Tag: KorePartner

Form C-AR filing time again!

Posted on by Sara Hanks

Hi everyone; a reminder that we are just over a month away from the deadline to file Form C-AR by May 1.*

We wanted to flag some issues:

  • If you sold any securities under your Form C, even if you didn’t sell them until this year, and even if you didn’t sell them until April 30, a Form C-AR with 2022 financials is due by May 1.
  • Even if your current Form C already includes 2022 financial statements, a Form C-AR is due by May 1.
  • If you do not have an open offering or otherwise have audited or reviewed statements available, the financial statements do not have to be audited or reviewed, but they do need to be in US GAAP format. This means balance sheet (as at December 31, 2021 and 2022), P&L, cash flow and changes in equity (for 2021 and 2022) as well as footnotes.
  • QuickBooks is not US GAAP.
  • If you used a “crowdfunding special purpose vehicle, it is an “issuer” under Rule 202 (the rule that says you have to file annual reports) and must file its own financial statements too. (See General Instructions to Form C.)

As a reminder:  if with this filing you are eligible to exit the Regulation CF ongoing reporting regime, remember, you must file your Form C-TR within 5 business days of the due date to notify investors, otherwise you may get to do this all over again next year!

As always, this isn’t legal advice, but feel free to call us if you need advice.

*If you do not have a fiscal year ending on December 31, your Form C-AR is due 120 after the end of your fiscal year, and dates above should be adjusted accordingly.

This article was originally written by our KorePartners at CrowdCheck. You can view the original article here.

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!

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.

Partnership in the Private Markets: “Who Pays?”

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Way back in March 2020, our values as a company were tested.  At the time, I began to write this blog post but with my schedule, I totally forgot to complete it. But, with recent events, I felt it was important to publish.

 

With companies in any sector, you are approached for partnership opportunities and in most cases, the partnership is a win-win when each company stays in its lanes.  When partnerships get really muddy is when there is a financial gain for one party at the expense of another or the clients they serve.

 

Our potential partner had a great service that we, as a company, were happy to send introductions to. After many meetings and demonstrations, the CEO reached out to discuss a partnership.  We provided an overview of our ecosystem, our governance standards, and our ethics, and explained that since its inception, our company has had no financial relationship with any of our KorePartners anywhere in the world. This did not stop this CEO from offering us an incentive to send their firm business, which we respectfully declined.  Our response was and remains: “We are happy that you provide this service, and we want you to provide the best service to our clients and all we ask in return is you take good care of them, and do your very best”.

 

The response was shocking:  “I can’t partner with a company that is not financially motivated to send me business”.  We respond, we understand that is how this business might have been done in the past but today it’s different for many reasons.

 

First, we are in a regulated sector. That means the securities regulators monitor all activities by Issuers (companies), Investors, Broker-Dealers, and Internediarities who are participating in a regulated offering for private companies.

 

As an example of how securities regulators monitor and catch those who try to circumvent the rules to get rich, on 30 September 2022 the SEC charged six individuals and two companies for a fraudulent scheme to promote securities in a RegA offering. Some of the charges were for failing to disclose precisely the kind of payment we declined to accept two years ago.

 

On 03 October 2022, the SEC charged influencer and celebrity Kim Kardashian for failing to disclose she was paid a fee to promote a cryptocurrency.  She was paid $250,000 USD to promote a company and the fine issued by the SEC was $1.26M and included a 3-year ban from promoting any crypto asset securities.  

 

You would think with these two SEC announcements, everyone would be reviewing their programs to make sure they are onside with regulators and more importantly, ethical and transparent to the clients we serve.

 

BUT NO!!!

 

On 07 October 2022, many of the Broker-Dealers and intermediaries were offered a carrot via email to be rewarded up to $13,000.00 USD by a provider if they brought them a client.  

 

So who actually pays these premiums?

 

The answer is very simple: the Client “Issuer (Company)”.  Make no mistake–it will be the client paying for this big incentive fee because it will ultimately come out of the proceeds of the raise. 

 

Will this fee be disclosed to the client?  Will both parties disclose their finders fee in this regulated transaction?

 

You may be thinking this is how it’s always been done, so why are we all spending so much time disrupting the current way things are?   

 

Because there is a better way.

 

We need to conduct ourselves the same way we are telling the current establishment that they should behave. Sometimes disruption of the old ways is good. New innovations (and the revival of some good old ones) are disrupting the world in so many areas, including banking, insurance, auto, and capital markets. The JOBS Act was aimed at democratizing capital, and a big part of this was making it safer for new investors

 

So let’s not stop with just how they operate; let’s also disrupt the way we conduct ourselves in operating our companies. Let’s strive always to conduct ourselves more ethically, more transparently, and always compliantly 

 

We at KoreConX never have and never will take any type of fees from anything, anyone, or any company for something we have not created.  We have many partnerships with companies that see how a relationship can be formed that becomes a win-win: the better they serve the clients we introduce to them, the better we look, and the more people will want to use our platform. Our clients need to know we’re serving their interests when we point them at a KorePartner, not sending them to the highest bidder for their business. 

 

Most of our KorePartners find this is actually to their own advantage; they know that when we recommend them to a client, it’s because they’re the best equipped to meet that particular client’s needs. 

Everyone wins when the client wins.

RegA and RegCF issuers: time to count your shareholders!

Posted on by Sara Hanks

RegA and RegCF 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.

 

This article was originally written by our KorePartners at CrowdCheck. You can view the original post here.

The SEC Can Stop Your Regulation A Offering At Any Time

Posted on by Mark Roderick

The SEC has two powerful tools to stop your Regulation A offering anytime.

Rule 258

Rule 258 allows the SEC to immediately suspend an offering if

  • The exemption under Regulation A is not available; or
  • Any of the terms, conditions, or requirements of Regulation A have not been complied with; or
  • The offering statement, any sales or solicitation of interest material, or any report filed pursuant to Rule 257 contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; or
  • The offering involves fraud or other violations of section 17 of the Securities Act of 1933; or
  • Something happened after filing an offering statement that would have made Regulation A unavailable had it occurred before filing; or
  • Anyone specified in Rule 262(a) (the list of potential bad actors) has been indicted for certain crimes; or
  • Proceedings have begun that could cause someone on that list to be a bad actor; or
  • The issuer has failed to cooperate with an investigation.

If the SEC suspends an offering under Rule 258, the issuer can appeal for a hearing – with the SEC – but the suspension remains in effect. In addition, at any time after the hearing, the SEC can make the suspension permanent.

Rule 258 gives the SEC enormous discretion. For example, the SEC may theoretically terminate a Regulation A offering if the issuer fails to file a single report or files late. And while there’s lots of room for good-faith disagreement as to whether an offering statement or advertisement failed to state a material fact, Rule 258 gives the SEC the power to decide.

Don’t worry, you might think, Rule 260 provides that an “insignificant” deviation will not result in the loss of the Regulation A exemption. Think again: Rule 260(c) states, “This provision provides no relief or protection from a proceeding under Rule 258.”

Rule 262(a)(7)

Rule 262(a)(7) is even more dangerous than Rule 258.

Rule 258 allows the SEC to suspend a Regulation A offering if the SEC concludes that something is wrong. Rule 262(a)(7), on the other hand, allows for suspension if the issuer or any of its principals is “the subject of an investigation or proceeding to determine whether a. . . . suspension order should be issued.”

That’s right: Rule 262(a)(7) allows the SEC to suspend an offering merely by investigating whether the offer should be suspended.

Effect on Regulation D

Suppose the SEC suspends a Regulation A offering under either Rule 258 or Rule 262(a)(7). In that case, the issuer is automatically a “bad actor” under Rule 506(d)(1)(vii), meaning it can’t use Regulation D to raise capital, either.

In some ways, it makes sense that the SEC can suspend a Regulation A offering easily because the SEC’s approval was needed in the first place. But not so with Regulation D, and especially not so with a suspension under Rule 262(a)(7). In that case, the issuer is prevented from using Regulation D – an exemption that does not require SEC approval – simply because the SEC is investigating whether it’s done something wrong. That seems. . . .wrong.

Conclusion

As all six readers of this blog know, I think the SEC has done a spectacular job with Crowdfunding. But what the SEC giveth the SEC can taketh away. I hope the SEC will use discretion exercising its substantial power under Rule 258 and Rule 262(a)(7).

 

This post was written by KorePartner Mark Roderick and the original post can be found here. Mr. Roderick is an attorney at Lex Nova Law, where he leads the firm’s Crowdfunding and Fintech practice. He writes a widely-read blog at CrowdfundingAttorney.com and is a featured speaker at Crowdfunding and Fintech events across the country, including New York, Texas, Chicago, and Silicon Valley. Mark is one of the most prominent Crowdfunding and Fintech lawyers in the United States. He represents portals, issuers, and others across the country and around the world.

