  • The brand ambassador is invested in the company’s success and future.

 

While there are many different types of crowdfunding, one that has been particularly successful for early-stage companies is RegCF and RegA+. One of the benefits of raising capital through these methods is that they provide companies with access to a wider pool of potential investors. By seeking to build relationships with brand ambassadors, companies can tap into a new pool of potential investors and benefit from the social capital that brand ambassadors can provide.

 

The future of capital

 

Helping with everything from spreading awareness to bringing in new investors, brand ambassadors can be key players in a successful raise. As a good example, Piestro has effectively utilized brand ambassadors using the exemptions. This company was able to raise significant amounts of capital and grow its business with the help of passionate brand advocates.

 

Brand ambassadors are valuable investors because they have a personal stake in the company and its success. They can be influential in promoting the company to their social media followers, and other potential investors or simply contributing to capital raises themselves.

Tremendous Growth in Investments in Online Startups

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Online startup investing has become more prevalent in recent years as the JOBS Act exemptions continue to evolve and grow more popular as a way of raising capital for private companies. This is evidenced by the growth seen in the number of new raises occurring each year and the amount of money raised. These trends are incredibly positive for the future development of the online private equity markets. JOBS Act exemptions are incredibly powerful in allowing businesses to raise needed capital while providing investment opportunities to investors that would not have been possible otherwise. This blog will discuss why this is growing in popularity and its benefits.

The Growth of Online Startup Investments

Online startup investing has grown significantly in the past few years, with more money being raised for private companies through an online portal. From 2018 to mid-2021, there was a 327% increase in the number of companies raising funds and a 472% increase in money raised. This trend is only projected to continue in the coming years as online private equity markets grow. This number of new raises is exciting; it will only continue to open new opportunities for investors and companies alike, create jobs, and leave a positive impact on the economy.

There are a few factors that have contributed to this rapid growth. Firstly, the new $75 million and $5 million raise limit that went into effect in March 2021 for Reg A+ and Reg CF has made it easier for companies to raise capital and expand capital raising to companies for whom previous limits weren’t high enough. Looking forward, the increasing number of raises is an incredibly positive trend for the private capital market.

An Increase in Online Business Investment

In 2021, the amount of money raised through Regulation CF surpassed $1 billion, a figure expected to exceed $5 billion raised because it is a promising opportunity for companies and investors. For companies, regulation crowdfunding is an efficient way to raise money as allows companies to retain more control than traditional methods. At the same time, investors can benefit by getting involved in early-stage startups and have the potential to see a return on their investment if the company is successful. This is one of the key benefits of JOBS Act exemptions; no longer are the everyday investor locked out of deals in the private market. Regulation CF offerings are open to non-accredited and accredited investors alike, removing the barrier to entry in this space.

While the number of raises is quickly increasing, growth in the amount of money raised from the beginning of 2018 to the first quarter of 2021 is similarly astonishing. The amount of capital raised in this period increased by 627%, from $15.5 million in 2018 to $112.8 million in 2021.

Equity crowdfunding is proving to be a promising opportunity for companies looking to raise capital and for investors looking to get involved on the ground floor of young startups. The steady increase in the number of raises and amount raised is an extremely positive indicator for future growth in the online private equity markets. For these reasons, we expect the amount invested in online startups to continue through 2022 and beyond.

Additional knowledge sources

https://kingscrowd.com/online-startup-investments-have-grown-by-470/

How to Ensure Your Marketing is Compliant During an Equity Crowdfunding Raise

Posted on by Jason Fishman

You may be wondering, “Why is a marketing agency talking about compliance?”.

We’re obviously not lawyers, but it is pivotal that compliance is offered at the forefront of your marketing planning.

Now we are not soliciting any legal or financial advice today. The purpose of the webinar is to give you a good introduction to the most common rules so you can better plan your campaign and protect yourself from trouble.

Today we’re going to cover some of the basics and get into some of the tactics that you can use to ensure that your marketing is compliant.

Why is Compliance Important?

If you’re going to run an equity crowdfunding campaign, then you need to be aware of all the restrictions.

With the SEC enforcing strict regulations on what you can and can’t say, running an equity crowdfunding campaign is much different than your traditional marketing campaign.

When you are creating your marketing campaign, it is important to make sure it is compliant with current regulations regarding the promotion of securities. If you do not comply with these guidelines, then you do not only risk your investments but are also subject to penalties from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

What Can You Say Before the Launch?

Do not publicly or privately mention your equity crowdfunding raise if it is not a test-the-waters campaign!

That might sound obvious, but you would be surprised at how frequently founders get this wrong. By “publicly mention”, we mean:

  • Put a link to your offering on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
  • Email your extended network and encourage them to invest.
  • Post your offering in any online group.
  • Encourage friends or family to share or forward the offering to anyone they know.

By “privately mention”, we mean:

  • Mention the offering to people you meet for the first time, such as at networking events, conferences, meetups, etc.
  • Contact anyone who has done business with you in the past and ask them to invest.

Now, What Can You Say After?

The two types of communications that are permitted by the SEC post-launch falls into two categories:

  • Communications that don’t mention the “terms of the offering” (Non-Terms).
  • Communication that just contains “tombstone” information (Terms).

A term, or you’ll also hear it referred to as tombstone information, is communications regarding the share price of a particular equity. As stated earlier, Non-Terms are any communications that do not mention terms.

In addition, it’s also very important to mention that mixing terms and non-terms in your marketing communications is a no-no.

KoreConX and Medtech-Ecosystem Together at LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 2022

Posted on by Peter Daneyko

Experts in the life sciences sector will teach investors how to use Regulation A+ for successful capital raising

 

NEW YORK, February 23, 2022 – KoreConX is thrilled to announce its participation at LSI Emerging Medtech Summit – USA 2022. This event will be held on March 15-18, 2022, in Dana Point, California, USA. It is led by Life Science Intelligence (LSI) and will bring together an ecosystem of experts who support medtech and life science companies to raise capital.

LSI is part of the Medtech ecosystem of KoreConX’s partners focused on Life Sciences companies. LSI offers insights to help investors and executives make decisions based on data provided by experts on their team. This vertical includes Medical Funding Professionals, a company that specializes in consulting to raise capital for pharmaceutical and medical businesses.

The group has built a value-added offering around Regulation A+ fundraising they call the Capital Planning Valuation Strategy™ (CPVS). The purpose of the CPVS approach, beyond a successful Reg A+ raise, is to help companies develop a strategic plan for their long-term capital needs that protects the interests of the founders and other early investors as these capital-intensive businesses go through R&D, clinical trials, FDA approval, and go-to-market execution.

Stephen Brock, CEO of Medical Professionals, highlights the impact of this sector: “One of the major trends in the financial world right now is impact investing. Life science—medtech, biotech, and pharma—is the ultimate impact investment. These companies are saving lives and limbs and brains—saving quality of life, as well. That’s why we do what we do.”

“In the many years I’ve been working with medtech innovators, I can’t count the number of great products I’ve seen that never make it to market for no other reason than lack of access to capital. That’s why I’m so excited about the possibility Reg A+ brings—with the new higher limits,” says Scott Pantel, CEO of LSI.

This vertical includes  FINRA Broker-Dealer (Rialto Markets), Offering Preparation (Regulation D Resources) and KoreConX, with its All-In-One Platform to support all stages of the offerings.

This team will be together at LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 2022 and attendees can participate in person or online. KoreConX will be represented by its Co-founder and CEO, Oscar A Jofre; its Chief Scientist & CTO, Dr. Kiran Garimella; and its CRO, Peter Daneyko. Visit their website for more information:  https://www.lifesciencemarketresearch.com/medtech-summit-2022

About KoreConX

Founded in 2016, KoreConX is the first secure, All-In-One platform that manages private companies’ capital market activity and stakeholder communications. With an innovative approach and to ensure compliance with securities regulations and corporate law, KoreConX offers a single environment to connect companies to the capital markets and now secondary markets. Additionally, investors, broker-dealers, law firms, accountants and investor acquisition firms, all leverage our eco-system solution.

###

Media Contacts:
KoreConX
Carolina Casimiro
carolina@koreconx.com

Can I Use My IRA for Private Company Investments?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 for investments in things less standard, such as private companies and real estate. 

 

Like a traditional IRA, to open a self-directed IRA you must find a custodian to hold the account. Banks and brokerage firms can often act as custodians, but careful research must be done to ensure that they will handle the types of investments you’re planning on making. Since custodians simply hold the account for you, and often cannot advise you on investments, finding a financial advisor that specializes in IRA investments can help ensure due diligence. 

 

With IRA investments, investors need to be extremely careful that it follows regulations enforced by the SEC. If regulations are not adhered to, the IRA owner can face severe tax penalties. For example, you cannot use your IRA to invest in companies that either pay you a salary or that you’ve lent money to, as it is viewed by the SEC as a prohibited transaction. Additionally, you cannot use your IRA to invest in a company belonging to either yourself or a direct family member. If the IRA’s funds are used in these ways, there could be an early withdrawal penalty of 10% plus regular income tax on the funds if the owner is younger than 59.5 years old. 

 

Since the IRA’s custodian cannot validate the legitimacy of a potential investment, investors need to be responsible for proper due diligence. However, since some investors are not aware of this, it is a common tactic for those looking to commit fraud to say that the investment opportunity has been approved by the custodian. The SEC warns that high-reward investments are typically high-risk, so the investor should be sure they fully understand the investment and are in the position to take a potential loss. The SEC also recommends that investors ask questions to see if the issuer or investment has been registered. Either the SEC itself or state securities regulators should be considered trusted, unbiased sources for investors.

 

If all requirements are met, the investor can freely invest in private companies using their IRAs. However, once investments have been made, the investor will need to keep track of them, since it is not up to their custodian. To keep all records of investments in a central location, investors can use KoreConX’s Portfolio Management, as part of its all-in-one platform. The portfolio management tool allows investors to utilize a single dashboard for all of their investments, easily accessing all resources provided by their companies. Information including key reports, news, and other documents are readily available to help investors make smarter, more informed investments. 

 

Once investors have done their due diligence and have been careful to avoid instances that could result in penalties and taxes, investments with IRAs can be beneficial. Since it allows for a diverse investment portfolio, those who choose to invest in multiple different ways are, in general, safer. Additionally, IRAs are tax-deferred, and contributions can be deducted from the owner’s taxable income. 

KoreClient Spotlight: Manny Villafaña, CEO and Founder of Medical21

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Manny Villafaña has a long track record of innovation in the medtech space, delivering solutions to improve cardiac care and surgical procedures. In his latest venture, Manny is creating a product that will change the way cardiac bypass surgeries are performed, improving patient outcomes.

 

We sat down with Manny to discuss his company, the medtech space, and how Reg A+ is helping Medical 21 raise money.

 

Q: Can you tell me a little about your company and how it impacts customers and the industry as a whole?

 

A: Medical 21 is the 8th company in a series of companies that I have formed since 1972. The first company I started was a company that made the first long-life pacemakers and was called CPI/Guidant, which was eventually sold to Boston Scientific. Each company has been focused on improving the technologies used in caring for cardiac patients.

 

Medical 21 has developed a small diameter coronary artery graft to be used in heart bypass surgery. Instead of harvesting blood vessels from a patient’s legs, arms, and chest, we developed this synthetic graft. Rather than pulling the needed vessel from elsewhere in the body, surgeons can pull it out of a package. This is an enormous market, larger than all the pacemakers, heart valves, and defibrillators combined. We are at the stage where we are seeking regulatory approvals to begin clinical trials domestically and internationally. 

 

Q: Besides not having to harvest blood vessels, what is the benefit of this synthetic graft?

 

A: Medical 21’s technology helps doctors not need to open up a patient’s body to take vessels out of the legs or arms during bypass surgery. For the patients, this can reduce pain while decreasing infections, and saving the hospital time and money. As a result, more patients can be safely treated in less time.

 

Q: How did you get into creating products for the cardiology field?

 

A: I answered an ad in the papers in the early ’60s for medical sales put out by the world’s largest x-ray company, Picker X-Ray. Their subsidiary, Picker International, was an export agent for small American companies exporting pulmonary, cardiac, and x-ray products. One of the products I was involved with was pacemakers made by Medtronic. Three years later, Medtronic’s CEO flew to New York and hired me.  I began to learn more and more about the heart through the transfer. With a history of heart attacks in my family, I’ve always been interested in the heart and was personally motivated since my father and brothers died from heart attacks. I am also self-taught. When I see a problem, I go after it. I am always aiming to create a product that can help others.

 

Q: What excites you most about this space you are in?

 

A: This is the most exciting work we’ve ever done because it covers so many people, surgeons, and types of surgeries. Our present work is focused on cardiac bypass, but the graft has the potential to be used throughout the body for a variety of applications. With about 800,000 to 1 million bypass surgeries on the heart each year and each patient receiving 3 to 4 grafts, there is a huge market where we can take care of so many patients globally. We are fortunate; because of our track record in the cardiac space, surgeons across the globe are excited to help us. We’re developing a product that’s incredibly needed.

 

Q: How do you see the LSI MedTech event having an impact on your company?

 

A: We were honored to be invited to the conference by Scott Pantel and his team. At the conference, there will be the best selection of financial people and young entrepreneurs looking to learn what the next step is. We are also bringing in one of our advisors, formerly with the Mayo Clinic, to talk about what is happening in the medtech field and what we are doing at Medical21. It’s an excellent opportunity for our company.

 

Q: Why do you think education on the topic of Regulation A+ plays such a vital role in expanding access to capital for MedTech companies?

 

A: In the environment of the 21st century, we must see how we can reach a wider audience for both financial needs and tap into the market of people who want to participate but are excluded by traditional private funding routes. Historically, these people could not invest until the company went public, leaving them unable to get in at an earlier stage. This provides everyday people the ability to invest in technology in the medtech space that will impact many people globally, especially when health is such a personal matter. The government gave these investors the ability to participate from the beginning, whether they were accredited or non-accredited individuals.

 

Q: Now that your company is using Regulation A+, how do you see that helping your company, and what impact do you think Reg A+ will have on other medtech companies?

 

A: We need capital, and it’s not easy to initially jump to IPO’s, even though I’ve done seven previous IPOs. Reg A+ can allow us to raise enough money to begin clinical trials. Reg A+ is a step in a company’s financing as it grows, and a successful offering shows that your company can get it done and raise a large sum of money by reaching a large audience. RegA+ is essential for the future of the medical device industry because medical companies need financing for an extended period of time before the product is approved and sold. Before it can get to the point of sales, medtech relies on private investors for development and clinical trials of life-saving products. 

 

Q: What advice would you give a young medtech entrepreneur as they begin their journey through capital raising and building their company?

 

A: I often give a talk entitled “The Trials and Tribulations of the Entrepreneur.” I offer many bits of advice, and one of those is that before you even begin, you need to overcome simple life challenges to become an entrepreneur. In the medtech space, you have to be a “superman or superwoman” because, in addition to developing new technology, you need to do clinical trials in a risk-averse regulatory environment that makes things difficult. However, at the same time, risk must be taken. The greatest hazard in life is not taking risks; you cannot achieve anything if you don’t take risks!  Thank you! Manny

 

Regulation A Disclaimer

This communication may be deemed to be a solicitation of interest under Regulation A under the Securities Act of 1933, in which case the following apply:

 

  • No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted;
  • No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is qualified, and any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of its acceptance given after the qualification date;
  • A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind; and 
  • An offering statement, which would include a preliminary offering circular, has not yet been filed with the SEC.

 

KoreConX and David Weild IV at LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 22

Posted on by Peter Daneyko

‘Father of the JOBS Act,’ Mr. Weild will join KoreConX to address a keynote on how Medtech is the new frontier to a successful capital raising

NEW YORK, February 8, 2022 – KoreConX and its partner, Life Science Intelligence, are bringing together top thought leaders in the private capital markets environment to the Emerging Medtech Summit 2022. This summit will be held on March 15-18, 2022, in Dana Point, California, USA. It is led by Life Science Intelligence (LSI) and will host one of the most important personalities of the JOBS Act scene, David Weild IV.

Mr. Weild, a former Vice Chairman of NASDAQ, is known as one of the key players in revolutionizing the democratization of capital in the United States. His work with the U.S. Congress and his testimonial to the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee on Capital Markets resulted in the signing of the JOBS Act into law by President Barack Obama in April 2012. Since the SEC introduced the framework for Regulation A+ and its subsequent amendments, companies are able to raise up to $75 million from both accredited and non-accredited investors.

“We understand the importance of the democratization of capital through Regulation A+. David Weild, in addition to being a game-changer in the JOBS Act, is also part of our advisory board. We are absolutely thrilled to be joining him in empowering the Medtech industry to benefit from the Reg A+ exemption,” says Oscar A. Jofre, Co-founder and CEO of KoreConX.

David Weild IV also highlights how the JOBS Act is changing the healthtech and pharmaceutical industry. “It’s gratifying to see so many Medtech companies using the JOBS Act since we created it in large part to fund innovative growth companies and social impact.”

Another seasoned speaker who will be present at the event is Manny Villafaña, who is Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Medical 21. He reinforces how this exemption is a change-maker to this sector. “Regulation A+ is the 21st Century way to raise capital.” Mr. Villafaña will be sharing his experience in using Regulation A+ for pharma and Medtech companies.

LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 2022 will take place on March 15-18, 2022, at Dana Point, California, USA.  Attendees can participate in person or online. KoreConX will be represented by its Co-founder and CEO, Oscar A Jofre, its Chief Scientist & CTO, Dr. Kiran Garimella, and its CRO, Peter Daneyko. Visit their website for more information:

https://www.lifesciencemarketresearch.com/medtech-summit-2022

About KoreConX

Founded in 2016, KoreConX is the first secure, All-In-One platform that manages private companies’ capital market activity and stakeholder communications. With an innovative approach and to ensure compliance with securities regulations and corporate law, KoreConX offers a single environment to connect companies to the capital markets and now secondary markets. Additionally, investors, broker-dealers, law firms, accountants and investor acquisition firms, all leverage our eco-system solution.

###

Media Contacts:
KoreConX
Carolina Casimiro
carolina@koreconx.com

What is Regulation S?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

It is essential to be familiar with the different regulations that govern how companies can raise capital in today’s business world. One important rule is Regulation S. This article will give you a basic overview of Regulation S, how it affects businesses, and how companies can use it to raise capital.

 

What is Regulation S?

 

Regulation S is a set of rules that govern security offerings to offshore investors. It is an attempt by the SEC to clarify its role in regulating securities offerings sold by US companies outside the United States. The regulation allows companies to offer and sell securities without registering the offering with the SEC, as long as the securities are only offered and sold outside of the United States. This excludes investors within the US from participating in the offerings. If an offering is for foreign and domestic investors, it would not fall under Reg S exemptions because it would have to be registered with the SEC.

 

Benefits of Reg S

 

Regulation S is an important securities regulation because it allows companies to offer and sell securities offshore without registering with the SEC. This is important because it enables companies to raise money from investors worldwide, and it also protects investors because it ensures that all offerings are made lawfully. At the same time, it enables companies to have a greater reach for their security offerings, as they can now globally raise money from investors all over the world.

 

As it was designed, Reg S was always intended for large transactions made by large companies to sophisticated investors. The primary use case of Reg S is still the Euro bond or an extensive offering by a U.S. or foreign company that is made outside the United States. Because Reg S can be used for such a large-scale offering by large corporations, companies will always continue to use it as an option when they need to raise funds globally.

 

The Pitfalls of Regulation S

 

The problem is many companies do Reg S offerings incorrectly in this particular space of crowdfunding. Many think all they need to do is sell to somebody outside of the United States, but they ignore that Reg S has three separate categories. These categories are based on the likelihood of the transaction being made in the U.S. or the securities returning to the U.S. The most effortless use case of Reg S is a foreign company selling securities under their own rules. An intermediate use is a reporting company registered with the SEC. For startups, the rules of non-reporting U.S. companies are stricter, but many businesses are not complying with these rules.

How Can Companies Keep Their Offering Out of the US?

 

No offer sold under Reg S should be advertised or be made known in the U.S. To this effect, companies should Geo-fence any offering site so individuals with U.S. IP Addresses can not see what you are offering. However, if you have Geo-fenced your offer and implemented the proper protections to ensure a US investor cannot invest, and someone found their way around it, it’s not on you. Companies do not need to police the internet, but they should ensure that their Reg S offerings are only available internationally with Geo-fencing. 

 

While Reg S does not have as wide of a use case as Reg A or Reg D, Reg S is helpful if you feel you will exceed the $75 million of Reg A and can capitalize on international investors. However, companies must be aware that Reg S only tells how to comply with the U.S. rules, not another countries regulation. With most countries having restrictions on making offerings to less sophisticated investors, you want to ensure you meet all these standards if raising capital internationally. 

 

The Regulation S exemption was implemented to help companies raise capital from non-US investors without SEC registration. It has its benefits, but it is not always accessible or appropriate for every company.

The Recipe for a Successful RegA+ Offering

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 in 2012 and its subsequent amendments, companies are able to raise amounts up to $75 million during rounds of funding from both accredited and non-accredited investors alike. If you’ve chosen to proceed with a RegA+ offering, you might be familiar with the process, but what do you need for your offering to be a success?

When beginning your offering, your company’s valuation will play a key role in the offering’s success. While it may be tempting to complete your valuation in-house, as it can save your company money in its early stages, seeking a valuation from a third-party firm will ensure its accuracy. Having a proper valuation will allow you to commence your offering without overvaluing what your company is worth, which can be more attractive to investors.

Since the SEC allows RegA+ offerings to be freely advertised, your company will need a realistic marketing budget to spread the word about your fundraising efforts. If no one knows that you’re raising money, how can you actually raise money? Once you’ve established a budget, knowing your target will be the next important step. If your company’s brand already has loyal customers, they are likely the easiest target for your fundraising campaign. Customers that already love your brand will be excited to invest in something that they care about.

After addressing marketing strategies for gaining investments in your company, creating the proper terms for the offering will also be essential. Since one of the main advantages of RegA+ is that it allows companies to raise money from everyday people, having terms that are easy for people to understand without complex knowledge of investments and finance will have a wider appeal. Potential investors can invest in a company with confidence when they can easily understand what they are buying.

For a successful offering, companies should also keep in mind that they need to properly manage their offering. KoreConX makes it simple for companies to keep track of all aspects of their fundraising with its all-in-one platform. Companies can easily manage their capitalization table as securities are sold and equity is awarded to shareholders, and direct integration with a transfer agent allows certificates to be issued electronically. Even after the round, the platform provides both issuers and investors with support and offers a secondary market for securities purchased from private companies.

Knowing your audience, establishing a marketing budget, creating simple terms, and having an accurate valuation will give your RegA+ offering the power to succeed and can help you raise the desired funding for your company. Through the JOBS Act, the SEC gave private companies the incredible power to raise funds from both everyday people and accredited investors, but proper strategies can ensure that the offering meets its potential.

How to Read a Startup’s Financial Statements

Posted on by StartEngine

This article was originally written by our KorePartners at StartEngine. View the original post here.

 

When considering which startups to invest in, there is some key information prospective investors would want to review and understand before making any investment decision. A lot of the information is presented to you on campaign pages, but if you want to review more detailed information about a company, you need to look at their:

  • Form C and “offering details” (for Regulation Crowdfunding offerings) or
  • Offering circular (for Regulation A+ offerings)

There are links to these documents on all of the campaign pages on StartEngine, so that you can review them, but they can contain a good deal of complex terminology that can be hard to understand.

One area that can be complicated to grasp is the company’s financial statement and the related analysis. It is one of the primary types of information prospective investors review to gain a glimpse into a company’s overall financial health.

Financial information can also help you identify trends of the business over time, so you get a better idea of the company’s potential future performance based on historical results. It can also provide you with a means of comparing a company’s performance to other companies in the same industry and stage of growth.

To make it easier for you to accomplish this, we have outlined some key terms and financial concepts to make it easier for you to review and understand a startup’s financial statements.

Note: a typical set of financial statements will include a balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow, statement of shareholder equity, and supplement notes. 

Income and Expenses

At some point in its lifecycle, a company must generate a sufficient amount of income to survive and grow (otherwise, it will continue to need outside sources of funding). So, how can you tell how much money a company is making, and how much it is spending? To determine this, you’ll need to take a look at the company’s Income Statement (for Regulation Crowdfunding’s offering details) or their “Statement of Operations” (for Regulation A+’s offering circular).

Gross Revenue

The first item presented on a company’s income statement is Gross Revenue. This is the amount of money the company has received by selling its goods and/or services. It is reported on the first line of the income statement, which is why you may come across people refer to gross revenue as “top line revenue” or simply “revenue.”

Cost of Goods Sold

After revenue, a company will deduct Cost of Goods Sold. This can also be called “Cost of Revenue” or “Cost of Services” and refers to all expenses that are directly related to the production of whatever products a company is selling or services it is performing. Sometimes a company may not have these costs on its income statement if it is an early stage pre-revenue startup that has not introduced its product/services to the market. These are also referred to as “variable costs” because they typically rise and fall in line with sales—simply put, producing more costs more.

Gross Profit

Once these costs are deducted, the resulting number is the company’s Gross Profit—the amount of money earned from the product or service sold. It is called a “Gross Loss,” if the sale of product or service loses money. In financial documents, losses are indicated by numbers in parenthesis, so for example ($200,000) would represent a loss of $200,000.

Operating Expenses

Operating Expenses, such as research and development expenses (money spent on innovation and technological advancement), “General and Administrative” expenses (day-to-day costs such as accounting, legal, utilities and rent) and many others are  deducted from gross profit or added to gross loss. These consist of all costs that are not directly attributable to the production of a product and/or service and are generally considered “fixed” costs because they do not rise or fall directly in line with sales.

Operating Profit/Loss

After considering these expenses, the resulting figure (gross profit minus operating expenses) is known as Operating Profit, or Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT). It is considered an “Operating Loss” or “Loss from Operations” when gross profit minus operating expenses results in a negative value.

Net Income

Once interest expense on outstanding debt and income taxes are deducted from Operating Profit/Loss, you arrive at Net Income. Conversely, if after deducting taxes and interest paid on the company’s debt results in a negative amount, it’s called a “Net Loss.”

This figure is referred to as a company’s “bottom line” due to the fact that it is typically the last item presented on the company’s income statement—much in the same way gross revenue is referred to as a company’s top line. Also, people will many times address a company’s net income or net loss as a percent of revenue, known as its “net profit margin,” which is used to measure a company’s overall profitability.

In the context of investing in startups, it’s worth noting that most companies will record gross losses, operating losses and net losses. Nearly all early-stage businesses are not profitable as funds are reinvested into growth and R&D. It’s why startups raise funding: to build the product that they can sell, to scale their operations to reach an economy of scale, to hire new employees, and a host of other reasons that help them grow towards that point of generating profit.

Net Worth: Understanding Balance Sheets

A company’s Balance Sheet presents their assets (anything the company owns that has value such as cash, inventory, accounts receivable, and real estate) and liabilities (what the company owes, such as unpaid invoices, taxes and debt). When you subtract all of the funds owed by the company from all of the assets it owns, you get the overall net worth (the book value of total assets minus total liabilities) of the company. Let’s start by looking at the asset side of the balance sheet.

Current Assets

The first category you will see is called, “Current Assets.” These are all assets that are considered cash or assets that the company expects will be converted into cash within a year. This includes cash and cash equivalents (any asset that can be immediately turned into cash, such as foreign currencies, short term government debt securities called Treasury Bills, and certificates of deposit), accounts receivable (the amount of money you are owed for products and services delivered that have not been paid for), inventory, prepaid expenses and other items.

Current assets are a major element of a company’s working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) that presents the amount of funds available to pay off short-term or current liabilities, which we will define later. The more working capital a company has, the greater its liquidity, which implies a more healthy financial position.

Long Term Assets

Next up on the balance sheet are Long Term Assets that consist of non-current assets that have a useful life of longer than 1 year. They include: property and equipment; long term investments; intangible assets such as patents, copyrights, trade names and goodwill; and software.

Long term assets are typically presented on the balance sheet at their cost value minus accumulated depreciation, which equals their net book value. Significant growth in this category can indicate that a company is focusing on or moving into or expanding lines of business that require a greater investment in fixed assets.

Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities consist of all expenses that are payable within 1 year, or sometimes within one operating cycle (the time period required to receive inventory, sell it and collect cash from the sale).

These short term liabilities include accounts payable (for example, unpaid invoices to suppliers), lines of credit, short term loans, accrued expenses (owed money for which no invoice has been submitted), taxes payable and payroll liabilities.

Current liabilities are also used in the calculation of working capital in order to ascertain a company’s level of liquidity as described above. This can provide important insight into the company and give you a sense of whether the company is generating enough revenue and cash in the short term to cover its bills.

Long Term Liabilities

Long Term Liabilities are made up of all obligations that are not due within 1 year of the date the balance sheet was prepared or during the company’s operating cycle. Examples of these liabilities are bonds payable, long term debt, deferred taxes, mortgage payable and capital leases.

A company is over burdened by excessive long term liabilities can equate to high monthly payments and lower cash flow, but some amount of long term obligations can be positive. This is due to the advantages that a company can gain through access to long term financing at low interest rates that can help it expand over a longer time period.

Net Worth

Finally, we come to Net Worth, which is most often referred to as “shareholders equity.” It is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets and represents the amount of money a company would have if it ceased operations and paid off all of its debt. It is calculated the same way you would calculate your personal net worth—you would add the total value of everything you own then subtract all the money you owe.

Banks use this number as a metric for lending decisions because if a company’s assets far exceed its liabilities, it indicates a healthy financial position. On the flip side of the coin, if a company’s net worth is negative, it just means that the amount of money it owes exceeds the value of its assets. It should be noted that this is a common financial situation for an early stage startup that is trying to establish a foothold in its target market and continue to grow until its net worth is positive.

Cash Flow

The Statement of Cash Flows presents the net cash flow for a company over a given time period. It shows how cash enters and leaves a company from three main activities:

  • Operations (sales, inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable)
  • Investing (buying and selling of assets and equipment)
  • Financing (selling of bonds, stock and paying off debt)

If an activity results in cash flowing into the company, it is shown as a positive number. If an activity causes cash to flow out of the company, it is shown as a negative number and placed in parentheses. E.g. $100,000 indicates a positive value, and ($100,000) indicates a negative value.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities equates to how much cash has been spent or received from the company’s operations. One item is net income, which supplies cash to a company, or net loss, which indicates a flow of cash out of the company.

Depreciation expense (a yearly decrease in the value of a fixed asset over time resulting from normal wear and tear) and amortization expense (the yearly write-off of the value of an intangible asset over its useful life—e.g., a patent that is granted for 20 years has a 20 year useful life) are non-cash expenses subtracted from gross profit on the income statement. As such, they are added back since they are tax deductable expenses that do not deplete cash on hand.

Changes in working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) are also considered on the statement of cash flows. For example, if the company collects more cash from its receivables, cash increases. If it pays down its accounts payable, then that would reduce the amount of cash the company has on hand.

Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities include cash spent on long term assets such as real estate, equipment (also called “capital expenditures”), patents, stocks and bonds. Conversely, gains on the sale of long term assets are recorded as cash received by the company. For example, if a company sold a warehouse, that would indicate a positive cash flow, whereas the purchase of stock in another company would constitute a negative cash flow.

Financing Activities

Finally, if a company raises money from investors by issuing securities such as convertible notes or stock, this would result in a positive cash flow to the company. When the company makes payments on its debts or buys back shares, it results in a negative cash flow.

Conclusion

And when all cash inflows and outflows are considered, the resulting amount of cash left over is a company’s net cash position. If a company shows an overall negative cash flow over time, the rate at which it is spending its cash reserves is known as its burn rate. The burn rate is usually quoted in terms of cash spent per month. 82% of startups fail due to the lack of cash flow necessary to survive and grow.

Based on the burn rate, you can figure out the company’s runway, which tells you how long a startup can survive before it will need to earn positive cash flow or raise additional capital (if the company’s finances remain unchanged). A startup’s runway is equal to its total cash reserves divided by its burn rate.

Understanding a company’s financials can help you make a more educated and informed decision when choosing the right startup to invest in. Once you have a good idea of what all of the terms mean, financial information will become easier to understand and faster to review, and in turn, investing will become a more enjoyable experience.

KoreConX Partners With LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 2022

Posted on by Peter Daneyko


Medtech and Life Sciences main event will be held next March in California. KoreConX is one of the supporting sponsors.

NEW YORK, January 26, 2022 – KoreConX is pleased to announce its partnership with LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 2022, which will be held March 15-18, 2022, in Dana Point, California, USA. This is a major event managed by Life Science Intelligence (LSI) in the Medtech environment and will bring together investors, strategic partners, and experts within the Medtech, Life Sciences ecosystem.

Oscar A Jofre, Co-founder and CEO of KoreConX, highlights the importance of this partnership and event to the sector: “We at KoreConX are delighted to be part of this huge event focused on an industry that is flourishing like Medtech. This sector is critical to saving lives with its innovative solutions and healthcare impact. We are confident that this particular segment will reap the biggest benefits from Regulation A+, and we are honored to sponsor this summit. Also, we will be there in-person for the first time after two years, so we are more than excited to join LSI and our partners to be part of this.”

“A major current trend in the medtech industry is the democratization of capital through programs like Reg A+. We are embarking during a monumental time where we can finally achieve this grand goal and bring companies to market that have a fundamental impact in our lives,” says Scott Pantel, CEO of Life Science Intelligence.

This event will also feature the participation of an icon of the JOBS Act movement, David Weild IV, considered the “Father of the JOBS Act”. He will be giving a keynote address to stimulate and encourage everyone in this industry who wants to raise money using Regulation A+.

LSI is part of the Medtech ecosystem of KoreConX’s partners focused on Life Sciences companies. They are an essential part of this vertical, as they offer valuable insights to help investors and executives make decisions based on data provided by their team of market researchers, economists, and analysts.

LSI Emerging Medtech Summit 2022 will take place March 15-18, 2022, and attendees can participate in person or online. KoreConX will be represented by its Co-founder and CEO, Oscar A Jofre, its Chief Scientist & CTO, Dr. Kiran Garimella, and its CRO, Peter Daneyko. Visit their website for more information: https://www.lifesciencemarketresearch.com/medtech-summit-2022

About KoreConX

Founded in 2016, KoreConX is the first secure, all-in-one platform that manages private companies’ capital market activity and stakeholder communications. With an innovative approach and to ensure compliance with securities regulations and corporate law, KoreConX offers a single environment to connect companies to the capital markets and now secondary markets. Additionally, investors, broker-dealers, law firms, accountants and investor acquisition firms, all leverage our eco-system solution.

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Media Contacts:
KoreConX
Carolina Casimiro
carolina@koreconx.com

Investing in Startups 101

Posted on by StartEngine

This article was originally written by our KorePartners at StartEngine. You can view the post here. 

The high-speed world of startups, and the risks of investing in them, are well documented, but startup investing can be complicated and there is a lot of information you should know before making your first investment.

This article will try to answer the question “why should you invest in a startup?” by giving you information about the process and what to expect from investing in an early-stage business.

Why invest in startups?

Through equity crowdfunding, you can support and invest in startups that you are passionate about. This is different than helping a company raise capital via Kickstarter. You aren’t just buying their product or merch. You are buying a piece of that company. When you invest on StartEngine, you own part of that company, whether it’s one you are a loyal customer of, a local business you want to support, or an idea you believe in.

Investing in startups means that you get to support entrepreneurs and be a part of the entrepreneurial community, which can provide its own level of excitement. You also support the economy and job creation: in fact, startups and small businesses account for 64% of new job creation in the US.

In other words, you are funding the future. And by doing so, you may make money on your investment.

But here’s the bad news: 90% of startups fail. With those odds, you’re more than likely to lose the money you invest in a startup.

However, the 10% of startups that do succeed can provide an outsized return on the initial investment. In fact, when VCs invest, they are looking for only a few “home run” investments to make up for the losses that will compose the majority of their portfolio. Even the pros expect a low batting average when investing in startups.

This is why the concept of diversifying your portfolio is important in the context of startup investing. Statistically, the more startup investments you make, the more likely you are to see better returns through your portfolio. Data collected across 10,000 Angellist portfolios supports this idea. In other words, the old piece of advice “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” holds true when investing in startups.

Who can invest in startups?

Traditionally, startup investing was not available to the general public. Only accredited investors had access to startup investment opportunities. Accredited investors are those who:

  • Have made over $200,000 in annual salary for the past two years ($300,000 if combined with a spouse), or
  • Have over $1M in net worth, excluding their primary residence

That meant only an estimated 10% of US households had access to these opportunities. Equity crowdfunding changes all of that and levels the playing field. On platforms like StartEngine, anyone over the age of 18 can invest in early-stage companies.

What are you buying?

The Breakdown of Securities Offered via Reg CF as of December 31, 2020

When you invest in startups, you can invest through different types of securities. Those include:

  • Common stock, the simplest form of equity. Common stock, or shares, give you ownership in a company. The more you buy, the greater the percentage of the company you own. If the company grows in value, what you own is worth more, and if it shrinks, what you own is worth less.
  • Debt, essentially a loan. You, the investor, purchase promissory notes and become the lender. The company then has to pay back your loan within a predetermined time window with interest.
  • Convertible notes, debt that converts into equity. You buy debt from the company and earn interest on that debt until an established maturity date, at which point the debt either converts into equity or is paid back to you in cash.
  • SAFEs, a variation of convertible note. SAFEs offer less protection for investors (in fact, we don’t allow them on StartEngine) and include no provisions about cash payout, so you as an investor are dependent upon the SAFE converting into equity, which may or may not occur at some point in the future.

Most of the companies on StartEngine sell a form of equity, so the rest of this article will largely focus on equity investments.

How can a company become successful if they only raise $X?

Startup funding generally works in funding rounds, meaning that a company raises capital several times over the course of their life span. A company just starting out won’t raise $10M because there’s no indication that it would be a good investment. Why would someone invest $10M in something totally unproven?

Instead, that new company may raise a few hundred thousand dollars in order to develop proof-of-concept, make a few initial hires, acquire their first users, or reach any other significant business developments in order to “unlock” the next round of capital.

In essence, with each growth benchmark a company is able to clear, they are able to raise more money to sustain their growth trajectory. In general, each funding round is bigger than the previous round to meet those goals.

When do companies stop raising money? When their revenue reaches a point where the company becomes profitable enough that they no longer need to raise capital to grow at the speed they want to.

What happens to my equity investment if a company raises more money later?

If you invest in an early funding round of a startup and a year or two later that same company is raising more money, what happens to your investment? If things are going well, you will experience what is known as “dilution.” This is a normal process as long as the company is growing.

The shares you own are still yours, but new shares are issued to new buyers in the next funding round. This means that the number of shares you own is now a smaller percentage of the whole, and this is true for everyone who already holds shares, including the company’s founders.

