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KoreClient Spotlight: Durable Energy

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , ,

Durable Energy is on a mission to expand access to renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging across the country. Partnered with  dealerships, parts companies, and other key service providers in the automotive industry, Durable Energy is decentralizing energy so everyone can have access to clean energy and offset their utility bills. We recently spoke with Xavone Charles and Anastasia Rivodeaux about the mission of Durable Energy and how Reg CF is helping them get there. 

 

Improving EV Infrastructure with Durable Energy

 

Currently, 60.8% of all electricity in the US is generated from fossil fuels. The output of this electricity production is 1.55 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, which contributes significantly to global climate change. Renewable energy only accounts for 20.1% of the total energy produced, in part because of its perceived cost.  So increasing the accessibility and affordability of renewable energy sources can help to make renewables more competitive, thus reducing reliance on carbon-heavy sources. That’s the vision of Durable Energy, a company dedicated to transitioning the way we live, starting with EV.

 

Durable Energy believes in a 3 step plan to achieve its goal of energy decentralization:

 

  1. They are focusing on creating more renewable energy-powered EV charging stations in the nation, not only in the city but in rural locations and at businesses like dealerships. This will help increase the number of EVs on the road and provide people with a place to charge their vehicles when they are away from home.
  2. They are working to offset the amount of energy produced by solar so that it can be stored and used when the sun isn’t shining. This will help to make renewable energy more reliable and allow it to be used even when, and where, the weather isn’t cooperating. While southwestern states may have an abundance of sunlight, with this technology, that energy can be stored and transferred to the East Coast, where they have more of a need for it.
  3. Hydrogen systems are the future of cars and homes. By focusing on hydrogen fuel cells, Durable Energy will be able to provide a clean and renewable source of energy that can power both homes and vehicles. This will help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels as well as help reduce emissions from cars and trucks.

 

Changing EV with Reg CF

 

With Durable Energy, any dealership can open its own charging facility for private and public use. People could pay for a membership to have a certain amount of energy per month. “We are a part of a global transition. Everyone in the renewable energy space is trying to figure out how to tackle this large hurdle. Through Regulation CF, the end users who benefit from this technology can be a part of this as well,” said Xavone Charles from Durable Energy.

 

Through RegCF, Durable Energy can connect with the end user who will be using these products, enabling them to become early investors in the very infrastructure that they will utilize. “The existing grid is pretty much a monopoly. We’re building the new grid, the new infrastructure, and the new principles, and we want people to be a part of it. Our goal is to make EV transition in the US possible,” said Anastasia Rivodeaux of Durable Energy.

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Regulation CF(RegCF), D (RegD), A (RegA+) Disclaimer


This communication may be deemed to be a solicitation of interest under Regulation CF (RegCF), D (RegD), A (RegA+) under the Securities Act of 1933, in which case the following applies:

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

 

Opportunities to Invest in the Private Capital Market

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , , ,

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Benefits of Digital Securities for Investors and Issuers

Posted on by Jason Futko Tags: , , , , ,

With the emergence and development of blockchain technology, digital securities have seen wider adoption by investors and investment firms. Arising from the need for protection against fraud and as a way for investors to ensure asset ownership, digital securities are a digital representation of traditional securities and follow the same regulatory rules. Since their first appearance, digital securities now include any debt, equity, or asset that is registered and transferred electronically using blockchain technology. 

Digital securities are made possible by blockchain, also known as “distributed ledger technology”. Distributed ledger technology is a database where transactions are continually appended and verified by multiple participants, ensuring that each transaction has a “witness” to validate its legitimacy. By the nature of the system, it is more difficult for hackers to manipulate, as copies of the ledger are decentralized or located across multiple different locations. Changes to one copy would be impossible, as the others would recognize it as invalid.

Distributed ledger technology allows digital securities to be incredibly secure. Ownership is easily recorded and verified through the distributed ledger, a huge benefit over traditional securities. Any transfer of digital securities is also recorded and with each copy of the transaction stored separately, multiple witnesses of the transaction exist to corroborate it. 

Traditional or digital

With traditional securities, investors can lose their certificate of ownership or companies can delete key files detailing who their investors are. Without a certificate, proving how many shares an investor owns would be incredibly challenging. In contrast, digital security ownership is immutable. Investors are protected and always able to prove their ownership since the record cannot be deleted or altered. Additionally, investors can view all information related to the shares they’ve purchased, such as their voting rights and their ability to share and manage their portfolios with both accuracy and confidence. 