KorePartner Spotlight: Richard Heft, President of Ext. Marketing

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Richard Heft is the President at Ext. Marketing, a full-service marketing firm that helps companies attract potential investors to apply their marketing strategy and achieve their communications objectives. Richard has over 20 years of experience in the marketing and communications industry, focusing on the financial services sector. In 2021, Richard and his co-author published The Ascendant Advisor, a book about marketing and content strategies for advisors to grow their businesses. 

 

We recently sat down with Richard to discuss his company, experience, and partnership with KoreConX.

 

Q: Why did you become involved in this industry?

A: Ext. has spent almost a decade and a half helping financial services firms translate their business objectives into cutting-edge marketing campaigns for the retail and institutional spaces. During this time, we also began to recognize that we would truly be a full-service marketing leader if we could help our clients reach a limitless number of online retail investors through various social channels. The power of these retail investors is that they not only have an almost unlimited appetite to consume information online, but they are also able to invest how they want, when they want, and where they want on the increasing number of self-managed platforms. We launched Ext. Digital to help companies in virtually all industries identify their target retail audience, create messaging that will resonate with that audience, and tailor their conversion funnel to ensure their brands and investment offerings stand out in a somewhat crowded marketplace.

 

Q: What services does your company provide for offerings?

A: We offer end-to-end digital marketing strategies, content creation, media activation, and ad buys. We also provide access to our proprietary financial influencer network to help amplify the audience for our client’s news and updates.

 

Q: What are your unique areas of expertise?

A: Beyond our unparalleled content creation and transparency regarding their ad spend, our clients benefit from our constant A/B testing & optimization approach to ensure their media dollars are continuously put to best use.

 

Q: What excites you about this industry?

A: There is a lot that excites me about this industry! I strongly believe that, even when the global economy looks uncertain, there is a massive opportunity for companies looking to raise capital to reach the right people with their stories. And the people they are reaching have never been more motivated and able to invest in the opportunities that appeal to them.

 

Q: How is a partnership with KoreConX right for your company?

A: KoreConX has always been an excellent, reliable partner to Ext. Digital. We have been thrilled to introduce our clients to KoreConX’s holistic platform, given the trust we have in Oscar, Peter, and the entire KoreConX team, and we have worked with many companies that we know are going to be leaders in their respective industries as a result of introductions made by KoreConX.

 

Q: Anything else you would like to add about RegA, RegCF, or any other topic you might find relevant for your company, our partnership, and the ecosystem you are part of?

A: I encourage any company exploring a capital raise through a Reg A, Reg D, or Reg CF issue to find partners they can trust over their entire journey. I firmly believe Ext. Digital is the ideal digital marketing partner for any company looking to take the next step in its journey.

 

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.

 

The Medtech A+ Team: An Upcoming KoreSummit Event

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

KoreConX is excited for the upcoming KoreSummit event on Thursday, June 23rd. Our second event focused on the Medtech vertical, Thursday is a half-day event that dives into how Medtech companies can conduct a successful RegA+ offering. Kicking off at 1 PM EST, we’re excited for our KorePartners to join us in covering this exciting topic. Let’s dive into the schedule more below.

 

At 1 PM EST, KoreConX CEO Oscar Jofre will introduce the event with a warm welcome. The first panel at 1:10 PM will begin with an introduction to Reg A+ for a MedTech company. This opening panel features Oscar Jofre, Scot Pantel, and Stephen Brock.

 

Up next at 1:40 PM, five experts will take the virtual stage to talk about the preparation phase including what a Form 1A is and the regulatory requirements you need to complete the filing. Douglas Rurak, Matthew McNamara, Peter Danyeko, Nick Antaki, and Shari Noonan will be speaking on this panel. 

 

At 2:15 PM, the third panel kicks off with a discussion about going live. This panel will cover everything you need to know when preparing your live offering to ensure it is a success and will feature Kiran Gramiella, Shari Noonan, John Hayes, and broker-dealer Amanda Grange. From investor acquisition and issuance tech to broker-dealers, this panel will ensure participants will be prepared for their next capital raise.

 

The fourth panel takes place at 3:00 PM and is about how, when raising capital, it is vital to sell your company’s story, not just the stock. By learning how to tell a story, MedTech companies looking to raise capital will be able to connect with investors on a personal level and have a much better chance of success. Panelists will include Scott Pantel, Andy Angelos, John Hayes, Andrew Corn, and Dawson Russell sharing their wealth of experience on this topic.

 

At 3:40 PM, the 5th panel discusses the importance of a secondary ATS, what it is, and how to pick one that will best suit your needs. Lee Saba, Kiran Garimella, and Peter Danyeko will discuss their experience with ATSs and help you understand why having one is so important. 

 

The event concludes with the final panel at 4:00 PM with a short panel that covers takeaways from the event as well as allows for networking. With this panel, we hope to give event attendees the chance to meet and greet the KoreConX ecosystem of partners, members, and service providers that work with Reg A+ daily. This will include Oscar Jofre, Scot Pantel, Joel Steinmetz, Matthew McNamara, Douglas Ruark, and Stephen Brock.

 

Join us for MedTech A+ Team: How to do a successful Reg A+ for a MedTech company on Thursday, June 23rd, 2022. This event is online and free to attend, which you can register for here. This event is perfect for all MedTech companies that are new or unfamiliar with Reg A+ and those that have completed Reg A+ raises in the past.

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!

 

5 Key Players To Know For Your 401k Audit

Posted on by Assurance Dimensions

This blog was originally written by our KorePartners at Assurance Dimensions. View the original post here.

 

Your 401k audit requires the work of multiple key players with different roles and responsibilities. It’s a team effort to ensure your benefit plan audit is seamless, timely, and accurate. Let’s outline the service providers and how you will work with them for your next 401k audit.

 

Custodian

The custodian of a 401k plan has the legal obligation to act in the sole interest of the plan participants. The custodian will make fund decisions in the best interest of the plan participants, without regard to the interests of the employer or plan sponsor.

 

Third-Party Administrator (TPA)

The 401k plan sponsor hires a TPA to run the day-to-day operations of the retirement plan. The TPA is responsible for calculating vested returns and filing reports to the DOL, IRS, and other government agencies. Overall, the TPA plays a critical role in a 401k audit, as they prepare the annual Form 5500 and have access to the required financial documents necessary for the audit.

 

Financial or Investment Advisor

Due to the complex nature of 401k plans, many companies employ a 401k advisor or financial advisor to help employers develop and maintain a 401k plan. Their role can involve several responsibilities, including:

  • Retirement plan design
  • Plan implementation and management
  • Oversee quarterly investment meetings
  • Provide 401k advice to plan participants
  • Assist with the annual 401k audit
  • Administrative support related to finances
  • Track regulatory and legislative updates that may affect the 401k audit

 

Recordkeeper

The recordkeeper is the most visible to provider participants. This role is primarily associated with enrolling participants and providing them access to their retirement assets. The role of the recordkeeper is to track the data required for the 401k audit (including contributions and earnings.) The recordkeeper also communicates data to the required parties.

 

Auditor

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code require employers and plan administrators to hire an outside audit firm for an independent 401k plan audit. The auditor will be in charge of administering your 401k audit and preparing audited financial statements of your plan. They should be experienced CPAs who have detailed processes to ensure your benefit plan audit is completed correctly and promptly.

 

Coordinate and Communicate During Your 401k Audit

Once you have established that your benefit plan needs a 401k audit, the audit team will need to work in sync with all key players of the 401k plan. Since the auditor must collect information from the plan’s service providers and ensure that it is accurate and detailed, this requires coordination and clear communication across all roles in the 401k plan audit. Failure to coordinate could lead to missed 401k plan audit deadlines and compliance penalties.

 

Hire A Trusted Audit Team For Your 401k Audit

A 401k audit is time-sensitive and has extensive requirements. Hire qualified, certified public accountants to help your benefit plan maintain compliance.

How Liquidity Impacts Investing

Posted on by Jim Caboy

This article was originally written by our KorePartners at Rialto Markets. To view the original article, please click here. 

 

Liquidity is a term used in finance to describe how easy or difficult it is to buy or sell an asset in a market without affecting its price – in other words, how simply an asset can be exchanged for cash.

Many private companies struggle to create cash events and liquidity for their shareholders or growth plans and, in what is possibly the largest market of all, this is starting to change with the advent of crowdfunding and secondary trading platforms, known as ATSs (alternative trading systems). The private securities market, currently worth $7 trillion and forecast to be $30 trillion by 2030, is expected to transform when it starts to demonstrate the same kind of liquidity that the public markets offer today.