However, this isn’t a problem in itself. If the company is doing well, in the next funding round, the company will have a higher valuation and possibly a different price per share. This means that while you now own a smaller slice of the total pie, the pie is bigger than what it was before, so your shares are worth more than they were previously too. Everybody wins.

If the company isn’t growing though, it leads to what is known as a down round. A down round is when a company raises more capital but at a lower valuation, which can increase the rate of dilution as well as reduce the value of investors’ holdings

How can I make money off a startup investment?

Traditionally, there are two ways investors can “exit” their investment. The first is through a merger/acquisition. If another company acquires the one you invested in, they will often offer a premium to buy your shares and so secure a controlling ownership percentage in the company. Sometimes your shares will be exchanged at dollar value for shares in the acquiring company.

The other traditional form of an exit is if a company does an initial public offering and becomes one of the ~4,000 publicly trading companies in the US. Then an investor can sell their shares on a national exchange.

Those events can take anywhere from 5-10 years to occur. This creates an important difference between startup investing and investing in companies on the public market: the time horizon is different.

When investing in a public company, you can choose to sell that investment at any time. However, startup investments are illiquid, and you may not be able to exit that investment for years.

However, equity crowdfunding can provide an alternative to both of these options: the shares sold through equity crowdfunding are tradable immediately (for Regulation A+) and after one year (for Regulation Crowdfunding) on alternative trading systems (ATS), if the company chooses to quote its shares on an ATS. This theoretically reduces the risk of that investment as well because the longer an investment is locked up, the greater the chance something unpredictable can happen.

Conclusion

Investing in startups is risky, but it is an exciting way to diversify your portfolio and join an entrepreneur’s journey.

KorePartner Spotlight: Andrew Bull, Founding Partner Bull Blockchain Law  

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 that having a knowledgeable securities lawyer on your team is vital to your capital raise.

 

Andrew Bull knows this as a founding partner of Bull Blockchain Law. He and the company assist investors and businesses by providing regulatory clarity across jurisdictions to ensure raises are compliant and efficient. Bull Blockchain Law is a blockchain and cryptocurrency law firm specializing in digital assets, broker-dealer services, FinTech, advising, and more, and is one of the few law firms entirely focused on this subject. 

 

Since discovering Bitcoin in 2011, Andrew has become an industry thought leader and ran one of the first cryptocurrency mining companies in the US. He began his firm in direct response to a lack of clarity around laws in the blockchain industry.

 

We took some time to speak with Andrew and learn more about himself, his firm, and his thoughts on cryptocurrency’s future.

 

Why did you become involved in this industry?

To provide legal clarity regarding the regulatory compliance requirements for accessing capital from all types of investors. The emerging world of Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency gives a new way to supply these things to the industry and assist a new style of investor.

 

What services does your company provide for RegA offerings?

Bull Blockchain Law provides legal guidance, document drafting, and regulatory filings to ensure our clients have the best possible chance to have their Reg A Offering approved by the SEC.

 

What are your unique areas of expertise?

Blockchain, tokenization of assets, NFTs, tokens, and any economic representation facilitated through digital issuances. My background in Blockchain includes extensive legal and academic experience, including running one of the first Cryptocurrency mining companies in the United States, which helps in the scope of legal expertise I can provide.

 

What excites you about this industry?

With the recent expansion of the fundraising thresholds in the U.S. and Canada, I’m excited to see the large influx of new projects access capital and provide more opportunities to retail investors.

 

How is a partnership with KoreConX the right fit for your company?

KoreConX leads the industry in practical compliant fundraising solutions. As a law firm, we emphasize compliance and regulatory compliant digital solutions that facilitate the most efficient path for our clients. Having this partnership undoubtedly benefits us as well as our clients.

How Does Social Media Impact RegCF Offerings?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 media is a key component to success by increasing investor awareness and conducting a successful offering.

 

Social Media’s Impact on Reg CF

 

Social media is essential for companies looking to make a Reg CF offering. It can build awareness and interest among institutional and retail investors and help generate traffic to their offering’s listing on a funding portal or the broker-dealer who hosts the offering. It can expand your crowdfunding campaign’s reach using social tools to raise more money.

 

As soon as companies file their Form C with the SEC, they can begin to communicate outside the funding platform about their offering. However, they must be careful about what they say. They are limited to communications that don’t mention the terms of the offering and “tombstone” communications. Issuers can continue marketing their product or service as usual, as securities regulations understand that the issuer still is running a business and trying to generate a profit. After the Form C has been filed, issuers can also increase the amount of marketing materials they create, as long as they follow SEC guidelines. Issuers are also subject to anti-fraud rules, even in non-terms communications.

 

Capitalizing on Campaigns

 

Building awareness and interest in your Reg CF offerings using social media, you reach investors who may have been unaware of opportunities to invest. Thanks to Reg CF,  startups and established companies alike can get started fundraising quickly with lower initial costs than traditional methods of raising capital. When combined with social media, the result is an effective way to get the word about the raise to many people hoping that they turn into an investor.

 

It has been made clear that social media and mobile marketing are necessary parts of Reg CF offerings. Social media marketing is an increasingly important part of any company’s digital strategy, so having these platforms as part of Reg CF efforts will give issuers the best chance for success with campaigns. It also helps businesses target their current audience to invest in their offering.

 

Social media is an excellent tool for companies to use when making Reg CF offerings. Whether you are looking to raise more money or get the word out about your company, social media can be used in various ways that will help your business grow and succeed with Reg CF.

How Have the JOBS Act Exemptions Impacted Company Founders?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 private
  • Not having to disclose everything publicly
  • Less regulatory burden when raising money
  • Access to accredited and non-accredited investors

 

Reg A+ & Reg CF

Regulation CF is an exemption outlined in the JOBS Act that lets companies raise a maximum of $5 million in any 12-month period by selling securities to accredited and non-accredited investors. Regulation A+ allows issuers to offer and raise up to $75 million in funding without having to comply with all the strict requirements of a traditional IPO. This has allowed company founders to bypass some of the red tape and paperwork associated with more traditional fundraising methods and raise millions of dollars for their organizations. 

 

With RegA+ and RegCF, private companies have increased opportunities to raise capital. Before the JOBS Act, private companies were only invested in by wealthy individuals and firms like venture capital or private equity, but now investment opportunities have been opened to the non-accredited investor as well. This increases the pool of available investors for any given deal since the number of non-accredited investors is immense, which is powerful for companies seeking capital with these methods. 

 

Impacting How Capital is Raised

WIth the doors the JOBS Act has opened up, entrepreneurs who have a great idea but no funding to realize their vision have the opportunities to raise the capital needed to grow their businesses. Companies in the private sector can connect with their investors in ways not typically seen in the public market; investors may be loyal customers or passionate about the cause or mission the company believes in. This is a unique opportunity for companies to build and maintain relationships with their shareholders that may be interested in investing in future offerings as well. 

 

Company founders can also retain more control over their company raising money through the JOBS Act exemptions, another significant benefit. There is a little more flexibility for founders to set the valuation they’re looking for and construct a deal more favorable. In other traditional funding scenarios, venture capital or private equity investors may seek more equity than the founder is hoping to give up or disagree with the valuation. 

 

The JOBS Act has created opportunities for companies to secure the funding they need to grow and sustain their businesses. Compared to traditional funding routes, RegA+ and RegCF are often more cost-effective and enable them to raise significant amounts of capital.

Why are Data and Research Key in the Private Capital Markets?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 potential.

 

Importance of Data & Research

Private market data provides understanding and predictions of trends, allowing investors to look for companies on a trajectory towards growth and success. Data helps identify these trends and enables investors to make more informed decisions. For example, if a company has the data to demonstrate an upward trend in annual revenue and gross profit, it can be compelling to any potential investor. Investors stay informed of private markets and make informed decisions by private companies providing up-to-date data.

 

Research is necessary to understand the risks and opportunities of any investment. Research helps investors see that a product or service works as intended and solves a real problem or need. Even if the revenue and gross profit look good on paper, investors won’t go for a product that isn’t solving a real problem or helping people. This is because investors need to be aware of any investment’s potential dangers and benefits before putting their money into a private offering. To make an informed decision, private capital investors need to know all they can about the company they are investing in.

 

Conducting Market Research

Private capital investors conduct due diligence on potential investments by reviewing various data sets and conducting company research. This information allows investors to understand the risks and opportunities associated with each asset. Research that demonstrates the viability of a product or service helps investors understand the potential return on investment.

 

There are multiple methods for investors to conduct market research based on private company data. One way is a SWOT analysis, allowing investors to take an in-depth look at a business and its needs to succeed by comparing its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In a rapidly changing market, companies that can demonstrate a trend of growth and success with minimal weaknesses are more likely to attract investment. 

 

Benefiting from Private Capital Research

Investors need to make quick decisions, so having access to up-to-date data is critical. Data is essential for understanding how a company’s market performance affects private company growth. The current market performance also influences an investor’s decision on due diligence on potential investments.

 

Private market data helps paint a more accurate picture of the company and its operations, which can be helpful for both investors and company employees alike. With accurate data, investors can make better decisions regarding where to invest based on their ROI expectations, company performance, and management effectiveness. Presenting data and research provides private companies with feedback from the market, including information about how potential customers feel, what they think about a product, or how successful a product may be compared to the rest of the market.

 

The private capital markets are a haven for risk-averse, long-term investors. With the correct data and research, investors can make more informed decisions and reduce the risk of investing in a company that may not be a good fit for their portfolio. Private capital markets increase transparency by showcasing company data, drawing in potential investors, and allowing more investment opportunities. Whether looking for funding or an investment, it is vital to understand how data and research can help private capital markets grow.

 

What Franchisees and Franchisors Should Consider when Crowdfunding

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 things franchisees and franchisors should consider:

 

Anyone Can Invest

 

Regardless of income, anyone can invest in a RegCF offering. This means that both wealthy accredited investors and everyday investors can also become shareholders. With this in mind, the pool of potential investors increases substantially compared to traditional private investments. 

 

Fees and Compliance

 

When conducting a RegCF offering, franchisees and franchisors should be prepared to pay portal fees, potential broker-dealer fees, and legal fees to prepare the offering documents, for example. There will also be a cost to engage with an investor acquisition firm to market the offering to potential investors. 

 

Building the Franchise 

 

While one of the most obvious advantages of a crowdfunding campaign is securing funding to grow, there are other benefits. For example, some investors may become franchisees while others are incentivized to become loyal customers. A successful RegCF campaign can also be useful for brand marketing. 

 

Alternative Financing

 

For some franchisees, getting a traditional bank loan is not possible. Some banks have requirements for how long a franchise has been open when applying, so this option is not feasible for newer franchises. Instead, crowdfunding can provide the necessary funding to open or expand to new locations. 

 

More Favorable Terms

 

Sometimes, offers from private investors like venture capital or private equity firms can be unattractive to franchisors. The investor may request too much control over the company that the owner would not want to give up, making the deal impossible. Instead, crowdfunding allows companies to dictate the deal and retain control over the company. 

What is Sustainable Investing?

Posted on by Raise Green

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. Rather, they seek those companies who are working tirelessly to address a vast array of societal problems. As a result, sustainable investing is also referred to as socially responsible investing (SRI) or ESG investing, as it encompasses the idea that the investor is strongly influenced by environmental, societal, or governmental factors, before contributing money to a particular company. With this type of investment, people are seeking not a short-term financial return, but a longer-term financial return in which their money is being used as a medium for societal progress, environmental impact, and corporate responsibility. In fact, financial return goes hand in hand with ESG progress, as companies with stronger ESG profiles may generate more sustainable profit and cash flow because they tend to be more competitive than their peers (“ESG factors and equity returns – a review of recent industry research,” 2021). Sustainable investing places increasing emphasis on how investments contribute to the good of society, irrespective of how much money was made in the short run.

Sustainable Investing Objectives

Sustainable investing, as a catalyst for societal change, has seen it’s popularity rise in recent years in the face of the climate crisis and compounding social issues. Impact investing serves as one of the catalysts, alongside millennial investors driven by principles, that is lighting a fire under investors to invest their money in companies whose “intrinsic values” drive positive change (“What is Sustainable Investing?,” HBS). Sustainable investing pushes companies to embrace sustainable principles, which can lead to more impactful social and financial returns later on. With respect to Raise Green, sustainable investing is particularly crucial, especially within the context of environmental factors that investors look for in companies to contribute to money. The realm of environmental factors focuses on the impact that a company will have on the environment, such as its carbon footprint, waste, water use and conservation, and clean technology.

Growing Investment Opportunities

Furthermore, this marketplace for sustainable investing is only growing. The United States’ Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment identified $17.1 trillion in total assets under management at the end of 2019 using one or more sustainable investing strategies, a 42 percent increase from the $12.0 trillion identified two years prior (“Sustainable Investing Basics,” USSIF). This type of investing has become more desirable because “investors do not have to pay more to align their investments with their values, or to avoid companies with poor environmental, social or governance practices” (“Sustainable Investing Basics,” USSIF). Therefore, with sustainable investing, investors can propagate social impact without losing money. As a whole, sustainable investing is important because it can help contribute to vast infrastructure changes needed in our society to tackle the challenges we face. It allows us to move towards a better and more sustainable future.

The Evolution of Reg A+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 be the future of raising capital for small businesses. 

 

Reg A+’s Creation

The JOBS Act, passed in 2012, helped address a significant decrease in America’s IPOs. “When I was vice-chairman of NASDAQ, I was very concerned with some of the market structure changes that went on with our public markets that dropped the bottom out of support for small-cap equities,” said Weild. “80% of all initial public offerings in the United States were sub $50 million in size. And in a very short period of time, we went from 80%, small IPOs to 20%, almost overnight.” The number of operating public companies decreased from about nine thousand to five thousand. The changes in the market significantly restricted smaller companies from growing, unable to go public because of prohibitive costs and other expenses. 

 

Effect on Small Business

After years of lobbying and the passage of the JOBS Act, only one of the seven titles went into effect instantaneously: RegA+. With this new option for raising capital, startups could raise $50 million in money without filing a public offering. The previous maximum was $5 million; this would eventually be increased to $75 million. It also expanded the number of shareholders a company can have before registering publicly, which is essential as companies can raise money from accredited and non-accredited investors through this regulation. RegA+ and the other rules have had a significant impact on the way startups do business. This has been a significant benefit for small businesses, as it has allowed them to raise more money without going through the hassle and expense of becoming a public company. 

 

Reg A+ into the Future

The capital raising process was digitized by taking the investment process and making it direct through crowdfunding, removing economic incentives for small broker-dealers who could not make their desired commission on transactions. This resulted in many of them consolidating out of business and leaving a gap in the private capital market ecosystem that supports corporate finance. Changes to the JOBS Act are beginning to reintroduce incentives for broker-dealers, which will continue to shape the future of private investments as it will continue to facilitate the growth of a secondary market. Wield’s thoughts on the future of capital raising marketing are that the market is not yet corrected, but it is on track. He said: “I would tell you that there’s a great appetite in Washington to do things that are going to improve capital formation.”

 

Getting more players like broker-dealers involved in the RegA+ ecosystem will do nothing but benefit the space. In his closing remarks, Wield said that this would provide for a “greater likelihood that we’re going to fund more earlier stage businesses, which in turn gives us the opportunity to create jobs and upward mobility. Hopefully, since much entrepreneurial activity is focused on social impact companies to solve great challenges of our time, whether it’s in life sciences, and medicine, or climate change, you know, I firmly believe that the solutions for climate change are apt to come from scientists and engineers who’ve cracked the code on cutting emissions or taking CO2 out of the atmosphere. And so from where I said, getting more entrepreneurs funded is going to be important to have a better chance of leaving a respectable environment for the next generation.”

Has RegA+ Killed the IPO?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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. With more and more IPOs delayed, unprecedented access to private capital is available to all organizations. With RegA+, anyone can invest in private companies, making it increasingly popular with companies seeking capital, primarily since they can raise a significant amount of funding.

 

The regulatory and monetary hurdles that come with entering an IPO in addition to RegA+ have led to delays in initial public offerings. Since the JOBS Act was passed in 2012, funding opportunities for private companies have improved, especially with the allowance of not-accredited investors opening up a previously untapped pool of prospective investors. Additionally, the secondary private investment market increases liquidity options, allowing investors to sell shares in private companies to others without waiting for the company to go public.

 

Pre-JOBS Act, many companies were forced to go public because they were limited to a certain number of shareholders. With RegA+, this limit is non-existent, allowing them to stay private longer. In 2011, companies stayed private for about five years on average; in 2020, companies were private for an average of 11 years. 

 

RegA+ brings renewed opportunities, especially to small-cap companies. Companies gain access to liquidity, investors, and significant capital growth that would not have otherwise occurred. RegA+ offers substantial advantages over the traditional IPO. As our KorePartners at Manhattan Street Capital have pointed out:

 

  • “Startups don’t need to spend as much time trying to win over large investors and can focus instead on getting the company ready for the next level. Since Regulation A+ options are still being realized by the people who are now able to tap this investment potential, there is enthusiasm and momentum that is certainly to the advantage of the startups and growth-stage companies.”
  • “Instead of large amounts of capital being raised from a few sources, Reg A+ funding collects smaller amounts from a bigger pool of investors. This means that no single investor will own enough shares to have a controlling stake in what the company does, meaning that the startup can continue to operate as it pleases.”
  • “Word-of-mouth marketing is still considered the most powerful of all promotions, whether it happens in-person or through online means like social media. Main street investors are committing hard-earned money and have more of an incentive to see a return on it. They are more likely to evangelize the brands they have invested in which means a much wider marketing reach than if the company was spreading the word on its own.”
  • “Just as the investors will want to tell other people about the brand, they will also likely want to test out the products or services themselves. This can lead to feedback that improves what the company offers to the public.”

 

These are significant advantages over an IPO that will allow an issuer to secure the capital they need to grow, create jobs, and provide investment opportunities. Especially with everyday investors able to participate, RegA+ does a great job of leveling the playing field and opening opportunities up to those who would have been traditionally excluded from private investment deals.

KorePartner Spotlight: Jonathan Stidd, Co-Founder and CEO of Ridge Growth Agency

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 the right place to get in front of the right eyes. 

Ridge Growth Agency is an expert in equity crowdfunding and direct-to-consumer marketing, dedicated to building the brands of tomorrow. The company positions brands to introduce them to new, high-value customers and investors. When the company started, it was first a digital marketing agency that helped eCommerce brands scale online. Jonathan Stidd said, “When we got introduced to equity crowdfunding, we quickly realized we could apply these same tactics to acquiring investors online.” Since introducing this service, the agency has helped its clients raise over $330 million through Regulation A+ offerings. 

Ridge Growth Agency provides a wide range of digital marketing services for its clients. These include website design and development; newsletter and sponsored content creation; paid media management; budgeting, planning, and forecasting; video production and editing; graphic design; copywriting; and email marketing. Jonathan feels this is what sets them apart from other firms offering similar services, saying, “nobody seems to offer [them all].”

After receiving his education in economics, Jonathan himself entered into this field and has since developed expertise in management consulting, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and the growth strategies to launch and scale brands. He feels passionate about this industry because of the ability to “help cutting-edge companies raise capital in a relatively new way!” Additionally, he feels that a partnership with KoreConX was just the right fit. He said: “as a technology provider for the pipe system of these raises, KoreConX is a crucial tool to move the investors through the funnel.”

End to End for RegCF

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 could raise up to $1.07 million from both accredited and nonaccredited investors. Additionally, companies in the startup stage through to full operating companies across all industries can take advantage of this exemption to raise capital. 

 

However, due to the comparatively low limit of RegCF in the early days when the regulation was introduced RegCF was largely overlooked by many companies seeking to raise capital. Now, it continues to gain momentum due to the limit of RegCF increasing to $5 million in March of 2021. Since then, RegCF has reached a significant milestone. In October 2021, companies surpassed a cumulative total of $1 billion raised under the regulation. Now that the limit has increased nearly five times from where it started, we expect the adoption of Reg CF to continue to grow much faster than the half-decade it took to reach $1B.

 

Getting Started with RegCF

 

For issuers looking to use Regulation CF for their offering, it is relatively straightforward for those looking to raise up to $1.07 million. For raises of this size, the issuer is not required to submit audited financial statements to the SEC. They must retain a securities lawyer to complete their Form C and obtain a CrowdCheck Due Diligence report. Next, the issuer must find an SEC-registered transfer agent to manage corporate books and cap tables, a requirement under the regulation. Additionally, the issuer must also select a FINRA-registered broker-dealer to raise capital directly from the issuer’s website. 

 

The process for raising up to $5 million is pretty similar. However, the main difference is that issuers require an audit. With this being the only difference, there is not much in terms of the change to the regulatory and compliance requirements.

 

What do RegCF Broker-Dealers Need?

 

For broker-dealers working on RegCF raises, it is something different than anything else they’ve done; they need to be prepared to handle things they may not have needed to consider in other types of capital raising activities. These things include:

  • Investment Landing Page: Once the landing page is created and ready to go live (a step sometimes done by investor acquisition firms), the broker-dealer must manage it. This includes taking over or registering the domain name. This ensures the broker-dealer is in total control, with the ability to shut it down or change/amend things as needed. 
  • Back Office: After an issuer signs up with a broker-dealer, the broker-dealer provides them with the escrow and payment rails. For the escrow account, the broker-dealer is on title as a broker-dealer so that they handle all payment components like credit cards, ACH, wire, cryptocurrency, and IRA. Typically, the bank or trust providing the escrow account will also offer wire and ACH. Since broker-dealers currently cannot hold any crypto, crypto payment options allow issuers to submit crypto that gets exchanged into fiat USD. 
  • Due Diligence: The broker-dealer will be able to rely on the CrowdCheck report, an industry standard. 
  • Registration: The broker-dealer must be registered in all 50 states to be able to provide the best help to an issuer.

 

What Compliance is Needed?

 

The compliance officer also has responsibilities they need to meet for a successful RegCF raise. This included performing ID, AML, KYC, and suitability on each investor who is investing in the offering. Plus, while accredited investors aren’t restricted to the amount of money they can invest through RegCF, the compliance officer can request an individual to go through verification, but it is not necessary. The compliance officer must also manage the KYC process through the entire offering until the money is released to the issuer. Another new change to RegCF is that companies can have rolling closes, which means that they can start closing each time they hit their minimum. When it comes to closing, the broker-dealer must ensure that the company has filed its Form C amendment.

 

What Does an Issuer Do to Prepare?

 

While the broker-dealer fills their component of the RegCF raise, an issuer will typically work closely with an investor acquisition firm to bring the eyeballs to the website. The issuer is responsible for meeting their regulatory requirements, like preparing their audit if raising over $1.07 million. Even if an issuer does not have their audit ready, they can still start their raise up to the $1.07 million amount. Once the audit is done, the offering can be amended to go to $5 million instead. Since securities are being sold directly on the issuer’s website, the traffic they’re driving there is only for them. Previously, when RegCF offerings could only be done on a registered funding portal, traffic would be directed to a site with many other offerings as well. 

 

This is not to say that funding portals don’t serve a purpose; instead, some issuers (especially those who have grown out of the startup phase) prefer more direct traffic. Currently, there are over 70 funding portals (and more on the way). Each option has pros and cons depending on the issuer and the raise that must be considered when launching RegCF. Additionally, some investor acquisition firms prefer an individualized landing page because it directs traffic and attention solely to the issuer.

 

Investment Process for RegCF

 

When the investor (or potential investor) goes to the landing page and begins the investment process, the first thing collected is their email address. This allows the investor acquisition firm to remarket to the individual if they left the page before completing an investment. Every day, a report of drop-offs will be provided that details which stage of the investment process the investor left. Plus, data is provided as to where each investor is coming from.

 

 After the initial stage of the process, the investor will proceed to enter their information, like how much they want to invest, their income, how they want to invest, and other data necessary to complete the investment. Once all of the information is entered, the investor will review and sign the subscription agreement before submitting their investment. 

 

Once the subscription agreement has been submitted, the investor receives an email allowing them to register their account with the issuer’s private label page to manage the investment they’ve made. Even though the broker-dealer manages the website, the investors’ experience end-to-end is with the issuer. Once the investment is completed, the investor will be able to find it in their portfolio. Through the portfolio, the SEC-registered transfer agent and the company manage the cap table and provide individual investors access to their investments.  For each investment, the investor can view all of its details rather than keeping that information in paper documents. They can see what rights they have for each security, how much they invested, how they paid, etc. 

 

Through the entire investment process, not only is the investor involved but there are many other parties involved. Beyond helping the company set up the investment, the broker-dealer also helps to ensure that the issuer has everything ready in their platform. The broker-dealer is then responsible for ensuring that the offering and investors are vetted into the platform as well. Additionally, the compliance officer will also have to verify the investors through the platform’s compliance management system. Once the investor is approved, their funds are sent to escrow, which the broker-dealer monitors to make sure they’ve all arrived. When the minimum is met, the broker-dealer closes, allowing the company to receive their funds and the cap table to be updated. 

 

For 2022, we anticipate that RegCF will be a game-changer. The amount of capital raised under the regulation makes it a perfect fit for seed and Series A companies that may have otherwise used RegD. Like RegD, issuers can target accredited investors, but they can also target nonaccredited as well. This significantly increases the potential pool of investors and opportunities available to raise capital. While there are an estimated 8.5 million accredited investors, only 110,000 have been verified. When considering nonaccredited as well, this number grows substantially to 233 million individuals. 

What is Impact Investing?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 with varying levels of risk and potential returns. Investors should consider the kind of risk they are willing to take and their personal beliefs when considering what kind of impact investments to put their money in.

Some spaces where impact investing is prominent are healthcare, education, and energy, especially renewable energy. There are three main categories of impact investments; debt financing, equity, or mezzanine financing, which involves investors purchasing shares in a company, and direct investments such as buying land for conservation purposes. These represent just a small number of possibilities; there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this style of investing.

Thoughts on Impact Investing

More and more, socially and environmentally responsible practices attract investors, benefiting companies that commit to those practices. Impact investing appeals mainly to younger generations, such as millennials, who want to give back to society; this will likely expand as these investors gain more influence in the market. However, because impact investments are often profitable, they are also attractive for traditional investors looking for ways to make their money work for good without compromising their principles. In 2020, the Global Impact Investing Network released a survey that found more than 88% of impact investors had their financial expectations met or exceeded. 

Since the popularity of impact investments has grown, there have been asset management companies, banks, etc., who have tailored funds to meet the demands of socially responsible investors. Another form of investments, called socially responsible investments, or SRIs, are a subset of impact investments. However, the investment focus of SRIs are more narrow, with an affinity towards companies that align with their views of human rights, responsibility to consumers, and environmental protection.

How Impact Investing Works

Generally speaking, impact investors enjoy an ROI that falls just below the average market rates. But, some instances can see impact investments outperform. Recent data from the University of California shows impact investments have a median return rate of 6.4%, which was one percentage point lower than non-impact focused funds. There are a few significant examples of impact investing in the real world. One example is the work that the Gates Foundation does in developing countries. The Foundation’s initiatives are focused on areas like healthcare and education, creating a positive impact on the people who receive the services and having a ripple effect throughout the community.

Another example is Acumen’s work in Africa, focusing on issues centered around clean water and affordable housing, which significantly impact the quality of life for people in poverty-stricken areas. Finally, Kiva is an organization that allows individuals to loan money on their website at 0% interest. The lender receives tokens every month, which hopefully will turn into capital gains when they are sold. While impact investing is helpful to the planet, it differs from philanthropy in that it requires measurable social or environmental impact and profits. Philanthropy is help given with no expectation of any repayment or benefit. Impact investing must positively impact society and make financial gains for investors; it can’t just be money donated with no return.

Crowdfunding SAFE vs. Traditional SAFE – Key Differences

Posted on by Brian Belley

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 equal.

The SAFEs used in VC rounds and in angel SPVs can be quite different from SAFEs on crowdfunding platforms. Even SAFEs between crowdfunding platforms (e.g. Republic vs. Wefunder) will have key differences that investors should be aware of.

In this article, we will review the basics of the SAFE and discuss key differences between crowdfunding SAFEs and traditional SAFEs.

What is a SAFE?

A Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a type of early-stage investment security that converts to equity at a specified conversion event in the future. It is roughly equivalent to a Convertible Note, only without a maturity date or interest rate.

History of the SAFE

The famed accelerator Y-Combinator originated the pre-money SAFE in 2013. Its use was adopted in Silicon Valley and quickly spread throughout the world. Today, SAFEs are used everywhere from Silicon Valley to online crowdfunding portals, though specific deal terms still vary.

In 2018, YC updated their boilerplate SAFE to be a “post-money” SAFE, which means that it now converts based on post-money valuation instead of pre-money valuation. Another notable update included adding in provisions that explicitly treat the SAFE as equity for purposes of taxes under IRC Section 1202.

The latest post-money YC SAFE templates can be found here; however, many SAFEs on crowdfunding portals still use the pre-money SAFE as of late 2021. Also, conversion triggers in crowdfunding SAFEs are usually different than those found in the standard YC SAFE used in accredited deals, as we will discuss below.

SAFE Deal Term Basics

The two most important deal terms associated with a SAFE are its discount rate and valuation cap.

Some examples of SAFE terms include:

  • SAFE with $5 million valuation cap and a 15% discount
  • Uncapped SAFE (i.e. no valuation cap) with a 25% discount
  • SAFE with a $15 million valuation cap and no discount

As you can see, both the discount rate and the valuation cap will vary between each SAFE. Furthermore, both terms are optional, so a SAFE may have both, or just one or the other (rarely will a SAFE have neither).

SAFE Conversion Examples

A SAFE will convert to equity at the better of either the valuation cap or the discount rate.

Let’s say you invest in a SAFE with a $5 million valuation cap and a 20% discount. Here are some different conversion examples.

  • If the startup raises a follow-on financing round at a $6 million post-money valuation:
    • The valuation cap would be $5 million.
    • The 20% discount would be at an effective $4.8 million valuation ($6M*0.8 = $4.8M).
    • Since the discount rate ($4.8 million) is better than the valuation cap ($5 million), your SAFE would convert under the 20% discount at an effective valuation of $4.8 million.
    • So if current investors in the $6 million post-money round were investing at $1 per share, SAFE investors would get a $4.8/$5*1 = $0.96 per share.
  • If the startup raises a follow-on financing round at a $10 million post-money valuation:
    • The 20% discount would be an effective $8 million valuation.
    • Since the $5 million valuation cap on the original SAFE is a better deal for investors, the SAFE would convert at the valuation cap of $5 million.
    • So if current investors in the $10 million post-money round were investing at $1 per share, SAFE investors would get a $5/$10*1 = $0.50 per share.

Discount rates will give a better conversion price if the follow-on round is similar to the prior round (up to the amount of the discount). For rounds and exits that have much steeper increases in valuation, the valuation cap will give the more favorable terms.

When do SAFEs Convert to Equity?

A SAFE converts to equity at a specified conversion event in the future. Typical conversion scenarios may include an exit (e.g. acquisition, IPO, etc.) or a future financing round, such as a Series A round after an initial Seed round.

Especially on crowdfunding portals, conversion triggers will vary from SAFE to SAFE. Investors should always read the subscription agreement for each deal in its entirety.

The three types of conversion events typically specified in a SAFE include:

  1. Equity Financing Event (e.g. follow-on financing round – e.g. Series A, Series B, etc.)
  2. Liquidity Event (e.g. if there is a merger, acquisition, IPO, or other liquidity event prior to the conversion of the SAFE, that may trigger a conversion to equity)
  3. Dissolution Event (e.g. the company shuts down operations)

Converting into Common vs. Preferred Equity

While the standard Y-Combinator SAFE converts to Preferred Equity, crowdfunding SAFEs — such as those used on Republic and Wefunder — will vary in terms of whether they convert to Common Stock or Preferred Stock.

Common Stock is the type of equity held by founders and employees of a company, while Preferred Stock is the type of equity typically held by investors. Among other differences, Preferred Stock typically comes with a liquidation preference (e.g. 1X, 2X, etc.), meaning Preferred shareholders will be paid back prior to Common shareholders should the company be liquidated.

Both Common and Preferred shareholders are paid after debt-holders and creditors, and that’s only if there is anything left to be paid.

SAFEs that Convert to Shadow Series Shares

Some crowdfunding SAFEs, such as the Republic Crowd Safe, may convert to “Shadow Series” shares.

This essentially means that Crowd Safe holders will receive the same class of shares (e.g. Common or Preferred), only those shares will have limited voting and information rights.

What Happens When a SAFE Company Fails?

If a startup fails, investors will be paid out based on the “dissolution event” provisions of the SAFE terms and the “liquidation priority” order.

In general, investors should not expect to receive any capital back when a company fails, since the proceeds of the failure, if any, will first be paid to debt holders.

In the standard Y-Combinator post-money SAFE terms, a SAFE is paid out:

  • junior to payments of outstanding indebtedness and creditor claims,
  • on par with other SAFEs and Preferred Stock, and
  • senior to Common Stock.

This is typically found under the “Liquidation Priority” section of the SAFE terms.

Summary of Crowdfunding SAFE Differences

Now that we have a solid understanding of the deal terms and basics of the SAFE, we can review the most common differences between crowdfunding SAFEs and traditional SAFEs:

  1. Crowdfunding SAFEs may have optional conversions: in some crowdfunding SAFEs (such as Republic’s Crowd Safe), shares convert at the next equity financing round at the discretion of the issuer (i.e the startup). While most traditional SAFEs are forced to convert at the next qualified financing round, many crowdfunding SAFEs give the company the option to either convert to equity or defer conversion until a later time.
    1. While this may sound like a bad thing for investors at first, we’ll discuss in a future article why this can be a win-win for both the company and the investors.
  2. Crowdfunding SAFEs may convert to Shadow Series shares: in the Republic Crowd Safe, the SAFE may convert to shadow shares, which means the same class of shares (e.g. Common vs. Preferred) as other investors, but with limited voting and information rights.
  3. Crowdfunding SAFEs Investing via an SPV: When you invest in a SAFE on Wefunder, you’ll often be investing in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). While this is typical for angel investors on sites like AngelList, this means you’ll actually be investing in the SPV (e.g. “Company X, a Series of Wefunder SPV LLC”), and not be directly investing in the company itself.
    1. Investing in an SPV may have potential tax implications (because the SPV is an LLC). Furthermore, investing in an SPV may have implications in terms of the potential future liquidity of that investment due to complications when listing SPV shares on a secondary market.
  4. Many Crowdfunding SAFEs are still Pre-Money: while the standard Y-Combinator SAFE was changed to convert based upon post-money valuation in 2018, many of the SAFEs used on crowdfunding sites today are still using pre-money valuation for the conversion price.
  5. Some Crowdfunding SAFEs may have repurchase rights: something that most VCs and angel SAFEs would never have is a “repurchase rights” or “redemptive clause”. These terms allow the company to buyback SAFE investors at the company’s discretion, which typically happens if a later-stage VC wants to “clean up” the cap table (i.e. get more control and ownership for themselves) or when the company is doing well and wants to buy out early investors. As we’ll discuss in a future article, investors should avoid SAFEs with these terms. These terms put the company’s best interests at odds with that of the investors’.
    1. The good news is that I have not seen any SAFEs recently with these repurchase terms (although I have seen some Common Stock offerings on some platforms with repurchase rights, so be careful!). It seems that crowdfunding portals have realized that these repurchase rights often end poorly for investors and are used by issuers who might not have their crowdfunding investors’ best interests at heart.

Why Digital Marketing is The Key to “Always Raising” Capital

Posted on by Jason Fishman

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.

 

Radical economic change due to COVID vastly disrupted the venture capital markets by 57%—a start-up’s traditional source of funding.

 

Rather than making new investments, Kevin summed, “venture capital firms are focused on making life and death decisions within their own portfolio.” Which means venture opportunity is sparse, and entrepreneurs are left wondering, “where can I turn for funding?”

 

The good news is there’s a silver lining and it’s called equity crowdfunding.

Traditional Venture Capital is Shifting Towards Online Equity Crowdfunding Platforms

 

Equity crowdfunding, or selling small shares of a company to the everyday (non-accredited) investor started not too long ago when the Title III section of the JOBS Act was passed in 2017.

 

Now, when venture capital is failing, more entrepreneurs are looking to the crowd of the everyday investors to fund their business in exchange for offerings like promissory notes, convertible notes, SAFE agreements, and revenue shares.

 

Everyday investors can invest in businesses through one of many equity crowdfunding platforms such as Wefunder, StartEngine, and MicroVentures. Since the platforms and investors are solely online, it means that businesses must have a strong online presence and digital marketing plan to meet their raise goals.

 

It means a brand trying to disrupt the market with a game-changing idea, must have an equally innovative online marketing strategy. For instance, say you’re trying to raise the full Reg CF cap of one million dollars when on average an everyday investor invests a minimum of $150 into your company. You’ll need to be backed by 6,667 investors.

 

But the real question is how do I drive awareness and attract the number of investors in the first place?

 

That’s where digital marketing comes in.

 

Digital Marketing Lets You Tap Into the Growing Everyday Investor Community

 

Most entrepreneurs make the mistake of believing that if they post a raise video, write engaging copy, post an interesting graphic, and that the investors will flood in from the crowdfunding platform. Wrong.

 

As an expert in digital marketing for crowdfunding campaigns, I see this mindset often. When entrepreneurs ask why their equity crowdfunding campaign failed, the answer is always the same—the offering was not marketed enough and the brand did not have a strong enough presence online.

 

Digital marketing mitigates both and helps drive accredited and everyday investors to their raise page with proper testing, optimation, and scaling.

Because here’s the thing:

 

Equity crowdfunding platforms are digitally native, which means new everyday investors that are not a part of your existing network or family, must be found online. Thus, failing to target and nurture an online audience with a closely managed digital marketing strategy is not only failing to plan, but it’s also planning to fail.

 

Accredited Investors Want to See a Strong Digital Marketing Strategy

 

The beauty of equity crowdfunding is that any campaign can still pique the interest of accredited investors and inspire them to fund you. We all know that a single large investment can take your campaign to the next level, thus it’s paramount to make your campaign as attractive as possible to them.

 

One of the best ways to do so is to show a strong digital marketing strategy that drives investor interest and audience growth. Your marketing strategy not only shows investors why you’ll succeed, but also highlights your ability to find, capture, and convert your target audience.

 
 

Digital Marketing Can Turn $1K into $1M During an Equity Crowdfunding Campaign

 

As more of the world log online to cope with the new norm and as venture capital slowly recovers, private investing is dramatically shifting

 

Equity crowdfunding is in the spotlight, giving everyday people the power to invest in potentially the next Uber or Instagram but also back the problems they’re passionate about—all while helping entrepreneurs keep their business growing and their dreams alive.

 
 

If equity crowdfunding is the door to always raising capital through and beyond this pandemic, then digital marketing is the key.