Since the record is unchangeable, it also serves as a risk management mechanism for companies, as the risk of a faulty or fraudulent transaction occurring is removed. Digital securities are also greatly beneficial to the company when preparing for any capital activity since the company’s records are transparent and readily available. With traditional securities, the company would typically hire an advisor to review all company documents. If the company has issued digital securities, this cost is eliminated, as it is already in an immutable form.  

Smart contracts made possible

The use of digital securities also makes smart contracts possible, which have preprogrammed protocols for the exchange of this kind of securities. Without the time-consuming paper process, companies can utilize digital securities to raise funds from a larger pool of investors, such as the case with crowdfunding. Rather than keeping manual records of each transaction, the smart contract automatically tracks and calculates funds and distributes securities to investors. 

Companies looking to provide their investors with the ability to trade digital securities must be aware that they are required to follow the same rules set by the SEC for the sale and exchange of traditional securities, such as registering the offering with the SEC. This ensures that potential investors are provided with information compliant with securities regulation worldwide. According to the SEC, investors must receive ongoing disclosures from the issuer so they can make informed decisions regarding ownership of their securities. Companies that are not compliant with the SEC can face severe penalties and may be required to reimburse investors who purchased the unregistered offerings. 

Besides the companies offering securities, broker-dealers must also register with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Similarly, platforms on which digital securities can be traded must register as an Alternative Trading System operator with the SEC. Both broker-dealers and ATS operators can face severe penalties if not properly registered. 

Secondary market (ATS) also benefits

Possibly the greatest benefit of digital securities is that it allows for smoother secondary market transactions. With records of ownership clear and unchangeable, an investor can easily bring their shares to a secondary market. Transactions are more efficient and parties have easy access to all necessary information regarding the securities being traded, removing the friction in traditional securities. 

At KoreConX, the KoreChain platform is a fully permissioned blockchain, allowing for companies to issue fully compliant digital securities. Records are updated in real-time as transactions occur, eliminating errors that would occur when transferring information from another source. The platform securely manages transactions, providing investors with support and portfolio management capabilities. Additionally, the KoreChain is not tied to cryptocurrencies, so it is a less attractive target for potential crypto thieves. KoreChain allows companies to manage their offerings and company data with the highest level of accuracy and transparency.

Since digital securities face the same regulatory rules as traditional ones, investors are protected by the SEC against fraudulent offerings. This, together with the security and transparency that blockchain allows, creates a form of investment that is better for investors and issuers alike. Since the process is simplified and errors are decreased without redundant paperwork, issuers have the potential to raise capital more efficiently. They will also be better prepared for future capital activity. For investors, a more secure form of security protects them from potential fraud and losses on their investments. With digital securities still in their infancy, it will be exciting to see how this method of investment changes the industry. 

How to Manage Investment Information

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , ,

For entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to understand the private capital market well. Companies no longer need to go public to raise capital, enabling entrepreneurs to maintain more control of their companies. With regulations such as RegA+ and RegCF, accredited and non-accredited investors can be part of capital raising. Plus, the available pool of capital is expected to reach up to $30 trillion by 2030, making it a promising resource for companies. At the same time, investment management has become even easier with online services and platforms coming that provide end-to-end management for private companies to streamline the process.

 

Understanding KYC and KYP

 

It is vital for investors and issuers alike to know who they are dealing with. This is where KYC (Know Your Customer) and KYP (Know Your Product) come into play. Before making any investment decisions or accepting an investment, you should always know the issuer or investor’s identity. 

 

KYC is an essential component of risk management. As an issuer, it can help you to understand who your investors are and determine whether they would be a risk to your company. KYC can be complicated but helps to protect against money laundering and fraud.

 

KYP is most applicable to broker-dealers and is all about understanding the investment products or services you are offering to your customers. This includes knowing something about the issuing company, and understanding the structure of investment products, eligibility requirements, and other information that can help a broker-dealer determine whether an investment opportunity is right for an investor.

 

Remain Compliant

 

Compliance is another crucial aspect to consider regarding private capital raising. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has enacted many rules and regulations to protect investors. These include the requirements for disclosure, registration, and filing. In addition, there are restrictions on who can invest and how much they can invest. All of these requirements are designed to protect investors and issuers from fraud.