Stocks in publicly traded companies, mutual funds and bonds can all be categorized as liquid assets; generally, an asset is liquid if there is a constant high demand for it, thereby making it much easier to find potential buyers.

Stocks as liquid assets

Generally, any stock listed on a stock exchange is considered a liquid asset because there are people constantly buying and selling stocks at the market price, making it easier to liquidate stocks into cash.

Conversely, stocks traded on smaller marketplaces and lower value stocks like so-called ‘penny stocks’ (shares of small public companies that trade for less than $5s per share) would not be considered fully liquid assets, as concessions on the price or quantity of these stocks may be needed to liquidate them in a timely manner.

The liquidity of a stock is also never completely fixed; factors that influence a certain company or the stock market, such as economic downturn or complete market crashes can significantly impact the liquidity of any given stock. Most of the time this effect is only temporary, as the market tends to bounce back, but the liquidity of even the most reputable and better-performing companies usually suffers some decline.

What does liquidity mean for your investments?

Investing in early-stage companies was typically a long-term investment more open to the wealthy, through venture capital and private equity funds, but early-stage companies are going public through an IPO (initial public offering) much further into their life cycle. So, where this used to average three years, an IPO was stretching to at least 12, but having an ATS to monetize an investment now explodes the number of investors willing to invest. Although the liquidity will not be as robust as on the NYSE or Nasdaq it is available as an option should an investor have a life event or another priority that requires monetization of their shares.

KorePartner Spotlight: Curtis Spears, President and CEO of Andes Capital Group

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Curtis Spears, President and CEO of Andes Capital Group, has over 25 years of experience in the asset management arena. At Andes Capital Group, he is responsible for overall firm strategy, strategic direction, and day-to-day operations. 

 

Andes Capital Group is a boutique firm that prides itself on its long-term relationships and excellent customer service. With a diversified client list that includes public and corporate pension funds, foundations, investment advisors, and endowments, Mr. Spears has had a hand in delivering bottom-line results for various customers.

 

Additionally, Curtis Spears is deeply committed to giving back to his community, as a Chicago native. He previously served on the Governing Board for UCAN and on auxiliary boards for the Steppenwolf Theater, the Field Museum, and the Primo Center for Women and Children. In these roles, he helped raise funds and increase awareness for various causes.

 

Curtis Spear’s years of experience in the financial services industry and his dedication to giving back make him an excellent KorePartner. We were excited to sit down with Curtis recently to ask him about himself and the capital industry.

 

Q: Why did you become involved in this industry?

 

A: I got lucky! I knew nothing about this industry coming out of college. When I first started in finance, I was a computer programmer, writing programs to manage index funds. As my role evolved, I became more interested in working directly with investors and spent the last half of my career servicing clients and raising capital. Over the years, I developed a particular interest in helping people get access to deals and access to capital that they historically would not have access to.

 

Q: What services does your company provide for RegA offerings?

 

A: As a KoreConX partner, we provide deal due diligence, AML/KYC, etc. However, since the bulk of our business is private placements, we have the ability to offer fundraising and general advisory services for every aspect of a deal.

 

Q: What are your unique areas of expertise?

 

A: Since the majority of our reps cut their teeth in asset management, fundraising is a crucial aspect of what we do. We have relationships that span every type of investor, from the most prominent institutions to the smallest retail individual. We are somewhat industry agnostic, but much of what we see tends to all be in the Medtech, fintech, and proptech areas.

 

Q: What excites you about this industry?

 

A: Over the years, outsized returns have been earned primarily in the private markets. What excites me is giving issuers even more access to capital with a new investor class and allowing the average investor to play. 

 

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

A: In talking with Oscar and the KoreConX team over the last couple of years, we learned that our interests and goals are truly aligned. That is important to us. Also, working with other like-minded partners and leveraging their expertise will really allow us all to propel this part of the industry forward.

 

Foreign Investors Key Considerations for Your Next Deal

Posted on by Nate Dodson

This post was originally written by our KorePartners at Crowdfunding Lawyers. View the original post here. 

 

When discussing fundraising for your deals, most of our attention has previously focused on U.S. citizens investing their own money. That’s to be expected, but it’s important not to overlook another potential funding source: foreign investors. This article will explore what you should know about working with foreign investors in the U.S. and their potential impact on your deal.

Foreign Investors in the U.S.

Foreign investors are those individuals or companies outside of the United States who invest their money into U.S.-based businesses. And foreign money can be great. But, of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to know here and some pretty important restrictions.

How Foreign Investments Work

Before we dive into how these investments work or the pros and cons of foreign investments, we should touch on the restrictions put in place by the U.S. government. You’ll find that they’re twofold. First, there are restrictions set out by the country’s government in which you’re raising funds that you need to consider, as well as those applied by the U.S. government. Second, there are also regulations regarding how much money can be raised from foreign investors.

Foreign Investment Regulations

Each country has its own rules regarding investments. It is your responsibility to investigate what those are and how they may impact you, your investors, and the money that you raise. Some factors to consider include how much money you’re raising and the level of involvement between citizens of foreign countries.

It’s important to stay in legal compliance within all countries, which means you need to know the true cost of remaining completely legally compliant within each’s borders. In some cases, you may find that it is simply too expensive to develop a feasible plan. For example, suppose you’re raising a small amount of capital in a foreign country to transfer to the United States, and you’re not being fraudulent. In that case, complying with local securities laws might be somewhat cumbersome.

Too often, those raising funds focus more on securities laws here in the United States rather than in the other country, but this can hamstring you.

Limitations on Who Can Invest

In addition to the laws governing investments in the other country, you’ll also need to consider our domestic Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, here in the U.S. This organization determines which foreigners can invest and which ones should be blocked. In some cases, the OFAC focuses on the individual or the nation in question. In other instances, their review centers on the foreign country and the investment amount.

For instance, if an investor has 15% of greater assets in North Korea, Iran, Syria, and some other countries, they cannot invest here in the U.S. Again, you will need to check the OFAC website to see who is on the blocked persons list.

This is all part of getting to know your investors. It’s an enormous risk, but it can be potentially rewarding. You don’t want to take any money from people that you shouldn’t be because it can lead to problems beyond the scope of securities law.

Of course, these rules are implemented with good reason. They help ensure that you’re not taking money from a terrorist, helping someone launder money, for instance.

U.S. Securities Laws

We’ve touched on these briefly, but they bear deeper scrutiny. U.S. securities laws have a significant role to play when it comes to foreign investors. For instance, we have a law called “Regulation Asks,” which states that the securities laws for foreign investors don’t apply because they’re foreigners to the SEC. Regulation S states that if you investors are outside the country, most securities laws do not apply.

With that being said, if you commit fraud in any way, dealing with foreign investors will not prevent the SEC or any other authorities from investigating you and your investors. So it’s important to avoid the assumption that Regulation S protects criminal behavior – you should always do the right thing.

However, this brings up an important point. Since securities laws may not apply the same way to foreign investors that they do to U.S. investors, are you still required to provide disclosure? Absolutely, yes. The best path forward is to comply with Reg D as much as possible because then at least you’re providing proper disclosure to your investors and not taking advantage of the vulnerable out there.

Potential U.S. Tax Implications for Foreign Investment Deals

The tax situation is never simple, and adding foreign investors to the mix can muddy the waters a great deal. The tax consequences here can be substantial because when you add foreign investors to the mix and operate as an LLC, there’s pass-through taxation.

You will also have to deal with increased IRS scrutiny. The IRS is extremely worried about what your foreign investors will do – will they take their earnings and leave without paying taxes? Ultimately, you are responsible for their actions. This can mean that if a typical deal requires approximately 30% in withholdings, you should withhold the proper amounts from your investors’ earnings and pay it to the IRS on their behalf.

We also have FIRPTA, the Foreign Investment in Real Estate Property Tax Act of 1980. It requires you to withhold 15% from investors’ returns, although you should check with your tax specialists on the sale of real estate for any distributions that will go to foreign investors.

Avoiding Tax Complications with Foreign Investors

There are a lot of potential downsides to working with foreign investors. So how can you avoid them? Just don’t take on any. How do you avoid them, though?

It just comes down to requiring foreign investors to create their corporation or LLC within the U.S. This ensures that you’re able to let them into the deal, and you no longer have to worry about taking 45% of their returns and transmitting them to the IRS. You’ll also be able to deduct all of their expenses and losses against their income since they won’t be considered “pass-through” entities.

In addition, you can set up a separate bank account for each investor, and ensure that they only receive payments through that account. That way, you can keep track of who has paid what and make sure that everyone pays their fair share.

So, while it might seem like a good idea to work with foreign investors, you need to think twice before doing so. If you do decide to go ahead with it, you’ll need to consider these issues carefully and consult with a skilled attorney.