 

With its native abilities to connect people, build trust, and tell stories, digital marketing is uniquely positioned to help any start-up looking to scale, find new users and investors from around the world.

 

Thus, digital marketing is an essential part of your campaign, and it’s important to work with the right professionals who know how to create the right strategy, target the right investors, and find the right message.

 

Remember, turning on some ads and writing a few blog posts won’t cut it. Scaling your business with digital marketing takes time, constant testing, monitoring, and creativity. From experience we can’t emphasize enough that you start early in your campaign, don’t give up, and always be raising

How Does a Transfer Agent Protect Issuers and Investors?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 should be aware of. They help protect companies and investors by ensuring that transactions go smoothly while maintaining accurate ownership records and paying dividends every quarter.  

 

Without a qualified transfer agent who can complete these tasks efficiently, the risks for all parties increase; private issuers would be more vulnerable because they might not find errors, incorrect ownership information, or inaccurate assets. These inaccuracies may lead investors to incur higher costs, losses from missed market transactions, suffer from delayed payments, deliveries of dividends, and face unanticipated tax liabilities for unclaimed assets.

 

To protect issuers, transfer agents maintain an accurate and current record of share ownership and make sure that this information is reported accurately to them. Transfer agents provide issuers with a complete list of their shareholders and guarantee that these records are up-to-date. It is the job of the transfer agent to make sure that any changes in ownership are correctly recorded and reported to the issuer so both parties are protected from future complications or confusion. They are essential when issuers deal with investors, giving issuers a detailed account of who investors are and the amount of equity they have remaining. 

 

Transfer agents protect investors by ensuring their brokerage account is accurate and up to date. Agents view new transactions to ensure they’re coming from the correct party, and they review brokers’ reports for mistakes or fraud. Without transfer agents, the ability to track ownership and transactions would be nonexistent. Perhaps more importantly: if we didn’t have transfer agents, it would become impossible for shareholders to trade their securities. This would severely limit liquidity in the secondary market since it would become impossible for anyone who wanted to sell a share to find anyone willing to buy it. By allowing investors to view accurate and complete information on the company they are investing in, investor confidence is increased by this transparency and availability.

 

Additionally, transfer agents maintain investor financial records and track investor account balances. These agents usually belong to a bank, trust company, or similar establishment. Agents record transactions, process investor mailings, cancel and issue certificates, and more. Transfer agents protect issuers and investors by ensuring records maintain correct ownership and credentials at all times, making transfer agents the security link between these two parties; all agents must be registered with the SEC. 

 

Transfer agents are a vital part of the financial world. They provide a valuable service for issuers and investors by ensuring that trades happen smoothly, issuing new shares during an offering, or transferring ownership from one investor to another.  They play a pivotal role in protecting issuers and investors by assuring that they have a reliable, efficient process for handling transfers and executing trades on behalf of their clients.

Crowdfunding with IRAs

Posted on by New Direction Trust Co.

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 to cultural phenomena overnight. Alongside these is another monumental shift: crowdfunding.

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a type of investment in a business or venture. However, unlike angel investing or stock purchases, crowdfunding typically involves smaller sums from a large group.

There are multiple types of crowdfunding, each with a slightly different purpose:

  • Rewards-based crowdfunding: This type of crowdfunding is the most well-known, thanks to Kickstarter. In rewards-based crowdfunding, people invest in a company in exchange for a reward, typically a discounted final product or service.
  • Donation-based crowdfunding: This is charitable crowdfunding, in which people donate their money expecting nothing in return. Donation-based crowdfunding is typically used by charities looking to fund a project or to help with medical bills or recovery expenses via sites like GoFundMe.
  • Debt-based crowdfunding: This type of crowdfunding is used when a company needs a large sum of money to cover some kind of expense or acquisition. In exchange for donations, the recipient typically promises some kind of repayment to those donating.
  • Equity-based crowdfunding: In equity-based crowdfunding, investors put their money into a company in exchange for shares. This type of crowdfunding gives startups the chance to grow through funding, and investors the opportunity for a potential return on their investment.
  • Real estate crowdfunding: This type of crowdfunding involves multiple people pooling their money together to fund any kind of real estate project. Real estate crowdfunding can be as simple as buying a rental property with multiple people or funding a new building entirely.

Beyond the above-listed types, there are other types of crowdfunding that offer different returns and possibly perks for investors.

How does crowdfunding with an IRA work?

Crowdfunding with a self-directed account is surprisingly straightforward, thanks largely to the 2011 JOBS Act. Crowdfunding with a self-directed account involves only a few simple steps.

  • Verify you have the right kind of tax-advantaged account. Crowdfunding through your IRA or Solo 401k requires a self-directed IRA or Solo 401k.
  • Choose a trust company specializing in self-directed IRAs or Solo 401ks to custody the asset you’re interested in. This company will handle the details of ensuring your assets are used to crowdfund the asset of your choice.
  • Open and fund your account. This is typically done via a transfer or rollover of existing funds from an IRA or Solo 401k, or you can choose to contribute new funds subject to contribution limits.
  • Select what kind of investments you’d like to make, real estate crowdfunding or another type of crowdfunding.
  • Complete the investment process and monitor your account for performance.

If the above process sounds simple, good, it should be. The right trust company will take care of the transactions while leaving you in the driver’s seat.

Four Red Flags When Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding can make for great investment opportunities and generate excellent returns. But, like all investing, crowdfunding involves risks.

  • The company has no online footprint. If you Google the company or founders and find nothing, this is a big red flag. Any enterprise trying to raise money should have some level of awareness around their product or opportunity. And if nothing else, the founders should have some kind of presence online. If you’re unable to find any history about the opportunity or those behind it, proceed with caution and look for other opinions.
  • The opportunity guarantees returns. Some opportunities really are too good to be true. Language like “guaranteed returns” or “double your investment” and so on is a sign the company is trying to mislead you. There are few guarantees in life, and investments are far from them. While some investments, like government-backed certificates of deposit, are safer than others, you won’t find a guarantee on a crowdfunding opportunity.
  • The math is funky. This point is especially relevant when you’re dealing with real estate crowdfunding. Closely examine the numbers when looking at investment properties. If the account holder claims you’ll make a certain amount but you’re not arriving at the same number after expenses, taxes, and other costs are factored in, double check the math. You may need to move on.
  • The valuation is inflated. When you’re looking at crowdfunding a startup, pay close attention to the valuation. It’s not unheard of for companies or crowdfunding platforms to inflate the valuation of a startup to draw more investors. If a company is brand new with no backing, it’s unlikely they’re worth $600 million. If the deal feels too good to be true, it might be.

An Overview of Digital Securities for the Private Capital Market

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 for hackers to manipulate records. If one copy were to be changed, it would be immediately be recognized as invalid by the other participants on the blockchain. 

 

This is the technology that powers emerging financial technologies. Bitcoin is perhaps one of the most recognizable forms of blockchain technology today, with over 46 million Americans owning some of the cryptocurrency. This same technology is being applied to securities to improve upon the ways traditional securities have been managed. 

 

Ownership is easy to record and validate through digital securities because the transaction is stored on the blockchain. This eliminates the problem of an investor losing their certificate of ownership or the company losing their records of shareholders. Since the record is unchangeable, it also serves as a risk management mechanism for companies, as the risk of a faulty or fraudulent transaction is removed. Digital securities are also incredibly beneficial to the company when preparing for any capital activity since the company’s records are transparent and readily available. With traditional securities, the company would typically hire an advisor to review all company documents. If the company has issued digital securities, this cost is eliminated, as it is already in an immutable form.  

 

With digital securities, investors may receive “tokens,” which are registered investment vehicles and represent ownership in a company. This is often referred to as tokenization, a coin termed in 2010, but has since become less popular in favor of the term digital securities. The reason is that digital securities and digital assets became the preferred term to accurately convey the time, effort, and reliability in this form of investment.

 

There has also been an increase in the discussion surrounding another blockchain-based asset, NFTs. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique cryptographic assets that cannot be replicated and stored on a blockchain. However, it is essential to remember that not all digital assets meet digital security requirements. However, if an NFT can meet the digital security requirements, they can be offered through raises under exemptions like Regulation A+.

 

If you would like to learn more about how issuers can leverage digital securities for RegCF offerings, be sure to check out the upcoming KoreSummit event on November 18th, 2021, starting at 12 PM EST.

KorePartner Spotlight: Paul Karrlsson-Willis, CEO of JUSTLY

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 billion investments ESG-focused private capital between 2015 and 2020 was invested last year alone. Paul has over 30 years of experience in financial services businesses and has expertise in building out a company’s global footprint.

 

We took some time to speak with Paul to learn more about himself and his firm. Here’s what he had to say. 

 

Why did you become involved in this industry?  

 

When I left school there was major unemployment in the UK so the government came up with the “youth opportunity scheme” which was an intern program at various companies which the government-funded. I was fortunate to be accepted into this program by the London Stock Exchange who placed me with a broker-dealer, Capel-Cure Myers, and never looked back.

 

What services does your company provide for RegA+ offerings? 

 

We can offer everything from front to back for Reg A+, Reg CF, and Reg. D as a result of having great partners such as KoreConX. Our true value is in our ability to work with the issuers and understand their businesses and needs. Our parent company–Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX)–started no different from the issuers we support and still invests in private equity companies. It’s in our DNA.  

 

What are your unique areas of expertise? 

 

Over my 30+ career, I have continually been given various businesses, products, and groups to build or rejuvenate, many have gone on to be leaders in their space. A good example was when Fidelity hired me in the UK to build a global trading product for their retail clients base, knowing I had no experience in foreign equities and this was after 3 previous attempts had failed. We were up and running in 3 months and when they asked me to come to the US to do the same, the UK business was profitable. At Fidelity Capital Markets (US) we went from being only able to do everything in USD, to being fully multi-currency, able to trade in over 47 countries in real-time. As a result, Fidelity retail was the first retail US broker-dealer to offer global trading in real-time. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked my way up through the business and therefore know how things get from A to Z and the issues you will come across.  I love to learn; I hate being the smartest person in the room, which is why I try to make sure I have a team that is knowledgeable and feels empowered. I’m very passionate and treat everything I build as part of me, as I believe it reflects on me personally.

 

What excites you about this industry? 

 

Up until now, not very much. It’s been a job I have always put more than 100% into to support my wonderful family. JUSTLY has given me the ability to build something that can genuinely make an impact and help others. Every day, I think about making a difference and not feeding the machine or massaging someone’s ego. Don’t get me wrong, my job is to generate revenue and make JUSTLY profitable, but by making that difference, we will as they go hand-in-hand.

 

How is a partnership with KoreConX the right fit for your company?  

 

KoreConX has the complete platform, amazing expertise and therefore enables JUSTLY to focus on making an IMPACT! True success is never achieved on your own; you need a team and great partners. There is no better partner in this space than KoreConX.

 

What are the Benefits of Digital Securities for Issuers and Investors?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 appearance, digital securities have come to represent any debt, equity, or asset that is registered and transferred electronically using blockchain technology. 

 

Digital securities are made possible by blockchain, also known as “distributed ledger technology”. Distributed ledger technology is a database where transactions are continually appended and verified across by multiple participants, ensuring that each transaction has a “witness” to validate its legitimacy. By the nature of the system, it is more difficult for hackers to manipulate, as copies of the ledger are decentralized or located across multiple different locations. Changes to one copy would be impossible, as the others would recognize it as invalid.

 

Distributed ledger technology allows digital securities to be incredibly secure. Ownership is easily recorded and verified through the distributed ledger, a huge benefit over traditional securities. Any transfer of digital securities is also recorded and with each copy of the transaction stored separately, multiple witnesses of the transaction exist to corroborate it. 

 

With traditional securities, investors can lose their certificate of ownership or companies can delete key files detailing who their investors are. Without a certificate, proving how many shares an investor owns would be incredibly challenging. In contrast, digital security ownership is immutable. Investors are protected by always being able to prove their ownership since the record cannot be deleted or altered by anyone. Additionally, investors can view all information that is related to the shares they’ve purchased, such as their voting rights and their ability to share and manage their portfolios with both accuracy and confidence. 

 

Since the record is unchangeable, it also serves as a risk management mechanism for companies, as the risk of a faulty or fraudulent transaction occurring is removed. Digital securities are also greatly beneficial to the company when preparing for any capital activity since the company’s records are transparent and readily available. With traditional securities, the company would typically hire an advisor to review all company documents. If the company has issued digital securities, this cost is eliminated, as it is already in an immutable form.  

 

Also making digital securities possible are smart contracts that eliminate manual paperwork, creating an automated system on which digital securities can be managed. Integrated into the securities is the smart contract, which has preprogrammed protocols for the exchange of digital securities. Without the time-consuming paper process, companies can utilize digital securities to raise funds from a larger pool of investors, such as the case with crowdfunding. Rather than keeping manual records of each transaction, the smart contract automatically tracks and calculates funds and distributes securities to investors. 

 

Companies that are looking to provide their investors with the ability to trade digital securities must be aware that they are required to follow the same rules set by the SEC for the sale and exchange of traditional securities such as registering the offering with the SEC. This ensures that potential investors are provided with information compliant with securities regulation worldwide. According to the SEC, investors must receive ongoing disclosures from the issuer so they can make informed decisions regarding ownership of their securities. Companies that are not compliant with the SEC can face severe penalties and may be required to reimburse investors who purchased the unregistered offerings. 

 

Besides the companies offering securities, broker-dealers must also register with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Similarly, platforms on which digital securities can be traded must register as an Alternative Trading System operator with the SEC. Both broker-dealers and ATS operators can face severe penalties if not properly registered. 

 

Possibly the greatest benefit of digital securities is that it allows for smoother secondary market transactions. With records of ownership clear and unchangeable, an investor can easily bring their shares to a secondary market. Transactions are more efficient and parties have easy access to all necessary information regarding the securities being traded, removing the friction that is typically seen with traditional securities. 

 

At KoreConX, the KoreChain platform is a fully permissioned blockchain, allowing for companies to issue fully compliant digital securities. Records are updated in real-time as transactions occur, eliminating errors that would occur when transferring information from another source. The platform securely manages transactions, providing investors with support and portfolio management capabilities. Additionally, the KoreChain is not tied to cryptocurrencies, so it is a less attractive target for potential crypto thieves. KoreChain allows companies to manage their offerings and company data with the highest level of accuracy and transparency.

 

Since digital securities face the same regulatory rules as traditional ones, investors are protected by the SEC against fraudulent offerings. This, together with the security and transparency that blockchain technology allows, creates a form of investment that is better for investors and issuers alike. Since the process is simplified and errors are decreased without redundant paperwork, issuers have the potential to raise capital more efficiently. They will also be better prepared for future capital activity. For investors, a more secure form of security protects them from potential fraud and losses on their investments. With digital securities still in their infancy, it will be exciting to see how this method of investment changes the industry. 

What is the Difference Between the Public and Private Capital Markets?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

 

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 differences between the two types of capital markets, including how they function and their role in economic development. 

 

Public Capital Markets

Public capital markets consist of equity and debt markets where buyers and sellers trade with each other daily. Many companies use this type of market to raise new capital or sell their existing stocks. It is typically easier for publicly traded companies to use these markets than private ones because traditionally, a wider pool of investors is available, and shares provide a significant amount of liquidity. Most investors use public markets to invest in companies, which buys them a partial interest in a company. It is also where many companies go when they want to raise new capital to fund their business operations. 

 

Private Capital Markets

Private capital markets are where privately-held companies can sell equity to investors like private equity, venture capital firms, and even individuals. This sale of securities is typically exempt from registration with the SEC and may come in the form of a Reg A, Reg CF, or Reg D offering. Before the JOBS Act, these types of investments were limited to high net-worth individuals and institutional investors. Post JOBS Act, even everyday investors can get a piece of a private company, which may offer a significant return if that company ever goes public through an IPO. Additionally, offerings in the private sector typically cost less to the issuer than an IPO, which makes JOBS Acts exemptions a very attractive form of fundraising. 

 

Because of the history of the private capital markets, there are misconceptions that it is expensive to invest. However, Reg A and Reg CF offerings can be affordable for investors, with investments for hundreds of dollars or less. However, non-accredited investors are limited to the amount they can invest each year by their annual income or net worth. The same restrictions don’t apply to private companies. Additionally, investors in the private capital markets have the potential for liquidity through alternative trading systems. 

 

Publicly traded companies are listed on an exchange so that anyone can buy their stocks. This means they have to follow specific guidelines set by the SEC to maintain listing requirements. Private company stock is not publicly available for trading, but there are still ways you may be able to get your hands on some shares. It’s important to note that different securities trade differently depending on where they’re bought from, and choosing the public or private capital market is the first step in any investment.

 

 

 

The Economy and the Private Capital Markets

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 people or institutions with capital to invest and companies who need it, fueling the economy with jobs, goods, and services. Unlike the public market, which consists of companies listed on a stock exchange and registered with the SEC, private companies are not required to be SEC-registered. Investments in this sector include alternative investments like private equity, JOBS Act exemptions, venture capital, and private lending. 

 

Although public companies have a significant impact on the economy, the number of private companies far outweighs the number of public companies. As of 2020, close to 6,000 companies were traded on NASDAQ or the NYSE. It is often more challenging to determine the actual number of private companies since they don’t have to be registered with the SEC. However, there are 31.7 million small companies, which account for 99.9% of US businesses and employ nearly half of the population. Public companies only represent a small fraction of the companies that have a profound effect on the economy.

 

This impact of the private capital market only continues to increase as companies stay private longer. At the turn of the millennium, companies stayed private for an average of four years before their IPO. However, this has since tripled to nearly 12 years. This means that throughout the lifecycle of a private company, they will have much more activity within the private capital markets. 

 

The private capital markets are often overlooked when discussing the economy of a country. However, these markets can be very influential to its economic well-being and citizens, contributing to the GDP and providing employment opportunities. Private capital markets affect the economy by providing loans for businesses and allowing new investments to take place. In turn, these companies can continue to innovate to bring new products and services to market. As the economy recovers from the pandemic, the influence of private companies will continue to affect our economy and encourage its growth.

How KoreChain Helps Companies Raise Capital Compliantly

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 SEC-compliant blockchain technology to connect broker-dealers, investors, companies, secondary market alternative trading systems, banking whales,  and all stakeholders in private capital markets.

 

KoreChain overview:

  • KoreChain is a permissioned blockchain.
  • KoreChain is built on enterprise-class industrial-strength hyper ledger fabric.
  • KoreChain is safe and secure: hosted on IBMs servers with the highest level of security (FIPS 140-2 level 4).
  • KoreChain is wholly focused on tokenized securities for global private capital markets. 

 

The technology enables a roadmap that others can adopt as long as they go through the qualification process to create fully SEC-compliant stable coins, NFTs, or other blockchain offerings. By being fully SEC-compliant, KoreChain offered by KoreConX is putting best practices forward, supplying the industry with standardization about market infrastructure, regulation, and how the latest and best technology can collaborate for the best outcome.

 

Why Utilize KoreChain?

The new SEC commissioner is not against cryptocurrencies; instead, he wants these offerings to utilize regulations instead of accessing these technologies through the side or back door. Using SEC regulations provides efficiency, transparency, and secondary liquidity, particularly helpful in private markets. The KoreChain technology allows you to offer all of this when creating assets on the blockchain.

 

The characters that differentiate KoreChain from other blockchains are: 

  • Permissioned 
  • Governed (including separate audit chain)
  • Complete lifecycle management of contracts
  • Event management
  • Artificial Intelligience 
  • Modular
  • APIs that integrate with the ecosystem

 

The KoreChain is the first fully SEC-compliant blockchain that meets regulations, encouraging understanding of SEC rules, regulations, and participants. The blockchain provides added confidence, so those using blockchain technologies find the process more efficient, from the investor to everyone involved. The KoreChain is a transparent solution that shortens the cycle of creation for anyone involved because investors can follow a fully SEC-compliant playbook through the entire process. 

What is an NFT?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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. This means that by being non-fungible, NFTs cannot be traded or exchanged for an identical asset; one NFT cannot be exchanged for another NFT.

Throughout 2021, we have seen the meteoric rise in popularity of NFT, which can represent assets from artwork to videos and even real estate. In the case of artwork, it may be hard for someone to understand the value of buying a digital asset. The importance is ownership; the blockchain on which the NFT is stored verifies the identity of the asset’s owner in an immutable ledger. 

In the discussion on NFTs, it is essential to consider that not all digital assets are classified as securities. Based on the Supreme Court’s Howey case, the Howey Test helps determine whether an investment contract exists and is used to classify digital assets. With this test, an investment contract typically exists “there is the investment of money in a common enterprise with a reasonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others.” If a digital asset meets these requirements and is classified as a digital security, it must be registered with the SEC or exempt from registration. With registration, issuers are required to disclose certain complete, non-misleading information to investors. 

If an NFT can meet the digital security requirements, they can be offered through raises that happen under exemptions like Regulation A+. NFTs are not bound by federal securities laws and pose a potential investment risk without meeting these requirements. 

What makes an NFT a good investment is its resale potential. If there is no market for the asset and it cannot be resold, it loses its value. It is not like other digital attests like cryptocurrencies, where one bitcoin is always equal in value to another. As the landscape of cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital securities continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see their role in the future private capital markets.

 

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Equity Crowdfunding Portal

Posted on by Jason Fishman

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 up to lack of marketing and business development.

However, many people don’t consider the portal themselves. Sometimes a portal and issuer don’t fit, and I’ve seen campaigns that were underperforming on one portal, achieve high success on another.

 

Thus, picking the right portal for your campaign is an extremely important component of your raise. While DNA can not advise you which portal will best suit your needs, we can give you some tips and our top five things to consider when choosing your equity crowdfunding portal.

 

So, we should explore anything you can do to set yourself up for a win and within the desired period. This is a critical component of your round.

Investor Audience Size

One benefit of using a filing with a portal is to leverage their existing investor audience. Typically as campaigns raise more, the portal’s audience takes more notice, and are more are likely to invest.

From firsthand experience, I can say that as portal technology and user experience improves, the larger these investor communities are growing. Pick a portal with a large, engaged, and active audience. Don’t forget to ask the portal how they leverage their audience during the course of your campaign for more success.

Vertical Focuses

As equity crowdfunding grows in popularity, more and more portals are emerging, dedicated to a specific focus. For example, Bioverge, is specifically tailored to healthcare startups, while Waterworks, is geared towards technologies advancing water solutions.

Not only do these platforms attract a very specific and engaged industry audience in that industry, but they typically have an experienced team that has a strong portfolio of niche-specific deals, and understands the nuances around their specific area of focus. If a platform can show a list of campaigns they have done successfully in that industry and have a high volume of investors attached to it, they will be valuable resources for an issuer.

A niche-specific could be a great option for your campaign, however take into consideration many are still in development and growing compared to the more-established and well known portals.

Success Rates

The data you need is out there.

I highly recommend starting at KingsCrowd, as most of their information is available for free or a very light subscription fee. On KingsCrowd you can do due diligence on each portal and their success rates.

You can also look at their analyst reports to see top deals, deals for an industry, deals per portal, and how much they have raised. Set a benchmark for yourself, and note which campaigns and platforms hit your benchmarks.

You may find that the volume of campaigns these portals have taken on has dropped in the past months, especially when you are looking at entry-level or mid-tier portals. You may find that it has skyrocketed. How many campaigns are below or above a milestone level may also stand out to you.

The numbers don’t lie. Take in as much data as you can to see how successful campaigns are currently doing on their platform.

Customer Service

Equity crowdfunding campaigns have a lot of ups and downs, and when your campaign isn’t performing you have to rely on your portals team to support and provide white-glove customer service..

You can get a sense of what the experience will be during your meet and greet. I recommend asking the following questions and paying attention to the working experience:

  • Who will be your day-to-day point of contact is?

  • What does the working process together look like during the pre-stages of your live campaign?

  • How do you optimize when things are not going according to plan?

  • Is the portal going to disappear and be afraid to talk to you?

  • Are they going to come to the table with constructive recommendations?

  • Is there anything they can do to go the extra mile among promotions to their existing audience?

  • When the campaign is going according to plan and ramping up at speed, how can you scale and get there quicker?

  • What will their partnership with you look like at those stages?

 

I would also recommend speaking to three or more portals, and look to intuition about who is committed to your deal and confident in the success of it among their investor audience on their platform.

Added Value

This is a bit of a controversial topic because the SEC requires portals to treat each issuer the same. But they have different benchmarks that once you hit the increments of capital funding, they promote you to their email audience.

But if any groups show so much confidence in your deal that they will bring more to the table, I would note that in the review process. Some of these things include:

  • Private investor groups

  • Special placement on the site

  • Additional promotions

  • Introductions to different accelerators or different VC groups that back the deal beforehand

  • Introductions to various types of angel investors, strategic partners, industry experts, and more

 

However, I would not shape my selection merely on this factor, but be cognizant of it. Crowdfunding is essentially a team sport that occurs within a small window of time. The more resources you bring to the table, the better.

So, if there is any portal giving you additional value beyond their standard package because of how they envision it equating to your success, it could be a factor in your decision-making process.

Pick Your Portal Carefully!

Listing your deal will not ensure ANY results.

Setting up and managing a successful campaign takes careful planning and forethought, especially when it comes to picking your portal. Having a strong understanding of the top portals available is going to be an educational and helpful process across the board.

Here are some of the top portals available for you to consider:

 

 

You may get tips from one portal that you apply to another, and it is important to become part of the entire equity crowdfunding ecosystem rather than selecting a partner and move on. These relationships continue, so I encourage you to map out what a relationship could look like with each portal, and nurture it.

Cannabis: An Emerging Market for RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 340,000 jobs. As of 2019, 67% of Americans believe that regulators should legalize marijuana, an astounding 20% increase from a decade ago.

These factors have created an excellent opportunity for companies in this space. As public perceptions continue to rise, investments in cannabis companies may become more attractive to retail and accredited investors. In 2019, cannabis companies received nearly $117 billion in investments, displaying some of the investors’ significant interest in the space. Opportunities will only continue to increase as the industry progresses. Projections show that by 2028, cannabis will be an industry worth $70.8 billion globally. In the US alone, cannabis sales in the US in 2021 alone are predicted to reach $21 billion. 

The combination of investor interest and industry valuation could mean that raising capital through exemptions like Regulation A+ could prove to be an incredible opportunity for companies and investors alike. Already, many cannabis companies are seeing success through these opportunities. Early this year, Gage Cannabis closed their Regulation A+ offering after securing $50 million in funding and adding 1,000 shareholders to their cap table. This one success is not an outlier, as other issuers have been seeing success as well. 

It will be interesting to see how the industry and investment opportunities within cannabis will expand with the upward trend of public perception. Additionally, as more states continue to legalize, more businesses will emerge, jobs will form, and investors will invest in an emerging market.

Along with our partners, KoreConX hosted a webinar on why RegA+ may be the perfect fit for companies in the cannabis space. If you missed the live event or want to rewatch it, visit our YouTube channel to access the full recording of the event. If you would like to contact any of our speakers or view the full schedule, please visit our KoreSummit site.

$1 Billion Raised Through RegCF

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 return ownership to company founders. Recently, the amount of capital raised under Regulation CF offerings has reached an amazing milestone: $1 Billion USD over the lifetime of the exemption. 

 

This tremendous achievement would not have been achieved without the great work done by those in this sector. As of June 2020, there were 51 active RegCF funding platforms, a number that continues to grow as we see continued expansion on offering limits from regulators to make this funding method even more powerful. Now, over a year later, and after RegCF offering limits increased to $5M USD, we see nearly 70 regulated crowdfunding portals registered with FINRA.

 

We would not be arriving at this milestone today without the great work our of KorePartners in the industry, many of which have the same mission of creating equal access to the private capital markets for the everyday investor and include:

 

 

And perhaps most importantly, we would like to thank you: the investors who have poured capital into causes and businesses you are passionate about. Without your investments, we would be a long road away from the milestone we celebrate today. You have made the JOBS Act a reality and a phenomenal success that we could not have achieved without you. The everyday investors have been the lifeblood of this industry, fueling innovation, company growth, and job creations with your investments.

 

With more capital poured into private companies through these regulations, there is more opportunity than ever before for companies to succeed and investors to get involved with innovative, industry-changing companies. Such opportunities were previously unavailable to Main Street investors, but the JOBS Act has radically changed this landscape. After the incredible growth over the last nine years since the JOBS Act’s initial passage, it will be exciting to see how the space progresses over the next decade. 

 

Hooray to $1 Billion USD and counting!

 

As we move into the future, this is the group that will advance RegCF to raise $5 Billion USD for private companies:

Reflecting on Canadian Small Business Week

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 on Small Business Week. He said, “As we mark the start of Small Business Week in Canada, we recognize that the past year and a half have been difficult for small businesses, their owners, and their employees. Small businesses across the country were asked to make countless sacrifices to protect the health and safety of people and communities. Through it all, they have shown incredible courage and resilience, and an unprecedented ability to adapt and innovate. And while some businesses have now reopened their doors, many still need support as they continue to grapple with the impacts of the pandemic.”

 

This idea comes jointly with unprecedented access to capital raising opportunities. In March 2021, updated to offering limits under Regulation CF increase to $5 million USD, which small businesses can use to fuel innovation and job creations. When RegCF was first signed into law through the JOBS Act in 2012, the mission was to democratize capital to allow anyone to invest, give company ownership back to founders, and create jobs.

 

With 8.4 million individuals or 68.8% of the Canadian workforce employed by small businesses, it is clear to see their vitally important role in the economy. Similarly, small businesses were responsible for 35.8% of the employment growth between 2014 and 2019. “Small businesses drive our economy by creating the goods and services we need while employing millions of Canadians,” added Trudeau in his statement. 

 

Even as small businesses continue to recover from the global pandemic, capital raising opportunities like RegCF, which are cost-effective, can provide needed relief. Additionally, they can be incredibly successful, especially for small businesses with dedicated and loyal customers willing to invest. 

 

Tokenization in RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 to support the compliance, regulations, and legal requirements of a security. Instead, digital securities and digital assets became the preferred term to accurately convey the time, effort, and reliability in this form of investment.

 

Digital securities will have a transformative impact on the capital markets. For example, when the public market was built more than 100 years ago, the technological tools of today were unavailable. As the system has aged, it has become antiquated. These new forms of securities will result in a more efficient, equitable, and accessible capital market system for both issuers and investors. However, since the technology is so new, the educational component will be the next hurdle because many still are unaware of what digital securities are. 

 

It is important to consider that digital securities are not about disintermediation, but instead intermediation with the right efficiency and focus, bringing together the right parties like broker-dealers, lawyers, and transfer agents. Unlike other digital assets, digital securities are regulated by securities laws, and having the right processes in place ensures that raises are done compliantly. If a RegA+ raise is structured improperly, it could mean the company has to refund investors of their investment. 

 

Because many investors don’t want to hear the term tokenization or digital asset, the educational component will be essential for the widespread adoption of digital securities. However, as digital securities make investment processes frictionless, we will continue to see how digital securities for RegA+ continue to evolve.

Meet the KorePartners: Adrian Alvarez, CEO and Co-Founder of InvestReady

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 Master’s in Business Administration.

Before InvestReady, Adrian Alvarez was the Assistant Director at the University of Miami’s launchpad program, consulting early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs. During this time, he grew very attuned to crowdfunding as became incorporated into the JOBS Act. As crowdfunding platforms emerged, Adrian noticed both potential problems and opportunities in the space. Being an attorney, he felt like he could solve some of these challenges, which lead to InvestReady.

As investments have become increasingly digitals, issuers needed a verification tool to match. With InvestReady, investors can securely and confidentially verify their identity so they can invest in crowdfunding offerings. Issuers and funding platforms are empowered by a tool that makes this processes secure and seamless. The result is SEC-compliant crowdfunding investors.

Ensuring investors meet requirements as crowdfunding continues to evolve. Just this year, the SEC increased investment limits for Regulation A+ and Regulation CF, allowing even more investors to participate in each offering. Plus, as RegCF removes accredited investor limits, ensuring these investors meet the requirements of accredited investors is essential.

Adrian has felt that working with KoreConX has been a great partnership, as it helps to bridge to other service providers like broker-dealers.

RegA+ for Real Estate

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 price tags associated with commercial real estate deals. However, the JOBS Act has done something incredible for the everyday investor; created opportunities for real estate investments that did not previously exist.

 

Traditionally, real estate investments have been capital-intensive, so managing smaller deals were too challenging to make effective. This limited who could participate. 

 

Since updates to offering limits that went live in early 2021, issuers can now raise up to $75 million for Reg+ offerings, making the exemption even more attractive to issuers in real estate. Additionally, the availability of online platforms for these offerings also contributes to their success. 

 

Through RegA+, offerings usually come in the form of a real estate investment trust or REIT to be more efficient, rather than an offering for a single property, due to the length of the SEC approval process. While investors have been able to invest in REITs for a while now, commissions and fees were usually too high and lowered returns. RegA+ for real estate has been able to introduce efficiencies that lower fees, thus, increasing returns that investors may see. 

 

In a report published by the SEC in March 2020, insurance, finance, and real estate accounted for 53% of qualified RegA+ offerings and 79% of the funds raised through the exemption. This indicates that real estate investments are incredibly attractive to investors and seeing significant success through RegA+ offerings. With the recent increase to RegA+ limits, we will only continue to see more real estate investment opportunities through the exemption. 

 

Meet the KorePartners: Eric Fischgrund of FischTank PR

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 heart, so public relations was a natural career match for me.” Continuing to learn every day from his clients has always enticed him to continue in his career path, as “constantly learning client subject matter and determining how to deliver their message to the market, provides me with an ongoing (and free!) education.” He prides himself on his ability to understand his clients’ businesses and apply a unique skill set to achieve results.

 

Passionate about both the public relations industry and investment space, Eric is excited about the future and the opportunities it will bring for both companies and investors. He says: “Entrepreneurs need capital and main street investors deserve high growth opportunities, so this is two birds and one stone. I also enjoy working in emerging industries, such as sustainability, renewables, cleantech, IIoT and IoT, healthcare tech, cannabis, and others. So many innovators in these sectors are utilizing equity crowdfunding to grow their business.” 

 

Through the introduction of RegA+, companies have access to a fundraising route that is favorable to small startups as well and allows a wider pool of investors access to high-growth investment opportunities. Eric says: “Historically, it’s taken significant capital, legal costs, marketing and communications requirements, and more to raise capital. Similarly, the venture capitalists, private equity firms and individual high net worth investors are the ones presented with the highest growth investment opportunities.” RegA+ levels the playing field, eliminating these problems. “It enables entrepreneurs to raise capital online, grow their brand simultaneously,” while allowing main street investors to make investments for as low as a few hundred or thousand dollars. 

 

Despite the incredible opportunity RegA+ presents, Eric feels that there is much misinformation circulating about how to raise capital. He says: “Professionals that don’t understand the nuances of the regulation can too easily take advantage of entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors, which hurts all of us. This is why I’m encouraged by the KoreConX platform bringing the experts together.” Establishing a partnership with KoreConX was a perfect fit, as FischTank works to partner with strong businesses and companies. “We also strive to make the world a better place, and many of the innovators and companies we work with are developing technologies and services that do just that,” Eric said.

 

For companies that are looking to raise capital, working with a PR agency is important for their success. When potential investors are looking to learn more about a company they have an interest in investing in, one of the first things they will do is Google it. “If there is plenty of editorial search results, especially on the first page, and constant news, the company is going to appear credible and appealing,” Eric said. Additionally, effective PR can also be utilized from a marketing perspective. “Press coverage not only attracts attention but it can be used as sales/marketing tools for investor outreach and relations functions.” At FischTank, they provide a wide variety of public relations and marketing services to their clients. They take care of media and press coverage, email marketing, social media, and content writing so that you can raise capital effectively and successfully. 

 

What is a Securities Manual?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 company to allow its shareholders to transact on a secondary market, Blue Sky Laws also must be met. Since each state may have very different compliance requirements, an issuer can file what is referred to as a manual exemption. With the manual exemption, the issuer is required to be listed in a nationally recognized securities manual. 

 

Securities manuals are publications that include specific information and financial statements of an issuer. Examples of securities manuals include Mergent’s and Standard & Poor’s. Listing in these manuals allows issuers to sell securities in a particular state without registration as long as the manual is recognized by the state. The issuer must include:

 

  • The names of issuers, directors, and officers
  • The balance sheet
  • A profit and loss statement from the most recent fiscal year

 

As such, a securities manual is a collection of this data from many companies. For example, Mergent’s has a database of over 25,000 active and inactive companies. By being listed in a similar, nationally recognized manual, an issuer can be a step closer to maintaining compliance for their offering.

KorePartner Spotlight: Bill Humphrey, CEO and Co-Founder of New Direction Trust Company

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 IRA to offer a service-based solution for self-directed investors to diversify their retirement portfolios. Fifteen years later, New Direction IRA became New Direction Trust Company.

 

Under traditional securities firms, Bill noticed that investors could only make investments on Wall Street but didn’t agree with that idea. Instead, he believed that people should have the opportunity to invest in something they understand, they just needed a custodian. Bill has a passion for education and empowering his clients to invest in what they want. He is driven to make self-direction intuitive, modern, and digitally powered.

 

At New Direction Trust Company, the firm acts as a custodian for IRAs, HSAs, and 401K accounts. These types of plans are uniquely suited for investments; there is more money in an IRA than in the pockets of the account holders. Through Regulation A+, investors can use IRAs to make investments in private offerings, creating more opportunities for people to invest. Such opportunities allow investments in companies that may evolve into large companies. Traditionally, these opportunities were only available to accredited investors, leaving the retail investors out of the significant return of an IPO.

 

The firm places a large emphasis on automating the processes of making these investments. Historically, paperwork has been slow and unattractive to investors. Instead, the experience should be similar to investing on Wall Street. This is one of the reasons a partnership with KoreConX makes sense; both companies are aimed at many of the same things. KoreConX and New Direction Trust Company are committed to making private investment transact smoothly and through automated processes.

Join the new American Revolution – financial markets equality for all

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 to the masses.

For the first time, you and me, mom and pop, can invest in early-stage companies once exclusive to the elite investor. You know the investors I refer to: those with deep pockets that always seem to get in early, make a fortune when the company goes public, then exit the position as fast as possible to lock in significant gains.

Well, those days my friends are now a thing of the past.

Access to the best private company offerings

Retail investors now have access to some of the best private companies available at the early stage. Imagine investing in Tesla, Amazon or Coinbase before they listed on the “big” boards like the NYSE and Nasdaq, you know, during that high growth period where the real money can be made.

Accessing private markets is not in any way a guarantee for future gains however, because everyone who can pass anti-money-laundering (AML) and know your client (KYC) can get access to these companies now.