 

It’s important to note that certain compliance issues must be considered when raising capital privately. For example, under RegA+, companies must file a Form 1-A with the SEC. This form provides information about the company, the offering, and the risks involved. In addition, companies must provide audited financial statements and disclose any material changes that have occurred since the last filing. Under RegCF, companies are required to file a Form C with the SEC, requiring similar information to that of Form 1-A. 

 

Compliance may seem like an inconvenient chore, but in fact, it offers issuers many benefits, including avoiding unnecessary costs and delays, understanding the shareholder base, identifying potential high-risk investors, and encouraging best practices in record-keeping generally. By taking a proactive and whole-hearted approach to compliance, issuers will not only have an easier time completing their raise, but lay a better foundation for more efficient and smoother operations going forward

 

When managing your investments and staying compliant with the law, it is important to have a solid grasp of KYC and KYP processes. KoreConX can help you with your compliance needs with our complete end-to-end solution for private companies and broker-dealers. Our platform includes a KYC/KYP tool and a compliance management system to help you efficiently and securely manage compliance activities.

 

RegA+ Offers Stability for Issuers

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , ,

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

KoreClient Spotlight: Bruce Lewis of BulletID

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , ,

Bruce Lewis is a serial entrepreneur who has had his share of successes and failures. He is now 82 years old and has started a new company that he’s made his life’s mission. Through this venture, BulletID, Lewis aims to reduce gun violence by tracking ammunition. We recently got to sit down and speak with him about his work with BulletID and how JOBS Act regulations will help his company grow.

 

With his years of experience growing companies and his entrepreneurial spirit, Bruce Lewis is confident that BulletID will be able to make a difference in the fight against gun violence. Lewis is no stranger to hard work and determination, and he hopes his latest venture will be successful in positively impacting the world. As an entrepreneur since childhood, Lewis has always had a knack for starting and scaling businesses. He has tried various ventures, some of which have been more successful than others. However, he has never given up and always maintained the entrepreneurial spirit he received from his father and grandfather. 

 

One of Lewis’ earliest and most successful businesses came from a restaurant equipment supply company that he owned and operated after he married his high school sweetheart. By acquiring the 45 companies that supplied his restaurant supply company with unique products, Lewis was able to create a company that would eventually grow to 100 million in sales and over 1,000 employees by 1988. One of these companies was an early adopter of placing UPC barcodes on items, and his partners put it out in the rest of the world, while Lewis implemented it in Canada. BulletID would eventually utilize this barcode concept. 

 

Lewis was devastated after hearing the heartbreaking story about a four-year-old killed by a stray bullet at a birthday party; he knew he had to make a difference. In 2016, Lewis started BulletID to reduce gun violence by tracking ammunition using the same barcode technology originally designed to let supermarkets better manage their inventory. Through this company, law enforcement and military personnel can instantly track essential information about a bullet, such as inventory, ownership history, manufacturer, and type. This is done through a barcode printed into the brass cartridge. With this information, it will be easier for authorities to trace a bullet back to its owner and determine if it was used in a crime. Additionally, it makes it easier for the military to track their ammunition, especially when hundreds of millions of dollars worth of ammo is scrapped each year because of poor tracking capabilities. With BulletID, the process is as easy as scanning the cartridge on a smartphone, and from anywhere in the world, law enforcement and military can see available details within 10 seconds. 

 

“Criminals never leave the gun behind, but they do leave the shell cases behind. A homicide detective can scan [the casing] and it tells them who owns it. It’s a miracle but it works,” said Lewis of how BulletID can be used by law enforcement. Lewis hopes that by tracking ammunition, law enforcement and military personnel will be able to reduce gun violence by keeping ammunition out of the hands of criminals or easily identifying suspects in a gun-related incident. 

 

Lewis is hopeful that BulletID will successfully make a positive impact on the world and plans to make this his mission for the rest of his life. He, and his team, are filled with energy and excitement for what they’re building. And, with the help of JOBS Act regulations like Reg A+, BulletID continues to raise the necessary capital to accomplish this goal. As he says, “the technology is there. Governments just need to embrace the technology.”