The Canadian Exemption

While the rules we’ve discussed here apply to investors from most nations, there is an exemption for Canadian investors under certain circumstances. The U.S. maintains a treaty with Canada that states these investors are not subject to the tax withholdings we just talked about. That means Canadian investors can be taken on without too much worry, at least about tax withholdings, with one caveat – you must have a limited partnership and cannot use an LLC or C corp or any other business formation option.

If you wish to work with Canadians, you’ll need to set up a limited partnership to receive their investment. If you choose to do so, make sure you understand all the risks involved with doing so.

The Big Questions to Consider When Taking on Foreign Investors

We’ve covered a lot of ground here in a short time. So, to sum up, let’s go over the big questions you’ll need to answer when you consider taking on foreign investors within your deal.

  • Are they from a country subject to sanctions, like North Korea, Syria, Iran, or Russia? Note that this list changes from time to time as sanctions are placed and lifted. Always check the OFAC list to ensure that your investors are clear about bringing their money into the U.S.
  • Are you following the securities laws of the other country? Are you doing enough business in that country that you need to be concerned about these laws?
  • Are you complying with U.S. tax rules as they pertain to your deal? For example, are you withholding the proper amount and remitting it to the IRS? If not, you’ll be held responsible unless your partners are American entities or have an exemption.

Do you understand all the risks involved in dealing with foreign investors? Do you know where to find information about each country? Is your legal team familiar with international law? These are all things you’ll need to think through before you sign off on any deals and it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to help guide you

How Do I Get Foreign Investors Involved in My Deal?

If you want to attract foreign investors, you’ll need to make sure that you’re meeting their needs. To start with, you’ll need to understand why they would invest in your project. What are their goals? What are their motivations?

You’ll then need to determine if you can meet those goals and motivations. Can you provide them with something unique? Something that’s hard to find elsewhere? A good place to start is by looking at what you offer and comparing it to what others offer.

Once you’ve determined that you can meet their needs, you’ll need to figure out how to get them involved. There are two ways to approach this. One is to simply ask them to invest directly. They will likely require some sort of equity stake in your company. In exchange, they’ll receive a return on investment (ROI) based on the success of your venture.

Alternatively, you may choose to take a more traditional route. You can form a limited liability company or corporation, and invite them to join as shareholders. Their shares will be treated as income-generating assets, which means they’ll pay taxes on their share of profits. This is also known as “passive” investing.

In either case, you’ll need to know the law in both countries so that you don’t run afoul of local regulations. We’ve already touched on this briefly, but it bears repeating. Be aware that you may be required to register as a broker-dealer, and comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

What Happens After I Take On Foreign Investors?

Now that you’ve got investors, you’ll need a plan for managing them. How do you keep them happy while still keeping your own interests protected? You’ll need to set expectations early on. Make sure everyone understands what they’re getting into.

One thing to remember is that you’re dealing with people who have different levels of experience. Some may be new to investing, while others may have been around the block many times before. It’s important to make sure that everyone understands the risks involved.

As you go through the process, you’ll also want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the terms of the agreement. For example, you should know whether you’re going to issue stock, sell debt, or use other financing methods. As we mentioned earlier, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with taxes. If you’re issuing stock, you’ll need to decide whether you’re going to treat the shares as long-term capital gains or short-term capital losses.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that your business plan takes these things into account. You’ll need to consider how you’re going to finance the project, how you’re going to manage risk, and how you’re going to handle any potential legal issues.

In Conclusion

In the end, working with foreign investors is a tricky situation, but with proper guidance from both experienced tax and legal professionals, it can be profitable for both you and your investors.

Hosting Webinars For Your Equity Crowdfunding Campaign

Posted on by Jason Fishman

This article was originally written by our KorePartners at DNA. View the original post here. 

 

Why are webinars so important for your equity crowdfunding campaign?

Webinars are an incredible tool to help you connect with your investors, allowing them to ask any burning questions they may have. You can also repurpose these webinars to use for later content!

With everyone having access to the internet at their fingertips, there is no better time than now to start taking advantage of the many perks that webinars have to offer.

In today’s article, we are going to walk you through 8 important steps you need to know before hosting your first webinar!

Choose the Right Platform

Make sure your hosting platform (such as: Zoom, Google Meet, Vimeo) have all these qualifying features:

  • Event Registration Via Email

  • Q&A or Chat Features

  • Attendee’s Video and Audio Turned OFF

  • Screen Sharing

  • Automatic Email Reminders

  • Recordings

Set up a Registration Link

Keep your investors informed on what they’re signing up for, make sure to include the following in your registration page:

  • Date and Time of Event

  • Short Description of Event

  • Your Logo

  • The Speakers Attending the Event

 

Market Your Event

 

To encourage as many investors or potential investors as possible, it’s important to market your event across all channels (ad, social media, email, portal update)!

Make sure you’re sending out your initial announcement two weeks prior to the event, and follow up with a one week and one day out reminder.

Understand Compliance Rules

There are lots of things you are able to say and not able to say during your crowdfunding raise!

To ensure your webinar is compliant, you’ll want to have a firm understanding of the compliance rules based on what type of raise you’re running.

Create a Brief Pitch Deck Presentation

An important step in hosting your webinar, is creating a pitch deck presentation for the first 10-15 minutes of the event to get your audience engaged!

Things to include on your deck: team information, market opportunity, competitor analysis, unique differentiators, and existing traction.

Leave Enough Time for an Open Q&A Session

The purpose of these webinars is to allow existing and potential investors to learn more and ask their burning questions!

Be sure to encourage the audience to drop these questions in the chat, and then address them out loud. On the chance that your audience may be shy, come up with common questions before the event to keep them engaged.

Have a Call to Action

 

Every webinar needs a strong call to action.

 

Don’t forget to encourage investors to head over to your raise page and invest! Don’t be afraid to even point towards this call to action throughout the course of the event.

Post-Market the Event

 

For those who are unable to attend the event, make sure you share the recording!

 

You’ll want to post the video onto YouTube or Vimeo and share this link on your: blog, emails, portal updates, and social media!

KorePartner Spotlight: Nate Dodson, Managing Member at Crowdfunding Lawyers

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Nate Dodson has over 15 years of experience helping clients with securities, financing, real estate, asset protection, and mergers and acquisitions. Not only has he served as an advisor in real estate transactions, financing, and investments, but he has also successfully developed ground-up commercial properties and participated on the GP side of approximately 4,000 multifamily units over the years.

Before his legal career, Nate worked as a stockbroker, giving him unique experience in investment sales, structures, and asset protection. By leveraging his industry expertise and the help from his long list of trusted connections, he has personally represented over $2 billion in real estate and business funding transactions over the years. While Nate’s full-time efforts are focused on the securities practice with and management of Crowdfunding Lawyers, he remains a partner at his diversified namesake law firm Dodson Legal Group, founded in 2007 and focusing on transactional, litigation, and family law work. Between both firms, their experienced legal teams have represented more than $5 billion in transactions.

Crowdfunding Lawyers is a boutique law firm focusing exclusively on representing securities transactions across the United States. As a specialty-focus law firm, the firm works with investment sponsors/operators and their advisors to develop capital funding strategies, investment offerings, and securities platforms. By taking a unique team-based approach to the firm’s client services, their clients work with a multitude of experienced, dedicated securities attorneys in the representation of Regulation D, Regulation A, Regulation CF, and S1/S3 public (IPO) offerings. The firm has provided services to 1,000+ clients, and its attorneys have, with CFL or through prior engagements, many billions in capital transactions over their respective careers. Because Crowdfunding Lawyers’ focus is limited to federal securities laws, they regularly coordinate with local attorneys and tax counsel to ensure well-rounded representation for clients. However, the firm’s attorneys have considerable experience in real estate, business, regulatory, and finance transactions and activities.

Nate’s experience with crowdfunding makes him a valuable addition to the KoreConX ecosystem. He is passionate about providing regulatory clarity across jurisdictions to ensure raises are compliant and efficient. His ultimate goal is to help investors and businesses succeed in the digital age.

We took some time to speak with Nate and learn more about himself, his organization, and his thoughts on the future of crowdfunding.

What services do Crowdfunding Lawyers provide for Regulation A offerings?

We handle the legal process from beginning structuring throughout the qualification process for Regulation A offerings. We never expect our clients to come to the table with anything other than their plans and ideas. After structuring, we draft all the documents and form any needed entities. Our goal is to file Form 1-A with the SEC within 45 days of engagement.

Because our services are comprehensive, we’ll start with consulting on our client’s business plans and advise the best strategies and structure for funding through a Reg A offering. We also introduce our clients to great vendor partners and team members, like KoreConx.

To meet our self-imposed 45-day timeline, we ensure that we have complete information, including broker-dealers, if involved, or financial audits and introductions are made when appropriate.