Hundreds of thousands private investors are joining the crowdfunding revolution

But how did we get this much wider access? It’s due to the JOBS Act of 2012 creating two new ways for private companies to raise money – Regulation A+ and Regulation CF (CF is short for crowd funding).

These two new rules (or exemptions as they are formally known) allow private companies to raise up to $75 million via Regulation A+ or up to $5 million via Regulation CF.

And anyone can invest in them. You no longer have to be a high-net-worth investor to get access – you can just be you. It’s a revolutionary development now gaining rapid adoption across the private markets’ landscape, allowing everyday citizens and traditional large financial institutions to invest side by side.

Gaining access to these previously inaccessible assets is a huge step in the right direction, but there is one more exciting angle to these assets. Drum roll, please….

Secondary Market for RegA+

Secondary markets mean if you bought a private placement security, say a Regulation A+, in the primary market (when the private company is open to outside investors) and want more of it or need the money you originally invested to pay off student loans or put a down payment on a home, you can now monetize that investment and get your money well before the company sells or goes public.

And there is an SEC regulated marketplace to buy and sell private placement securities. This means investors in private securities have a government regulator looking out for them, not some fly-by-night unregulated crypto operation run by novice entrepreneurs but a full-blown marketplace to match any buyers to the sellers and any sellers to the buyers.

This regulated matching facility is called an ATS (Alternative Trading System) and the professional investors on Wall Street have used these for years to get the best price and least amount of market impact as possible. But now anyone can access the world of private placements through a regulated ATS like ours at Rialto Markets.

Rialto’s team has built numerous Alternative Trading Systems in the traditional capital markets arena and has now leveraged that huge experience to launch its new ATS for private securities, enabling all investors – from retail to high end institutions – to participate in secondary markets for private securities.

Secondary trading for private securities? Yup. It’s a whole new and brave new world.

What is a Company’s Duty to its Shareholders?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 needed capital without the costly expense of going public through an IPO.

 

However, this increased access to capital does not come without great responsibilities. Any company taking investments from shareholders are obligated to carry out their duties to their shareholders.

 

By definition, shareholders own a portion of the company depending on how much they have invested. With that ownership, shareholders are granted rights such as voting, access information, and participate in meetings. As a company that has taken investments from these individuals, the company must ensure that these rights are maintained.

 

First, companies are required to hold an annual general meeting, sometimes called an annual shareholder meeting. During these meetings, companies must present information on the company and allow shareholders to vote on company matters. It is the company’s duty to shareholders to conduct this meeting within 150 days of the end of their fiscal year, notifying shareholders no less than 20 days before and no more than 50 days before the meeting is scheduled to be held. If a shareholder is not able to attend, they should be able to cast their vote by proxy.

 

Additionally, companies must allow shareholders to access the information they are permitted to view. Such information includes the company’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, financial statements, meeting minutes, and corporate stock ledgers. The company must provide this information to its shareholders when requested.

 

Beyond these duties, it is also the duty of the company, its directors, and leadership to make business decisions with good judgment. In transactions, the directors should not personally benefit from any decision at the company’s expense. Officers should also conduct themselves the same way, decisions should be made so that they are in the best interest of the company.

 

Any company with shareholders is responsible for conducting business in the best interest of the shareholders and the company itself. Shareholders must be required to vote on significant decisions, while the company must provide shareholders with important company information they are permitted to have access to. Maintaining these duties is essential to good and legal business practices.

As a Canadian Company, can Canadians Invest in Your RegA+?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 Canadian, law.

 

Because Reg A+ is a US regulation, it makes it incredibly simple for Canadian companies to raise money from investors based in the United States. They go through the standard procedures for Tier 1 or 2 offerings before making the offering available to investors. On the other hand, Canadians investing in Canadian companies through Reg A+ is a little more challenging to be done.

 

In theory, it is possible. The issuer would need to be qualified in each Canadian province they are conducting the offering in. They can seek a Canadian equivalent of a broker-dealer to structure the offering so that investors can invest. In practice, this is not done very often, as meeting compliance requirements for all Canadian provinces is challenging in addition to US compliance requirements. In addition, the cost would be far more than the potential upside. Interestingly enough, Canadian regulators have created rules for secondary trading that give Canadian investors more opportunities to invest. Canadian investors can “hop the border,” so to speak, and buy securities in a secondary market transaction. This allows Canadians to purchase securities in a Canadian company.

 

Even though Canadian companies could technically raise money from Canadians under Reg A+, it is often cost-prohibitive. That does not mean investors are out of luck. Through secondary market transactions, Canadian investors can purchase securities in Canadian companies, allowing them to become shareholders.

Why do I need Blue Sky registration for Secondary Trading?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 securities exchange, like the NASDAQ or New York Stock Exchange, investors in private companies have been somewhat limited in their options for liquidity.

 

This created the need for a secondary market on which investors could sell shares to other interested buyers, rather than waiting for the company to go public through an IPO to sell their shares. However, when it comes to enabling investors to be able to access secondary market platforms for their shares, there are a few things issuers need to consider.

 

First, just as the original offering has to comply with the Blue Sky laws in the states they choose to do business in, secondary market trading falls under the same requirements. For offerings that fall under the Tier 1 Reg A+, offerings are required to meet the blue sky requirements in each state and must be reviewed and registered by the state and the SEC. For Tier 2 offerings, the offering preempts Blue Sky laws and does not require review and registration. Some states also require issuers to work with a broker-dealer for the offering, so issuers should pay careful attention to that requirement when preparing their offering.

 

Similarly to complying with the laws governing raising capital, issuers must also comply with the laws that govern secondary trading markets in the states they are looking to make secondary trading available in. Since Blue Sky laws vary between jurisdictions, it can be difficult for issuers to maintain compliance with the laws in each state. In this case, issuers can file for “manual exemption” of the Blue Sky laws, accepted in numerous states. This means that issuers can qualify for secondary trading as long as they meet disclosure requirements, like meeting financial standards and ensuring that key company information is listed in a national securities manual.

 

While meeting compliance requirements to offer secondary trading to investors may seem like a challenging task, working with a broker-dealer can ensure you are meeting all requirements. As an issuer, once you can offer secondary trading, your investors will benefit from liquidity options for their shares.

How often do I need to hold an AGM?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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. This year, on Saturday, May 1st in Los Angeles, Buffet was joined by, as Yahoo Finance reported, “Vice Chairman Charlie Munger and both shared their unscripted views on Berkshire Hathaway, the markets, the economy, corporate governance, and a lot more.”

 

This example is only one of what an AGM can be. First, these meetings are required by regulations imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). An AGM, as the name suggests, is a meeting held every year for shareholders. This is the time for a company’s board of directors to present information to the shareholders and a chance for shareholders to exercise their right to vote, given to them by owning a share, after hearing the vision and direction of the company.

 

Some specific requirements are defined by each state in which a public or private company is incorporated, however, they follow a general set of what should happen at each. This variance comes from the company’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, and state requirements. The typical AGM breaks down as follows: 

 

  • Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting 
  • Financial statements
  • Ratification of the director’s actions
  • Election of the board of directors
  • Concerns and questions from Shareholders

 

While shareholders are the focus of this meeting, they are not always available for the meeting. For this reason, they can vote by proxy via an online avenue or by mail. In addition, the SEC requires public companies to make meeting information available online for shareholders, so that they can be informed of their votes. Meeting information is also submitted to the SEC for regulatory compliance and sets the specific date and time for the meeting. These reporting requirements are a means to provide transparency for shareholders and the accountability of company management. 

 

The question of how often to hold an annual general meeting is every year. More specifically, from Cornell Law:

 

“An annual meeting of the shareholders of the subsidiary holding company for the election of directors and for the transaction of any other business of the subsidiary holding company shall be held annually within 150 days after the end of the subsidiary holding company’s fiscal year.”

 

Shareholders will also need to be notified a minimum of 20 days and a maximum of 50 days before the event. Outside of this yearly meeting for shareholders, if there is an action that the company needs shareholder votes for and cannot wait for the next annual meeting, they can call an Extraordinary General Meeting. EGMs are meant for urgent matters that cannot wait.

Why do I need a FINRA Broker-Dealer?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 trading for its own account means they are acting as a dealer. 

 

In the United States, Congress has granted the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) authorization to protect American investors by ensuring that brokers operate fairly and honestly. The organization is non-governmental and non-profit, acting independently to ensure that the rules governing brokers are adhered to. The organization states: “Every investor in America relies on one thing: fair financial markets.” FINRA oversees over 624,000 brokers across the country, ensuring that their activities adhere to all necessary rules. 

 

As a company engaged in capital market activities, choosing a broker-dealer to work with is critical to your success. For example, under Regulation A+, some states require issuers to work with a broker-dealer to offer securities in that jurisdiction. This allows issuers to maintain compliance with the SEC and other regulatory entities. Additionally, working with a FINRA-registered broker-dealer will give potential investors more confidence in the compliance of your operations. FINRA registration ensures that your broker-dealer partner has:

 

  • Been tested, qualified, and licensed;
  • Every securities product is listed truthfully;
  • Securities are suitable for an investor;
  • And investors receive complete disclosure.

 

This information ensures that broker-dealers are operating in the best interests of the investors, ensuring that the issuer provides all necessary and required information to make good investment decisions. In addition, investors (and issuers) can verify a broker-dealer’s status through BrokerCheck, a service provided by FINRA. BrokerCheck gives information on a broker-dealer’s licensing status, whether they are registered to give investment advice or registered to sell securities. Additionally, the service allows people to see regulatory actions against brokers, complaints, and employment history. Through this information, investors can validate the status of a broker to ensure they are dealing with legitimate firms. 

 

As an issuer, a FINRA broker-dealer improves compliance measures. The broker-dealer will be required to perform regulatory checks on investors such as KYC, AML, and investor suitability to ensure investors are appropriate for the company. Additionally, they will perform due diligence on you so that they can be assured that your company is operating in a manner compliant with securities laws so that they do not present false information to investors. Failing to meet compliance standards can result in the issuer being left responsible for severe penalties, such as returning all money raised to investors. 

 

Working with a FINRA-registered broker-dealer ensures that, as a company, you are meeting all legal requirements when offering securities for sales. FINRA makes sure that broker-dealers, and the issuers they work with, act transparently and honestly to keep the private capital market fair for investors.

 

How Does RegA+ Impact the Life Sciences Industry?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 exemptions like RegA+ give them to raise unprecedented capital in the private market. Before the JOBS Act, private investments were limited to wealthy, accredited investors, private equity firms, venture capital, and other players. However, when the legislation opened up investment opportunities to retail investors, companies were suddenly able to tap into a new pool of potential investors. In addition to making investment opportunities more accessible, the JOBS Act was also created to create jobs and foster innovation in America. 

 

These factors make RegA+ particularly well-suited for the life sciences industry. Retail investors typically make investments in companies they support and believe in. Life science companies aim to develop innovative treatments for medical conditions, make life easier for those with chronic conditions, and discover new medicines that can dramatically improve a patient’s life. Through RegA+, the ability of the everyday individual to invest in these deals is powerful. People will want to invest in a company developing treatments for conditions that have personally affected their lives or a loved one. 

 

Recent research has found that, in the post-JOBS Act economy, there has been a 219% increase in biotech companies going public in an IPO. Many of these companies are focused on developing treatments for rare conditions and cancers. Funding received through JOBS Act exemptions has significantly reduced the time to IPO after benefiting from raising earlier capital at a lower cost. Not only does this have beneficial economic implications, the advancement and funding of life sciences companies will positively impact humanity itself. Being able to identify treatments to life-threatening conditions can extend lifespans and enhance the quality of life significantly. Instead of certain conditions having terminal diagnoses, patients would have options to recover and treat their illnesses. 

 

However, companies in the life sciences space typically require significant capital to fund research and development, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. Since the increase of RegA+ to a maximum of $75 million in March 2021, even more companies will likely begin to explore this capital raising route. If companies can raise needed capital sooner and easier, they can bring their innovative medical treatments, devices, and medications to market sooner as well. This means that patients would begin to benefit from new, lifesaving options even sooner. 

 

How the Unaccredited Investor Benefits from RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 been able to buy stocks of a public company, the potential for such a significant return on their investment was low. It was thought that this was to protect investors from the risk of a private company. 

However, the JOBS Act has rewritten this narrative, allowing anyone to invest in private companies raising capital through exemptions like Regulation A+. When the act was first passed into law, companies could raise up to $5 million. However, it has since undergone a few notable changes that transformed it from an infrequently used exemption to one that allows companies to raise a significant amount of capital. The first came in 2015 when Title IV amended the JOBS act to allow companies to raise up to $20 million and $50 million from tier 1 and tier 2 offerings, respectively. Again in 2020, the SEC announced further amendments allowing companies to raise up to $75 million through tier 2 offerings, which went into effect March 15, 2021. 

The amendment increased the availability of capital for private companies and created incredible investment opportunities for non-accredited investors. For investments in tier 1 offerings, there are no limits placed on investors, while tier 2 offerings limit non-accredited investors to a maxim of 10% of the greater of their net worth or annual income.

Since the change in 2015, SEC data shows the impact it has had on the number of offerings under this exemption. In 2015, only 15 companies had qualified for either tier 1 or tier 2 offerings. In 2019, this number had increased to 487 companies. With so many companies conducting offerings under Regulation A, and the number increasing year over year, there are more opportunities than ever for the non-accredited investor. They are free to research investment opportunities, deciding if the investment fits with their investment goals and risk tolerance. They are free to identify companies that align with their philosophies, values, and causes that are important to them. For example, an investor may have a strong affinity for reducing their environmental impact. They can choose to invest in a company that also upholds this same value. 

In addition, the emergence of a secondary market for private company investments opens up a new possibility for liquidity. Previously, private company shares could only be sold or traded once a company had gone public. However, now investors have the opportunity to sell their shares to other interested investors.

The JOBS Act has allowed non-accredited investors to enter the playing field in the private capital market. Just as the companies who can now use RegA+ to raise capital, investors can use the offerings as an opportunity to make a profit and support companies they believe in. 

The Role of Investor Acquisition in Capital Raising Activities

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 products or services to the market. However, in order to actually raise the capital required, potential investors need to be made aware of the offering and the opportunities becoming a shareholder entails. This requires marketing.

 

When it comes to RegA+ and RegCF offerings, the potential to sell securities to the everyday investor is powerful, opening up the market to a vast pool of potential investors not available to private companies before the 2012 JOBS Act. However, this also creates the need for companies to find the best way to reach their target audience and make them aware of the investment opportunity. Through marketing, you are able to inform prospective investors of the opportunity to invest in your company. 

 

More than ever before, social media has become an integral part of marketing activities across all business sectors. It allows you to reach your audience where they’re at, and as nearly seven in ten Americans are on social media, that place is online. Through social media, businesses can tell their story and use that to drive investors (and even new customers) to support their brand. Beyond social media, marketing becomes a key component of investor acquisition. Through investor acquisition, a company is able to target investors based on demographics; whether that is people who exhibit similar behaviors to shareholders, by age, by location, or by any other meaningful factor that allows you to identify the right investor for your company. The methods to target these prospects are just as diverse. While we’ve already mentioned social media, email marketing is still an effective media channel, along with online advertising, and many more channels of marketing. The importance is to use whichever channels allow you to best reach your target audience. 

 

The key to marketing is that it helps publicize your offering and find the best investors for your company. Successfully marketing an offering, as long as advertisements are truthful and not misleading, can make a significant difference in the raise’s success. Similarly, finding the right investor acquisition partner with experience in marketing capital raising activities can help ensure you meet compliance and use the most effective strategies for reaching the right audience. 

KorePartner Spotlight: Jake Gallagher, Director of Business Development at North Capital

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 has presented challenges to businesses entirely separate from those faced by public offerings.

 

This has no doubt been part of the reason he works with North Capital Private Securities as the Director, Business Development. There, he works directly with issuers and helps with transactional compliance, but beyond that is the use of RegTech to streamline broker-dealer processes like KYC (Know Your Client) and accredited investor verification. 

 

The difference that makes North Capital Private Securities and Jake unique is their work in both primary issuance and the secondary market for private market shares. Jake is well versed in both, having worked with many sectors and exemptions including, Reg A and D, VC, and hedge funds. In addition, PPEX, the ATS platform that North Capital Private Securities operates, makes trading on the secondary market easier for investors and provides options for liquidity in the private capital market.

 

The most exciting thing about the current climate of the private sector is that these options have provided for extreme growth, as more investors are ready and able to participate in the offerings of private companies. While it is a small ecosystem, the changes that have come in the last few years for who can participate in private market offerings are fueling the growth of many companies that would have otherwise been on the public market before they were ready. 

 

Jake is thrilled about the partnership with KoreConX. He anticipates they will work together on primary offerings and secondary trading, bringing together a significant experience that can only benefit all involved. 

Stock Options for Employees

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 selling stocks. 

 

Since the latter half of the 20th century, however, the idea of stock options for employees has been popular as an incentive tool for employees to have a vested interest in the company’s success. For both publicly traded and private companies, offering employees the opportunity to be awarded or purchase shares is a powerful incentive. This practice has continued into the modern-day, as grantees (the employee or executive of a company) can receive the option to buy stock in the company for a fixed price in a finite time. This process also includes a vesting period, which is a period of time that a grantee will need to wait before they can exercise their stock options.

 

There are two main types of stock options, Incentive stock options (ISOs) and Non-qualified stock options (NSOs). The difference between these types is that the former is usually offered to top talent and executives while being treated as capital gains when taxed, while the latter is granted to employees of all levels and considered income when taxed after being exercised. For example, as an incentive to continue excellent performance, a company can give an employee or executive the option to buy 500 shares in the company at $5. As the name indicates, this is an option that an employee is granted the right to do, but it is not an obligation. If the employee buys the stock at $5 over the period designated by the company, the employee will then have the option to sell the share after the vesting period has passed. 

 

Most plans for employee stock options allow a percentage of stock to be sold each year. In our example, if the company allows for 20% of the stock to be vested each year, after one year, an employee will have the ability to sell the 100 shares of their stock options, and so on for each year as the stocks continue in the vesting process. The advantage for employees granted the right to exercise stock options in the company that they are working for is that they will, in most cases, receive that stock at or lower than the market price. The purpose of this is to make an employee feel like the company’s success is tied to their success as well. If they can work to further the company’s goals and raise the price of the company’s stock on the stock market, the employee can sell their stock options and make a profit. 

 

Continuing our example, if the employee has $2500 in shares in the company and the market price increases, they will make the difference. So, if the company reaches $8 per share by the time the employees’ stock is fully vested, they can sell it for $4000, for a $1500 profit. 

 

The typical scenarios for this type of stock option are in start-up companies or as incentives to bring the best talent to a larger company. For the company, the incentive does not come from the operating budget but helps to involve employees in the company’s success. The success of the company is a success for all. 

 

How to Select a Crowdfunding Platform for Your Capital Raise

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 was Regulation CF or regulated crowdfunding.

When Reg CF was implemented, it limited the amount an unaccredited investor could invest and how much a private company could raise. In March 2021, the limit a company can raise increased to a maximum of $5 million within 12 months. Previously, before the introduction of Reg CF, it was challenging for the average investor to invest in a private company, as they did not have the capital to do so. This is now possible through Reg CF, which uses equity crowdfunding platforms to connect investors and private companies. 

Funding portals are regulated by FINRA, which imposes compliance on the organizations that provide the service and includes regulatory oversight and reporting requirements. FINRA has a list of funding portals registered and regulated by FINRA, which is the first thing to check when considering a funding portal. 

Part of the value of crowdfunding platforms for private companies is establishing demand and a proof of concept. If people are willing to invest in a Reg CF offering, it shows that people want a product or service to succeed. So, choosing the correct equity crowdfunding portal for you depends on the user base of that platform. For example, let’s look at three portals to see the differences of who is investing on those platforms. 

FanVestor is a platform predominantly for celebrities looking to raise money for a product or a charity. If, as a private company, you are among this group of people, this would be an effective platform, as investors would look here for you. In contrast, if you are a startup, you would be looking at portals like Republic or WeFunder. These two portals focus on startups, with Republic focused on real estate, video games, and crypto, and WeFunder, focused on giving small businesses and startups an alternative to venture capital and banks; their focus is “fixing capitalism.”

Look at where the investors are and what they are excited about, and then match that with your goals and vision. This is the best way to choose the right funding portal. It puts your company in the best place to raise the most capital and take your vision from dream to reality, with the backing of investors that believe in you. 

Beyond that, look to see which platform is the most beneficial for your situation. Consider how much they will charge and help you with the campaign. The purpose of working with a funding portal is to put your company, product, or service in the best possible position for success. The right crowdfunding platform will balance your weaknesses with their strength. 

Nominee vs. Direct: How does this affect investors?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 in a nominee account, while the second is a direct investing method controlled entirely by the investor. Both accomplish the same goal, buying or selling securities for profit or dividends, but the effect on an investor varies. 

 

A nominee is an account held by a broker-dealer, and securities owned by an investor are held as a means of separation between the broker’s business and the assets owned by the nominee account. This separation established a level of protection for the investor. In the event of the broker’s business failing, the securities held in the nominee account cannot be ascertained by any creditor claiming assets. The stocks will still be the asset of the investor, regardless of what happens to the broker. 

 

The issue that comes forth in this model is that, while regulators and exchanges review these accounts periodically, they do not get checked daily, which opens the door for a bad actor to commit fraud and move the assets without permission. For example, fraud could occur if the broker-dealer ‘borrows’ a client’s assets to keep them afloat, potentially. An even more extreme example would be if a broker was to take all of the money and run, though this is less likely. 

 

The main thing to consider is that while the investor is the beneficiary of the stock, the broker has the authority to move it and sell it on the investor’s behalf. This is why it is important to look into the investor compensation programs with a broker, and for further protection, separate your assets between multiple brokers. While this option comes with risks, the broker will ultimately handle the operations of the account. If you are working through direct investing, account operations are maintained by the investor. 

 

With direct investments, the trade-off for increased security is that an investor is responsible for buying and selling decisions. A direct stock plan can allow you to buy or sell stock in some companies directly through them without using a broker. However, according to Inverstor.gov, “Direct stock plans usually will not allow you to buy or sell shares at a specific market price or at a specific time. Instead, the company will buy or sell shares for the plan at set times — such as daily, weekly, or monthly — and at an average market price.” Both options have merit, but the choice is between complete security at the cost of time and energy. 

Using RegCF to Raise Money for a Non-US Business

Posted on by Mark Roderick

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 how not to do it.

A Spanish entity wants to raise money using Reg CF. Reading the regulation, the Spanish entity forms a shell Delaware corporation. All other things being equal, as an entity “organized under, and subject to, the laws of a State or territory of the United States,” the Delaware corporation is allowed to raise capital using Reg CF. But all other things are not equal. If the Delaware corporation is a shell, with no assets or business, then (i) no funding portal should allow the securities of the Delaware corporation to be listed, and (ii) even if a funding portal did allow the securities to be listed, nobody in her right mind would buy them.

Here are two structures that work:

  • The Spanish business could move its entire business and all its assets into a Delaware corporation. Even with no assets, employees, or business in the U.S., the Delaware corporation could raise capital using Reg CF, giving investors an interest in the entire business.
  • Suppose the Spanish company is in the business of developing, owning, and operating health clubs. Today all its locations are in Spain but it sees an opportunity in the U.S. The Spanish entity creates a Delaware corporation to develop, own, and operate health clubs in the U.S. The Delaware corporation could raise capital using Reg CF, giving investors an interest in the U.S. business only.

NOTE:  Those familiar with Regulation A may be excused for feeling confused. An issuer may raise capital using Regulation A only if the issuer is managed in the U.S. or Canada. For reasons that are above my pay grade, the rules for Reg CF and the rules for Regulation A are just different.

 

This blog was written by Mark Roderick of Lex Nova Law, a KorePartner. The article was originally published on Mark’s blog, The Crowdfunding Attorney.

What is KYP?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 is KYC (Rule 2090). Another is Rule 2111 (Suitability). It is important to mention both of these rules, as the topic for today, KYP, or Know Your Product, directly relates to them in their effort to protect investors. 

 

The KYC rule dictates that in the event of opening or maintaining an account for an investor, a broker-dealer is required to verify the investor’s identity by matching the provided material from the investor to government records. This aids the government in fighting money laundering and other financial crimes, as a broker-dealer must also review their finances for evidence of these types of crime. It also allows potential customers to evaluate broker-dealers as FINRA tracks the brokers in good standing with their organization. Finally, with suitability, a broker-dealer must use reasonable effort to understand the risk tolerance and facts about a potential customer’s financial position. This means understanding the types of products and plans an investor is comfortable making, as people of different ages and levels of wealth have different plans for their money. For instance, younger adults typically have a higher risk tolerance as they have a longer-term time horizon to work with their money. On the other end, older adults have lower risk tolerance. There is no one type of investing that works for every person, as each person has a different set of circumstances dependent on their life experiences. 

 

Where KYP comes in is a further step past just KYC and suitability. You may know the client their investment preferences, but if you do not understand the product you are investing in for your client, that information is essentially useless. Under KYP, a broker-dealer, “must understand the structure and features of each investment product they recommend. This includes costs, risks, and eligibility requirements. The KYP requirement applies to both the firm and the individual.“

 

KYP expands on the suitability requirement from FINRA by requiring a full understanding of each investment so that it fits an investor and their specific risk tolerance more effectively. This involves:

 

  • The risk level of the investment, meaning its liquidity, “price volatility, default risk, and exposure to counterparty risk” 
  • Any costs associated with fees or embedded costs
  • The financial history and reputation of the issuer or parties involved
  • Any legal and regulatory framework that applies

 

Just as it is important to know your client and understand what types of investments are suitable for regulatory and business purposes, it is important to understand the products you recommend. 

What is the Difference Between Fiduciary Responsibility and Regulatory Requirement?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 the relationship between a trustee and a beneficiary.” The word gets most commonly used when stating that a company has a fiduciary duty to its shareholders. In practice, this means that the company has an ethical and legal responsibility to act in the best interest of its investors. For example, the company and its executives need to protect a shareholder’s financial investment in that company and is an example of a duty of loyalty. Included also is a duty of care, which indicates that a fiduciary will not back away from their responsibility.

 

Fiduciary duties do not just relate to the financial sector. For example, a lawyer has a fiduciary duty to their client to act in their best interest, but we will focus on the financial sector. Fiduciary responsibility in finance is a relationship between two non-governmental entities. In contrast, a regulatory requirement is a rule that a government or government-related organization imposes and enforces onto an organization.

 

Many governmental organizations impose regulations on the financial sector, like the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Federal Reserve Board. The governmental-related organizations are the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We have previously discussed the regulations passed by both FINRA and the SEC in preceding blogs, which detail those processes well.

 

Both fiduciary responsibility and regulatory requirements can result in legal action if there is a breach in conduct, but the actors and stage are different. With fiduciary responsibility, the beneficiary of the fiduciary duty would file suit against the trustee in civil court who knowingly or unknowingly failed in their duty. This is a relationship between non-governmental actors, so in this case, a person litigating against an organization or vice versa.

 

On the other side, regulatory requirement gets dictated by a government entity like the SEC or OCC suing a company or individual for failing to comply with the law. This suit would land in criminal court, with punitive fines, damage to their reputation, and sanctioning. For example, in California, you need to be a registered broker-dealer for a Regulation A+ offering. If you decide as a company to ignore this law, the state regulator can, and will, require you to return all money raised, and you can get barred from raising money in the state. You will get labeled as a bad actor, which will damage the reputation of your business.

 

While fiduciary duty and regulatory requirements are different in terms of the responsibilities, actors, and negative consequences involved when failing to comply, they are critical to follow and maintain.

Why are Background Checks Important?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 use of it. Originally, and most often, this was applied to the actions of organized crime but has expanded to included tax evasion or false accounting. 

 

The United States has multiple laws to prevent this type of activity and reclaim the illegitimate assets from criminals aiming to circumvent the system. Many of these laws directly affect the financial institutions of the nation. American banking and investment businesses need to follow compliance regulations that help in the effort to combat money laundering, including FINRA’s (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) Rule 2090 (KYC or Know Your Client). The Know Your Client rule was introduced by FINRA to require broker-dealers to use reasonable effort to verify the identity of customers (or any other account owners) and assess their risk level. Part of this goal is to add transparency to the financial institutions in America, especially following the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and incorporate Anti-Money Laundering (or AML) compliance into the structure of our institutions.

 

AML and KYC are extensions of the Bank Secrecy Act and the CDD (Customer Due Diligence) Rule. The act, created in 1970, aims, as the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network states, “to improve financial transparency and prevent criminals and terrorists from misusing companies to disguise their illicit activities and launder their ill-gotten gains.” So, through the Know Your Client rule, broker-dealers must evaluate the information provided by a potential customer and verify their identity against government documents and assess the risk level they pose towards financial crime. 

 

This activity is a check for any indication of money laundering or terrorism financing. Part of this is a background check or a customer screening, checks beyond their identity. Using the customer’s identity, financial institutes check against various lists, like sanction lists, watch lists, and PEP lists to evaluate if the customer may be engaging in illegal activities. 

 

Background checks get followed by continuous monitoring, allowing broker-dealers to better spot irregularities in the transactions. For instance, in the event of large cash transactions, those typically over $10,000. Amount exceeding this amount must be reported and monitored. All to say that many governments and non-government institutions require compliance to defend against this issue that gets taken very seriously. Throughout 2020, there were several institutions fined for violating AML related compliance. Kyckr compiled these together and found that: 

 

  • Twenty-eight financial institutions were issued fines for AML-related violations.
  • Regulators from 14 countries issued AML-related fines.
  • Fines totaled roughly $3.2 billion USD.

 

Failing to follow the laws and maintain compliance can have serious consequences for financial institutions. Ensuring that you do the proper level of due diligence, follow the Know Your Client rule, and perform a background check can protect your business. 

 

What are Options?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 call option allows the holder to buy securities at a set price while a put option allows them to sell. However, options contracts do not come for free. They can be bought for a premium, which is a non-refundable payment due upfront. Once options have been purchased, the holder has a certain amount of time during which they can exercise their options. On the other hand, options do not require the holder to purchase the shares contracts allow. When options are exercised, the price paid is referred to as the strike price.

 

In buying call options, the holder is guaranteed to buy securities at a certain price, even if the underlying security significantly increases in price. A put option works more like an insurance policy, protecting the holder’s portfolio from potential downturns. If a security was to decrease in price, the shareholder would be able to sell at a set price specified by their option contract, even if the market price was to fall lower than what the option allows it to be sold at.

 

In addition to being a way to minimize investment risks and maximize profits, options are becoming a popular incentive for employees, especially in startup companies when looking to attract employees. In addition to options that can be bought, options also refer to the ones issued to employees by their employer. This gives employees the chance, but not the obligation, to buy shares within a specified time. Employee stock options either come as an Incentive Stock Option or Nonqualified Stock Options, with the difference being the tax incentives that go along with exercising the options. 

 

Whether you have call or put options, they are a useful way to protect your portfolio from downsides or benefit from being able to purchase more shares at a discounted price. They are just one of the many forms of securities available, which should be considered carefully when making investment decisions.

What is a Virtual Data Room?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 that remote connections were secure. What we have seen in the time of the pandemic is that cyberattacks have increased as remote access has created openings. We have seen two notable attacks already this year, one on Colonial Pipeline and another on the South Korean Nuclear institute, KAERI.

 

However, this is not to say the whole world is doom and gloom on the cybersecurity side, as there are ways to protect yourself, especially as companies continue going virtual. Previously, in the event of an M&A transaction, loan syndication, or private equity and venture capital transactions, the actors in these transactions would meet in a physical, secured room to do the due diligence process and access important documents. In this physical room, extensive surveillance and logs track who has been in and out and what they viewed, costing money and time. In addition, parties outside the company that owns the documents would need to arrive at the physical location to view them, again, costing time and money. 

 

The answer to this, as the business world tends to find, is a move towards virtual storage options called a virtual data room. Virtual data rooms have become a widespread solution to the problems detailed above. Through an extranet or a virtual private network (VPN), these systems are secure by limiting access via the internet to specific users at specific times. If a deal falls through or a specified task gets completed, access can easily be revoked.

 

Highly sensitive data usually gets stored in a Virtual Data Room, a level of protection necessary as cyber threat numbers escalate. Beyond the security, these data repositories generally include a log that details each person’s activities with the sensitive files. Like the move to remote work, which has increased the availability of skilled employees, virtual private rooms open up a business to a global market of potential deals. No longer are businesses limited by their ability to feasibly transport a person and their team to a physical room and then have a place for them to stay while discussing a deal. 

 

The main goal of a Virtual Data Room is to provide a centralized access point to a large volume of sensitive and secure documents needed for the most paperwork-intensive processes. While a physical room removes the chances of a cybersecurity attack completely, it also poses certain disadvantages that contrast the wealth of opportunity created by a Virtual Data Room.

What is KYC?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 NASD, including market regulation under contract for NASDAQ, the American Stock Exchange, the International Securities Exchange, and the Chicago Climate Exchange.”

The mission is to safeguard the investing public against fraud and bad practices. To fulfill this mission, FINRA added two rules in 2012: Rule 2090 (KYC or Know Your Client) and Rule 2111 (Suitability). 

KYC works in conjunction with suitability to protect both the client and the broker-dealer and help maintain fair dealings between the parties. The Know Your Client rule is a regulatory requirement for those responsible for opening and maintaining new accounts. This rule requires broker-dealers to access the client’s finances, verify their identity, and use reasonable effort to understand the risk tolerance and facts about their financial position. 

KYC is an important rule as it governs the relationship between customer and broker-dealer and safeguards the proceedings. At the heart of this rule is the process that verifies the customer’s identity (or any other account owners) and assesses their risk level. Part of FINRA’s goal is to eliminate financial crime, which means that when a broker is accessing a potential customer, they are looking for evidence of money laundering or similar crimes. This process goes both ways as FINRA allows a customer to verify the identity of brokers in good standing with the organization.

KYC also goes hand-in-hand with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rule, which seeks to identify suspicious behavior, outlined under FINRA rule 3310. Crimes such as terrorist financing, market manipulation, and securities fraud are illegal acts that KYC, AML, and other rules aim to prevent.

Another part of the Know Your Client rule is the requirement of a broker-dealer to use reasonable effort to understand a client’s risk tolerance, investment knowledge, and financial position. For example, accredited investors can make Regulation CF and A+ investments without facing restrictions, while the everyday investor is limited based on their net worth and income. 

When making recommendations for a client, a broker-dealer must comply with Rule 2111, the suitability rule, which means that they must have reasonable grounds for this suggestion based on a review of the client’s financial situation.

Compliance with these rules is maintained by following policies and best practices that govern risk management, customer acceptance, and transaction monitoring. Due diligence is done to know a client needs to be recorded, retained, and maintained so that broker-dealers can continuously monitor for suspicious or illegal activity. In 2020, FINRA processed 79.7 billion market events every day and imposed $57 million in fines. 

What Forms of Alternative Finance are Available?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 friends and family, angel investors, or crowdfunding. Today, we will explore forms of alternative finance available to you as a private company and where in the life cycle of your business they may appear. 

Friends and Family

In the early stages of your company’s business life cycle, raising capital from family and friends is a great place to start securing safe, additional funding if you are able. When your family and friends are early investors, they are not required to register as such, making it easy for them to help your growing company. In this stage of your company’s development, entrepreneurs will want to retain as much equity as possible. Friends and family investors make this possible without needing to give up part of a growing company. 

As you begin to accelerate your business plans, there are several avenues available that can help you raise significant capital and increase your valuation if (or when) you plan to offer your company later on the public market.

Angel Investors or Venture Capital Firms

As a private company, one of the traditional ways for you to raise capital is through an angel investor, a wealthy individual, or a venture capital firm, a group of investors that invest in companies on behalf of their clients to make them money. Both of these investors will generally invest early, requiring equity and hoping for a successful return on investment later on. 

Peer-to-Peer Lending 

Peer-to-peer lending is a pretty straightforward form of alternative finance. Typically, through online platforms, investors can enter a pool of lenders, which a borrower can pull from and then repay. This form of investment cuts out the bank as the middleman, which opens up access to companies that may not have good credit. 

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a great mechanism for investments that build a company’s proof of concept because crowdfunding success relies on having a product or service people want or believe in. As the name would imply, crowdfunding is sourcing small investments from a large number of investors and falls into one of two categories rewards-based or equity-based offerings. 

Rewards-Based Crowdfunding

Rewards-based crowdfunding is an investment that expects compensation in the form of the product a company is producing. A good platform for this form of crowdfunding is Kickstarter. You will often see independent video game developers or small business owners looking to raise capital for a particular product and offer rewards based on how much an investor invests. 

Equity-Based Crowdfunding or Regulation CF

Regulation CF is a crowdfunding tool regulated by the SEC signed into law in 2012. However, it has recently expanded to allow more investing opportunities. The JOBS Act allows non-accredited investors to invest in private companies in exchange for equity in the company. More specifically, for investors with either a net worth or annual income less than $107,000, investments in Reg CF offerings are limited to $2,200 or 5% of the greater of their annual income or net worth. 

This tool allows companies to raise as much as $5 million in 12 months from many investors. In 2020, 358,000 investors participated in Reg CF campaigns. 

Regulation A+

Another method of allowing companies to have non-accredited investors invest in their companies is Regulation A+, by exempting the offering from SEC registration. Many companies have begun to offer securities through the RegA+ exemption following a successful RegCF raise. Proceeding this way will elevate your chances of raising more money, up to $75 million annually, because the Regulation CF will show potential investors that the products or services offered by the company are of great interest to many individuals. It is important to note that non-accredited investors are limited to investing 10% of their annual income or net worth, whichever is greater.

 

There are many avenues of alternative finance to investigate before going to a traditional financing option as a private company. We encourage you to look into all of these types and see which is right for you and your business. 

 

Warrants for RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 to a perk. With the growing interest in this type of security, let’s explore what a warrant for RegA+ is. 

 

When a shareholder purchases a warrant, they are entering into a contract with the issuer. They purchase securities at a set price but are given the right to buy more securities at a fixed price. For example, if an investor was to buy a security at $1 apiece, but their warrant allows the shareholder to buy securities at a future point for $2 instead. If the company was to significantly increase in value, and securities were valued at $5 instead of the initial $1 they were purchased at, the warrant could be exercised and new securities can be purchased for the price specified in the contract. Such securities are typically sought after by investors who think the company they’ve invested in will significantly increase in value, allowing them to increase their ownership in the company without having to buy securities at a new, higher price. Typically, warrants have an expiration date, but they can be exercised anytime on or before that date. 

 

Warrants for RegA+ work no differently. 