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Regulation CF(RegCF), D (RegD), A (RegA+) Disclaimer


This communication may be deemed to be a solicitation of interest under Regulation CF (RegCF), D (RegD), A (RegA+) under the Securities Act of 1933, in which case the following applies:

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

Supporting Improvements to RegA+ Secondary Trading

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Since the JOBS Act was passed in 2012, RegA+ has evolved tremendously. With companies able to raise up to $75 million and utilize methods of online capital formation, the market continues to grow as more companies turn to the exemption to fund growth. Yet, the need for improved liquidity for this asset class has been given little attention by lawmakers and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Without secondary trading, investors are left with few options. Traditionally, private securities only provide an off-ramp for investors in the event of a merger, acquisition, or IPO. The unfortunate reality is that while a fragmented regulatory environment does allow for some secondary market transactions, issuers are not pre-empted from state securities regulations. As a member of the Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, Sara Hanks recently spoke to highlight the challenges issuers face. “The end result is it becomes very difficult to trade companies,” said Sara, founder of Crowdcheck. And for the companies that she works with, it does not generally work for them.

 

Many believe the SEC should allow pre-emption for securities issued under Tier 2 of RegA+, supporting secondary market trading. The consensus of the committee was that the SEC should act on this recommendation and make secondary trading available for securities issued under Reg A+. Otherwise, small businesses will continue to suffer, and investors will be faced with limited opportunities for liquidity.

 

The committee also said it would be worthwhile for the SEC to consider harmonizing rules between Reg A+ and crowdfunding offerings to provide more clarity and simplicity for companies that rely on both forms of funding. If a solution to secondary trading is not found, it could limit the amount of money raised under Reg A+ and make it harder for small businesses to get the funding they need to grow. 

 

Based on the recommendation of the Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, the SEC should allow pre-emption for securities issued under Tier 2 of Reg A+. Pre-emption would enable small businesses to access the capital they need to grow and thrive.

 

 

The JOBS Act as the Founding Father Of A New Economy

Posted on by Jason Futko Tags: , , ,

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

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

Expanding Benefits In A New Economy

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

More Investors empowered by the JOBS Act

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

ESG

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

Is it safe?

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

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

The SEC Released its 41st Annual Small Business Forum Report

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , ,

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Additionally, Commissioner Allison Lee remarked:

 

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

 

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

4 Ways to Build Better Shareholder Relationships

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , , ,

As a business owner, you know that communication is key to success. But when it comes to shareholders, shareholder communications can sometimes take a backseat. They’ve already invested, so customer communications to generate revenue often steal the show. However, it’s essential to keep shareholders in the loop since they own a piece of the company and are entitled to know what you’re doing with it. After all, the more involved they are, the more willing and able they will be to help, reinvest, or promote the brand. So how can you build strong relationships with your shareholders? While email has been the go-to method for shareholder communication in the past, other options may be more effective in building relationships with your shareholders. Here are four ways to enhance the way you communicate with shareholders, and a good communication strategy will make use of several of these strategies.

 

1. Webinars

Webinars are a great way to connect with shareholders and provide them with valuable information about your company. You can use webinars to give updates on your progress, share financial information, and answer questions from shareholders. Plus, webinars allow shareholders to get to know you and your team better and help put a face to the company. Since webinars can feel like you’re talking with rather than just to your audience, they can help build a powerful connection and establish trust, as well as give you valuable feedback from people who care about the company.

 

2. LinkedIn Page

Having an updated and informative LinkedIn page is a great way to connect with shareholders online. Use your page to share company updates, industry news, and other relevant information that shareholders might find useful. You can also use your LinkedIn page to answer shareholder questions and build relationships with them. By maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn, you can show shareholders that you’re committed to keeping them updated on your company. By providing value on your LinkedIn page, you can also attract new shareholders who may be interested in investing in your company.

 

3. Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to share detailed information about your company with shareholders. You can use podcasts to give updates on your progress, share financial information, and answer questions from shareholders. By providing valuable information in your podcasts, you become an industry influencer by providing this information and can more easily build trust with shareholders that are listening. You can also interview other industry leaders whose thoughtful insights into your industry your audience may find informative.

 

4. Shareholder Management Tools

After your successful RegA+ or RegCF offering, you can anticipate many new shareholders to welcome on board. As shareholders, they have a vested interest in how your company performs. Thankfully, shareholder management is streamlined when you eliminate Excel sheets, CRM, or email. The Shareholder Management solution from KoreConX sets the new standard, empowering you and shareholders with transparency, compliance, and confidence. Keep shareholder documents secure and engage shareholders with portfolio management tools that allow them to see detailed information about their investments. To learn about the many great features of the KoreConX platform, get in touch with our team for a demo or any additional information. 