How is a partnership with KoreConX the right fit for your company?

We love working with KoreConX and refer to them regularly to serve as the transfer agent for our Reg A offerings. It is essential to have a good transfer agent system involved, as they manage your investors and investment opportunity administration.

KoreConX is not an attorney. Crowdfunding Lawyers is not a transfer agent. Both are necessary for your success with your Regulation A offering.

What excites you about this industry?

Our entire team has a passion for the investment industry, but we’re not a diversified firm. We have a team of very qualified attorneys that solely focus on securities transactions. All of our attorneys come from prestigious law schools and have worked in the legal field for years. If they are newer in the securities realm, it’s only because they have so much experience in startups, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, and corporate law. Our attorneys have similar impressive pasts and a drive for our client’s success. 

As an example, I worked as a stockbroker until the internet stock bubble burst around 2000, selling investments on the phones before crowdfunding became available after the JOBS Act of 2012.

What services do Crowdfunding Lawyers provide that are different?

We always spend substantial time in the initial stages of representation, where we get to know our clients and their business. We strive to structure your opportunity so that you can meet both market expectations as well as investor expectations, and our client’s primary goal is to get funded faster.

While we focus heavily on real estate funds and syndications, approximately one-third of our clients are focused on business and investment funds. With our real estate fund representations, we often represent Regulation A offerings for REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and series LLC offerings. Our clients can replicate their traditional syndication model with Reg A series offerings by breaking down the Regulation A offerings into unique project-specific classes. This is where our clients can continue to offer a real estate syndication model with all the benefits of placing offerings through Regulation A, which is a different twist on setting up a $75 million blind-pool fund.

 

KorePartner Spotlight: Scott Pantel, President & CEO of Life Science Intelligence

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

With the 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 things must be in place to increase the potential for success. One of these critical factors is having the right team to assist with gaining information on your demographic is vital to a successful capital raise.

 

As the President and CEO of LSI, Scott Pantel knows the importance of this, which is why Life Science Intelligence was formed. Scott knows that the most important and strategic business decisions must be made based on data and insights from trusted advisors. LSI is proud to be the go-to-market research firm to support those making these big decisions because of their experience in the Medtech field. With a team of economists, analysts, and market researchers, LSI provides deep knowledge of the healthcare industry, guiding clients with actionable data to identify significant trends in medical devices, diagnostic, and digital health technologies that are rapidly evolving in the industry.

 

We took some time to speak with Scott to learn more about him, his company, and his thoughts on the future of market research, advisory, and raising capital.

 

Q: What does your company do, and how are you making a difference?

A: We’re a Medtech-focused market research and advisory company. We help early-stage companies all the way up to the largest healthcare companies in the world, and their investors, make the best strategic decisions possible. We do this through independent research, consulting, advisory and partnering events.

 

Q: What excites you about the Medtech, Life Sciences, and Biotech Industries?

A: The thing that excites me most about Medtech is that we get to have an impact on people’s lives. The innovators in our space save lives and reduce suffering. To borrow a quote from our 2020 Keynote Speaker and Co-Founder of Auris Health (acquired by J&J for $5.8B), “Medtech is the best and original impact investment sector.”  The innovators in our sector are literally changing and saving lives.  I also get excited to see that patients are increasingly becoming more involved in their healthcare decisions. The convergence of medical devices, data, and smart technologies improves patient outcomes and is slowly but surely making our healthcare system more efficient. We have a long way to go, but I believe we are on the right track, and we will see some quantum leaps in medical technology over the coming years.  

 

Q: How do you see the LSI Medtech event impacting your company and industry?

A: This event connects the innovators with the capital sources they need to commercialize life-changing and saving technologies.  Innovations need capital and strategic partners to scale and get to the market.  Our event connects all of the stakeholders in the Medtech ecosystem so that good things can happen and we can get technologies to market faster.

 

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

A: Most of the companies we work with are totally unaware of what is available in terms of tapping the private markets and leveraging equity crowdfunding. The market is slowly but surely catching up, and we believe inside of the next 12-18 months, we’ll be seeing a huge uptick of healthcare companies taking advantage of the various Regulations that came from the JOBS Act. Specifically, we believe Reg A+ will see exponential growth within healthcare/Medtech companies.

 

Q: What impact do you think RegA+ can have on Medtech companies?

A: It is already having a huge impact. Companies are starting to jump in. In the last six months, I’ve personally gotten involved in supporting five Medtech companies that collectively raised over $200M. And it is just beginning – we are at a turning point, and the markets have a huge appetite for impact investment opportunities. This is a perfect setup for CEOs and founders that are running Medtech startups that are building solutions that can save a life or reduce suffering.

 

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

A: Do your homework and see if a Regulation A+ capital raise path makes sense for you. Surround yourself with talented people that are committed to your vision. Stay positive and be willing to adjust as you go. 

 

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

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.

Securities in Real Estate – A Beginner’s Guide!

Posted on by Crowdfunding Lawyers

This blog was originally written by our KorePartners at Crowdfunding Lawyers. View the original post here. 

 

Over the past few decades, real estate investing has seen a dramatic shift from individual private investors to syndications of commercial, multifamily and development projects. This has contributed to the substantial growth of the global real estate securities markets. This shift has been largely due to the increasing adoption of the modern real estate syndication structures amid growing investor demand for passive income.

Real estate developments and multifamily opportunities generally require enormous resources and large amounts of capital for acquisitions of and operations. Investors get excited for real estate investing when they expect above-stock-market returns through passive income investing. The passive income can come from rental operations and capital gains on sale. Such investments are generally securities, which are regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and State securities regulators.

Private securities may take the form corporate shares, bonds, or futures/derivatives, and even promissory notes with private lenders may be categorized as securities. To make things even more confusing, some real estate investments are considered securities and others are not.

At a high level, the test for whether an investment contract is a security is referred to as the Howey Test and it considers whether the investment structure includes:

  • Investment of cash or assets
  • From a group (i.e., more than 1) of similar-interest passive investors
  • With an expectation of profits
  • From the efforts of others (e.g., management)

All securities are investments but not all investments are securities.

When should you care?

The starting point for analyzing whether securities law governs an investment real estate transaction is applying the “economic realities” test originally described by the US Supreme Court in the 1936 case SEC v. W.J. Howey. To apply this test, summarized above, it is important to consider if multiple people will put resources into a venture with an assumption that benefit will be procured through the efforts of another person.

Since a joint land venture might have different levels of investors, lenders, and stake holders, the Howey Test should be applied independently for each stake holder. As an example, there may be a first lien lender, a second position lien lender at materially different interest terms, a preferred investor that receives a designated rate of return, and common investors that receive the profit.

In the example above, the lenders would not be investing in securities because there is no commonality between them. It’s a similar evaluation of the preferred investor, assuming there is only one. Common investors expecting to receive profit would be purchasing securities and the sponsor would be responsible for complying with securities regulations (e.g., qualifying for an exemption from registration yet) for this group.

However, we can tweak one variable and each transaction can be considered a separate securities transaction. If there are multiple lenders sharing the same position loan or multiple preferred investors, then those are separate securities transactions similar to the common interest investors.

Let’s give illustration of how a single transaction may actually be BOTH a securities transaction and a non-securities investment. Let’s use an example of private loan for the acquisition of real estate. If it is a single source loan (one lender on note), the receipt of loan proceeds by the property owner would not be construed as a securities transaction. However, if the lender pooled together funds from multiple private lenders or investors for the purposes of making the loan, then the pooling of funds would still be considered a securities transaction. The property owner would have no obligations to maintain the securities exemption but the lender who is pooling investors would.

To put it in layman’s terms, whether a real estate venture is a regulated security depends on whether the investors depend on another’s efforts to earn a return. Unfortunately, since the application of the Howey Test actually depends on numerous guidelines and regulatory interpretations, court decisions frequently neglect to offer significant guidance. Likewise, the SEC will issue “no action letters,” which is the SEC’s response when asked for guidance on whether they would take action given a set of circumstances. There are thousands of these letters to consider, but they are also very fact-dependent, and therefore don’t always provide as clear a beacon as we would like.

This leaves the investment sponsor with few alternatives:

  • Hope they don’t get caught and accept investments without guidance
  • Hire an experienced securities attorney (e.g., Crowdfunding Lawyers) to evaluate and assist in the development of the investment program

Difference between a non-securities real estate transaction and a securities offering 

Real estate investments are often not securities when evaluated under the Howey Test for a variety of reasons.

Owners of a condo association are not purchasing securities although each member may have a similar passive interest in the building. Condo association members are generally expecting to reside at the property or rent out their portion rather than seeking profit from the activities of the leaders of the association.