 

For companies offering warrants to shareholders, many will choose to enlist a warrant agent to oversee the management of warrants. Much like a transfer agent, warrant agents maintain a record of who owns warrants as well as the exercising of the warrants. When there is a significant number of warrant holders, warrant agents maintain the administrative duties of ensuring warrant holders can exercise their rights and are issued additional securities when they are looking to do so. Just as KoreConX is an SEC-registered transfer agent, KoreConX can serve as your warrant agent as well. This allows you and your shareholders to perform all transactions, from the initial purchase to the exercising of the warrant, through the RegA+ end-to-end platform. Fully compliant, KoreConX helps you to ensure that all your capital market activities meet the necessary regulatory requirements.

 

For warrant holders looking to exercise their warrants, they can contact the warrant agent (if they bought shares directly from the company) or their broker-dealer to inform them that they would like to purchase additional securities. At the time of the purchase, the warrant holder would pay to exchange their warrants and be issued the appropriate amount of new securities. 

 

Warrants are also able to be traded or transferred. For example, warrant holders could transfer their securities to a child or relative if they were looking to pass them down. Alternatively, warrant holders can sell them to an interested buyer. If the company’s value has yet to exceed the warrant price, they are typically less valuable because shares may still be able to be purchased at a lower price. 

KorePartner Spotlight: Douglas Ruark, Founder and President of Regulation D Resources

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 corporate finance when he co-founded Heritage Finance, Inc. in 1992. Seven years later, he served as a primary founder of Regulation D Resources. The firm works primarily within the real estate, energy, tech, and manufacturing industries.

 

With Regulation D Resources, Ruark uses his expertise to help raise money for those industries through the Reg D and Reg A+ exemptions. This experience makes a difference when crafting SEC-required disclosures, evaluating proper exposure on the market, and analyzing clients’ business positions.

 

The fun part for Ruark is the deals with entrepreneurs that have developed technology that can have a significant impact and be a game-changer. He said: “I love seeing what entrepreneurs have developed.” That is why his company focuses on Reg D and Reg A+, helping companies structure their securities offering, and drafting offering documents. The company is determined to help entrepreneurs cross the line into the market so they can grow and succeed.

 

What Ruark enjoys about his partnership with KoreConX is the responsiveness of the staff. He said: “Oscar immediately reached out and set up a call to introduce services.” KoreConX has the same drive and vision that Ruark sees in other entrepreneurs. Plus, KoreConX’s application of tech to streamline compliance aligns with the goal he set out when developing Regulation D Resources’ Investor Portal Compliance Management application.

What is RegTech?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 in companies offering services to help companies manage compliance easily and efficiently, both in time and cost. This is the purpose and application of RegTech.

RegTech, or Regulatory Technology, is more specifically the use of technology to manage regulatory processes within the financial industry. The goal of companies that offer RegTech is to use cloud computing, machine learning, and big data to drive automation and lift a majority of the burden of complicated compliance requirements of the compliance teams in businesses, to reduce human error, and accomplish difficult tasks more efficiently. As regulations become more robust and regulators are demanding more transparency in the forms of auditability, traceability, and automation, a company that is required to comply with a lot of regulations cannot easily subsist without some form of RegTech to help them avoid the risk of sanctions.

RegTech services help to compile large amounts of data in secured and compliant ways, as well as comb that data for risks to the organization. While these services affect the budget of a company, it is arguably canceled out by the amount of time and energy saved by simplifying the complex processes. 

For example, let’s say a bank was previously doing all of their regulation audits manually, scanning the compliance law and solving what pertains to them, what they need to do, and how they need to do it to be compliant. While they could feasibly do this, it will take a considerable amount of time if the compliance officer tasked with this job is not a master of the laws pertaining to their enterprise. Then, following that long process, the bank will need to show the reporting, who did the reporting, when it was pulled, and keep the information secured. 

This type of manual process is solved by RegTech. Not only will your data be secured, but it will also be accessible and timestamped, so you can demonstrate who complied, how they complied, and when they complied by logging all of the actions a user takes and creating a trail.

This is one example of how RegTech helps in a compliance situation, but it is also used by regulators to help reduce the time it takes to investigate compliance issues. While these are the more well-known aspects of RegTech, it also helps in many more categories within the financial sector, such as:

  1. Reporting
  2. Anti-money Laundering 
  3. Compliance
  4. Governance
  5. Risk Management
  6. Management and Control 
  7. Transaction Monitoring

As the financial industry continues to rely more and more on data and technology, RegTech will continue to grow to keep up with the demand for more applications from companies and regulators alike. 

What is Regulated Crowdfunding

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 investors. This opened the doors with funding portals for companies to trade securities to a larger pool of investors to raise needed growth capital and allow average people to benefit from the possibility of investing in an early-stage company.

When it was first implemented in Spring 2016, Reg CF allowed companies to raise a maximum of $1.07 million within 12 months. Now, with new amendments added to the law by the SEC that went into effect in March 2021, companies can raise a maximum of $5 million. You may be familiar with the idea of crowdfunding with the success of websites like Kickstarter, and this works similarly. Instead of donation tiers that would award you merchandise from the campaign, investing in a private company with Reg CF will give you securities or equity in the companies. Previously, the barrier for entry into this investment type was very high, as you needed a lot of capital to invest in a private company. 

The new amendments still have a limit on how much a particular individual can invest when it comes to non-accredited investors but removed the limits on accredited investors. More specifically, for investors with either a net worth or annual income less than $107,000, investments in Reg CF offerings are limited to $2,200 or 5% of the greater of their annual income or net worth.

Reg CF is typically used for early-stage startups to build capital and has significantly changed the road map for entrepreneurs, allowing them to look to crowdfunding options before venture capital investments. Because the cost and barrier to entry for Regulation CF lower than with Reg A, many companies are using this after their first round of funding to prove the viability of their concepts and build a business. Then after a successful Reg CF, raising up to $5 million, this proves that there is interest in what you are building. In turn, this improves your valuation and allows for a much more successful Reg A campaign that could help you raise even more capital. 

There is a significant benefit to everyone involved in a Reg CF. The companies running the campaign are raising money to prove their viability, fuel the growth, and democratizes capital, allowing everyday Americans to participate in a system that was until recently closed to them. In 2020, 358,000 investors participated in Reg CF campaigns, a significant increase from the 15,000 investors participating in 2019. RegCF is a way for Americans to diversify their investment portfolio. They can grow as an investor by investing in a private company with a much lower entry cost.

With Reg CF garnering much success for both investors and issuers alike, it will be exciting to see how it continues to evolve in the future. We may see even higher raise limits, further expanding access to capital, increasing the number of American jobs, and further democratizing investment opportunities.

 

What is a RegA+ Annual Shareholder Meeting?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 securities regulations. One such requirement is holding an AGM.

 

An Annual General Meeting, or simply AGM, is a meeting of shareholders that companies are required to hold once per year. The purpose is to provide shareholders with an update on the company and what plans lie ahead. During these meetings, the company’s directors will present annual reports to shareholders that are indicative of its performance. AGMs are a critical component of upholding the rights of shareholders, ensuring that they are provided all necessary information to make the right decisions regarding their investments. Typically, these meetings should be held after the end of the company’s fiscal year, giving shareholders adequate notice to attend or attend by proxy.

 

A company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws will outline the rules for an AGM, however, they typically include a review of the minutes from the previous AGM, financial statements, approval of the board of directors’ previous year actions, and election of directors. AGMs held by private companies do not require any regulatory filings but require them to check or change their bylaws to ensure that the meeting can be held online and information can be distributed digitally.

 

Before any AGM, shareholders will receive a proxy statement, which outlines the topics to be discussed at the meeting. The statement will include information on voting procedures for shareholders with voting rights, board candidates, executive compensation, and other matters that are important to a shareholder. The company will typically send shareholders a package containing this information by mail or over the internet if that is their preference. For shareholders that have invested directly in the company and their name is in the company’s official records, they are entitled to attend the meeting in person. For shareholders that have purchased shares through a broker-dealer or investment bank, they can request information on how to attend the meeting and cast their votes. Shareholders with the option to eVote can satisfy SEC requirements. Since 2007, “notice to access” rules enable companies to send a one-page notice to inform shareholders that materials are available online rather than being mailed a full copy of all reports.

 

AGMs are essential for the success of any private company, ensuring that shareholders are well-informed about company decisions and can exercise their voting rights. KoreConX offers our clients an all-in-one AGM planner as part of the REgA+ end-to-end solution. Our solution helps our clients maintain full compliance with securities laws, manage AGMs end-to-end, distribute circular materials, allow shareholders to securely vote online, and enable everyone to participate. We recognize that your shareholders are an important part of your company and strive to simplify the process of managing your relationships with them.

 

Annual shareholder meetings for RegA+ offerings are an essential part of compliance. Issuers are required to hold this meeting annually, empowering their shareholders to be active participants. Contact KoreConX to learn more about our AGM planning solution.

 

What is the role of a board director?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 look out for the interests of shareholders. 

The role of a board of directors is to provide company oversight, ensuring that the company is operating in the best interests of shareholders. Decisions that the board of directors is responsible for include hiring or firing company executives, creating policies for dividends and options, and determining executive compensation. The board also generally ensures that the company has the right resources in place to operate effectively. The board of directors is governed by company bylaws, which include the process for selecting directors and what their duties entail.

The board is made of elected members called board directors. The shareholders must elect directors as voting rights are generally included as part of their rights as a shareholder. Shareholders are allowed to vote on board directors during annual shareholder meetings. Generally, board director terms are staggered so that only a few are elected each year, rather than needing to elect an entirely new board whenever elections are required.

Board directors are responsible for upholding the foundational rules outlined in company bylaws. Failure to do so can result in their removal from the board. Actions that may necessitate a director’s removal may include using inside information for personal gain, making deals that are a conflict of interest to shareholders, using their powers as a director for things other than the financial benefit of the company, and other actions that would be detrimental to shareholders.

There are typically three types of directors; inside, outside, and independent directors. Inside directors are typical representatives of company management and shareholders and may include company executives or major shareholders. Outside directors are not involved in the company’s day-to-day decisions, making them more objective and help strike a balance between inside directors but are generally compensated for attending board meetings and carrying out their duties. Independent directors are required to not have any ties to the company; for example, a relative of a company executive would be ineligible for this role.

It is important to ensure that board directors diligently follow the bylaws that govern them to ensure they always are acting in the best interests of the company’s shareholders. The board serves as a check and balance with the company’s management. Shareholders should also take their right to vote seriously, executing whenever possible to ensure that they are protecting their investment in the company. 

 

Reg A and Reg CF Issuers: Time to Count Your Shareholders!

Posted on by Sara Hanks

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 with the SEC when they meet certain asset and investor number thresholds.

Let’s start with the requirements of Section 12(g). It says that if, on the last day of its fiscal year, an issuer has assets of $10 million and a class of equity securities held of record by either 2,000 persons or 500 persons who are not accredited investors, it has to register that class of securities with the SEC.

Drilling down on each of those elements:

  • Assets: This is gross, not net, and it will include any cash that a company has raised in an offering but not spent yet.
  • Class of equity securities: Issuers with multiple series of preferred stock or multiple series in a series LLC will need to talk to their lawyers about what constitutes a separate “class.”
  • Held of record: Brokers or custodians holding in “street name” count as a single holder of record. Crowdfunding SPVs created under the SEC’s new rules also count as one holder, and as discussed below, there are special, conditional, rules for counting Reg A and Reg CF investors.  But check with your lawyers whether you need to “look through” SPVs formed for the purpose of investing in Reg D offerings.
  • Accredited status: Issuers are probably going to have to make assumptions as to the accredited status of their investors unless they maintain that information separately, and assume investors in Reg D offerings are accredited, and investors in Reg A and Reg CF offerings are not.
  • Registering a class of securities in effect means filing a registration statement with all relevant information about the company and becoming a fully-reporting company. This includes PCAOB audits, quarterly filings, proxy statements, more extensive disclosure and all-round more expensive legal and accounting support.

Since becoming a fully-reporting company is not feasible for early-stage companies, both Reg A and Reg CF are covered by conditional exemptions from the requirements of Section 12(g). The conditions for each are different.

Issuers need not count the holders of securities originally issued in Reg A offerings (even if subsequently transferred) as “holders of record” if:

  • The company has made all the periodic filings required of a Reg A company (Forms 1-K, 1-SA and 1-U);
  • It has engaged a registered transfer agent; AND
  • It does not have a public float (equity securities held by non-affiliates multiplied by trading price) of $75m, or if no public trading, had revenues of less than $50m in the most recent year.

Issuers need not count the holders of securities issued in Reg CF offerings (even if subsequently transferred) as “holders of record” if:

  • The company is current in its annual filing (Form C-AR) requirements;
  • It has engaged a registered transfer agent; AND
  • It has total assets of less than $25m at the end of the most recent fiscal year.

It’s important that the issuer’s transfer agent keep accurate records of which exemption securities were issued under, even when they are transferred. As of March 15, 2021, Reg CF also allows the use of “crowdfunding vehicles”, a particular kind of SPV with specific requirements for control, fees, and rights of the SPV in order to put all of the investors in a Reg CF offering into one holder of record. This is not available for Reg A, and still comes with administrative requirements, which may make use of a transfer agent still practical.

If an issuer goes beyond the asset or public float requirements of its applicable conditional exemption, it will be eligible for a two-year transition period before it is required to register its securities with the SEC. However, if an issuer violates the conditional exemption by not being current in periodic reporting requirements, including filing a report late, then the transition period terminates immediately, requiring registration with the SEC within 120 days after the date on which the issuer’s late report was due to be filed.

It’s good discipline for companies who have made a few exempt offerings and had some success in their business to consider, on a regular basis, counting their assets and their shareholders and assess whether they may be about to lose one or both of the conditional exemptions and whether they need to plan for becoming a public reporting company.

What Impact Will Blockchain Have on Private Markets?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 appended and verified across by multiple participants, ensuring that each transaction has a “witness” to validate its legitimacy. Blockchain transactions are immutable, meaning that they cannot be changed, making it difficult for hackers to manipulate. Copies of the ledger are decentralized, not stored in one location, so any change to one copy would immediately make it invalid, as the other copies would recognize that it had been altered. 

 

In private markets, blockchain technology has the potential to become a powerful tool, replacing manual inefficiencies with secure, digital processes. Everything from issues certificates to shareholders and preparing for audits becomes easier with transparent, readily available records. While public blockchains, like those that host Bitcoin transactions, enable anyone to participate, companies can also establish private and permissioned blockchains. In these forms of blockchain, the ledger is still decentralized, only access is controlled and only authorized individuals are allowed to participate. 

 

Rather than traditional securities, private companies can use distributed ledger technology to offer shareholders digital securities instead. These securities are still SEC-registered or fall under exemptions like Regulation A and Regulation CF. Digital securities protect investors, enabling them to always be able to prove their ownership, and companies are protected from the possibility of losing records of their shareholders. Private companies also benefit from blockchain as records are already transparent and readily available. Rather than hiring an advisor to review company documents, private companies employing blockchain technology will have records ready to go when conducting any capital market activity. Blockchain also dramatically reduced the amount of manual paperwork, since digital securities can be governed by smart contracts that preprogram protocols for their exchange. In addition, blockchain makes it easier for private companies to share information and data, while shareholders can feel confident that records are immutable and unable to be tampered with. 

 

Many companies are still in the early stages of adopting blockchain or are just beginning to consider its possibilities. Blockchain will only continue to be adopted by private companies both in the United States and around the world, improving the processes associated with private market transactions. The private market will benefit from increased transparency and efficiency, making transactions smoother for both companies and their shareholders.

What is the Role of a Corporate Secretary?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 shareholders. 

 

One way they do this is by accurately recording and maintaining the minutes for the board meetings they usually set up. Corporate secretaries are responsible for ensuring that an adequate number of board meetings are held and that scheduling coincides with the availability of board members. They are required to comply with meeting notices and often are responsible for other logistical arrangements. This is just one of the basic tenets of the position and typically remains a constant between companies. 

 

Corporate secretaries are essentially a compliance officer for board members, serving as a liaison between the board, officers, and shareholders while maintaining documents that are required to keep the board and company in compliance with regulations. They also direct the activities related to the annual meeting of shareholders and share transfers. As a note, while the corporate secretary does not need to be a lawyer, they need to have sufficient knowledge of corporate and securities law to ensure compliance, so a background in law can be helpful. They should also be as well-versed in the company’s business, understanding it thoroughly to be an effective corporate secretary.

 

Even though the role of the corporate secretary is dynamic and complex, varying slightly between companies, the basic function of the position can be boiled down to being responsible for providing support to the board, officers, and shareholders on business matters and the laws that apply to them. Whether it is setting up, facilitating, or creating the agenda of a board or annual shareholders meeting, a corporate secretary is an essential and mandatory part of a company’s structure in the modern world of business. 

KorePartner Spotlight: Brian Belley, Founder and CEO of Crowdwise

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 interests. He took this as a great opportunity to build a platform providing a wealth of information centered around crowdfunding.

 

At Crowdwise, the primary service is free educational material for investors through courses and industry data on crowdfunding and early-stage investing. From his own experience and education on private investments, Brian understood what was most applicable to investors. The goal is to make this information easily digestible, translating data into the essentials that can be understood by new investors. Brain’s specialty lies in tech and early-stage startups, as well as analyzing industry data and trends. 

 

The private capital market is particularly existing for Brian because of the opportunities he foresees. In two to five years, the space will likely look completely different as it continues to be democratized and open to new investors. There are increasing opportunities for investors to build a diversified portfolio with broad investment types. At the same time, more investment opportunities for the everyday investor will lead to more access to capital, and new businesses will be able to come into existence because of it. 

 

Brian is excited about Crowdwise’s partnership with KoreConX, saying that it is completely about cooperation and building an ecosystem. He said: “not everyone has to be a competitor.” As more people continue to drive the private market forward, it will benefit everyone in the space, both investors and companies alike.

What is Portfolio Management?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 investor.

 

This is done by picking a variety of kinds of investments like stocks, bonds, and other funds and monitoring and adjusting them as needed. There are two ways that portfolios are managed: actively and passively. Often, this will be decided by the risk tolerance that a specific investor has. With Regulation A+ and Regulation CF, the everyday investor can choose to invest in private companies as well, which significantly expand opportunities to be a part of new and exciting investments.

Active portfolio management is a hands-on approach that involves hiring portfolio managers who buy and sell stocks intending to outperform investment benchmarks. To try and outperform these benchmarks, portfolio managers have to take some risks in the investments they make. Some of these risks lead to big rewards, but as with all risks, they can also lead to large losses to the investor. Portfolio managers have a fiduciary responsibility to act in good faith regarding the investment, and also have fees attached to them based on the size of the portfolio and the return on investment of the portfolio. 

 

Passive portfolio management is a mostly hands-off approach where the investor is trying to match investment benchmarks rather than trying to outperform them. Portfolios that are managed passively are frequently managed by the investor, so no fees are going to a portfolio manager. Instead of buying and selling specific stocks, passive portfolios are usually invested in exchange-traded funds, index funds, or mutual funds. This is a very low-risk approach that values slow and consistent growth over time, making it a great long-term investment strategy.

 

There are four pillars in portfolio management: asset allocation, diversification, rebalancing, and tax minimization. Asset allocation is the practice of spreading your investment into a variety of different assets like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Good asset allocation means that an investor takes on a smaller amount of risk because investments are protected due to the various places that assets are allocated. Diversification is about making sure that investors don’t put all of their eggs in one basket, because if that investment fails, there is a lot of money to be lost.

 

Rebalancing is done every so often as a way to hit the reset button on asset allocation. Over time, some investments might be doing very well, while others might be doing very poorly. To maintain a low-risk nature, it is important to sell both assets that are doing well and ones that are not. Over time, market fluctuations might cause a portfolio to get off course from the goals that were originally set, so rebalancing keeps the train going down the right track. Tax minimization focuses on trying to keep as much of the money that your investment made as possible. Capital gains get taxed differently depending on what investments they came from and where. Investments in exchange-traded funds or mutual funds, for example, get taxed at a much lower rate than investments in stocks. The goal is to keep as much money as possible!

 

Whether you’re saving for your first house or saving for your dream house, good portfolio management will result in investors being able to set, meet, and surpass their financial goals. The right portfolio management strategies will help to build a worthwhile return.

 

What is a Minute Book and Why is it Important?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 resolutions that affect financial transactions. If the company is ever audited, the minute book provides all the necessary information and references to documents in one place. Let’s break down what exactly you should find in a proper minute book.

 

A minute book should have the company’s certificate of incorporation that serves as proof of the company’s registration. This includes information such as the business’s address, company directors, voting rights, and the company’s purpose. The minute book should also have the company’s bylaws or the rules and regulations that the company and its officers must adhere to. Maintaining a record of bylaws ensures that the company is following the rules they have set to operate by.

 

The minute book typically contains the criteria by which the company’s Board of Directors and officers are chosen. For the Board of Directors, this may include how many are on the board and how long they are to serve.  For officers, it may include which ones are required for the company. In this section of the record, documents can also maintain a record of those who have previously served as a director or officer for the company. Additionally, the minute book should keep track of any meetings or communication with board members.

 

Maintained in the minute book is a record of shares and shareholders. Stock options granted to employees are kept track of, along with the number of shares the company is authorized to sell. Ensuring the company knows the limit to the shares they are legally allowed to sell is very important and is outlined in the certificate of incorporation. Additionally, companies usually maintain a record of any documents they’ve filed in their minute book. Having all documents filed in a common location makes them easier to track and refer back to when needed. Kept in this collection of documents are also various reports, whether they’re annual or special, so that they are easily accessed by authorized parties.

 

While keeping track of all of this information may seem like a daunting task, it is made easier by companies such as KoreConX. Integrated into its all-in-one platform, the KoreConX Minute Book ensures that all company documents are easily located and kept up-to-date. With all documents in a central location, both legal and board members can edit the material directly, without worrying about various versions that might exist offline. This consistency provides companies the ability to better manage their documents, ensuring that everything is accurate and easily accessed when needed.

 

An understanding of what goes into a proper minute book can help your company achieve success and transparency in business. In any situation where essential company documents are necessary, having them readily available cuts down on delays and frustration, making it a smoother process for everyone involved.

What is 409(a) and Why Does My Company Need it?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 doesn’t convince you that a 409(a) is something that your company needs, a better understanding of what it is will convince you. 

 

To start with the basics, what is a 409(a)? First added to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) in 2005, 409(a) outlines the taxation on “non-qualified deferred compensation,” which includes common stock options for employees. For companies to be able to offer their employees the ability to purchase stock in the company, they must complete a 409(a) valuation to determine the “strike price,” or the predetermined price at which employees can purchase the stocks. 

 

Undergoing a 409(a) valuation ensures that the strike price is at or above the fair market value and that the company remains compliant with the IRC. For companies who the IRS find to be noncompliant with the code, some penalties include an additional 20% tax penalty and penalty interest. 

 

So, how do you ensure that your company accurately determines the fair market value of your common stock? This can be done a couple of ways, either by someone within the company or by a third-party valuation firm. Whether you’re planning on completing 409(a) valuation in-house or hiring a firm, there are a few key things to keep in mind. 

 

For valuations done in-house, whoever is chosen must have at least five years of experience related to valuation. Since this can be subjective, the IRS could rule that the individual did not meet the requirements and that the valuation is inaccurate. Additionally, only private companies that are less than 10 years old can choose to complete their valuation in-house. It is also important to remember that if the IRS were to investigate, it would be the company’s responsibility to prove their valuation was correct. 

 

Hiring an outside firm, while often the more costly option, is usually more reliable. As long as the firm maintains a consistent approach to valuations and is independent, meaning that the firm is only providing the company with valuation, the company is given “safe harbor” protection. A safe harbor protects both the company and its employees, as it would be the IRS’s responsibility to prove that the valuation was inaccurate. 

 

Once your company has received its 409(a) valuation, how long does that last? It is considered to be valid for one year after the valuation. After that, it must be redone to ensure compliance. If your company closes a round of funding or undergoes any material changes before that period is up, a new 409(a) valuation would be required. 

 

Armed with the knowledge of what exactly a 409(a) is, you can help your company achieve success and maintain IRC compliance. Even early on, being compliant with tax codes ensures you avoid severe penalties and expensive delays should the IRS decide to audit your company as it begins generating revenue. 

 

What is Alternative Finance?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 a regulated bank or publicly offer stocks for sale to the public.

For companies in their earliest stages, raising capital from family and friends is often a safe way to secure additional funding. Friend and family investors are not required to register as investors, unlike traditional investors, making it easy for them to contribute to a growing company. Often founders do not need to relinquish equity to friend and family investors, allowing founders to retain as much equity as possible through their early stages.

If a company requires more financial resources, its next options may be angel investors and venture capital firms. With angel investors, wealthy individuals invest using their own money and meet the SEC’s accredited investor requirements. It is quite common for angel investors to act as a mentor to the companies they invest in, anticipating that it will help them secure a return on their investment. Venture capital firms often invest in startup companies that display the potential for a successful return and are SEC-registered and regulated. Rather than investing their own money, they invest money from other investors to generate profits for the investor. Typically, venture capital firms request equity so that they can have a share in the company’s development.

Another alternative form of financing is through peer-to-peer lending. Typically through online platforms, applicants are matched with lenders who are typically individual people. Interest rates are usually low and are not regulated by traditional banks. Platforms assess borrowers for risk to determine if they are eligible to invest.

One of the fastest-growing forms of alternative finance is crowdfunding and can include both rewards-based and equity-based offerings. With rewards-based crowdfunding, investors invest to be compensated with products that the company offers. Equity crowdfunding allows investors to exchange their investments for equity in the company. Equity crowdfunding is supported by Regulation CF, which allows private companies to raise up to $5 million from non-accredited investors, usually done online through the various crowdfunding portals presently available or a broker-dealer. Crowdfunding is extremely valuable in that it allows avid brand supporters to become investors and become an advocate for the companies they love. For non-accredited investors, the maximum investment per year is either $2,200 or 5% of their annual income, whichever is greater.

Regulation A+ is another method allowing companies to receive investments from non-accredited investors by exempting the offering from SEC registration. Companies can secure up to $75 million annually through this method of funding. Non-accredited investors are limited to investing 10% of their annual income or net worth, whichever is greatest.

The variety of alternative finance options are attractive to companies who would like to go routes other than a traditional bank loan or those who may not be eligible for one.

What is Due Diligence?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 years earlier, introduced due diligence as a common practice. The purpose of the act was to create transparency into the financial statements of companies and protect investors from fraud. While the SEC requires the information provided to be accurate, it does not make any guarantees to its accuracy. However, the Securities Act of 1933 for the first time allowed investors to make informed decisions regarding their investments. 

 

In the process of investing, investors should review all information available to them. Investors should ask questions such as:

 

  • Company Business Plans: What are the issuer’s current and future plans? Do their projections seem reasonable given their current financial reports?
  • Company Management: Who are the company’s officers, founders, and board members? What is their previous experience in business and have they had success? Does the management team pass a Bad Actors check?
  • Products/Services: What does the company offer? Is it something that you would use or does there seem to be a wide appeal for the product or service in the market? 
  • Documentation: Is the company’s bylines, articles of incorporation, meeting minutes, and other related documents available to review?
  • Revenue: What does the company’s revenue look like? Does it make sense considering the demand for their products? What do revenue projections look like?
  • Debt: Does the company have debt? Is it comparable to other companies in the industry?
  • Competition: What does the company’s competition look like and how do they plan to deal with it? Has the company properly protected intellectual property through trademarks, patents, copyrights, etc.?
  • Funding: Why is the company raising funding and what are the plans for the money raised?

 

While these are important questions to ask, there are other factors that investors should think about. Investors should consider whether they are financially able to take on the risk of investment. While investing in private companies can lead to a huge return, success is not guaranteed. Investors should ask themselves if they would be able to afford to lose their investment or not immediately being able to make a profit. They should also ensure that they are qualified to invest. If they are a non-accredited investor, have they already made investments that could alter the amount they can invest?

 

Issuers should make sure that all information investors need to make an educated decision to invest is adequately provided. They do not want to risk potential lawsuits down the road for failing to disclose certain information. Issuers can ensure that they are meeting all due diligence requirements by using a broker-dealer as an intermediary for their investment.

What is Investor Acquisition?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 the investor pool to include those who would not be regularly included in a traditional IPO, it is essential to choose the right investors with whom you are going to grow your business. As investors become shareholders that often have some kind of say in the company, it will be important to choose investors that will aid you on your journey to grow your company. But how exactly do you find the right investor for you and your company’s vision?

 

Investor acquisition is targeting the best investors for the offering based on their demographics. Are you trying to raise money from your customers or people with similar behaviors? Are you targeting investors based on location, age, or other demographics? With investor acquisition, it allows companies to find and target the investors that will be best suited for the offering. If companies are targeting the investors that are most likely to invest, less time is wasted and more money is raised by eliminating the need to interact with those who aren’t going to invest.

 

Additionally, through investor acquisition, you can turn current customers into investors and investors into customers. With the addition of RegA+ to issuers’ toolbox, the ability to raise money from customers is now easier than ever. The customers who already know and support you can turn into important advocates for your company, which in turn can entice either more investors or customers to support your company.  Through RegA+, investors are not required to be accredited, so everyday people now have the opportunity to invest in companies that they believe in and support.

 

Once you’ve found investors to invest in your offering, keeping proper records of them will be essential to long-term success. Issuers need to manage their cap table, maintain investor relations, perform securities transfers in a compliant way, transfer agent, and more. With the KoreConX all-in-one platform, companies can securely manage who their investors are, issue shareholder certificates, and maintain their cap table in real-time, as changes occur. For investors, they can securely manage their portfolio of investments, receive important company information, and vote on company matters. With the platform, companies can maintain compliance and manage their information seamlessly.

 

Once you’ve decided to raise capital for your company, the next most important should be who you are going to raise the money from. With the help of investor acquisition, you can analyze information about your target so that you can best understand their behavior and what will get them to invest. Making smarter decisions about who you want investment from will help your company grow in the direction that you see best.

Are You Ready to Raise Capital?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 you’re looking to raise money, what must you do to be ready for raising capital?

 

From the start, any company should keep track of shareholders in its capitalization table(commonly referred to as the cap table). Even if you have not yet raised any funds, equity distributed amongst founders and key team members should be accurately recorded. With this information kept up-to-date and readily available, negotiations with investors will be smoother, as it will be clear how much equity can be given to potential shareholders. If this information is unclear, deals will likely come with frustrations and delays.

 

Researching and having knowledge of each investor type will also help prepare your company to raise money. Will an angel investor, venture capital firm, crowdfunding, or other investment method be suited best for the money that is being raised? Having a clear answer to this question will help you better understand the investors you’re trying to reach and will help you prepare a backup option if needed.

 

Once your target investors have been decided and you have a firm grasp on the equity you’re able to offer, preparing to pitch your company to them will be a key step. Having a pitch deck containing information relevant to your company and its industry will allow you to convince investors why your business is worth investing in. Additionally, preparing for any questions that they may ask will ensure investors that you are knowledgeable and have done the research to tackle difficult problems.

 

Before committing to raising capital, you should make sure that your company has an established business model. Investors want to see that you have a market for your product and are progressing. If investors are not confident that the product you’re marketing has a demand, it will be less likely they will invest. Investors will also want proof that the company is heading in the right direction and the money they invest will help it get there faster.

 

Once you have determined that your company is ready for investors, managing the investmentsand issuing securities will be essential. To streamline the process and keep all necessary documents in one location, KoreConX’s all-in-one platform allows companies to manage the investment process and give investors access to their securities and a secondary market after the funding is completed. With cap table management, the all-in-one platform will help companies keep track of shareholders and is updated in real-time, ensuring accuracy as securities are sold.

 

Ensuring that your company has prepared before raising capital will help the process go smoothly, with fewer headaches and frustrations than if you went into it unprepared. Investors want to know that their money is going to the right place, so allowing them to be confident in their investments will ensure your company gets the funding that it needs to be a success.

How a Member of the Crowd Made Crowdfunding Easier

Posted on by Sara Hanks

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 investors in every state but Arizona and Nebraska.

Why Arizona and Nebraska, asked Paul?

The reason was that while federal law and most states’ laws say that a company selling its own securities is exempt from broker-dealer registration, that’s not the case in a handful of states. These states say that if a company isn’t using a registered broker-dealer to sell in their state, the company has to register itself as an “issuer-dealer.” Depending on the state, that can involve letters to the regulators showing that the company and its officers are familiar with securities regulations, fingerprints, and, in the case of Arizona, a requirement that the company comply with “net capital” requirements as if they were an actual broker. Start-ups, of course, very rarely have any excess capital sitting around. So our client decided just not to sell in Arizona. (There were similar issues in Nebraska, which has since changed its rules.)

Paul could have done several things at this point. He could have pretended he lived somewhere else. He could have given up and invested in something else. But, being an entrepreneur himself, he decided the law needed to be changed, and set about changing it.

He reviewed the Arizona legislature website and saw that every legislator gets an email address on the website.  The way the website email system is setup, doing a mass email campaign with individual emails was possible.  Paul sent out an email to every one of the 30 Senators and 60 Representatives which took about an hour of click, click, cut and paste.  He found the autofill function very helpful.  Republican Senator Tyler Pace and Democratic Representative Aaron Lieberman replied to the email.  Having a member of both parties from both houses was perfect for this nonpartisan bill.  He brought me in to explain the issue to the legislators, their staff and the relevant committee staff. They listened, understood, and drafted. The first attempt at getting the legislation through was derailed because of COVID.  Paul contacted the legislators again.  The bill was reintroduced, passed this session, and the Governor signed it into law last week.

Start-ups (and Arizona investors) owe Paul. Not just for getting this roadblock removed, but for setting an example of what can happen when a citizen looks at a regulation and says “Well that doesn’t make any sense; how do I fix that?”

Managing Your Investments in Private Companies

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 should investors manage their investments once they have been made?

 

Investments made in private companies can often come with voting rights. Being a part of company decisions is an important aspect of being an investor and helps to elect company directors and resolve issues. Investors exercising their voting rights can be a major aspect of managing their portfolio.

 

Whether information is provided directly to the investors by the company or through a transfer agent, as companies release reports and other key information, shareholders should maintain current knowledge of the information. Understanding the company’s direction and changes that are occurring can give investors a picture of the future so they can determine how their shares will affect their portfolio. The investor should also know where the data can be found so that they are easily able to access and assess it.

 

Additionally, investors should monitor the liquidity of the shares. Since some private company shares can be traded in a secondary market, understanding the value and the option to trade is important for investors. If they know how much their shares are worth, and they have the ability to sell them, investors can freely trade their shares. This is key if they decide that they no longer want to be a shareholder in a particular private company.

 

However, for investors who own shares in multiple different companies, managing this information can become a burdensome task. With an all-in-one platform that incorporates portfolio management for investors, KoreConX streamlines and simplifies the process. KoreConX Portfolio Management allows investors to manage their investments from a centralized dashboard. Investors are easily able to see the shares that they own in each private company they’ve invested in. Through the platform, investors can access critical company information and performance data in one place, eliminating the need to remember where each piece of information is kept. Investors are also notified of upcoming shareholder meetings and can exercise their voting rights through the KoreConX platform. When companies and investors utilize the KoreConX platform, they can achieve higher success rates by maintaining compliance with necessary regulations. Utilizing KoreConX Portfolio Management is a powerful tool for investors to make informed decisions regarding their investments.

 

When dealing with private company investments, it is incredibly important that investors properly manage their portfolios. Remaining up-to-date on company decisions and performance can help them plan for the future of their shares while allowing them to make decisions to increase the success of their investments. When investors understand their voting rights, company developments, and the liquidity of their shares, they can be an active participant in their financial success.

KoreConX CEO Oscar Jofre was Recently Interviewed on DNA Podcast

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 was able to test, optimize, and scale KoreConX. In addition, they discuss the growing potential of Regulation Crowdfunding (RegCF) and the impact it will have on the private capital markets. 

 

The full episode can be listened to on Spotify or YouTube. 

KorePartner Spotlight: Jonny Price, Vice President of Fundraising at Wefunder

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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, which provided crowdfunded micro-loans to US entrepreneurs. With his experience as the head of Kiva US, it was a natural transition to Wefunder, where he serves as VP of Fundraising.

 

For too long, investments in private companies have been limited to only accredited investors. For the average person, their only chance to invest was once the company went public. Wefunder makes it so that private investments are not just limited to wealthy investors – through Wefunder, anyone can become an angel investor for as little as $100.

 

Jonny is excited about how this is changing the private investment space. When ordinary people can invest in brands they care about, more capital is available for founders and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Especially in minority and women-run businesses, there is a great disparity in access to capital. Only 1% of VC funding goes to black founders, and 3% goes to female-only founding teams. Crowdfunding helps to level the playing field tremendously.

 

Partnering with KoreConX was the right fit for Wefunder. Jonny said: “I have known Oscar for a while and am impressed with the services they offer. A number of Wefunder clients have used the platform, and had very positive things to say about the KoreConX team.”

The State of the Jobs Act 2021 KoreSummit Webinar

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 are simple:

  • Democratize capital so everyone can invest
  • Give ownership back to the owners
  • Create jobs

 

The proof of momentum is in the numbers and there now exists real tangible growth in the private markets.

 

The JOBS Act’s Impact by the Numbers for 2020

Total Funding Portals: 51

Total Companies Funded: 1,100

Total Companies Raising $1M USD: 229

Number of States: 48

Total Raised: $239.4M

Total Number of Investors: 358,000

Average Raise: $308,978

 

On November 2, 2020, SEC Commissioner Jay Clayton announced an amendment to two regulations that have truly expanded investors’ access to the funding of startups, emerging growth companies, and affinity-based projects online.  Companies can now use Reg CF to raise up to $5M USD, and RegA+ to raise up to $75M USD.

 

On March 15, 2021, our webinar brings together two individuals who began this journey more than a decade ago. You will hear them reflect on their experiences and, more importantly, what lies ahead for the next version of the JOBS Act and the following chapter on capital raising for entrepreneurs.

 

David Weild IV is a stock market expert best known for his position as Vice Chairman of NASDAQ. He is currently the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Weild & Co. Inc., the parent company of the investment banking firm Weild Capital, LLC (dba Weild & Co.). Weild is also known as the “father” of the JOBS Act and has been involved in drafting legislation for the US Congress.

 

Sara Hanks, CEO of CrowdCheck and Managing Partner of CrowdCheck Law, is an attorney with over 30 years of experience in the corporate and securities field. CrowdCheck and CrowdCheck Law together provide a wide range of legal, compliance, and due diligence services for companies and intermediaries engaged in online capital formation, with a focus on offerings made under Regulations A, CF, D, and S, whether traditional or digitized securities.

 

Sara’s prior position was General Counsel of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Panel, the overseer of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Prior to that, Sara spent many years as a partner at Clifford Chance, one of the world’s largest law firms. While at Clifford Chance, she advised on capital markets transactions and corporate matters for companies throughout the world. Sara began her career with the London law firm Norton Rose. She later joined the Securities and Exchange Commission and as Chief of the Office of International Corporate Finance, she led the team drafting regulations that put into place a new generation of rules governing the capital-raising process.