The acquisition of rental properties is generally not a security when acquired by an individual since there is not commonality with other investors. However, if two or more investors acquire the property together, they may be purchasing a security if pooling their money to be managed by someone else.

When it comes to multifamily acquisitions, most often there are securities being offered to a multitude of qualified investors on similar terms, with the investment being managed by the investment’s sponsor. These syndications are securities and require either securities registration or exemption from registration under the appropriate securities exemption. Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933 is the most commonly relied upon securities registration exemption but there are other exemptions from registration that should be considered when developing a capitalization plan.

Another common securities structure includes tenants in common (TIC) investment opportunities, which are often promoted in connection with 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. A straight-forward analysis of TIC investments includes: direct property owners with a non-divisible interest in a property along with other owners, a manager responsible for daily operations, and a TIC agreement binding the property owners’ activities to certain voting approvals.

Many people ask if having an investment opportunity with fewer than 35, 10, 5, or even 2 individuals is not a security. However, there is no specific number of financial backers that disqualify an investment from being a security as long as all prongs of the Howey Test are met. Even a solitary piece of venture property, deeded to two individuals, can be categorized as a securities offering if the conditions bring it inside the applicable lawful definitions under government or state law.

Compliance, Avoidance and Hope

Although conforming to securities requirements has become simpler and there has been a recent broadening of exemptions available to securities issuers, it continues to be a highly technical area of the law. Some investment sponsors seek to avoid securities requirements by giving every investor critical autonomy and control. In some cases of joint ventures, franchises, or general partnerships which generally require active participation and unlimited liability to the investors. There are some reliable strategies to structure an opportunity so that it is not a security, but a cost/benefit analysis is important to determine if, as an investor or promoter, the benefits are worth the risks.

When an offering structure is within the gray area between security and non-security, regulatory agencies can and often will step in with an investigation or audit to ensure compliance. Hence, investment offerings designed to avoid securities requirements by shifting independence and control to investors may undermine the project’s success and create unnecessary scrutiny for the participants.

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.

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.”

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

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.

 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

 

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.

KorePartner Spotlight: Scott Allen, CEO of InvestAcq

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. 

Scott Allen is the CEO of InvestAcq, a firm of investor acquisition specialists. For companies looking to raise capital in the private markets, InvestAcq identifies the best potential investors for RegA+, RegCF, and RegD 506(c) raises to effectively target investors and attract them to the offering. The firm’s specialty is working with companies in the medical industry, such as biotech, medtech, pharma, and life sciences, or those who intend to use RegA+. 

We took some time to speak with Scott to learn more about himself and his firm. Here’s what he had to say. 

 

Q: Why did you become involved in this industry?

 

A: I’ve worked in and with startups and entrepreneurs most of my career. I believe in entrepreneurship—it’s the lifeblood of our economy. And I know startups need access to capital. I’ve seen the downsides of the whole cycle: insufficient capital, insurmountable debt, VCs taking control of companies, spectacular IPOs that went bust within a year.

So when my long-time friend, client, and collaborator Stephen Brock, founder of Medical Funding Professionals, told me about Regulation A+ and his vision for bringing it to the medical innovation sector, I was in. It addresses perhaps the biggest need, in probably the highest impact industry. What could be better than helping put money to good use saving lives and improving quality of life?

 

Q: What services does your company provide for RegA offerings?

 

A: We are investor acquisition specialists. We use the latest marketing techniques to help companies find the best potential investors for your offering, effectively tell them your story, and make it as easy as possible for them to invest.

Our company offers a complete multi-channel integrated marketing solution, including marketing strategy, web design, email marketing, content marketing, social media, digital advertising, public relations, and investor relations. We particularly focus on the idea of “Sell the story, not the stock” — we see strong brand marketing as the foundation of everything else. Research shows that strong brands achieve a higher return on ad spend and ultimately higher market caps. In a Regulation A+ offering, telling the company’s story well attracts the investors you want—impact investors who believe in your vision and will become advocates for your business.

 

Q: What are your unique areas of expertise?

 

A: One thing that’s unique to our firm is our experience in the healthcare sector. In addition to the SEC and other regulatory compliance issues, we also have to deal with FDA regulations and guidelines. While compliance is still ultimately up to the issuer and their attorneys, having a communications team that’s experienced in those issues reduces a lot of back-and-forths, and really speeds up the process. We even occasionally catch things that the attorneys miss, so having another set of experienced eyes on that content adds an extra layer of protection.

Personally, I have over 25 years of experience in digital marketing and several more in traditional marketing before that. While I have a broad range of experience, my unique area of expertise is social media, and more broadly, virtual business relationships. I got into social media in 2002, before it was even called social media. I co-authored the first book on social media marketing, The Virtual Handshake: Opening Doors and Closing Deals Online, and have trained or consulted with hundreds of clients over the past 19 years.

 

Q: What excites you about this industry?

 

A: Five things:

1. Getting capital in the hands of people with products that can impact people’s lives and change the world. They can only have that big impact if they can get the money they need to complete their research and development, go to market, and scale.

2. Helping those innovators stay in control of their company so they can execute their vision.

3. Making sure those founders, early investors, and early hires reap fair rewards for their vision and efforts. To me, late money should never be as valuable as early sweat.

4. Helping CEOs stay focused on executing their business plan. With traditional angel / VC / private equity, the CEO basically has to take 6 months to a year away from their company to focus on fundraising. “Run your raise, or run your company. You can’t do both.” A typical VC round requires 100+ investor meetings, on average, plus countless hours of due diligence, emails, and other support. With Reg A+, much of the activity is shifted to an investor acquisition firm like us. And much of the time the CEO spends is leveraged — one webinar to hundreds of potential investors, one video that lasts for months and every potential investor will see — not hundreds of one-on-one meetings.

5. Reg A+ is good for investors. GREAT for investors. We believe everyone should be able to invest in early-stage and growth-stage companies. Until recently, most people could only invest in companies listed on the public stock exchanges. Main Street investors couldn’t get in on IPOs. Now nearly any investor can get in on innovative companies before they go public. It’s your money—you should be able to invest it where and how you want—have an impact on the world with how you choose to invest.

 

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

 

A: KoreConX is the industry leader for private market fintech. It’s been years in development and has more real-world testing than any other solution.

Also, as a marketer, I love the fact that KoreConX allows us to control the investor relationship from start to finish. We have visibility into every step of the process that you don’t get on the equity crowdfunding platforms.

Most of all, though, KoreConX has been an enthusiastically proactive partner; joining us for sales calls, building custom branded demos for our prospects, promoting us through the partner program, and even working with us to put on a KoreSummit focused on our industry niche.

 

Watch Scott’s KoreSummit panel on Investor Acquisition in Medtech and Life Sciences here.

 

KorePartner Spotlight: Stephen Brock, CEO of Medical Funding Professionals

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.

 

There are two things that Stephen Brock is incredibly passionate about in the business world; gaining access to capital for innovative companies to make their products for the benefit of patients in the world and making sure that those company’s founders, early employees, and investors retain control. If that seems like a tough challenge, you have not met Stephen. What he said in an interview with Yahoo News was that “if we truly want to support innovation, let’s make sure the innovators see the just rewards for their efforts.”

 

Stephen does this by introducing companies that may not have heard of the tremendous amount of opportunity there is in the healthcare field for innovative companies using the Regulation A+ exemption under the JOBS Act. Now, companies can raise up to $75 million per year outside of the usual avenue of bank and accredited investors through Reg A+. While those in the private capital space understand this opportunity, Stephen brought something shocking to light, “80% of the people I talk to have never heard of Reg A+. And of those that have, only one or two have actually known anything about it. So, it’s on us to educate them, and that’s what we do—show them exactly what it could do for their company.”

 

This change is huge for those in the fields that require high costs to get their products to market. This, in combination with the stricter lending from the usual channels during the pandemic, makes what Stephen and his company, Medical Funding Professionals, are doing so important. They are helping innovators in the medical field bring new and life-changing technology to patients while retaining control for their technology.

 

As a registered investment advisor with over 20 years of experience in securities and finance, Stephen knows the field and is excited about the partnership with KoreConX, which has also been educating people on this powerful new financial tool.

KorePartner Spotlight: Steve Distante, Founder and Chairman of Vanderbilt Financial Group

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.

 

Steve Distante is an entrepreneur and has been his entire life. As a graduate of St. Johns University with a degree in accounting and finance, he intimately knows their struggles and success. Before starting his own business, Steve ran an Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ), where he learned the experience from the regulatory side. It was a great use of his degree and his intrinsic skill for planning. 

 

Steve’s journey began when his father told him to look at financial services as a career path. What he found was the rewarding business of empowering entrepreneurs to create impactful products and services for good. That is at the core of the business he founded and is the CEO, Vanderbilt Financial Group, “an investment firm disrupting traditional finance by focusing on socially and environmentally responsible, ethical, and impactful investments.” With Steve at the helm, the ship is set up to ensure that entrepreneurs do not have to go through the same struggles he did as he grew his business. 

 

As if it was not already clear that helping entrepreneurs is a driving factor in his life, Steve is also the CDO for Impact U, an educational community for students, investors, and financial advisors on impact investing. He has made two documentary films for it and is currently writing a book about Impact Investing. In addition, Steve is a former president of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and served as the UN Ambassador for EO for nearly three years. He is very passionate about helping entrepreneurs building impactful companies with missions to better the world. 

 

Steve is thrilled about the partnership with KoreConX to streamline business processes so he can continue his excellent work for the community of entrepreneurs around the world. 

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. 

KorePartner Spotlight: Dean DeLisle, Founder and CEO of Forward Progress

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.

Dean DeLisle has been raising capital for the past 35 years both for himself and for other companies. He has made the transition from roadshows and bound pitch decks to sophisticated online marketing funnels. Dean’s experience has resulted in a unique approach to Investor Acquisition Marketing with his firm Forward Progress.

“People know they want to invest but need to understand more, so we place a high priority on education throughout our Investor Acquisition campaigns,” says Dean. Forward Progress helps clients build the necessary digital footprint to educate prospective investors in Regulation CF, Regulation A+, and Regulation D offerings. The building of the footprint requires many of the same strategic elements you would see in a revenue-focused campaign–content, thought leadership, advertising, and marketing automation.

The Forward Progress team stays at the forefront of digital marketing trends by participating as speakers on capital raising, marketing automation, and marketing strategy. The company boasts certifications with leading platforms like Hubspot CRM, Facebook Ads, Google Analytics, and more to make sure the issuers they support are at the bleeding edge.

The partnership with KoreConX makes sense for Dean, as both companies are dedicated to investor education and businesses alike. It fits with the DNA of both companies.

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.

Meet the KorePartners: Louis Bevilacqua of Bevilacqua PLLC

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 the ecosystem. 

 

For the past 25 years, Louis Bevilacqua has served as a corporate and securities lawyer. After spending the majority of his time at large, international law firms, Louis discovered his passion for “representing entrepreneurs and helping them accomplish their goals.” Noticing that it was often more difficult to help small or microcap companies, Louis began his firm to eliminate the prohibitive costs typically associated with large law firms. 

 

Utilizing technology to allow lawyers to work virtually, Bevilacqua’s savings are passed onto its clients. Now, small companies can access the same top-tier resources that previously only large ones may have been able to afford. “Since most of our attorneys, like me, have decades of experience at big firms, we know how deals are supposed to be done and can provide excellent representation at lower price points,” Louis said. 

 

Not only is Bevilacqua’s team comprised of experienced lawyers, but many are also entrepreneurs. Understanding first-hand the challenges that small companies face, they are experienced problem solvers that are both flexible and proactive. Also, Louis says that “we also have a vast network of contacts with investors, broker-dealers, transfer agents, Edgar printers, audit firms and other service providers in the industry and can easily make the right referrals to anyone that the company needs.”

 

Through the JOBS Act and RegA+, investors have access to investments that they may not have had previously. Since the SEC requires substantial disclosure for RegA+ offerings, investors are provided more detailed disclosures than other private offerings. Companies also benefit from the lower costs associated with RegA+. Since it is more flexible and cheaper than a traditional IPO, the cost is not prohibitive. One of the primary reasons that Louis supports the regulations is that it “helps facilitate the raising of capital for smaller issuers, who always need capital and do not have as many avenues to obtain it.”

 

However, Louis also thinks that the resale market could be improved. Currently, companies looking to allow their shares to be traded “must identify a market maker willing to file a 211 application with FINRA”, which can be a difficult process. Making this process easier will allow more people to trade the shares purchased through a RegA+ offering. Additionally, for investors to deposit the shares they’ve purchased into a brokerage account, they typically must incur the fees associated, as the brokerage is generally required to perform their due diligence. 

 

For companies looking to raise money through RegA+, Bevilacqua provides clients with the legal services they need for a successful offering. Whether they need help “testing the waters,” filing the offering statement, drafting shareholder agreements, etc., Louis and his team provide expert guidance. Also, “ having a platform like KoreConX that brings all the components necessary to accomplish a Reg A offering in one easy to use platform is a fantastic tool to help us help entrepreneurs raise capital.” 

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.

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.”

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.

Using a Transfer Agent Doesn’t Mean You Have a Single Entry on Your Cap Table

Posted on by Mark Roderick

Many issuers are concerned that “Crowdfunding will screw up my cap table.” In response, several Title III funding portals offer a mechanism they promise will leave only a single entry on the issuer’s cap table, no matter how many investors sign up.

The claim is innocuous, i.e., it doesn’t really hurt anybody. But it’s also false.

The claim begins with section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act. Under section 12(g), an issuer must register its securities with the SEC and begin filing all the reports of a public company if the issuer has more than $10 million of total assets and any class of equity securities held of record by more than 500 non-accredited investors or more than 2,000 total investors.

17 CFR §240.12g5-1 defines what it means for securities to be held “of record.” For example, under 17 CFR §240.12g5-1(a)(2), securities held by a partnership are generally treated as held “of record” by one person, the partnership, even if the partnership has lots of partners. Similarly, under 17 CFR §240.12g5-1(a)(4), securities held by two or more persons as co-owners (e.g., as tenants in common) are treated as held “of record” by one person.

With their eyes on this regulation, the funding portals require each investor to designate a third party to act on the investor’s behalf. The third-party acts as transfer agent, custodian, paying agent, and proxy agent, and also has the right to vote the investor’s securities (if the securities have voting rights). The funding portal then takes the position that all the securities are held by one owner “of record” under 17 CFR §240.12g5-1.

Two points before going further:

  • Title III issuers don’t need 17 CFR §240.12g5-1 to avoid reporting under section 12(g). Under 17 CFR §240.12g6(a), securities issued under Title III don’t count toward the 500/2,000 thresholds, as long as the issuer uses a transfer agent and has no more than $25 million of assets.
  • 17 CFR §240.12g5-1(b)(3) includes an anti-abuse rule:  “If the issuer knows or has reason to know that the form of holding securities of record is used primarily to circumvent the provisions of section 12(g). . . . the beneficial owners of such securities shall be deemed to be the record owners thereof.”

But put both those things to the side and assume that, by using the mechanism offered by the funding portal, the issuer has 735 investors but only one holder “of record.”

Does having one holder “of record” mean the issuer has only a single entry on its cap table? Of course not. At tax time, the issuer is still going to produce 735 K-1s.

The fact is, how many holders an issuer has “of record” for purposes of section 12(g) of the Exchange Act has nothing to do with cap tables. The leap from section 12(g) to cap tables is a rhetorical sleight-of-hand.

As I said in the beginning, the sleight-of-hand is mostly harmless. Except for some additional fees, neither the issuer nor the investors are any worse off. And the motivation is understandable:  too many issuers think Crowdfunding will get in the way of future funding rounds, even though that’s not true.

Even so, as a boring corporate lawyer and true believer in Crowdfunding, I’m uncomfortable with the sleight-of-hand. When SPVs become legal on March 15th perhaps the market will change.

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.

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”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Meet the KorePartners: David Benizri, Rivver

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: David Benizri, CEO & Co-Founder at Rivver

Born in: Montreal, Canada
Based in: Tel Aviv, Israel

What was your first job?
 Ice hockey referee

How and when did you get involved in the tech industry?

July 2016, I was hired as a sales associate in an e-commerce startup in Montreal. I then fell in love with the dynamic nature of the Hi-Tech field and began launching my own ventures in both Canada and Israel.

How do you see the Tech industry today, especially when it comes to the new Digital securities wave? In that aspect, is it possible to have an idea of what the next five years will bring?

To me what is beautiful about the tech industry as a whole is the fact that there are always new technologies being discovered, which by association ensures that there is always room for startups to build applications on top of that new technology and monetize. The last big innovation which we knew was technologically unprecedented was Blockchain, so we decided to apply it to securities. Within 5 years time, we see a securities industry where the use of distributed ledger technology is a given.

What does your company bring to the KorePartners Ecosystem?

Rivver brings the first blockchain-based fund issuance and administration platform, specialized for Private Equity funds. By building the first fund administration platform for the digitized fund ecosystem, Rivver’s goal is to ensure that KorConX Private Equity clients and the entire Digitized Fund ecosystem can scale.

What is it about the partnership with KoreConX that most aligns with your company strategy?