 

Sara received her law degree from Oxford University and is a member of the New York and DC bars and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. She serves on the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She holds a Series 65 securities license as a registered investment advisor. Sara is an aunt, Army wife, skier, cyclist, gardener, and animal lover.

 

This fireside discussion will be hosted by Vincent Molinari, co-founder and CEO of Molinari Media (Fintech.TV), who has followed the industry and is using the JOBS Act to raise capital for his own firm.

Regulation A+ Is Even Better After Passage Of The Economic Growth Act

Posted on by Lahdan Rahmati

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 and sweet Section 508 entitled “Improving Access To Capital” that changes Regulation A in a big way.

Some Background

In mid-2015, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) amended Regulation A in order to expand the exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as mandated by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, to enhance the ability of smaller companies to raise money. Regulation A allows companies to offer and sell securities to the public, but with more limited disclosure requirements than those that apply to full reporting companies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). In comparison to registered offerings, smaller companies in earlier stages of development are able to use this rule to more cost-effectively raise money.

Why Is This A Big Deal?

(1) Reporting Companies Will Be Able to Rely on Regulation A: Prior to the Act, reporting companies were prohibited from utilizing Regulation A to raise capital. The Act requires the Commission to finalize rules that amend 17 C.F.R. Section 230.251 to remove the requirement that the issuer not be subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act immediately before the offering. Therefore, reporting companies will be able to rely on Regulation A to raise capital.

(2) Reporting Companies Will Not Be Required To File Additional Reports: The Act requires that the Commission finalize rules that amend 17 C.F.R. 230.257 to deem reporting companies as having met the requirements of 17 C.F.R. 230.257. Therefore, reporting companies that already meet the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act do not need to file additional reports required under 17 C.F.R. 230.257.

When Will The Rules Be Finalized?

Rulemaking is the process by which federal agencies implement legislation by Congress that is then signed into law by the President. Rulemaking generally involves the following steps:

(1) Concept Release: The Commission issues a concept release when an issue is unique and complicated such that the Commission wants public input before issuing a proposed rule. The Act is very straightforward so the Commission will probably not issue a concept release and go straight to the next step.
(2) Rule Proposal: When approved by the Commission, a rule proposal is published for public notice and comment for a specified period of time, typically between 30 and 60 days. A rule proposal typically contains the text of the proposed new or amended rule along with a discussion of the issue or problem the proposal is designed to address. The public’s input on the proposal is considered as a final rule is drafted.
(3) Rule Adoption: When approved by the Commission, the new rule or rule amendment becomes part of the official rules that govern the securities industry. The new rule or rule amendment is in the form of an adopting release that reflects the Commission’s consideration of the public comments.

 

See the original article, published on our KorePartner’s blog here.

Why Does My Company Need a 409(a)?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 doesn’t convince you that a 409(a) is something that your company needs, a better understanding of what it is will convince you.

 

To start with the basics, what is a 409(a)? First added to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) in 2005, 409(a) outlines the taxation on “non-qualified deferred compensation,” which includes common stock options for employees. For companies to be able to offer their employees the ability to purchase stock in the company, they must complete a 409(a) valuation to determine the “strike price,” or the predetermined price at which employees can purchase the stocks. 

 

Undergoing a 409(a) valuation ensures that the strike price is at or above the fair market value and that the company remains compliant with the IRC. For companies who the IRS find to be noncompliant with the code, some penalties include an additional 20% tax penalty and penalty interest. 

 

So, how do you ensure that your company accurately determines the fair market value of your common stock? This can be done a couple of ways, either by someone within the company or by a third-party valuation firm. Whether you’re planning on completing 409(a) valuation in-house or hiring a firm, there are a few key things to keep in mind. 

 

For valuations done in-house, whoever is chosen must have at least five years of experience related to valuation. Since this can be subjective, the IRS could rule that the individual did not meet the requirements and that the valuation is inaccurate. Additionally, only private companies that are less than 10 years old can choose to complete their valuation in-house. It is also important to remember that if the IRS were to investigate, it would be the company’s responsibility to prove their valuation was correct. 

 

Hiring an outside firm, while often the more costly option, is usually more reliable. As long as the firm maintains a consistent approach to valuations and is independent, meaning that the firm is only providing the company with valuation, the company is given “safe harbor” protection. A safe harbor protects both the company and its employees, as it would be the IRS’s responsibility to prove that the valuation was inaccurate. 

 

Once your company has received its 409(a) valuation, how long does that last? It is considered to be valid for one year after the valuation. After that, it must be redone to ensure compliance. If your company closes a round of funding or undergoes any material changes before that period is up, a new 409(a) valuation would be required. 

 

Armed with the knowledge of what exactly a 409(a) is, you can help your company achieve success and maintain IRC compliance. Even early on, being compliant with tax codes ensures you avoid severe penalties and expensive delays should the IRS decide to audit your company as it begins generating revenue. 

KorePartner Spotlight: Sara Hanks, CEO of CrowdCheck

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 other cofounder) served on the Congressional Oversight Panel where they spent 18 months in DC investigating the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Shortly after this time, the bills that became the JOBS Act were passing through Congress and Sara’s interest in the private capital markets grew.

 

Sara and the CrowdCheck co-founders began to discuss due diligence and the implication crowdfunding would have. With their combined legal and entrepreneurial experience, they knew they could help investors make good investment decisions and walk entrepreneurs through the compliance process. These conversations led to CrowdCheck, which Sara says was “founded on the back of a cocktail napkin.”

 

CrowdCheck and its affiliated law firm, CrowdCheck Law, provides clients with a complete range of legal and compliance services for issuers and investors. As a “weapon against potential fraud,” CrowdCheck does due diligence for investors, letting them see the results themselves in a report that is easy to understand. The firm also helps entrepreneurs through the complex process of compliance, making sure that they have met all legal requirements. Sara and CrowdCheck have tremendous experience applying exciting securities laws to the online capital environment, a skillset valuable in the crowdfunding space.

 

One of the things that excites Sara most about this space is that there are “so many cases of first impressions.” Raising capital isn’t new, but with crowdfunding, new questions arise every day and there is the opportunity for innovative delivery of information.

 

A partnership with KoreConX is exciting for Sara and CrowdCheck because KoreConX values and understands how essential compliance is. “This environment won’t work without compliance,” Sara Hanks said, so it was valuable finding a partner that did not need convincing when it came to compliance.

What is Cap Table Management?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 is cap table management?

 

A clear and well-managed cap table paints a detailed picture of exactly who owns what in the company. Whether a founder is looking to raise additional capital or offer incentives to employees, the cap table, when managed correctly, will show the exact break down of shares, digital securities, options, warrants, loans, SAFE, Debenture etc. This information enables founders to understand how the equity distribution is impacted by business decisions.

 

Proper cap table management ensures that all transactions are accounted for and that potential investors are easily able to see the equity structure during funding rounds. Founders are also able to better negotiate the terms of a deal when they have the entire picture of their company’s structure available for reference. Without a cap table, companies can face challenges when it comes to raising capital, due to a lack of transparency in the ownership of the company.

 

Once the cap table is created, it must be maintained properly, updated each time the company or the assigned registered transfer agent/share registry provider who performs equity-based transactions. In the early stages of the company, the cap table will be relatively simple to manage but as rounds of funding progress, it becomes more complex as shares are distributed amongst investors and employees.

 

While simple cap tables can be created in programs such as Excel, a cap table management software may provide a better solution as it becomes more complex.  As part of its all-in-one platform, KoreConX provides companies with the tools to properly record every transaction in their cap table. Encouraging transparency of shareholders, every type of security (digital securities, shares, options, warrants, loan, SAFE, Debenture) that may be offered is accounted for and kept up to date as deals occur. By maintaining transparent records, companies can benefit from both shorter transaction times and expedited due diligence.

 

With an understanding of the importance of keeping a properly managed cap table, founders can arm themselves with the ability to make well-informed business decisions. The detailed insight into a company’s financial structure allows potential investors to feel confident in their investments, secure with the knowledge that their share is accurately accounted for. Even if the task of creating a cap table may seem daunting, it is simplified with a cap table management software so that everyone is on the same page.  

KorePartners Spotlight: Rod Turner, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Manhattan Street Capital

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 the entire capital raising journey. The goal is to make it easier for investors to invest and for issuers to list their offerings. The popular term for the services provided by Manhattan Street Capital is “quarterbacking”; they are not the company raising money, but they bring all necessary services providers together and advise the company and marketing agencies on the nuances of raising money successfully. These services combine with the company’s offering platform which separates Issuer Clients into their own offering pages with rich features and deep instrumentation and integration with all marketing.

Before founding Manhattan Street Capital, Rod Turner founded 6 other successful tech startups. He has had extensive experience in the capital markets, from securing VC funding, IPOs listed on the NASDAQ, mergers and acquisitions, as well as building a VC fund with a colleague. This experience has led him to understand the power of RegA+ as a fundraising tool for startups and mid-sized companies.

“I recognized pretty quickly that RegA+ is a phenomenally good fundraising instrument and that the regulations are really well-written, very pragmatically written, when it comes to implementing them. Which I was just really excited to see.”

Rod has seen many mature startups and mid-sized  companies  that are “strangled by the lack of access to growth capital” and sees RegA+ as very attractive solution for many of these companies Rod estimates that the scale of capital raised via Reg A+ may amount to $50-60 billion raised per year when it hits full stride. By getting involved in the industry, Rod wants to help solve this issue faced by companies and help them to secure the funding they need. “I want the whole industry to be very successful,” Rod said. RegA+ is continuing to expand rapidly, which will continue to open more opportunities for companies throughout the US.

At Manhattan Street Capital, Rod deeply analyzes the RegA+ industry to solve problems for his company and its clients. Each year, Rod and the Manhattan Street Capital team go through all the EDGAR filings with the SEC to assess the scale of RegA+. Rod likes to take a bigger picture approach so that he can solve problems that are not noticed by those that only focus on their specialty. 

Bringing Private Placements into the Digital Age

Posted on by Lee E. Saba

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 potential to significantly streamline the cumbersome process of issuing and trading private securities, while automating regulatory compliance and enhancing secondary-market liquidity, transparency, and price discovery. The best part? All these benefits can be captured within existing market structures.

 

The growing popularity of private placements over public listings in recent years is a well-documented phenomenon, driven by tightened regulatory requirements for public issuers and a widening search for returns among investors in a low-interest-rate world.

 

Strong Growth in Private Markets

Acknowledging that raising capital in private markets is simpler than floating public offerings, the path to private issuance is still lengthy and complex. After capital is raised, issuers incur ongoing costs for stock transfers, escheatment, dividend payouts, and compliance. Meanwhile, participants in secondary markets must cope with complexities in making legal and transfer arrangements. Indeed, the timeline for executing trades in privates is currently calculated not in hours or days, but in weeks and months. Throughout, the process is larded with paper, paper, and more paper, stuffed into a file cabinet or residing on email servers.

 

Contrast that with the way new digital mechanisms can transform how private markets operate.

Source: Preqin

 

Blockchain based technologies help ensure that regulated securities are allowed for trading, execute and track payment and receipt of dividends, and validate that transactions have been executed solely with approved investors.  Post-trade processes leverage blockchain’s single “source of truth” — that is, the immutability of a blockchain ledger — working with SEC registered transfer agents.  Alternative trading systems (ATS) are now live for secondary trading of private yet regulated digital securities.

This is no pie-in-the-sky, far-in-the-future scenario. Industry standard-setting bodies like the FIX Trading Community (aka FIX), the Digital Chamber of Commerce, and the Global Digital Asset & Cryptocurrency Association, operating within the framework of the International Standardization Organization (ISO), are at work developing ways to integrate trading of digital securities into existing market structures. For example, FIX has a globally represented working group focused on adapting its widely used messaging standards to communicate and trade digital assets.

 

In short, digitization of private securities can ease capital raises, streamline compliance, improve liquidity and transparency, and save issuers and investors money — all within a regulated ecosystem. In future articles, we’ll explore what the emerging digital trading landscape means specifically for issuers and investors.

 

Continue reading “Bringing Private Placements into the Digital Age”

How Can a Company Raise Capital?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 solution. Since family members and friends likely want to see you succeed, they are potential sources of funding for your company. Unlike traditional investors, family and friends do not need to register as an investor to donate. It is also likely that through this method, founders may not have to give up some of their equity. This allows them to retain control over their company. 

 

Angel investors and angel groups can also be a source of capital. Angel investors are wealthy individuals that meet the SEC requirements of accredited investors, who invest their own money. Angel groups are multiple angel investors who have pooled their money together to invest in startups. Typically, angel investors invest capital in exchange for equity and may play a role as a mentor, anticipating a return in their investment. 

 

Venture capital investors are SEC-regulated and invest in exchange for equity in the company. However, they are not investing their own money, rather investing other people’s. Since venture capital investors are trying to make money from their investments, they typically prefer to have some say in the company’s management, likely reducing the founders’ control. 

 

Strategic investors may also be an option for companies. Typically owned by larger corporations, strategic investors invest in companies that will strengthen the corporate investor or that will help both parties grow. Strategic investors usually make available their connections or provide other resources that the company may need. 

 

For some companies, crowdfunding may be useful for raising funds. With this method, companies can either offer equity or rewards to investors, the latter allowing the company to raise the money they need without giving up control of the company. Through the JOBS Act, the SEC passed Regulation A+ crowdfunding, which allows companies to raise up to $75 million in capital from both accredited and non-accredited investors. Crowdfunding gives companies access to a wider pool of potential investors, making it possible to secure the funding they need through this method. 

 

Alternatively, Regulation CF may be a better fit. Through RegCF, companies can raise up to $5 million, during a 12-month, period from anyone looking to invest. This gives companies an important opportunity to turn their loyal customers into shareholders as well. These types of offerings must be done online through an SEC-registered intermediary, like a funding portal or broker-dealer. In the November 2020 update to the regulation, investment limits for accredited investors were removed and investment limits for non-accredited investors were revised to be $2,200 or 5% of the greater of annual income or net worth. It is also important to note that now, companies looking to raise capital using RegCF are permitted to “test the waters,” to gauge interest in the offering before it’s registered with the SEC. The SEC also permits the use of SPVs in RegCF offerings as well. 

 

Regulation D is another method that private companies can use to raise capital. Through RegD, some companies are allowed to sell securities without registering the offering with the SEC. However, companies choosing to raise capital through RegD must electronically file the SEC’s “Form D.” By meeting either RegD exemptions 506(b) or 506(c), issuers can raise an unlimited amount of capital. To meet the requirements of the 506(b) exemption, companies must not use general solicitation to advertise securities, can raise money from an unlimited number of accredited investors and up to 35 other sophisticated investors, and must determine the information to provide investors while adhering to anti-fraud securities laws. For 506(c) exemptions, companies can solicit and advertise an offering but all investors must be accredited. In this case, the company must reasonably verify that the investor meet the SEC’s accredited investor requirements  

 

Companies can also utilize direct offerings to raise money. Through a direct offering, companies can issue shares to the company directly to investors, without having to undergo an initial public offering (IPO). Since a direct offering is typically cheaper than an IPO, companies can raise funding without having major expenses. Since trading of shares bought through a direct offering is typically more difficult than those bought in an IPO, investors may request higher equity before they decide to invest. 

 

Companies can offer security tokens to investors through an issuance platform. Companies should be aware that these securities are required to follow SEC regulations. It is becoming more common for companies to offer securities through an issuance platform, as it allows them to reach a larger audience than traditional methods. This is also attractive to investors, as securities can be traded in a secondary market, providing them with more options and liquidity for their shares. 

 

Additionally, companies looking to raise capital can do so with the help of a broker-dealer. Broker-dealers are SEC-registered entities that deal with transactions related to securities, as well as buying and selling securities for its own account or those of its customers. Plus, certain states require issuers to work with a broker-dealer to offer securities, so working with a broker-dealer allows issuers to maintain compliance with the SEC and other regulatory entities. This makes it likely that a company raising capital already has an established relationship with a brokers-dealer. 

 

Lastly, companies looking to raise capital can do it directly through their website. With the KoreConX all-in-one platform, companies can raise capital at their website, maintaining their brand experience. The platform allows companies to place an “invest now” button on their site throughout their RegA, RegCF, RegD, or other offerings so that potential investors can easily invest. 

 

Whichever method of raising capital a company chooses, it must make sure that it aligns with the company’s goals. Without understanding each method, it is possible that founders may end up being asked to give up too much equity and lose control of the company they have worked hard to build. Companies should approach the process of raising capital with a strategy already in place so that they can be satisfied with the outcome. 

What is Regulation A+?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 $75 million), offering companies the ability to pursue equity crowdfunding without the complexity of regular offerings. So, what investments does RegA+ allow?

 

Outlined in the act, companies can determine the interest in RegA+ offerings by “testing the waters.” While testing the waters allows investors to express their interest in the offering, it does not obligate them to purchase once the Offering Statement has been qualified by the SEC. Also allowed by the Act, companies can use social media and the internet to both communicate and advertise the securities. However, in all communications, links to the Offering Statement must be provided and must not contain any misleading information. 

 

It is important to understand the two tiers that comprise RegA+. Tier I offerings are limited to a maximum of $20 million and calls for coordinated review between the SEC and individual states in which the offering will be available. Companies looking to raise capital through Tier I are required to submit their Offering Statement to both the SEC and any state in which they are looking to sell securities. This was a compromise for those who opposed the preemption that is implemented in Tier II.

 

For offerings that fall under Tier II, companies can raise up to $75 million from investors. For these offerings, companies must provide the SEC with their offering statement, along with two years of audited financials for review. Before any sales of securities can take place, the SEC must approve the company’s offering statement, but review by each state is not required. It is also important to note that for Tier II offerings, ongoing disclosure is required unless the number of investors was to fall below 300.

 

In contrast to typical rounds of fundraising, investors are not required to be accredited, opening the offering up to anyone for purchase. Under Tier I, there are no limits that are placed on the amount a sole person can invest. For unaccredited investors under Tier II, limits are placed on the amount they can invest in offerings. The maximum is placed at ten percent of either their net worth or annual income, whichever amount is greater. To certify their income for investing, unaccredited investors can be self-certified, without being required to submit documentation of their income to the SEC. Additionally, there is no limit placed upon the company as to the number of investors to whom it can sell securities.

 

Once investors have purchased securities through RegA+ investments, the trading and sale of these securities is not restricted. Only the company that has created the offering can put limits on their resale. This allows investors to use a secondary market for trading these securities.

 

Through Regulation A+, companies are given massive power to raise funds from anyone looking to invest. With the Act allowing for up to $75 million to be raised, this enables companies to raise capital from a wide range of people, rather than only from accredited investors. With two tiers, companies have the freedom to choose the one that best fits their needs. Regulation A+ and the JOBS Act have the potential to drastically change the investment landscape.

KoreConX CEO Oscar Jofre’s Interview on Recent EINBLICK Podcast

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 education and tools to manage their data and shareholders. No longer are private companies limited to a VC or fund to raise capital, they have the power to leverage their customers and shareholders to raise needed capital. However, they need to keep learning to understand their options and responsibilities. 

 

You can listen to the full interview with Oscar Jofre here.

 

Effective Date of the Amendments to Reg CF and Reg A

Posted on by Andrew Stephenson

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

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 to drop out of college and focus on that full time. Soon after, I wrote my first IPO roadshow, built a company around that, and a few years later, also started working for money managers,” Andrew said. After selling that company, Andrew went to work for a publishing company specializing in investingas the chief marketing officer.

 

Then, for 9 years, Andrew left the marketing industry and created a multi-factor model used to analyze the stocks available on US exchanges to select them for separately managed accounts, and he and his team designed the index behind six ETFs, eventually selling that company to a bank, where he served as the chief investment officer. “When E5A was born, it was born as an investment house, and then I got sucked back into marketing in 2012 and switched E5A over into a marketing firm in 2013,” Andrew recounted. At E5A, they acquire investors through systematic, data-driven marketing.

 

For companies that are looking to raise capital, marketing plays an incredibly important role. For RegA+ offerings, a company’s first target is typically its existing network of customers. However, a marketing firm such as E5A can help companies to understand the behavior and demographics of current customers. Knowing how customers behave will allow companies to targetpeople that are demographically and behaviorally just like their current customers.

 

With RegA+ offerings, the majority of the money will be raised through marketing. “The beauty of that is that it’s passive,” Andrew says, “we can look at entirely new groups of prospects who are the most likely people who would be interested in investing in a company like yours. Sometimes we can find them through behavior or demographics, hopefully, it’s a combination of both.” Once potential investors have been found, marketing agencies can come up with the messaging platform that will raise money through these investors. Companies are often surprised that their existing network raises little money, but the investors they can gain through marketing helps them reach their goals.

 

Through the use of marketing, Andrew is excited about how companies benefit from acquiring investors at scale. “If you’re a restaurant chain, you want as many people to know about it as possible. If you have a direct-to-consumer product, you want many people to know about it. So a byproduct of raising capital is promoting the brand or the business.” Both investors and the companies get more engaged as information is put out regularly.

 

With RegA+ allowing investors of all wealth, income and experience levels to participate, the restriction allowing only accredited investors is lifted. Additionally, Andrew believes that increasing the limit from $50 to $75 million will greatly improve the regulation since oftentimes companies require more funding. With IPOs on both the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ often over $100 million, he believes increasing the cap to as much as $200 million in a few years would be better for companies looking to utilize RegA+.

 

For its clients, E5A is a “turnkey marketing company, so we do everything from messaging platforms to data-targeting to media buying and optimization, message testing, web development, etc.” Andrew expects that E5A will be held to a standard of success being measured by the amount of money raised. While looking to maintain as much control of the outcome, E5A also understands that many of the companies they work with have their own marketing or IT departments, and try to share as much work with them as possible and include them in the process.

 

E5A looks to work with companies that have a high probability of success, which requires an ecosystem of legal, accounting, technology, broker/dealer, consulting, and marketing services. Andrew says, “We feel that Oscar and the KoreConX team are putting together a world-class network of service providers who are experts in each of their individual tasks. We are glad to participate.”

Warrant Issuers, Keep Your Offering Statement Evergreen

Posted on by Jeanne Campanelli

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 exercise of the warrants are separate securities whose offer and sale must be registered on a registration statement or covered by an exemption from registration such as Regulation A.  That is why offering statements under Regulation A list each of these individually and why the SEC requires the validity opinion filed as an exhibit to the offering statement to cover all of them (See Staff Legal Bulletin No. 19, available at https://www.sec.gov/interps/legal/cfslb19.htm ).

 

Most warrants that are part of these structures are exercisable for more than a year after their date of issuance, often up to 18 months.  Since the exercise of the warrant and payment of the exercise price for the underlying shares is a new investment decision by the warrant holder, the offering statement covering the underlying warrant shares must continue to be qualified under Regulation A in order for the new shares to be covered by the exemption from registration. That means that an issuer must keep the offering statement “evergreen,” or qualified for at least 2 to 3 years to cover those exercises, even if the offering of the units is completed before the first anniversary of qualification.   Most Regulation A offerings permit rolling closings.  The effective date of a warrant is typically the date on which a closing is held and a warrant is issued to an investor.  For example, if an issuer commences a Regulation A offering on the date its offering statement is qualified (let’s say February 1, 2021) and holds its first closing of units on March 1, the warrants issued in that closing are exercisable until September 1, 2022, well past the anniversary of qualification.  Assuming the offering stays open for at least 9 months and the final closing is held on November 1, 2021, the warrants issued in that final closing are exercisable until May 1, 2023.

 

Under the securities laws, registration statements for continuous offerings are kept updated, or “evergreen,” when an issuer complies with its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act by filing timely periodic reports such as their annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.  However, since the analogous periodic reports under Regulation A are filed under the Securities Act, their filing does not keep the offering statement evergreen.  If an offering is to extend more than one year from qualification, issuers conducting continuous offerings need to file post qualification amendments (“PQA”)  in accordance with Rule 252(f)(i) every 12 months after the qualification date to update the offering statement, which includes incorporating the financial statements from the periodic reports filed during the previous 12 months.  If the original offering statement was scheduled to terminate before the warrant exercise period ended, the PQA would also need to extend the termination date. A PQA in those circumstances renders the offering statement un-qualified and subject to a possible new SEC review, which means an issuer may continue to make offers (so long as the financials are not stale yet) but may not make sales, such as the issuance of warrant shares upon exercise of warrants, until the SEC re-qualifies the offering statement (See our blog post on updating continuous offerings: https://www.crowdcheck.com/blog/updating-continuous-offerings-under-regulation).  Using our example above, the issuer of units would need to at a minimum file a PQA in sufficient time before February 1, 2022 to allow for a possible Staff review and comment period to meet the annual requirement under Rule 252.  Moreover, if the unit offering lasts more than 6 months after the original qualification date, an issuer should anticipate having to file a second PQA in early 2023 to cover the exercise of warrants issued in the last closing of the offering.

 

Warrant issuers should also keep in mind some additional steps they will need to take.   The subscription agreement and the warrants themselves will need to include additional reps, warranties and covenants, such as a covenant to keep the offering statement evergreen.  Plus, even after qualifying the PQA with the SEC, the issuer will need to insure that it is current with state notice filings, which typically need to be renewed every 12 months as well.

What is Secondary Market Trading?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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, this typically happens on the NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange, where people freely sell and purchase stock in publicly traded companies. 

 

The exchange is considered secondary because the transaction is not done with the original company that offered the security. An example of a primary market transaction would be an initial public offering, or IPO, during which a company is offering securities directly to investors for the first time. For any security sold through a secondary market, the funds go to the investor selling, and not the company that originally offered the security.  This is one of the major distinctions between the primary and secondary markets. 

 

Securities in private companies can also be sold through a secondary market, similar to stocks in public companies traded on the stock market. The investor, with the help of their broker, can offer their securities for saler. Once the offer has been accepted, the company that originally offered the securities must be contacted to approve the deal. Once approved, both the buyer and the seller complete the paperwork for the transaction and complete the deal. 

 

Without the secondary market, investors would be unable to trade the securities they have purchased, leaving them without any options for their investments. Importantly, access to a secondary market allows employees of the issuer to sell their securities that they may have been awarded. Without a secondary market, these investors and employees would not have any option to sell their shares unless the company was to go public during an IPO. 

 

Despite the straightforward logic behind the process, secondary market trading has been relatively fragmented, with not all processes occurring in the same place. This increases the potential for errors and any increases in transaction time that they may cause. To combat this, platforms on which securities can be traded through the secondary market have been developed as secondary market trading has become commonplace in the world of investing. 

 

KoreConX has developed an all-in-one platform, which includes a secondary market as one of its features. On the platform, every important authorization that is deemed necessary for the transaction to occur is kept in one place, allowing for information to be easily tracked and recorded. Buyers, sellers, brokers, and the transaction itself are brought together in one place to prevent errors that may have occurred otherwise. Additionally, the KoreConX Secondary Market eliminates central clearinghouses from the process, allowing for real-time confirmation and availability of funds once the transaction is complete. 

 

Secondary market trading allows investors to sell securities they’ve purchased from private companies to other interested investors, similar to trading public stocks. Even though their sale is decentralized, platforms such as KoreConX allow for people to easily and securely sell their securities, creating a more efficient and streamlined process. 

KorePartner Spotlight: Etan Butler, Chair of Dalmore Group

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 raise investment capital online through the SEC’s Regulation D, Regulation A+, and Regulation CF.  Etan is recognized as a pioneer in the Regulation A+ industry and is an active participant in industry summits, panels, interviews, and publications. 

 

Dalmore is among the most active Broker-Dealers for Reg A+ offerings, having been involved in more than 85 such offerings in 2020 – including some of the most successful listed and private Reg A+ offerings in history. A number of Dalmore’s Reg A+ clients have met their offering goals and have pursued follow on Reg A+ offerings to raise even more.  Some of Dalmore’s clients have gone on to be listed on Canadian and US public exchanges.

 

“From our wide and varied experience as the broker-dealer on these offerings, we share what we have seen work well (and not so well) with our new issuer clients.  This experience is particularly valuable to the entrepreneur who is approaching a Reg A+ capital raise for the first time, and who can tap into our network of quality service providers, including legal, marketing, and syndication specialists.  We also offer our clients potential alternative trading solutions, and otherwise provide our issuers with the tools they require to enter the field equipped to have the greatest chance of success.”

 

Dalmore Group also provides business planning, development, and capital introduction services to public and private companies in a range of industries, and has participated in various capacities in significant investment, development, and other structured transactions. Over the course of their 15 years of investment banking activity, Etan and his team have been involved in the development of cutting edge, regulatory compliant approaches for the management of business development – including the raising of funds — and the oversight of complex due diligence activities in the heavily regulated area of U.S. and multinational transactions. 

 

“What drew me to investment banking and the buildout of the Reg A+ division at Dalmore was the excitement of working with other entrepreneurs in cutting edge industries, and assisting them in the pursuit of their dreams.  The recent launch of Dalmore’s DirectCF platform, which offers Reg CF issuers a direct, cost-effective, and open access solution for their Reg CF offering – untethered to a marketplace that lists other, competing offerings — reflects Dalmore’s obsession with giving issuers full control of their capital raising activities.” 

 

Etan is also President of EMB Capital, LLC, which invests in early-stage ventures with a focus on real estate acquisition and financial services.

Foreign Issuers Using Regulation A and Regulation CF

Posted on by Sara Hanks

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 or Canada, or any State, Province, Territory or possession thereof, or the District of Columbia, with its principal place of business in the United States or Canada.”
  • Reg CF Rule 100(b) says Reg CF may not be used by any issuer that “is not organized under, and subject to, the laws of a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.”

Slightly different formulations, as you can see, and note that Reg CF doesn’t say that the company needs to have its primary place of business here. But both exclude non-US or Canadian companies.

But we are getting a lot of pushback and “what if?” questions, so here are responses to a few of the most common:

  • What if we redomicile to the US? Well ok, that might work for Reg CF. It might work for Reg A too, if your management changes their domicile too (you need a bona fide principal place of business here). However, have you considered the tax consequences in your original home jurisdiction? Also, note that you’ll still need two years audited or reviewed financial statements, in US GAAP and audited or reviewed in accordance with US auditing requirements (US GAAS).

 

  • What if we form a subsidiary and it makes the offering? Yes, you can form a subsidiary here (it’ll have to have its principal place of business here too, for Reg A) and it can raise money under Regulation CF. But the money it raises here has to be legit used for the sub’s own purposes. It can’t be upstreamed to the parent, because that would likely make the parent a “co-issuer” that needs to also file a Form C or 1-A and can’t. So the sub needs to be planning to undertake its genuine own business. Even then, if it’s not a new business but just taking over some part of the parent’s business, then the sub might need to produce financials (again, using US GAAP and US GAAS) from the parent’s business or the part of business it’s taking over, because that’s a “predecessor.”

 

  • What if we create a holding company in the US? Yes, although the same issues come up. If using Reg A, you need to move your principal place of business here. For either exemption, the foreign company that is now your subsidiary will be the “predecessor” company and so again we have the need for two years’ audited or reviewed financials using US GAAP and US GAAS.

 

  • What if we create a new company that licenses the foreign company’s product or service? This may be the most promising option, but it’s really going to depend on facts and circumstances. Proceeds of the offering have to be used for the new company’s operations, in the case of Regulation A the company’s primary place of business has to be here, and you’ll have to look carefully at whether there are any predecessor issues.

What is the Role of a Transfer Agent for a Private Company?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 company’s rounds of funding, investors will purchase their share of the company to fund the company’s growth. These purchases come in the form of securities and a careful record of them must be kept. Knowing the number of shares each investor owns will be essential in future business deals. In the past, investors were issued paper certificates by a transfer agent, denoting their share of ownership. Now, it is more common for them to issue certificates electronically, which saves the issuer both time and money. 

 

Not only does the transfer agent issue certificates, but they keep a record of who owns what, pays distributions to shareholders, and serves as an intermediary for the company for all transactions related to securities. In this capacity, they provides support to both the issuer and the investor. They are tasked with the responsibility of maintaining accurate records regarding all securities issued by the company. 

 

For a private company, a transfer agent is incredibly important when dealing with investors. When utilized alongside a capitalization table (usually called a cap table), a transfer agent can help the company provide a precise record of who their investors are and how much equity they have remaining, which becomes essential in future rounds of investments. When both current and potential investors can view accurate and complete information on the companies they are investing in, the transparency and availability of information increases the investors’ confidence. 

 

When choosing a transfer agent for your company, the one that eliminates unnecessary costs and time is the most logical option. Through its all-in-one platform, KoreConX offers just that. Completely integrated with the rest of the platform, the KoreConX Transfer Agent is SEC-registered and can be used with other features, such as cap table management and access to a secondary market. Since the KoreConX Transfer Agent manages paperwork and issues certificates electronically, the lengthy process of manual filing is eliminated, creating an experience that is both streamlined and faster. Through the KoreConX Transfer Agent, any change made is reflected in the cap table in real-time, reducing any errors that could be caused by the manual transfer of the data. 

 

Private companies can benefit immensely by employing the use of a transfer agent. Allowing them to manage their securities more efficiently, companies can keep a more detailed record of transactions. As it is the transfer agent’s responsibility to maintain the records of securities, it is essential that companies carefully consider when they’re making their choice. 

 

A good transfer agent must be able to handle many forms of securities instruments, such as equity, debt (bonds, debentures), convertibles, options, warrants, promissory notes, crowdfunding, etc. All of this should be done as efficiently as possible in a fully compliant way in multiple jurisdictions. Ideally, they should provide both the company and its shareholders information in real-time without additional expenses. Most importantly, transfer agent services that are easily integrated with other capabilities, such as portfolio management, shareholder management, minute book, investor relations, and so on, provide companies with a more inclusive and efficient way of maintaining their financials. 

Click “RESET”

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 it first hand. There are many examples where the chain is broken.

American Stimulus Checks (Banking)

Before the first round of stimulus checks issued to the American people, the US President told everyone that their checks would be deposited within 48 hours. However, a few hours later, the IRS issued a contradictory news release that only about 50% of Americans would receive the aid within 48 hours. For the rest of the population, without direct deposit set up, the process would take months and lacked the potential for setting up direct deposit only. Plus, since the pandemic began to close businesses and eliminate jobs, there has been no additional aid to the American people besides a smaller sum approved by Congress in December.

Opening Commercial Business Accounts (Banking)

Anyone with a business account has experienced the process of setting up a commercial bank account. Applicants need to bring their books, ID, etc., and set up an appointment with the bank to open a business account.  The banker collects all the information and begins the onboarding process. However, this process is often variable and inefficient depending on the financial institution. 

Broker-Dealer Transacting

Broker-dealers in the alternative investment sector, such as those who work with investors for private companies, are accustomed to meeting investors face-to-face to bring them opportunities and perform regulatory compliance. This often makes it more than just a service—it is a personal relationship built between investors and their broker-dealers. However, with face-to-face appointments becoming a way of the past in favor of virtual meetings, the process needs to be improved to support this fundamental change.

Post COVID-19 RESET

The last time we had a reset of any significant magnitude in business was at 11:59 PM on 31 December 1999.  For those who remember the 12 months before this date and time, everyone knew that the future was going to be different, and we saw the next phase of the computer and software introduction to business.

 

Despite this, since 11:59 PM on 31 December 1999, all we have seen is more development but no “reset” and small uptake to really make a difference.  These businesses on which we rely for our financial services have been noticing the signs that change is coming.  Most of them would say, nothing to worry about because my business is very personal with my clients.  Some have attributed that the only way you can offer a personal touch to your business is by not adopting technology to operate your business efficiently.

 

For those who understand and are already seeing this as an opportunity to lead the business world, this “RESET” will create new leaders in many areas as we move to end-to-end processes that have no broken links in these areas:

    • Banking
      • Banks that will be fully online, including onboarding customers and transacting. No more PDF’s but fully integrated with your corporate activities
      • End-to-End integrated with companies  
    • Broker-Dealers
      • The personal touch extended to all clients to pursue opportunities and able to invest by simply updating their profile and from the comfort of their home, office, vacation.
      • End-to-End integrated with investors, compliance, companies, banking
    • Companies
      • Managing all corporate records for C-level onward to be connected to their shareholders, access to capital, banking, insurance, and M&A, regardless of the size of a company
      • End-to-End integration with Broker-dealers, Banking, Secondary Market, and all stakeholders (management, board directors, shareholders, investors, legal, auditors)

 

Why Them?

We rely on them (Banking, Broker-Dealers) to transact to keep our businesses operational. If they are no longer changing the way a service is delivered or integrated or a company or stakeholders are onboarded, companies will pivot to make rapid, fundamental changes to keep their business operational. 

 

There will be holdouts as we saw on 31 December 1999. In the end, they will be the ones complaining that it was Covid-19 that destroyed their businesses, but in reality, their businesses were adversely affected by not pivoting when all indicators pointed to the need for change.  

Real-Time Success

We are seeing clear indicators already that we must pivot our way of doing business.  Companies are raising capital online from registered funding portals or via their website, and the data is showing strong growth in online investing. This is one clear sign that those who have pivoted are getting rewarded versus those waiting and hoping for the good old days to come back.

 

11:59 PM 31 December 2020

RESET

 

How to be Ready for Raising Capital

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 you’re looking to raise money, what must you do to be ready for raising capital?

 

From the start, any company should keep track of shareholders in its capitalization table (commonly referred to as the cap table). Even if you have not yet raised any funds, equity distributed amongst founders and key team members should be accurately recorded. With this information kept up-to-date and readily available, negotiations with investors will be smoother, as it will be clear how much equity can be given to potential shareholders. If this information is unclear, deals will likely come with frustrations and delays. 

 

Researching and having knowledge of each investor type will also help prepare your company to raise money. Will an angel investor, venture capital firm, crowdfunding, or other investment method be suited best for the money that is being raised? Having a clear answer to this question will help you better understand the investors you’re trying to reach and will help you prepare a backup option if needed. 

 

Once your target investors have been decided and you have a firm grasp on the equity you’re able to offer, preparing to pitch your company to them will be a key step. Having a pitch deck containing information relevant to your company and its industry will allow you to convince investors why your business is worth investing in. Additionally, preparing for any questions that they may ask will ensure investors that you are knowledgeable and have done the research to tackle difficult problems. 

 

Before committing to raising capital, you should make sure that your company has an established business model. Investors want to see that you have a market for your product and are progressing. If investors are not confident that the product you’re marketing has a demand, it will be less likely they will invest. Investors will also want proof that the company is heading in the right direction and the money they invest will help it get there faster. 