For Digital Securities to achieve adoption, industry leaders will have to provide a solution which is adoptable for legacy players today and not just in 10 years. By us both building on top Hyplerledger Fabric, we at Rivver saw obvious synergies and are certain that our partnership with KorConX will help materialize this mission.

*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.

Meet the KorePartners: Adrian Alvarez, InvestReady

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: Adrian Alvarez, Co-Founder & CEO at InvestReady

Born in: Miami, USA
Based in: Los Angeles, USA.

What was your first job?

I was a clerk for a mortgage service company. Very exciting =)

How and when did you get involved in the startup industry?

In college, I was the first employee of a tutoring company for standardized tests. That led me to go off on my own with my own tutoring service a few years later. During grad school where I did a JD/MBA, I became involved with the University’s startup incubator and after graduating, I worked there for 4 years as the assistant director and program manager. We helped advise thousands of startups and helped a lot of students with their projects. I also met my co-founders for InvestReady in that job as well.

How do you see the startup scene today?

I’m seeing a lot of work behind the scenes preparing for 2019 in the crypto and private investment scene. I believe 2019 is going to be huge for security tokens and we’re preparing ourselves for it. It’s an exciting time.

 

What does your company bring to the KorePartners Ecosystem?

InvestReady provides accredited investor verification services under the US and international law. Our API allows issuers, brokers, exchanges, portals, service providers and more verify that their users are eligible to participate in the investment in a secure and scalable manner.


What is it about the partnership with KoreConX that most aligns with your company strategy

I believe our shared focus on providing exceptional service at scale is a huge factor. We’re also both constantly re-tooling and thinking about how we can improve our service which also helps.

*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.

Meet the KorePartners: Rick Tapia, Blockchain Agility

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: Rick Tapia, Chief Marketing Officer & Partner at Blockchain Agility

Born in: Indianapolis, USA
Based in: Miami, USA

What was your first job?

My first job was as a congressional intern in the state of Indiana. I learn and experienced so much about politics, networking, the U.S. government, and many other areas. It really helped lay the foundation for my future endeavors.

How and when did you get involved in the Blockchain Technology industry?

I first got involved with blockchain technology just over 2 years ago. Like many others, I had started off by learning about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. From there, I began to understand the underlying technology and how it could be applied to a vast array of businesses across many different industries. I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart and have helped many startups in the past and felt that this technology could provide value in a multitude of ways. From there, I began advising different startups on how they could utilize blockchain technology to add value to their business. Thereafter, my 3 partners and I got together and formed a blockchain advisory firm to help guide companies that are wishing to utilize blockchain technology.

How do you see the Blockchain scene today? In that aspect, is it possible to have an idea of what the next five years will bring?

I believe we are starting to see the merging of the “blockchain world” and the “real world”. Meaning that blockchain technology is beginning to be utilized vastly across many different industries and niches and isn’t just being used exclusively by startups or technology platforms. Additionally, the capital markets realm is beginning to jump in as the benefits of issuing digital security tokens is being realized. I don’t have a magic 8 ball that can see into the future but I believe that blockchain technology is here to stay and that in the next 5 years, it will be intricate part of how private companies raise funds in a compliant manner in addition to being the underlying technology in a lot of different existing businesses that we know today.

What does your company bring to the KorePartners Ecosystem?

Our firm brings value in a few different ways to the KorePartners Ecosystem. For one, we have a vast industry network that provides a strong level of value to the ecosystem with the many connections and introductions we can make. Secondly, our firm is committed to helping organizations that are looking to conduct a digital security offering and can help with many different areas from start to finish. We believe our services can help take an organization to the next level.

What is it about the partnership with KoreConX that most aligns with your company strategy?

I believe our partnership aligns with KoreConX because we are committed to a collaborate approach. In my experience, collaboration with other organizations that share similar values and goals is vitally important, especially in a niche’ that is still new and emerging. And with the world of digital securities coming into the fold, it’s more important than ever to make sure that organizations that are leading the movement work together as we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us to help usher in a new era of tokenization.

*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.

Meet the KorePartners: Peter Woodard, DLTMI

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: Peter Woodard, DLTMI

Born in: Toronto, Canada
Based in: London, UK

What was your first job?

My first proper job was for a London based Adtech startup which went onto be supported by Google Ventures

How and when did you get involved in the business industry?

Moving to London in my early 20’s I quickly needed to get moving. I luckily found my footing in the startup world and progressed into Fintech

How do you see the Digital Security’s scene today? In that aspect, is it possible to have an idea of what the next five years will bring?

There is a lot of noise in the industry currently and (rightly so) not a lot of action. Once regulators and ecosystem partners come online we will see an uptick in promising issuances. Next 5 years I see debt products focused at institutional players as the major winner. Biggest hurdle to this happening is getting said institutions comfortable, most importantly their compliance departments.

What does your company bring to the KorePartners Ecosystem?

DLTMI provides information disclosure and market intelligence framework which is then hosted on our closed-loop platform for select sponsors. We are backed by vertical agnostic capital groups in the EU  and APAC region focused on blockchain and digital securities. Both demand and supply side are leveraging our experience to ultimately see a successful issuance life cycle.

What is it about the partnership with KoreConX that most aligns with your company strategy?

I have worked in proxy with KoreConX during my Fintech days and am very happy to see them enter the digital security ecosystem. They have laid a lot of the necessary groundwork to be a compliant and successful player. Exactly the type of company we are wanting to partner with.

*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.

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.

Meet the KorePartners: Kyle Asman, BX3 Capital

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: Kyle Asman, BX3 Capital

Born in: Livingston, USA
Based in: New York, USA

What was your first job?
My first job was as a Bank Teller.

How and when did you get involved in the business industry?
Growing up as a kid down the shore I had a close family friend who was a day trader, and I was fascinated by markets, their pace, their complexity and the impact they had on the world. Billions of dollars are flying around the globe every single second.

How do you see the Financial Markets scenario today?
I see tremendous opportunity that financial markets have created today that wasn’t present five or 10 years ago. You can be in any corner of the globe, and still be a member of the global economy.

In that aspect, is it possible to have an idea of what the next five years will bring?
I think digital currencies will allow a number of new businesses to be created, and wealth to begin accumulating in the emerging markets around the globe. For the first time, I think we are going to see real economic growth and opportunity come from emerging markets.

What does your company bring to the KorePartners Ecosystem?
We bring expertise in PR, Tax, Accounting, and Business Strategy. We have helped dozens of companies over the course of the years. We are proud to be experts in our respective industries, and sharing that knowledge to help grow new businesses.

What is it about the partnership with KoreConX that most aligns with your company strategy?
The KoreConx team shares a similar ethos to BX3 Capital. We are like-minded in that we are both focused on building companies, not just simply turning a profit.

*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.

 

Meet the KorePartners: Michel Aliphon, SME Brokers

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

This week we are launching a special series to introduce you to our KorePartners. These are the people and companies who share KoreConX’s governance standards, such as Investor Protection, Compliance, Integration, Security, and Efficiency.

We believe that behind every great company there are great people, and each of those people has a unique story to tell. We will be publishing a series of short interviews introducing who our KorePartners are and what they think about the startup industry, blockchain technology, legislation and more.

 

Michel Aliphon, Managing Director at SME Brokers

Born in: Curepipe, Mauritius.
Based in: Perth, Australia.


What was your first job?

My first job was Futures Broker with a Malaysian based company.

 

How and when did you get involved in the business industry?

I completed my bachelor of commerce degree in Economics and Finance and started my career with Citibank Limited as an Executive Manager in 1994.

 

How do you see the Small and Medium Enterprises scene today?

The Australian SME Scene today is struggling to make ends meet, due to the tightening of monetary policy and the government realizing they need to intervene to assist SME’s to grow to create more employment. About 80% of Australian SME’s are worried about cash-flow.

 

In that aspect, is it possible to have an idea of what the next five years will bring?

Recently, the Australian Federal Government announced a new AUD $2 billion Australian Business Securitisation Fund to help provide additional funding to SME lenders, realizing SME’s are the backbone of the economy and SME’s find it difficult to obtain finance other than on a secured basis.

The new Australian crowdfunding amendment legislation bill passed in 2018, will also assist SME access non-bank funding which will further ease cashflow restrictions placed on SME’s making the next 5 years a better and brighter future for SME’s     

 

What does your company bring to the KorePartners Ecosystem?

SME Brokers bring a nationwide distribution network of qualified and dedicated SME Brokers whose primary role is to assist SME’s with their startup and exit succession plans, making them aware of the many opportunities available through the KoreConX Platform as they expand their business locally, nationally and potentially globally.

 

What is it about the partnership with KoreConX that most aligns with your company strategy?

The ability of the KoreConX Platform to provide SME’s the opportunity to streamline their business processes, preparing for the challenges ahead that come with economies of scale.

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