 

Once you have determined that your company is ready for investors, managing the investments and issuing securities will be essential. To streamline the process and keep all necessary documents in one location, KoreConX’s all-in-one platform allows companies to manage the investment process and give investors access to their securities and a secondary market after the funding is completed. With cap table management, the all-in-one platform will help companies keep track of shareholders and is updated in real-time, ensuring accuracy as securities are sold. 

 

Ensuring that your company has prepared before raising capital will help the process go smoothly, with fewer headaches and frustrations than if you went into it unprepared. Investors want to know that their money is going to the right place, so allowing them to be confident in their investments will ensure your company gets the funding that it needs to be a success. 

Can I Use My IRA for Private Company Investments?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 for investments in things less standard, such as private companies and real estate. 

 

Like a traditional IRA, to open a self-directed IRA you must find a custodian to hold the account. Banks and brokerage firms can often act as custodians, but careful research must be done to ensure that they will handle the types of investments you’re planning on making. Since custodians simply hold the account for you, and often cannot advise you on investments, finding a financial advisor that specializes in IRA investments can help ensure due diligence. 

 

With IRA investments, investors need to be extremely careful that it follows regulations enforced by the SEC. If regulations are not adhered to, the IRA owner can face severe tax penalties. For example, you cannot use your IRA to invest in companies that either pay you a salary or that you’ve lent money to, as it is viewed by the SEC as a prohibited transaction. Additionally, you cannot use your IRA to invest in a company belonging to either yourself or a direct family member. If the IRA’s funds are used in these ways, there could be an early withdrawal penalty of 10% plus regular income tax on the funds if the owner is younger than 59.5 years old. 

 

Since the IRA’s custodian cannot validate the legitimacy of a potential investment, investors need to be responsible for proper due diligence. However, since some investors are not aware of this, it is a common tactic for those looking to commit fraud to say that the investment opportunity has been approved by the custodian. The SEC warns that high-reward investments are typically high-risk, so the investor should be sure they fully understand the investment and are in the position to take a potential loss. The SEC also recommends that investors ask questions to see if the issuer or investment has been registered. Either the SEC itself or state securities regulators should be considered trusted, unbiased sources for investors.

 

If all requirements are met, the investor can freely invest in private companies using their IRAs. However, once investments have been made, the investor will need to keep track of them, since it is not up to their custodian. To keep all records of investments in a central location, investors can use KoreConX’s Portfolio Management, as part of its all-in-one platform. The portfolio management tool allows investors to utilize a single dashboard for all of their investments, easily accessing all resources provided by their companies. Information including key reports, news, and other documents are readily available to help investors make smarter, more informed investments. 

 

Once investors have done their due diligence and have been careful to avoid instances that could result in penalties and taxes, investments with IRAs can be beneficial. Since it allows for a diverse investment portfolio, those who choose to invest in multiple different ways are, in general, safer. Additionally, IRAs are tax-deferred, and contributions can be deducted from the owner’s taxable income. 

Wait a Minute, What is a Minute Book?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 resolutions that affect financial transactions. If the company is ever audited, the minute book provides all the necessary information and references to documents in one place. Let’s break down what exactly you should find in a proper minute book. 

 

A minute book should have the company’s certificate of incorporation that serves as proof of the company’s registration. This includes information such as the business’s address, company directors, voting rights, and the company’s purpose. The minute book should also have the company’s bylaws or the rules and regulations that the company and its officers must adhere to. Maintaining a record of bylaws ensures that the company is following the rules they have set to operate by. 

 

The minute book typically contains the criteria by which the company’s Board of Directors and officers are chosen. For the Board of Directors, this may include how many are on the board and how long they are to serve.  For officers, it may include which ones are required for the company. In this section of the record, documents can also maintain a record of those who have previously served as a director or officer for the company. Additionally, the minute book should keep track of any meetings or communication with board members. 

 

Maintained in the minute book is a record of shares and shareholders. Stock options granted to employees are kept track of, along with the number of shares the company is authorized to sell. Ensuring the company knows the limit to the shares they are legally allowed to sell is very important and is outlined in the certificate of incorporation. Additionally, companies usually maintain a record of any documents they’ve filed in their minute book. Having all documents filed in a common location makes them easier to track and refer back to when needed. Kept in this collection of documents are also various reports, whether they’re annual or special, so that they are easily accessed by authorized parties. 

 

While keeping track of all of this information may seem like a daunting task, it is made easier by companies such as KoreConX. Integrated into its all-in-one platform, the KoreConX Minute Book ensures that all company documents are easily located and kept up-to-date. With all documents in a central location, both legal and board members can edit the material directly, without worrying about various versions that might exist offline. This consistency provides companies the ability to better manage their documents, ensuring that everything is accurate and easily accessed when needed. 

 

An understanding of what goes into a proper minute book can help your company achieve success and transparency in business. In any situation where essential company documents are necessary, having them readily available cuts down on delays and frustration, making it a smoother process for everyone involved.

Reg CF Investment Vehicles: What Are They Good For?

Posted on by Andrew Stephenson

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 angel or venture capital funding rounds.

In that type of SPV, there is often a lead investor or manager who may act on behalf of the investors in the SPV. Those persons could be exempt reporting advisers under the Investment Advisers Act, or even fully registered investment advisers. In this way, SPVs create real separation between the investors and the underlying issuer, with some person or entity acting as an intermediary when making decisions or providing information to investors.

For crowdfunding vehicles, on the other hand, the SEC requires that investors receive the same economic exposure, voting power, ability to assert claims under law, and receive the same disclosures as if they invested directly in the issuer itself. In particular, a crowdfunding vehicle:

  1. Is organized and operated for the sole purpose of directly acquiring, holding, and disposing of securities issued by a single Reg CF issuer;
  2. Does not borrow money and uses the proceeds from the sale of its securities solely to purchase a single class of securities of a single Reg CF issuer;
  3. Issues only one class of securities in one or more offerings under Reg CF in which the crowdfunding vehicle and the Reg CF issuer are deemed to be co-issuers;
  4. Receives a written undertaking from the Reg CF issuer to fund or reimburse the expenses associated with its formation, operation, or winding up, receives no other compensation, and any compensation paid to any person operating the vehicle is paid solely by the Reg CF issuer;
  5. Maintains the same fiscal year-end as the crowdfunding issuer;
  6. Maintains a one-to-one relationship between the number, denomination, type and rights of Reg CF issuer securities it owns and the number, denomination, type and rights of its securities outstanding;
  7. Seeks instructions from the holders of its securities with regard to:
    1. The voting of the Reg CF issuer securities it holds and votes the crowdfunding issuer securities only in accordance with such instructions; and
    2. Participating in tender or exchange offers or similar transactions conducted by the Reg CF issuer and participates in such transactions only in accordance with such instructions;
  8. Receives, from the Reg CF issuer, all disclosures and other information required under Reg CF and the crowdfunding vehicle promptly provides such disclosures and other information to the investors and potential investors in the crowdfunding vehicle’s securities and to the relevant intermediary; and
  9. Provides to each investor the right to direct the crowdfunding vehicle to assert the rights under State and Federal law that the investor would have if he or she had invested directly in the Reg CF issuer and provides to each investor any information that it receives from the Reg CF issuer as a shareholder of record of the crowdfunding issuer.

The result is that no lead investor or manager can be used, and investors will have the same rights and responsibilities as if they invested in the issuer directly.

The biggest practical effect is that Reg CF investors will appear on one line on the issuer’s cap table (addressing the “messy cap table” issue), and that line will represent the full number of beneficial owners, who each must still be notified by the issuer in the event of any decisions requiring investor action. The issuer could hire an administrator to handle communications with the investors in the crowdfunding vehicle, but there was nothing preventing an issuer from doing that previously.

However, by only existing as one line on the issuer’s cap table, and confirmed in its rulemaking, crowdfunding vehicles will count as one “holder of record” for the purposes of Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act. This is the provision that says that a company has to register with the SEC and become fully-reporting when it reaches a specified asset and number-of-shareholder threshold. Up to now, crowdfunding companies have relied on a conditional exemption from Section 12(g) but some companies have worried about what will happen when they no longer comply with those conditions.

The SEC further opined that with these changes, it is possible that issuers will provide greater voting rights than has been common in Reg CF offerings. I am not sure that will be the case, as use of crowdfunding vehicles will not simplify obtaining votes for any necessary corporate consents unless the rights of investors are curtailed by the use of drag-alongs or similar provisions.

Setting up a crowdfunding vehicle will require documentation tailored to follow the terms of the securities being sold in the crowdfunding offering, and arranging for administrative tasks such as issuance of K-1s to the investors.  CrowdCheck is available to talk through the implications of using crowdfunding vehicles and whether it makes sense for your Reg CF offering.

Why is a Broker-Dealer Important for Private Company Offerings?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 agent that assists you in raising capital for your private company.  Broker-dealers can be small, independently working firms or ones that operate as part of large banks and investment firms. Both are subject to registration with the SEC and must join a “self-regulatory organization” such as FINRA. If a broker-dealer is not registered they can face penalties enforced by the SEC.  You can check a broker-dealer’s registration here: https://brokercheck.finra.org/. 

 

For private companies looking to raise money, working with a broker-dealer will be a key part of their capital raising activities. Certain states require issuers to work with a broker-dealer to offer securities, so working with a broker-dealer allows issuers to maintain compliance with the SEC and other regulatory entities. Ensuring that issuers are compliant with all regulations is essential to a successful round of capital raising and good business practices. If issuers are not compliant, they can face penalties from the SEC including returning the money raised.

 

Broker-dealers are intermediaries in a fundraise transaction between the private company and the investors.  As such, they are mandated to perform a variety of compliance activities.  If you retain a broker-dealer, they will first be responsible for performing due diligence on your private company. This is important so that there are no false representations to investors.  Investor protection is one of the main responsibilities of the SEC, so the broker-dealers must ensure they are performing appropriate steps to ensure the information presented to investors is accurate, appropriate, and not misleading.

 

Once the broker-dealer has completed the due diligence, they work with private companies to prepare appropriate information to share with investors and set timelines.  This can involve liaising with your legal counsel to ensure the offering documents are complete and to ensure what type of investors they can approach with your offering.  Each country has its own regulations around how you can approach investors, which is why it is important to have a good broker-dealer and legal counsel in each region you intend to offer your securities. 

 

There are different types of investors that can be approached depending on jurisdiction and securities regulations. They include Venture Capital, Private Equity firms, Institutional investors, or individuals. While most of these are professional investors, the individual investor group is further broken down into accredited/sophisticated investors and the general public.  Accredited investors have to meet income or wealth criteria to invest in accredited investor offerings (Regulation D type of offerings in the USA).  The popular mechanisms in the USA to present your offering to the non-accredited or general population (over 18 years) are Regulation CF and Regulation A+.

 

As the broker-dealers reach out to investors and find interested participants, there are steps that they have to perform to ensure that the investor is appropriate for the company.  Typical checks that broker-dealers have to conduct on investors can include performing identification verification, anti-money laundering checks, assessing the suitability of the investment to the investor, and doing accreditation checks. 

 

With the help of a broker-dealer, companies can raise the funding their company needs while being confident that they are maintaining compliance with the regulations that are in place. With over 3,700 registered broker-dealers in the United States alone, every issuer looking to raise capital can be confident of finding at least one well-suited broker-dealer that meets their needs.

SEC Proposes Relief for “Finders”

Posted on by Sara Hanks

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 the first guy wants to be compensated by reference to the amount of money his contacts are able to invest, he may well have violated the broker registration requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. And it’s not only him who needs to be worried; if a startup raises funds through someone who should have been registered as a broker and wasn’t, their sales of securities may be subject to rescission – buying the securities back, with interest.

Nonetheless, startups are so strapped for money (and often don’t understand the requirements of the law) that they do this all the time.

Industry participants have been asking the SEC for guidance in this area for decades, and now the SEC has come up with some simple proposals that should be of use to the startup community.

The SEC is proposing to exempt two classes of finders, Tier I Finders and Tier II Finders, based on the types of activities in which they are permitted to engage, and with conditions tailored to the scope of their activities. The proposed exemption for Tier I and Tier II Finders would be available only where:

  • The issuer is not a reporting company under the Exchange Act;
  • The issuer is seeking to conduct the securities offering in reliance on an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act;
  • The finder does not engage in general solicitation;
  • The potential investor is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D or the finder has a reasonable belief that the potential investor is an “accredited investor”;
  • The finder provides services pursuant to a written agreement with the issuer that includes a description of the services provided and associated compensation;
  • The finder is not an associated person of a broker-dealer; and
  • The finder is not subject to statutory disqualification at the time of his or her participation.

Tier I Finders. A “Tier I Finder” is defined as a finder who meets the above conditions and whose activity is limited to providing contact information of potential investors in connection with only one capital raising transaction by a single issuer within a 12-month period, provided the Tier I Finder does not have any contact with the potential investors about the issuer. A Tier I Finder that complies with all of the conditions of the exemption may receive transaction-based compensation (in other words, compensation based on the amount raised) for the limited services described above without being required to register as a broker under the Exchange Act.

Tier II Finders. The SEC is also proposing an exemption that would permit a finder, where certain conditions are met, to engage in additional solicitation-related activities beyond those permitted for Tier I Finders. A “Tier II Finder” is defined as a finder who meets the above conditions, and who engages in solicitation-related activities on behalf of an issuer, that are limited to:

  • Identifying, screening, and contacting potential investors;
  • Distributing issuer offering materials to investors;
  • Discussing issuer information included in any offering materials, provided that the Tier II Finder does not provide advice as to the valuation or advisability of the investment; and
  • Arranging or participating in meetings with the issuer and investor.

A Tier II Finder wishing to rely on the proposed exemption would need to satisfy certain disclosure requirements and other conditions: First, the Tier II Finder would need to provide a potential investor, prior to or at the time of the solicitation, disclosures that include: (1) the name of the Tier II Finder; (2) the name of the issuer; (3) the description of the relationship between the Tier II Finder and the issuer, including any affiliation; (4) a statement that the Tier II Finder will be compensated for his or her solicitation activities by the issuer and a description of the terms of such compensation arrangement; (5) any material conflicts of interest resulting from the arrangement or relationship between the Tier II Finder and the issuer; and (6) an affirmative statement that the Tier II Finder is acting as an agent of the issuer, is not acting as an associated person of a broker-dealer, and is not undertaking a role to act in the investor’s best interest. The Commission is proposing to allow a Tier II Finder to provide such disclosure orally, provided that the oral disclosure is supplemented by written disclosure and satisfies all of the disclosure requirements listed above no later than the time of any related investment in the issuer’s securities.

The Tier II Finder must obtain from the investor, prior to or at the time of any investment in the issuer’s securities, a dated written acknowledgment of receipt of the Tier II Finder’s required disclosure.

A Tier II Finder that complies with all of the conditions of the proposed exemption may receive transaction-based compensation for services provided in connection with the activities described above without being required to register as a broker under the Exchange Act.

A finder could not be involved in structuring the transaction or negotiating the terms of the offering. A finder also could not handle customer funds or securities or bind the issuer or investor; participate in the preparation of any sales materials; perform any independent analysis of the sale; engage in any “due diligence” activities; assist or provide financing for such purchases; or provide advice as to the valuation or financial advisability of the investment.

This exemption would not affect a finder’s obligation to continue to comply with all other applicable laws, including the antifraud provisions of federal and state law. Additionally, regardless of whether or not a finder complies with this exemption, it may need to consider whether it is acting as another regulated entity, such as an investment adviser.

The exemption is really aimed at the guy at the golf club who has accredited buddies he can introduce the startup to. It would be available to natural persons only (not companies) and the finder couldn’t undertake general solicitation (he should know the people he is introducing to the startup; if he has to go searching for them, he’s essentially acting as a broker. The “no general solicitation” and “natural person” conditions means that the proposed exemption doesn’t help clarify the regulatory status of non-broker online platforms.

We are a little disappointed that so many of the comment letters on the proposal have been negative. We do understand that there is a great deal of clarification needed with respect to what it means to be in the business of a broker. And the SEC needs to work closely with the states in this area. But we at CrowdCheck are pleased that the SEC has provided some clarity in this area.

How to Manage Investments in Private Companies

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 should investors manage their investments once they have been made?

 

Investments made in private companies can often come with voting rights. Being a part of company decisions is an important aspect of being an investor and helps to elect company directors and resolve issues. Investors exercising their voting rights can be a major aspect of managing their portfolio. 

 

Whether information is provided directly to the investors by the company or through a transfer agent, as companies release reports and other key information, shareholders should maintain current knowledge of the information. Understanding the company’s direction and changes that are occurring can give investors a picture of the future so they can determine how their shares will affect their portfolio. The investor should also know where the data can be found so that they are easily able to access and assess it. 

 

Additionally, investors should monitor the liquidity of the shares. Since some private company shares can be traded in a secondary market, understanding the value and the option to trade is important for investors. If they know how much their shares are worth, and they have the ability to sell them, investors can freely trade their shares. This is key if they decide that they no longer want to be a shareholder in a particular private company. 

 

However, for investors who own shares in multiple different companies, managing this information can become a burdensome task. With an all-in-one platform that incorporates portfolio management for investors, KoreConX streamlines and simplifies the process. KoreConX Portfolio Management allows investors to manage their investments from a centralized dashboard. Investors are easily able to see the shares that they own in each private company they’ve invested in. Through the platform, investors can access critical company information and performance data in one place, eliminating the need to remember where each piece of information is kept. Investors are also notified of upcoming shareholder meetings and can exercise their voting rights through the KoreConX platform. When companies and investors utilize the KoreConX platform, they can achieve higher success rates by maintaining compliance with necessary regulations. Utilizing KoreConX Portfolio Management is a powerful tool for investors to make informed decisions regarding their investments. 

 

When dealing with private company investments, it is incredibly important that investors properly manage their portfolios. Remaining up-to-date on company decisions and performance can help them plan for the future of their shares while allowing them to make decisions to increase the success of their investments. When investors understand their voting rights, company developments, and the liquidity of their shares, they can be an active participant in their financial success. 

How does Investor Acquisition Help Find the Right Investors?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 the investor pool to include those who would not be regularly included in a traditional IPO, it is essential to choose the right investors with whom you are going to grow your business. As investors become shareholders that often have some kind of say in the company, it will be important to choose investors that will aid you on your journey to grow your company. But how exactly do you find the right investor for you and your company’s vision?

 

Investor acquisition is targeting the best investors for the offering based on their demographics. Are you trying to raise money from your customers or people with similar behaviors? Are you targeting investors based on location, age, or other demographics? With investor acquisition, it allows companies to find and target the investors that will be best suited for the offering. If companies are targeting the investors that are most likely to invest, less time is wasted and more money is raised by eliminating the need to interact with those who aren’t going to invest. 

 

Additionally, through investor acquisition, you can turn current customers into investors and investors into customers. With the addition of RegA+ to issuers’ toolbox, the ability to raise money from customers is now easier than ever. The customers who already know and support you can turn into important advocates for your company, which in turn can entice either more investors or customers to support your company.  Through RegA+, investors are not required to be accredited, so everyday people now have the opportunity to invest in companies that they believe in and support. 

 

Once you’ve found investors to invest in your offering, keeping proper records of them will be essential to long-term success. Issuers need to manage their cap table, maintain investor relations, perform securities transfers in a compliant way, transfer agent, and more. With the KoreConX all-in-one platform, companies can securely manage who their investors are, issue shareholder certificates, and maintain their cap table in real-time, as changes occur. For investors, they can securely manage their portfolio of investments, receive important company information, and vote on company matters. With the platform, companies can maintain compliance and manage their information seamlessly. 

 

Once you’ve decided to raise capital for your company, the next most important should be who you are going to raise the money from. With the help of investor acquisition, you can analyze information about your target so that you can best understand their behavior and what will get them to invest. Making smarter decisions about who you want investment from will help your company grow in the direction that you see best. 

 

What is Needed for a Successful RegA+ Offering

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 and non-accredited investors alike. If you’ve chosen to proceed with a RegA+ offering, you’ve probably become familiar with the process, but what do you need for your offering to be a success?

 

When beginning your offering, your company’s valuation will play a key role in the offering’s success. While it may be tempting to complete your valuation in-house, as it can save your company money in its early stages, seeking a valuation from a third-party firm will ensure its accuracy. Having a proper valuation will allow you to commence your offering without overvaluing what your company is worth. 

 

Since the SEC allows RegA+ offerings to be freely advertised, your company will need a realistic marketing budget to spread the word about your fundraising efforts. If no one knows that you’re raising money, how can you actually raise money? Once you’ve established a budget, knowing your target will be the next important step. If your company’s brand already has loyal customers, they are likely the easiest target for your fundraising campaign. Customers that already love your brand will be excited to invest in something that they care about. 

 

After addressing marketing strategies for gaining investments in your company, creating the proper terms for the offering will also be essential. Since one of the main advantages of RegA+ is that it allows companies to raise money from everyday people, having terms that are easy for people to understand without complex knowledge of investments and finance will have a wider appeal. Potential investors can invest in a company with confidence when they can easily understand what they are buying. 

 

For a successful offering, companies should also keep in mind that they need to properly manage their offering. KoreConX makes it simple for companies to keep track of all aspects of their fundraising with its all-in-one platform. Companies can easily manage their capitalization table as securities are sold and equity is awarded to shareholders, and direct integration with a transfer agent allows certificates to be issued electronically. Even after the round, the platform provides both issuers and investors with support and offers a secondary market for securities purchased from private companies. 

 

Knowing your audience, establishing a marketing budget, creating simple terms, and having an accurate valuation will give your RegA+ offering the power to succeed and can help you raise the desired funding for your company. Through the JOBS Act, the SEC gave private companies the incredible power to raise funds from both everyday people and accredited investors, but proper strategies can ensure that the offering meets its potential.

Regulation A Offering Limits Increased to $75 Million

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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+ offerings.

 

Before the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) of 2012, Regulation A was a relatively obscure and underutilized regulation since adherence to Blue Sky Laws in all 50 states made it time-consuming and costly. The JOBS Act transformed RegA into a company-friendly law allowing businesses to raise millions of dollars. Broken down into two tiers, Tier 1 allows companies to raise a maximum of $20 million after meeting compliance with Blue Sky Laws in each state, while Tier 2 previously allowed up to $50 million to be raised after the offering statement has been reviewed and accepted by the SEC. While neither tiers place limits on the amount an accredited investor can invest, Tier 2 limits individual investors to either 10% of their net worth or annual income.

 

With this latest amendment to Regulation A, companies will now be able to raise a maximum of $75 million under Tier 2 offerings. This comes as great news for companies looking to raise capital through RegA offerings since Tier 2 offerings comprise the majority of those conducted, with 73% of qualified offerings falling under this tier. This substantial increase allows issuers to raise larger sums of capital to fund their business and its development. In addition, the updated Regulation A raises the offering limit of secondary sales from $15 million to $22.5 million. With Tier 2 offerings preempting Blue Sky Laws in each state, it offers companies an efficient tool for efficiently raising capital on a nationwide scale. 

 

With an increase of $25 million, this drastic improvement to Regulation A offerings will empower more companies to raise the capital they need for success.

Forbes interview with KoreConX founders

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 distributed ledger technology (DLT) be used to reduce back-office fees and expand the market for this asset class?

I interviewed Oscar Jofre, CEO and co-founder of KoreConX, who believes his platform and infrastructure can help.

KoreConX is a company working to change how businesses raise capital.  Mr. Jofre is an advocate for using DLT to bring transparency to a fractured process.  Mr. Jofre mentioned, “There are over 90,000 companies in our platform from around the globe who have raised more than $6.6 billion. Companies who use the KoreConX platform raised capital working with broker-dealers or direct offerings on their own. We are purely providing the technology to make sure they are fully compliant and to manage the entire process.”

What is the private capital market?  What are the problems?

The private capital market represents companies not publicly traded on stock exchanges. Private funds, venture capital investors, and some mutual funds are typically the main buyers.  Investments can be in new start-up enterprises, mature business, or sometimes struggling firms. This type of asset is considered to be highly risky.

One critical problem, the team at KoreConX explained, was the lack of market access for small firms. Dr. Kiran Garimella, KoreConX’s CSO and CTO, said, “The majority of participants in private capital markets are smaller entities who are closely connected with local companies and investors. They cannot afford huge expenses for integrated systems.”  KoreConX specializes in connecting all sizes of firms rather than limiting their scope to more mature enterprises.  Interestingly CEO Oscar Jofre’s background is crowdfunding, which is a driving influence in his business.

Jason Futko, CFO and co-founder, said, “It is often difficult for companies in the private capital markets to identify investors to present their opportunity. The fragmentation in this market can make it difficult to find investors or other professionals to help you grow your business.”

On June 26th, 2019, Broadridge bought from Northern Trust a similar blockchain platform.  There is competition in this space from many players. Mr. Jofre said, “There are companies like Carta, Capshares, ComputerShare, AST, and Link Group that offer some of the features KoreConX provides in our all-in-one platform. We have a much different view of the market. To truly transform it, we need to make sure all participants have all the tools they need. If they don’t, then we will never see any great change in the private capital markets.”

KoreConX launched on October 11th, 2019, their new blockchain ecosystem for fully compliant digital securities worldwide.  Their mission is to ensure compliance with securities regulation and corporate law.  The KoreConX platform includes securitized token issuance, trading, clearing, settlement, management, reporting, and corporate actions.

As explained to me by the management team, the lack of data integrity and regional knowledge of jurisdictional compliance can restrict investment opportunities offered to the public.  Mr. Futko continued, “Obviously part of the solution under KoreConX has to be around connecting document fragmentation, providing access to professionals and creating trust through our blockchain, which ensures both business and regulatory logic.”

Why can blockchain technology help now?

The KoreConX team stated that the private capital markets serve over 450 million private companies worldwide today.  They have a lack of document transparency and high fees. Compare this to public capital markets, which have established listing standards and rules.  Furthermore, open markets are used every day and can handle many transactions.  Dr. Garimella said, “Blockchain offers technology that provides solid mechanisms for trust through immutability and consensus among parties.”

I asked Mr. Jofre to explain why his work was different from larger companies, like Broadridge? He responded, “KoreConX is entering a market with many providers who have a single feature or application. For private capital markets to be as efficient, as public listed markets, it needs an infrastructure layer and an application layer.  KoreConX brings both.  We do not exclude anyone because of size or geography.”

The SEC proposes expanding the “accredited investor” definition

Posted on by Sara Hanks

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 was it was supposed to be a way to determine whether someone was able to “fend for themself” in making investment decisions, such that they didn’t need the protection that SEC registration provides. Those people may invest in private placements. The thinking at the time the definition was adopted was that a financial standard served as a proxy for determining whether an investor could hire a professional adviser. Financial standards have never been a particularly good proxy for investment sophistication, though, and some people who are clearly sophisticated but not rich yet have been excluded from being able to invest in the private markets.

The proposal would:

  • Extend the definition of accredited investor to natural persons (humans) who hold certain certifications or licenses, such as the FINRA Series 7 or 65 or who are “knowledgeable employees” of hedge funds;
  • Extend the definition of accredited investors to entities that are registered investment advisers, rural business investment companies, LLCs (who honestly we all assumed were already included), family offices, and other entities meeting an investments-owned test;
  • Do some “housekeeping” to allow “spousal equivalents” to be treated as spouses and tweak some other definitions; and
  • Create a process whereby other people or entities could be added to the definition by means of a clear process without additional rulemaking.

We are generally in favor of these proposals. However, we worry that the more attractive the SEC makes the private markets, the more that people of modest means will be excluded from the wealth engine that is the American economy. We also believe that the concerns raised about the integrity of the private markets by the two dissenting Commissioners, here and here, should be taken seriously. The real solution to all of this is to make the SEC registration process more attractive, and better-scaled to early-stage companies.

In the meantime, read the proposals and the comments, and make up your own minds. The comment period ends 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, which hasn’t happened yet.

Equity Crowdfunding Platforms (RegCF)

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 move forward with a higher funding cap.    

We recently did a Q&A with  Wefunder on what RegCF companies require.

We have compiled the list of 51 Active Equity Crowdfunding Platforms along with the sectors they serve.

Company Name URL City State Sector
Bioverge Portal, LLC https://www.bioverge.com/ San Francisco CA Healthcare
Buy the Block https://buytheblock.com/ Denver CO Community
CollectiveSun, LLC http://collectivesun.market/ San Diego CA Social Ventures
Crowd Ignition https://crowdignition.com/ New York NY General
CrowdsourcedFunded https://crowdsourcefunded.com/ Chicago IL General
EnergyFunders Marketplace http://www.energyfunders.com/ Houston TX Energy
EnrichHER Funding, LLC https://ienrichher.com/ Atlanta GA Loans
Equifund Crowd Funding Portal Inc. www.equifundcfp.com Kanata ON General
EquityDoor, LLC https://equitydoor.com/ Austin TX Real Estate
Flair Portal ( Flair Exchange) https://www.flairexchange.com/ Vancouver BC Gaming
Flashfunders Funding Portal www.flashfunders.co Sherman Oaks CA General
Funders USA https://www.fundersusa.com/ Newport Beach CA Technology
Fundit http://fundit.com/ Fairfield NJ General
Fundme.com, Inc. www.fundme.com Murray UT Technology
Fundopolis Portal LLC https://www.fundopolis.com Boston MA General
GrowthFountain Capital www.growthfountain.com New York NY General
Honeycomb Portal www.honeycombcredit.com Pittsburgh PA General
Hycrowd https://www.hycrowd.com/ Jersey City NJ General
Indie Crowd Funder www.indiecrowdfunder.com Los Angeles CA Film
Infrashares Inc. https://infrashares.com San Francisco CA Infrastructure
IPO Wallet LLC https://ipowallet.com/ https://invest.ipowallet.com/ Sachese TX General
Jumpstart Micro www.jumpstartmicro.com Bedford MA General
Ksdaq https://www.mrcrowd.com Monterey Park CA General
MainVest, Inc. https://mainvest.com/ Newburyport MA General
Merging Traffic Portal llc www.mergingtrafficportal.com Orlando FL General
MinnowCFunding www.minnowcfunding.com Pasadena CA Real Estate
MiTec, PBC (Crowdfund Main Street) https://www.crowdfundmainstreet.com/ Fremont CA Impact
NetCapital Funding Portal www.netcapital.com Lewes DE General
NSSC Funding Portal (SmallChange) www.smallchange.com Pittsburgh PA Real Estate
OpenDeal (Republic) www.republic.co New York NY General
Pitch Venture Group LLC https://letslaunch.com/ Houston TX General
         
Raise Green, Inc. http://www.raisegreen.com Somerville MA Impact
Razitall www.razitall.com Basking Ridge NJ General
SeriesOne https://seriesone.com/ Miami FL General
SI Portal (SeedInvest) www.seedinvest.com New York NY General
Silicon Prairie Holdings, Inc. https://sppx.io/ St. Paul MN General
         
SMBX https://www.thesmbx.com/ San Francisco CA Bonds
Sprowtt Crowdfunding, Inc. https://www.sprowttcf.com/ Tampa FL General
         
StartEngine Capital www.startengine.com Los Angeles LA General
STL Critical Technologies JV I, LLC (nvested) www.nvstedwithus.com St. Louis MO General
         
Title3Funds www.title3funds.com Laguna Beach CA General
Trucrowd www.us.trucrowd.com https://fundanna.com
https://cryptolaunch.us
https://musicfy.us		 Chicago IL General
VedasLabs Inc. https://vedaslabs.io/ New York City NY General
Vid Angel Studios (VAS Portal LLC) https://studios.vidangel.com/ Provo UT Film
Wefunder Portal https://www.wefunder.com San Francisco CA General
Wunderfund www.wunderfund.co Cincinnati OH General
WWF Funding Portal LLC https://www.waterworksfund.com/ Detroit MI Water

If you have any questions about how we can help you with your RegCF contact us

lily@koreconx.io

FINRA BD Requirements for RegA+ & Digital Securities

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 in order to help companies raise capital utilizing these regulations, there is a registration they must first do with FINRA.

We went to the source that has been helping many FINRA Broker-dealers and put the responses in a simple way.  Ken Norensberg, Managing Director, Luxor Financial provides the answers to which all BDs need to pay extra attention to make sure you are fully compliant.

RegA+ (Regulation A)

Broker-dealers today have the ability to help companies that are using either Regulation D (RegD) or regulation A(RegA+).  Now what they are not aware of is that in order to allow them to help companies with RegA+ they do need to be registered with FINRA. If that registration isn’t done, they are not allowed to proceed in offering those services. This process can take anywhere from 60 to 90 days or it could happen sooner.  Most firms are not aware that when they take on a RegA+ client, they must apply to FINRA to represent them in the offering. This is done at the same time the company is filing their Form 1A with the SEC for their RegA+ offering.

Digital Securities

Digital Securities are now becoming main street language and most Broker-dealers want to offer this to investors. Unfortunately, if they do not have FINRA approval for digital securities, it’s not a product they can represent or offer to investors.  Digital Securities require registration. The process is like putting a full new member application, and it will take anywhere up to four (4) months.  Your firm must file with FINRA for each of the exemptions you want to use for Digital Securities (RegD and or RegA+.  Here is what your firm will be required to answer to FINRA in its application.

  • You will need a detail business plan
  • What entities are the holders of the “private keys” in the DLT network that would be required to gain access to the digital securities, cash-backed digital securities holdings or digital currency? 
  • Are multiple keys needed to gain access or is a single key sufficient?
  • Who controls or has access to the DLT network where the assets are held?
  • What happens in the event of a loss or destruction of assets (either due to fraud or technological malfunction) on the network?
  • If the broker-dealer was to fail and is liquidated in a proceeding under the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, as amended, how would customers’ securities and funds be treated, and how would customers access their assets?
  • In instances where firms have established partnerships with other firms to serve as their back-ups and to carry out critical functions in the event of emergencies, what type of access would those back-up firms have to the private keys?
  • How will customers or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) trustee access the customers’ assets in the event of a defaulted broker-dealer? What parties will be involved, and what are their roles and responsibilities?
  • How does the use or application of the DLT network affect the market risk, liquidity or other characteristics of the asset?
  • What information is maintained using the DLT network?
  • What will be deemed as the physical location of the firm’s records maintained on a node of a DLT network that may extend over multiple countries?
  • What parties have control or access to the firm’s records? What are their rights, obligations and responsibilities related to those records, and how are they governed?
  • What is the firm’s (and other participants’) level of access to the data, and in what format would it be able to view the data?
  • How does the DLT network interact with the firm’s own systems for recordkeeping purposes?
  • How would the records be made available to regulators?
  • How will the firm’s traditional exception reporting, used to supervise transactions, be generated from a DLT network?
  • How will the firm protect any required records from tampering, loss or damage?
  • Clearance & Settlement?
  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Procedures & Know Your Customer (KYC) Rules?
  • Customer Data and Privacy?
  • Trade & Order Reporting Requirements?
  • Supervision & Surveillance of Transactions?
  • Fees & Commissions?
  • Customer Confirmations & Account Statements?
  • Anticipated Customer Base?
  • Facilities, Hosting?
  • Licensed & Qualified Staff

As the market is evolving to provide more alternatives to companies and investors, FINRA Broker-dealers need to also make sure their licenses are up to date to be able to offer these updated alternatives.  It’s not enough that you are registered with FINRA.

Thank you to Ken Norensberg, Managing Director of Luxor Financial, who provided this valuable information to assist Broker-dealers to stay compliant.  Ken has been helping FINRA Broker-dealers manage these new registration requirements. 

About Ken Norensberg & Luxor

Luxor Financial Group, Inc. a NY based Broker-Dealer Consulting Firm that specializes in setting up Independent Broker-Dealers. We are experts in New Member Applications, Continuing Membership Applications, Expansion Filings, FINRA and SEC Audits, Anti Money Laundering Reviews, Business Development and general compliance and business development services. www.luxorbd.com

Ken is a former Member of the FINRA Board of Governors. FINRA oversees the regulatory activities and business practices of over 4,500 Broker-Dealers, 163,000 Branch offices, 630,000 registered representatives and 3,500 employees and consultants with annualized revenues and a budget of approximately $800,000,000 (Eight hundred million dollars.)

The Board contends with many complex issues that affect large organizations from generating revenues, managing expenses, personnel, legal, regulatory, political and operational issues.

Additionally, Ken was a Member of the following committees and subcommittees:

  • Regulatory Policy Committee
  • Emerging Regulatory Issues (Subcommittee)
  • Financial, Operations & Technology Committee
  • Pricing (Subcommittee)
  • Ex-Officio of the Small Firms Advisory Board (SFAB)

What is Reg A plus versus Reg A?

Posted on by Kendall Almerico

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 I’ve heard other lawyers claim the two laws are different. They are not.

Historically, there was no Reg A+, there was only Reg A. Regulation A was an infrequently used law that allowed a company to raise up to $5,000,000 from the general public, but with the company still having to go state-by-state to get Blue Sky law approval for their offering.  This expensive and time-consuming process of dealing with review of an offering by 50+ state regulators made Regulation A far too expensive and time-consuming for most issuers to only be allowed to raise $5,000.000. 

 In 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) became law, and Title IV of that act amended Regulation A in many ways, most notably (a) doing away with the state by state blue sky law requirement and (b) raising the limit from $5,000,000 to $20,000,000 or $50,000,000, depending on which “tier” of the law is used. Congress took a virtually worthless law, and turned it into an excellent and company friendly law that has allowed many companies since to raise millions.

Interestingly, since in 2012 when the law went into effect, and even since 2015 when the SEC passed its rules allowing the law to actually be used, the law is still officially called Regulation A. But, both the SEC, and commentators also started simultaneously calling the law “Regulation A+” or “Reg A+” to note that it was a supercharged version of the old Regulation A law.

Finally, to get super-lawyer-nerdy here, the official name of the law is Regulation A – Conditional Small Issues Exemption, and is part of the Securities Act of 1933, found at 17 CFR §§ 230.251 – 230.300-230.346.

What are investor limits on investment size of both?

As noted in my other blog article, these is no difference between Regulation A (Reg A) and Regulation A+ (Reg A+). They are the exact same law.  The two terms may be used interchangeably. Therefore, investor limits on investment size are the same for either term.

However, there are investor limits on how much an investor may invest in Regulation A. These limits depend on which “tier” of the law is being used.

Tier 1 of Regulation A allows a company to raise up to $20,000,000, but the company must go through Blue Sky law compliance in every state in which it plans to offer its securities. There are no limitations on whether someone can invest, or how much someone can invest, in a Tier 1 offering. 

As a side note, Tier 1 offerings tend to be limited to one state, or a small number of states, because of the added cost of Blue Sky compliance. The SEC does not limit the amount of investment, but states may have limitations in their securities laws, so an analysis of each state’s securities laws is necessary if doing a Tier 1 offering.

Tier 2 of Regulation A allows a company to raise up to $50,000,000, and the company does not have to go through Blue Sky law compliance in any state in which it plans to offer its securities. However, there are limitations on how much someone can invest, in a Tier 2 offering if the offering is not going to be listed on a national securities exchange when it is qualified by the SEC.  If the Tier 2 offering is going to be listed on such an exchange, there are no investor limitations.

For a Tier 2 offering that is not going to be listed on a national exchange, individual investors are limited in how much they can invest to no more than 10% of the greater of the person’s (alone or together with a spouse) annual income or net worth (excluding the value of the person’s primary residence and any loans secured by the residence (up to the value of the residence).

There are no limitations on how much an accredited investor can invest in either a Tier 1 or a Tier 2 Regulation A offering.

Why is my cap table so important for my company?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 your company does not need to keep such detailed records early on, understanding its importance may change your mind. 

At first, keeping track of equity might be a simple task. In the early stages, perhaps equity had only been distributed amongst cofounders. However, as the company grows, equity might be given out to key team members and employees, which all needs to be recorded accurately.  Without numbers correctly recorded, it will likely be hard to know exactly how much equity is remaining for the future. Also, with proper recording, it will allow founders to easily determine how certain deals may affect the equity distribution of the company. 

For potential investors, the cap table will be a key resource. Before investing in a company, investors will want to become familiar with current shareholders and the equity that each one possesses. The transparency a well-managed cap table allows will help avoid delays and increase investor confidence. During rounds of funding, the founder should also be concerned with how awarding investors with equity will affect their ownership in their company. For both parties during investor negotiations, the cap table will be essential. 

Once the company has received investments from investors, managing shareholders will also become an important task, which can be done in the cap table. The cap table will typically include investor information, such as who they are, their voting rights, and the number of shares that they own. With this information in one centralized place, if voting was to take place, the cap table ensures that all investors would be included as necessary.

One major benefit of starting to manage a cap table as soon as possible is that it will save time and resources in the long run. As the company begins to seek funding, the cap table would be already prepared and up to date. If the company did not already begin to keep records in their cap table, they would need to go back and create one, which could increase the chances for errors since it could be possible for them to have lost documents or records that they would need.

So what is the best way to manage your company’s cap table? Even though you can make a simple spreadsheet in Excel, using software such as KoreConX’s all-in-one platform might be more beneficial for long-term success. As deals occur, the cap table is automatically updated, eliminating errors that could result from manual changes. The platform also provides investors with the transparency they need to feel confident in their investments. Companies will benefit immensely from the increased transaction speeds and expedited due diligence that results from a properly managed cap table.

SEC changes to RegA+ and RegCF

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 for these changes that are now materializing.

The Commission proposed revisions to the current offering and investment limits for certain exemptions. 

Regulation Crowdfunding (RegCF): 

  • raise the offering limit in Regulation Crowdfunding from $1.07 million to $5 million;

This is going to benefit the 44+ online RegCF platforms such as;  Republic, Wefunder, StartEngine, Flashfunders, EquityFund, NextSeed.   These online platforms have paved the way and now more US-based companies will be able to capitalize on this expanded RegCF limit.  

Regulation A (RegA+) 

  • raise the maximum offering amount under Tier 2 of Regulation A from $50 million to $75 million; and
  • raise the maximum offering amount for secondary sales under Tier 2 of Regulation A from $15 million to $22.5 million.

As you saw in our recent announcement of our RegA+ all-in-one investment platform, we expect more companies to now start using RegA+ for their offerings and they need a partner that can deliver an end-to-end solution.   www.koreconx.io/RegA

These two changes are momentous and will have far-reaching consequences in democratizing capital and make it very efficient for companies to raise capital. This also increases the shareholder base, which makes it even more important for companies to have a cost-effective end-to-end solution that can manage the complete lifecycle of their securities.

If you want to learn more please visit:

www.KoreConX.io/RegA

Here is the complete news release by the SEC

https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2020-55?utm_source=CCA+Master+List&utm_campaign=40105b558a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_01_02_09_01_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b3d336fbcf-40105b558a-357209445

Finality, Settlement, and Validation: The Place to Start

Posted on by Kiran Garimella

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. In the private markets, a segment that is three orders of magnitude larger than the public markets, standardization does not exist. Rather than an issue, this is the strength of the private markets, since both private companies and their investors need flexibility in securities contracts. Regardless of all this, settlement finality is equally important in both markets.

The issue of settlement finality actually applies to all legal contracts in the sense that terms and conditions cannot be stated in probabilistic terms. Would you sign an employment agreement where the fine print says there is a one-in-ten chance that you would not be paid every two weeks?

In justifying Polymath’s latest move to abandon Ethereum as their platform of choice for security tokens, Adam Dossa, Polymath’s head of blockchain, rightly observed, “At the center of contention is ethereum’s consensus mechanism, proof-of-work (PoW), which only offers a statistical guarantee of transaction finality.” As we pointed out early last year in one of our KoreBriefings where we evaluated Ethereum, “Finality [in Ethereum] is probabilistic and not guaranteed.” Probabilistic or even statistical finality in legal agreements just will not do.

In “Principles of Market Infrastructure,” a publication of the Bank of International Settlements, Principle 8 (Settlement Finality) requires that “An FMI [Financial Markets Infrastructure] should provide clear and certain final settlement, at a minimum by the end of the value date. Where necessary or preferable, an FMI should provide  final settlement intraday or in real-time.”

Note the definitive language of “clear and certain final settlement.” This excludes probabilistic or statistical finality. Melvin Eisenberg, Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, says, “The classical law approach to the certainty principle reflects the binary nature of classical contract law. Indeed, this approach is often referred to as the all-or-nothing rule.”1  Prof. Eisenberg goes on to provide examples of the “rejection of a probabilistic analysis.” While much of that treatment is related to damages due to non-performance of contracts, the concept of certain finality is quite relevant for securities transactions. This is a serious issue that has lately garnered a lot of attention.

Settlement finality is a statutory, regulatory, and contractual construct.2  Settlement is actually a two-step process: first is the operational settlement, which consists of all the steps using technology or otherwise to complete the process of trade, transfer, or corporate action. The second step is the legal settlement that happens when the regulatory framework provides the final approval, at which point a transaction is deemed to be fully settled. The problems due to the uncertain nature of operational settlement in Ethereum are well-known, even if generally ignored. The concept of legal settlement, on the other hand, simply does not even exist in the security token protocols based on Ethereum.

Blockchain technology must first achieve operational finality before the regulatory framework can certify legal finality. Public blockchains can only specify probabilistic and statistical finality. Smart contracts have to also provide for legal settlement. A permissioned blockchain such as Hyperledger Fabric is designed for guaranteed finality. The KoreProtocol of KoreChain, a blockchain application built on Fabric for managing the entire lifecycle of private securities, is designed to ensure legal finality also. One example of legal finality is that directors’ approval of private securities trades under certain conditions, as set forth in the shareholder agreement, is necessary before such trades are deemed to be final. The KoreProtocol is designed to capture this requirement and the KoreChain is designed to implement it.

While Polymath is the latest of the Ethereum advocates that has woken up to the fact that Ethereum isn’t the right blockchain platform for financial securities, they have not been the first. Several private companies, their securities attorneys, broker-dealers, and many other participants have noticed this deficiency and chosen to go with permissioned chains such as the KoreChain.

More significantly, Vitalik himself was the first to point this out way back in May of 2016 (over three years ago—a lifetime in crypto-space) in a blog post on Settlement Finality: “This concept of finality is particularly important in the financial industry, where institutions need to maximally quickly have certainty over whether or not the certain assets are, in a legal sense, “theirs”, and if their assets are deemed to be theirs, then it should not be possible for a random blockchain glitch to suddenly decide that the operation that made those assets theirs is now reverted and so their ownership claim over those assets is lost.”

Advocates of public blockchain also seem to be coming to the realization that when financial securities are exchanged between two parties, independent and unverified miners have no legal authority for validating the transaction. Parties who have no fiduciary responsibilities, no regulatory mandate, or any skin in the game cannot perform business validations. Would you ask a stranger in New Zealand to approve the transfer of your shares in a private company to your friend when you, your friend, and the private company are all domiciled in the USA? As Polymath’s Dossa observers, “How ethereum settles transactions through mining also came into consideration for Polymath. Since miners, who process and sign-off on transactions for a fee, can operate anywhere in the world, institutions could face government scrutiny if fees are traced back to a sanctioned country.” More to the point, securities law does not recognize approvals of securities transactions from parties who are not associated with or have any fiduciary responsibility for securities transactions.

Principles of settlement finality and authoritative validation of transactions remain some of the most important cornerstones of establishing trust in the financial markets infrastructure. It is up to the blockchain application designers to understand the spirit and intent of these principles and select technologies that facilitate the implementation of such principles rather than hinder them. It is up to the business participants (company management, securities attorneys, and broker-dealers) to recognize the importance of these principles and the limitations of some blockchain platforms.

Incentives often have unintended consequences. We see this happen often with children and pets. Public blockchains are all about decentralization, but in fact miners’ incentives have all but centralized the blockchains. In contrast, consider that within KoreChain we have not left the question of decentralization to the vagaries of unknown miners. Instead, the KoreChain is engineered for decentralization. It is an implementation of the Infrastructure of Trust that currently runs in production in twenty-three countries; in barebones minimal cruising mode, it is capable of handling approximately 10 billion transactions per year (~318 tps) with consensus on business validity. KoreChain’s architecture also makes it massively scalable with very little effect on performance. However, as Vitalik rightly points out, finality can never be 100% even if the technology can achieve absolute finality since the ultimate arbiter of finality is the legal system. For this reason, KoreChain includes KoreNodes that are owned and operated independently by regulated entities and regulators worldwide.

If you hold fast to the idea that your powerful car is the only way to cross the ocean, you will be in for a continual hack of trying to make your car float on water. It is much better to recognize that a good ship is the right vehicle for the ocean. Many of the challenges of building a compliant securities application on Ethereum are actually unnecessary. Securities regulation in any one country is complicated enough. Multi-jurisdictional capital markets transactions compound that complexity by several orders of magnitude. Application designers should not be distracted by trying to create their own chains; instead, the real achievement lies in making securities transactions fully compliant in all jurisdictions, promoting innovation in financial markets, enabling flexibility, minimizing process costs, and providing an Infrastructure of Trust to which all regulated entities are welcome. 

1 Foundational Principles of Contract Law, Melvin A. Eisenberg
2 http://yalejreg.com/nc/on-settlement-finality-and-distributed-ledger-technology-by-nancy-liao/

The world’s capital markets are too dispersed, complex, and huge for any one participant to dominate. Revolutionizing the capital markets is only possible through collaboration. 

www.InfrastructureofTrust.com

Global Crypto Twins one on one with Oscar Jofre co-founder of KoreConX

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 the private capital markets, this is one interview if you are looking for insight you want to make sure you watch.

Blockchain Radio’s one on one with KoreConX Chief Scientist/Technology Officer

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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, launched in 23 countries, are regulated entities who are subject to stringent compliance requirements and who have to take on fiduciary responsibilities. 

Kiran explains how the global private capital markets are fragmented, yet the world is becoming globalized and there is a need for cross-jurisdictional opportunities. KoreChain has a large knowledge base on worldwide regulations to help the participants safely navigate through complex securities transactions.

KoreConX is not in the business of risky disruption and disintermediation. Trying to dominate this ecosystem will not work. KoreConX’s Infrastructure of Trust welcomes all reputable participants, including the regulators. KoreConX has already seeded this Infrastructure with an integrated suite of compliance-related applications that are in active use in thousands of companies. Kiran points out that rather than excluding, all are welcome because the Infrastructure of Trust and the all-in-one platform is ‘all about you.’

Hear the lively dialog between Blockchain.Radio’s Pierre Bourque and Dr. Kiran Garimella:

Midas Letter James West interviews CEO of KoreConX

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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.

Understanding Digital Assets

Posted on by Jason Futko

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 used in this current digital environment.   In certain sections, I have provided the example of the USA, and its primary regulator, but this is globally applicable.

Distinguishing the types of secondary markets or exchanges where you can trade digital or traditional assets also seems to be confusing.  I have created the following chart to try to distinguish these.

Now, why should you care?  What does this mean to you?  Despite what some people say in the press, blockchain is here to stay.  So understanding the types of digital assets that it hosts is going to be important in making business and investment decisions.

As a co-founder of a company that is focused on revolutionizing the private capital markets, I am not going to get into cryptocurrencies as this is not my area of expertise.  This is for currency experts to discuss.  Similarly, while I know the public listed markets well and how they operate, there are plenty of people who know these markets far better than I.

My background is geared towards the issues faced by private companies. Thus, I will elaborate on the fragmented ecosystem of the private capital markets that sorely need solutions.

Since the SEC and other government regulators around the world started stepping in to ban ICO’s, other alternatives have evolved.  The security token offering or STO is one such term that got some wings in 2018. However, the institutional and traditional investment communities were still leary of the idea of a token or blockchain solution being provided by people without an appropriate understanding of the entire market they are trying to disrupt. Many people from the ICO space were just changing the name and using STO as a new hype to sell the same ideas.

Many of the players (intentional choice of word) in the ICO space were trying to circumvent securities regulations saying they know better how the ecosystem should work.  After decades of scams, the securities regulators know that the current system has built-in checks and balances for a reason.  We all understand there are issues and inefficiencies in the private capital markets, but in order to change securities rules you better have a big budget and strong case for it. As an example, the JOBS Act took well over five and likely closer to ten years to come into place.  The use of blockchain has valuable applications that can certainly provide more efficient and cost-effective solutions to current private capital markets, as long as you work within the existing securities regulations.

There is a lot of exciting stuff being built with blockchain technology. I believe that if you are looking at this as a solution to the private capital markets, you need to consider a few things if you are looking at public chains as a potential solution:

  1. Use of private wallets for sole custody of financial instruments will not work. Securities law requires the use of transfer agents in many situations and transfer agents need to have custody of assets in order to manage them. If the digital securities are being held by individuals in their own wallet, there is no way the transfer agents can have custody of them. Think of public markets: you do not hold the securities (share certificates) yourself, they are digitally represented in your brokerage account and held by transfer agents.
  2. Mining of securities: It is generally not acceptable for unknown miners to verify transactions; even known miners must be eligible to perform business validation of a transaction either because they are parties to the transaction, have fiduciary responsibility, or certified subject matter credentials or otherwise registered and regulated entities.

Gas prices are not acceptable when it comes to securities.  In order for a token to move on some blockchains, a gas price needs to be paid to miners. Transaction fees must be contractually fixed in advance and cannot be uncertain or subject to an auction style of payment (which leads to a form of ad-hoc discrimination). For individual investors, transaction prices need to be certain  and follow execution guarantees.

Many Rights Make the KoreProtocol Right

Posted on by Kiran Garimella

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 it. Reacting to the press releases and social media statements made by Craig Wright and his supporters, the US Copyright office took the extraordinary step of publicly refuting the claim that a copyright registration is the same as official & proven recognition. This prompted the subject line of Coindesk’s May 23rd Blockchain Bites email: “Wright is wrong.”

The public blockchains provide an endless source of fun. Whatever their faults, one can’t blame them for being boring. The responsible, permissioned chains are, in contrast, boring. KoreChain in particular is relatively dull to thrill-seeking outsiders, while extremely exciting to those who truly understand private capital markets and how the KoreProtocol is spearheading innovation for private issuers and investors.

The KoreProtocol defines many types of shareholder rights in private digital securities. These rights, some mandatory and some discretionary, are well-established in securities law and corporate law. The innovation and complexity of shareholders rights is only limited by the willingness and imagination of the participants. In the absence of automation and a single source of immutable truth, the implementation of rights can become a bureaucratic nightmare. This, more than anything, becomes a limiting factor for innovative contracts. By defining shareholder rights rigorously in the KoreProtocol and implementing the full workflows in KoreChain for their exercise, the KoreProtocol and the KoreChain take away the pain and effort of managing these rights. This opens up private capital markets to very flexible and complex shareholder agreements to suit the needs of the participants.

The KoreProtocol and the implementation within KoreChain include rights such as (to give a few of the more prominent examples):

  1. Voting/non-voting
  2. Financial participation in the form of dividends or revenue
  3. Distribution of revenue or dividends as cash, reinvested securities, or other forms of payment
  4. First right of refusal
  5. Tag-along rights
  6. Drag-along rights
  7. Pre-emptive rights

Each of these rights and their numerous variations have implications and consequences in secondary market trading and in corporate actions. The KoreProtocol provides a structured way to define these rights and their impact on securities transactions. The KoreProtocol implements complete end-to-end management of financial transaction processes, some of which may be very long-running.

The definition of protocol functions to handle all the complex scenarios in securities transactions is not a trivial undertaking. However, it is much easier than the actual implementation of the protocol since that requires handling long-running processes and making tradeoffs between manual and automated processes, data sharing mechanisms, and choice of endorsers. Every step of the process must be fully compliant with securities laws, corporate laws, and the provisions of the underlying contracts.

Trying to shoehorn securities transactions into inadequately defined protocols and delegating the implementations to someone else is to do the worldwide financial community a huge disservice. Implementing the rights of issuers and investors is a very complicated undertaking. For example, ERC-1404, in the words of its creators, “…solves for the compliance challenges that are part of the issuance process and beyond.”

How does ERC-1404 solve the problem of whether senders can send tokens to a receiver and whether receivers can receive tokens from a sender? By defining two functions: CanSend() and CanReceive(). The github code itself shows one function:

detectTransferRestriction(fromAddress, toAddress, numTokens) //I made it a bit readable.

With no trace of irony, the authors of this protocol point out that: “The specific logic covering who can send and receive can be configured outside the token contract itself.”

It is easy enough to write protocols as long as we leave the messy details of implementation to someone else!

In reality, the transfer of digital securities in a fully-compliant way is quite complicated. It is not just a matter of “who can send and receive”, but also a question of the circumstances under which securities can be transferred or not. There are complex workflows and numerous checks that need to be followed before any transfers, whether P2P, beneficial, or trade-related, can occur. The checks relate to the jurisdictions and exemptions under which the securities are issued, domicile of the participants, securities laws that govern all subsequent inter- and intra-jurisdictional securities transactions, corporate laws, the rights spelled out in the shareholders’ agreements, and the presence or absence of various types of events such as corporate actions, regulatory actions, and economic events.

To be fair, the creators of simplistic protocols may very well be aware of these complexities; however, the fact remains that they come nowhere near expressing the richness and complexity of global private capital markets. Also, they offer no guidelines for implementation or even a hint of the treacherous complexities.

At KoreConX and in KoreChain, knowing the business as we do by being an SEC-registered transfer agent, we chose to not only develop a comprehensive protocol but also implement it in all its complexity. Tapping into our worldwide partner network of securities lawyers, secondary market operators, broker-dealers, academics, and other thought-leaders, we tackled the problem by creating a legal base that incorporates much of the complexity of securities law and corporate law worldwide. This includes inter-jurisdictional transactions, Blue Sky laws in the US, Canadian provincial laws, etc.

Private capital markets provide enormous flexibility for creating complex shareholders’ agreements. We have so far not seen two offerings or agreements that are similar. The public markets are relatively standardized, which can be a strength in terms of offering liquidity at the expense of flexibility of contracts. Private companies and their investors want more control and flexibility.

By incorporating the various types of rights (some mandatory, some optional, and some that are negotiated) into the KoreProtocol and implementing through the KoreChain, our mission is to create the right infrastructure to preserve and foster innovation in global private capital markets while also furthering the cause of efficient liquidity.

www.koreconx.com

www.KoreConX.io

Exempt Market Update 2019

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 in fact reality. Digital Securities are a direct representation of the securities a company offers to investors, but instead of a piece of paper, it’s put on a technology that is immutable. 

Companies around the world are raising capital offering investors Digital Securities, which would allow them to have secondary market trading.

ATS (Alternative Trading Systems) have been around for decades around the globe, in most cases unused due to inefficiencies and high costs.

With over 16 ATS now launching in the USA and more coming in Europe and ASIA we will see more ATS secondary markets for private shares than public stock exchanges in the next 24. The reason is very simple. There is more private companies than public listed.

450 Million private companies vs 85,000 public listed companies worldwide.

$2.4 trillion raised by U.S private companies vs. $2.1 trillion by public companies, a gap that has been widening for 6 years. With the decline in the number of public companies and the rise of private financing will drive a need for efficient secondary market trading of private shares. A blockchain enabled and global compliant digital security is critical to the success of secondary markets for private shares.

On 29 May 2019, OMEGA has filed an application with the regulators to launch a Digital Securities ATS. This announcement shows you how the market is evolving to provide further liquidity in the private capital markets. This will not be the first ATS in Canada. 

KoreConX is leading the market by providing the tools for Exempt Market Dealers to put their business online, in a secure and compliant manner, to be connected in the private capital markets ecosystem.

The KoreConX all-in-one platform, powered by IBM’s Hyperledger Fabric, is the key infrastructure that, until now, was missing from the private capital markets. Our globally compliant digital securities protocol is the key to creating efficient securities management throughout their lifecycle. 

KoreConX Revolutionizing Private Capital Markets

www.koreconx.com

www.KoreConX.io

KoreConX launches $15M Digital Securities Offering using its own Fully-Compliant KoreProtocol

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 tokenization. Combining corporate and securities law with tokenization facilitates efficient liquidity and fully-compliant transactions in multiple jurisdictions.

“We are thrilled about developing and launching our Digital Securities Offering on our KoreChain. KoreConX’s AI-enabled blockchain, based on Hyperledger Fabric and hosted at IBM, provides the highest level of security. The KoreProtocol handles the complete lifecycle of the security token, from issuance, secondary trading, and all types of corporate actions,” said Dr. Kiran Garimella, KoreConX’s Chief Scientist and CTO.

KoreConX will be working with established broker-dealers worldwide to make this initial offering of $15 million USD available to accredited investors in multiple jurisdictions (countries).

KoreConX believes in complying with securities regulation and corporate law to protect investors, issuers, and other participants in the global capital markets.

“KoreConX has been a fully operational all-in-one platform for several years helping many clients worldwide with compliance activities. The opportunities are tremendous for using tokenized securities to create efficiencies, reduce costs, and provide stronger governance for private companies. Our unrelenting focus is on ensuring the safety, security, and investor protection in global private capital markets,” said Oscar Jofre, co-founder, CEO of KoreConX.

For more information visit www.koreconx.io

Reg A+ Webinar: Q&A Part I

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 each one of these questions and we are publishing the results here. To make things simple, we are diving it in Part I (Sara Hanks answers) and Part II (Darren Marble answers).

If you haven’t watched the webinar or want a recap, you can access the full version here.

Reg A+ Webinar – Q&A Part I

  • Is there a specific exemption that can be used in Canada along with Reg A to sell in Canada?

You need to check with Canadian counsel. Canada does not generally have federal securities laws as we do in the U.S., and you have to find an exemption from the Canadian equivalent of registration in each Canadian province you want to sell in. Some provinces have crowdfunding-type exemptions (not Ontario) and most have some type of exemption for sales to accredited investors.

  • If a company decides not to list on an exchange, can they have a bulletin board on their own website where their own shareholders can buy and sell their shares to others?

Under limited circumstances, yes. Any kind of “matching platform” will need to follow existing no-action letters that specify the circumstances in which a company operating some kind of introduction service for buyers and sellers will be deemed not to be a broker-dealer. You need to make sure the service does not amount to acting as a broker or an “alternative trading system” (ATS). In very general terms, the more sophisticated and automated a matching platform gets, the more it is likely to be deemed to be an ATS.

  • I am quarterbacking a Reg CF offering, they have a product that used to exist and want to bring it back. What are the top two questions I should be asking?

Do you still have the intellectual property rights to the product? And if a different/earlier company sold the product before, is that company a “predecessor” under the accounting rules?

  • Do you need to complete the offering before filing Form 211 for a listing?

In general, we have found that the market maker for a company that is going to be listed or quoted on OTC (a minority of Reg As) want to be able to confirm that all the existing shareholders were acquired in legit offerings before it files the 211, which would mean you would need the Reg A offering to be closed, but it may depend on the market maker.

  • I understand that there is a Blue Sky nuance if you do not use a BD, is this correct?

Yes. If you don’t use a broker, there are some states that won’t let you offer (Nebraska) or require the issuer to file as an “issuer-dealer.” More details here.

  • Sara and Darren have mentioned real estate, etc. in terms of companies best suited for Reg A offering, are there any Blockchain/DLT based startups that have successfully gone through the process yet?

Not yet; perhaps coming soon.

  • Can you comment, in general, on the Blockstack filing?

I’ll wait till I see the correspondence between the lawyers and the SEC (published when the offering qualifies) before I comment on the implications of this offering.

The second part of the Q&A will be published next week. If you want to read more from Sara Hanks, you can visit the CrowdCheck Blog. We highly recommend it. You can also contact Sara and her team here.

Webinar sheds light on Digital Securities Terrain

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 the contrary. Companies have been tirelessly researching to find an alternative to ICOs that is compliant with regulations.

The private market industry is now being inundated by terms such as Digital Securities, Tokenization, STOs, ICOs. To decide the fate of their business in the digital arena, entrepreneurs need to be on top of the game and know the concepts, the differences, and who are the stakeholders behind every new term.

Having all this in mind we, at KoreConX, put together a Webinar “An Industry Evolving: Digital Securities, Tokenization, STOs, ICOs… What are they? How do they differ? Who’s regulating them?“.

To provide the public with the most up-to-date information about the topic, we invited two experts in the field. Oscar Jofre, CEO and Co-Founder of KoreConX, and Darren Marble, CEO and Founder of Issuance, will discuss the landscape for traded securities utilizing different forms of distributed ledger technology.

The webinar will happen this Wednesday, April 17th, at 11 am EDT.

Click here to register for free.

Click on the link below to watch our previous webinars:
Marketing Your Raise From Traditional Capital to Digital Securities

Meet the KorePartners: Luka Gubo, Blocktrade

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

 

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 and Schaan, Liechtenstein

What was your first job?
 High Frequency Trader at a proprietary trading firm.

How and when did you get involved in the Blockchain industry?
I started reading about Bitcoin in 2015 and mostly dismissed it as an alternative for fiat currencies. In 2016 I read about other Blockchain protocols and immediately saw the potential for disrupting the capital markets – both on the primary market (issuance of securities) and also the secondary market (for post-trade processes).

How do you see the Blockchain scene today?
There was a lot of regulatory uncertainty in past years and I think this will change in 2019. Crypto assets have their place in broader financial markets as a unique asset class where more and more institutional investors will seek uncorrelated returns. On the technology side, I think we will see a lot more use cases where several counterparties are involved – we are focused only on the capital markets, while we see a lot of disruption in banking, payments, transportation and other industries.

What does your company bring to the KorePartners Ecosystem?
Blocktrade is a secondary market for crypto assets with a focus to bring institutional clients to this new market. With the MTF license (pending regulatory approval) we will be able to list security tokens issued on KoreConX and bring necessary liquidity.

What is it about the partnership with KoreConX that most aligns with your company strategy?
KoreConX provides a full suite of services that companies that are issuing (or just tokenizing) their shares on blockchain must have in place when admitting securities to trading on a regulated trading venue. Covering the full lifecycle of these securities (from issuance, reporting, trading, etc.) we can together create a seamless experience for companies and investors. I believe that Blocktrade and KoreConX can together disrupt how the capital markets operate.

*The KorePartners Ecosystem is a group of organizations that follows our governance standards and share with us the same goal: to provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow their business.

Difference between Crypto and Security Token

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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.

You probably read or hear these two words every day and in most cases in the wrong context. Before we get into the difference lets make one thing clear.

Crypto or Cryptocurrency is an alternate (i.e., non-fiat) CURRENCY
Security Token is an EQUITY POSITION IN A COMPANY

All over the web, there are many discussions, blogs, articles, and tweets on using blockchain. Of course, many of them follow to the extraordinary words “Crypto”, or “Cryptocurrency” and “Security Token”.

I am amazed by the number of people who use these two words interchangeably, yet they are so different as stated above. Let’s have a look at each one in more detail.

What is Crytpo or Cryptocurrency?
Wikipedia has a clear definition: “A cryptocurrency (or crypto currency) is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses strong cryptography to secure financial transactions, control the creation of additional units, and verify the transfer of assets.”

Crypto or Cryptocurrency is just a currency. Other examples of currency are Dollars, Euros, Pesos, etc. These currencies are traded worldwide by currency traders. Nowadays we have the introduction of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc. Wikipedia has put together a list of these digital currencies.

Currencies are regulated by a securities commission or foreign exchange agencies. The rules around who can purchase currency and trade them are very simple. In most cases, it is required to be 18 years or older. ID Verification, AML (Anti Money Laundering), and some basic KYC (Know Your Customer) will be done. Not more than this is required to purchase a currency.

For trading, the platforms will need to be registered with commissions and/or regulators in their country to legally operate the exchange. This financial regulator is regulating the currency, transfer, and trading business.

What is Security Token?
In 2017 we saw the emergence of companies issuing tokens to raise capital. In countries such as USA and Canada, regulators have been very clear on this form of capital raising.

When a company offers a token from their company for an investor to invest in, the goal is for the token to trade and gain in value. Security agencies, including the SEC in the USA and the CSA in Canada, have made it clear that when companies are conducting a token offering in which the token has the ability to trade and gain in value, it must be issued as a security token.

Security Token is a tokenized security that is issued by a company. The security represents an equity position in the company. In order to issue the security, the company must comply with regulations as to how it can market the offering, who it can attract to invest in their company, reporting requirements, trading restrictions, and custodianship (Transfer Agent) requirements.

For a company to issue a security token it must:

  • Determine what jurisdiction (countries) it wants to attract investors from
  • Determine what exemption to use to offer their security token to investors (accredited or non-accredited investors)
  • Determine trading restrictions per jurisdiction and exemption
  • Determine reporting requirements per jurisdiction and exemption
  • Determine Transfer Agent requirements per jurisdiction and exemption
  • Determine if Broker Dealer is required per jurisdiction
  • Determine what regulated ATS Secondary Market is available for trading

As you can see it’s clear how different these two are from each other and there should be no confusion going forward.

Here is how the two can come together and be used in the proper context. You can use cryptocurrency to invest in a security token offering by a company. But that can only happen as long as the company has agreed to accept this form of digital currency, the investor meets regulatory requirements, the company can offer their securities in the country (Jurisdiction) of residence of the investor, and if the company is using a broker-dealer, the dealer is also prepared to accept that form of payment.

Capital Raising “Capital markets point of view” dealer

Posted on by Jonathan Heymann

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 frustration if you’re not ready for it. Nobody is willing to just hand out money; you have to make a convincing case based on fact and incomplete due diligence documentation can leave you out in the cold.

Issuers must prepare comprehensive information which covers who the guiding minds behind the issuer are, who the current shareholders are, business continuity planning, company financials, what is it that makes you unique and a comparison with competitors in the same industry.

Dealers are bombarded by people who claim to have the next best thing, but if you can’t boil it down to facts and figures, they won’t spend much time looking at you. Using up to date technology to gather all the corporate information is critical to your success. Using a platform to house your cap table management, minute book, financials, investor relations and corporate data in electronic format means you can walk into a meeting prepared for whatever they throw at you.

For dealers, having a platform whereby issuers can login and input all the relevant information that you need from them, allows you to control the process and weed out the unprepared ones before you devote a lot of time to analysing potential deals. A controlled mechanism whereby issuers know what information they need to provide and where to put it, saves everyone significant time and effort.

Taking it one step further, for registered dealers to have the ability to easily showcase their approved products online, along with pertinent information about the issuer – corporate biographies, financial information, information about the proposed raise –  helps dealers to bring their proposed offerings to potential investors. From a compliance perspective, it means having all of your due diligence in one place, for when the regulators come to visit.

Taking it two steps further, for investors to b able to view potential offerings, input their Know Your Client (KYC) information to determine their eligibility, answer questions to determine the suitability of the investment, have the platform conduct the necessary AML checks and then provide an efficient method for payment, once approved by the CCO, and you have an efficient and cost effective ecosystem which helps issuers, dealers and investors communicate.

KoreConX has an all-in-one platform to accomplish this and ensures that all parties are acting in compliance with securities regulations. Issuers can effectively connect with dealers who in turn can connect with investors all while ensuring that they have the necessary KYP/KYC processes and documentation in place, should they get audited.

StartUp Law 101

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 business expenses that are needed most, from capital expenditures to operational costs.

As part of a panel discussion during last Wednesday’s launch event hosted at MaRS Discovery District, I was asked several great questions about funding that I wanted to discuss further.

Q: Securing funding for early-stage companies can be the biggest challenge for founders. What are some of the opportunities that have developed recently in the equity crowdfunding space for early-stage companies?

A: Without crowdfunding, the ability for early stage companies to access capital would not exist in such high numbers.

The emergence of online platforms helping private and public companies access capital from accredited and non accredited investors has literally transformed the investor landscape.Today’s private capital investor can invest as little as $50.00 into a company.  This was not possible five years ago.

Part of this transformation includes the addition of online payments. It has not only increased the speed in which an investor makes a decision to invest, but has changed the perception of how an investor views an investment. All an investor has to do is enter a credit card number using their VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.

With this new dynamic, companies need to have a very proactive approach to their new stakeholders.  Your investor relations strategy and tools will be the key to maintaining and growing your company.

Q: What are some of the major changes and challenges we’re seeing in equity crowdfunding?

A: The biggest challenge globally in equity crowdfunding is that companies are not ready.  We see 98 percent of companies stall in their funding process when they engage in online platforms to help startups raise capital.

What companies don’t understand is that nothing has changed from the days of applying to Venture Capital firms, Angel groups, etc.  Sites like like StartEngine, FrontFundr, BankRoll Ventures, MicroVentures, etc., expect you to have your company and critical business documents in order.

The largest barrier and one of the major delays is the lack of up-to-date corporate records. Make a checklist — update your corporate records, capitalization table, signed agreements, legals for the offering, business plan, executive summary, financials, projections, etc.

Q: There has been a lot of buzz this past year with the rise of cryptocurrencies and ICOs. What are we seeing now with the regulation (and potential demise) of ICOs and the rise of token offerings or ITOs?

A: In 2017, we saw the rise of crowdfunding v3.0 with the introduction of Initial Token Offerings (ITO).  For many in crowdfunding, ITOs have proven that people will invest from around the globe if they trust the underlying technology that is managing their investment, i.e. blockchain.  

Out of the gate, many companies took advantage of this type of capital raising and many investors lost billions of dollars. Like any new form of technology, it can be used for good and bad.  

We will see a rise of security token adoption in 2018 as companies begin issuing tokens like selling securities. But, these tokens will also have the capability to trade on secondary exchange.

This just scratches the surface of what we covered and Catherine was generous enough to provide a copy of Chapter 6, “Canadian Startup Funding Sources” for KoreConX followers.

Shareholders = Customers = Ambassadors

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

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 the JOBS Act (Sherwood Neis, Jason Best and Douglas Ellenoff) that crowdfunding is the democratization of capital and the “publification” of private companies. They went on to state that when investors invest in companies through these equity crowdfunding portals, the investors become the best ambassadors to the company.

So the creators of the JOBS Act envisioned what really was going to happen, and for it to work, the relationship between the company and its shareholders would change. Since the entire world is being disrupted by this new crowdfunding sector, it makes sense that even the roles of companies and the relationships they have with shareholders would fundamentally change.

Let’s Look at the Attributes of the “Customer” from a Company Perspective

A company cannot survive without customers. In fact, it’s often said the first customer the company receives is really investing in the company. Wow – “investing”.

So how does the company go about getting this customer, attracting new ones and managing them? The company employs a sales and marketing team to attract and maintain customers, and will also provide customer support. I only need look at our own company. At KoreConX we have invested heavily on attracting the best for each of these roles.

These individuals are responsible for learning about the needs of the customers today and tomorrow. Understanding what customers are looking for in a company and where the customers can be found is crucial to effectively marketing to them. It is important to demonstrate your thought leadership in your sector and why your product or service is better or unique.

All the work we do to attract customers and maintain them is truly amazing. All of these activities are being managed by a number of tools such as HubSpot, Salesforce and Lynkos that can manage all your activities with the customers and documents you send, tracking tools to see if they read it, etc. Companies around the world spend billions in this area because they understand that the more automation we add, the better we are at serving our customers.

The justification for the cost or investment by the company is simple. Companies do all this so the customers will keep buying, in essence re-investing in the company.

Great companies like Google, Inc. ($GOOG) have shown the world that every person is a customer and a shareholder that can eventually become your ambassador, and that is priceless to your brand and company.

The New View of a “Shareholder”

The first investor in a company is often a customer who sees the great opportunity and vision the company is building.

The problem is that companies see shareholders as a burden, and make no effort to apply the same logic or business sense as they do for their customer acquisition and maintenance. In reality, shareholders are even bigger brand ambassadors than customers, and should be afforded the same care and consideration. Since shareholders identified the company as being worthy of investment, and they have a vested interest in the success of the business, they will always be the best brand ambassadors.

Yes, I said Shareholder = Customers = Ambassador!

Think of a time when you have either heard from a friend or told a friend the following: “Wow, Apple ($AAPL) iPhone and Apple Watch is a great combo, and see all the great things it does? If you use it so often and talk about it so much you must own shares.” This implies that if you are a true brand ambassador you must be a shareholder.

Equity Crowdfunding and the Growth of your Brand Ambassadors

In today’s social media driven world, people are connecting on a much more personal level to businesses and/or products that they are interested in. The emergence of equity crowdfunding presents an amazing opportunity for companies to capitalize by turning their loyal and dedicated ambassadors into shareholders and vice versus.

Because in today’s world, they will be connected with you and your company and your team using all the social media properties that they can find you in so they can feel connected. They want to be cheerleaders for your company because they believe in what you are doing.

The interesting thing that companies have severely overlooked with shareholders is that these individuals invested in their company and did not receive a product, and that these individuals will sell more of your products/services than any new customer you attract to your business.

Companies need to apply the same principles they have for operating the front lines of their business to the way they deal with their shareholders. Spending time cultivating, converting, empowering and managing shareholders will yield exponential returns. Which means you need to see both customers and shareholders as equally vital to the company’s success and be vigorous in using tools like KoreConX.

KoreConX provides you with the missing piece to efficiently and effectively bring the companies together with their shareholders, to manage them, empower them, connect them, and make them the best ambassadors of your company. Equity Crowdfunding is about disrupting how things have been done, not just for raising capital, but for creation of legal documents, due diligence processes, and most importantly how you manage those valuable new shareholders/ambassadors.

So embrace the 50, 100, 1000, or 4000 new shareholders! I’ve never known any company that does not want customers to help them grow their business. What is great about equity crowdfunding is that the more shareholders you have, the more ambassadors for your brand, and the more new customers they will drive to you to help you grow your business.

I say welcome and embrace equity crowdfunding, and make it work to your advantage.

Register today to manage your new ambassadors:

https://koreconx.com/user_signups/new_signup

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