 

The most important thing you can do to build relationships with shareholders is to maintain communication with them. Whether you’re using email, webinars, podcasts, or blogs, make sure to keep shareholders updated on your progress and answer any questions they might have. By maintaining regular communication with shareholders, you can show them that you’re committed to keeping them informed and building trust with them.

Jumpstart Our Business Startups: Democratizing Access To Capital

Posted on by Jason Futko Tags: , , , , 1 Comment on Jumpstart Our Business Startups: Democratizing Access To Capital

The JOBS Act (Jumpstart Our Business Startups) reached its 10th anniversary in 2022 and we keep working on education to empower people through private capital markets. Even though it has already been a decade, we are still clearing the land to open up more opportunities. The Wharton Magazine anticipated that the JOBS Act would be as impactful in changing how we allocate capital as social media has been in how we manage time. Both entrepreneurs and regular people, such as customers, are able to be part of the financial market. Brand advocates, for example, can easily become shareholders, democratizing access to capital.

 

Meaningful changes

 

Title V in the JOBS Act raised the number of possible shareholders to 2,000, while 499 can be non-accredited. To give an exact feel of how deep this change is, before the JOBS Act, the maximum number of shareholders was 500, all of whom had to be accredited. This opens up opportunities for nearly everyone who wants to invest in the private capital market. And the bigger pool of potential investors also benefits the companies looking to raise capital. 

 

With regulations such as A (RegA+) and crowdfunding (RegCF), both accredited and non-accredited investors can be part of capital raising. Companies do not need to go public anymore to raise capital as entrepreneurs maintain control. Using RegA+, companies can now raise up to $75 million every 12 months. For RegCF, the limit is $5 million.

 

Market size

 

There are plenty of possibilities that arise from the regulations and how they change companies’ perspectives. The available pool of capital is expected to reach up to $30 trillion by 2030, making it a promising resource for companies. Also, there are several online services and platforms that have come up in recent years, such as KoreConX, but we will talk about those in other posts.

 

Equity Crowdfunding with RegCF

 

This form of capital raising for non-accredited investors is very new (2016) but it has shown steady growth since it was introduced. In its first full year (2017), $76.8 million were raised like this. In 2021, this number skyrocketed to $502 million. Startup customers, closest clients in a database, and closest network members can become valuable investors. Brand advocates can be more motivated to make a difference in a startup’s life once they can become shareholders.

 

RegA+

 

Although there are great possibilities for companies going for a RegA+, there are still some important investments involved. As a general rule, it is a good idea to be ready to spend at least $250,000 on a successful RegA+ offering. There are several steps that have to be accomplished, such as filing, which involve fees for lawyers and auditors, broker-dealer firms, investor acquisition costs like PR/advertising and social media, and online roadshows.

 

How Regulations Democratize Access to Capital

 

If you think about it, democracy is all about empowering as many people as possible to participate in and have a say in how society develops. The JOBS Act does that first and most directly by giving ordinary people more opportunity to own a stake in businesses, to become shareholders. But that wider pool of potential investors also empowers more entrepreneurs to get the funding to bring their ideas to fruition, which in turn creates jobs, empowering still more people to participate and, if they choose, to make their own investments. The entire ecosystem flourishes.

 

If you want to understand more about how the regulations help business grow and jumpstart our business startups, you can take a closer look at presentations from the father of the JOBS Act, David Weild IV, founders, funding portals and investors in our YouTube Channel.

Why RegA+ Offerings Fail

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , ,

When it comes to RegA+ offerings, there are several reasons they may fail: a failure to comply with regulatory requirements, a failure to budget for the offering properly, or a failure to assemble sufficient expertise. Most of these can be attributed to a lack of commitment; if organizations do not take these necessary components of the process seriously, then RegA+ offerings are set up for failure from the start.

 

Compliance for RegA+ Raises

 

Complying with regulations is one of the most important aspects of a RegA+ offering. However, many companies try to cut corners regarding compliance, thinking they can save time and money. This is a huge mistake that can have disastrous consequences. Not only will failing to comply with regulations result in fines and penalties, but it can also jeopardize the entire offering. When experiencing an audit or investigation, companies that have not been compliant with regulatory requirements often face much harsher consequences than those who have made an effort to stay compliant. Even if the raise completes without fines or penalties from the regulator, sloppy or half-hearted compliance raises the risk of being sued by an investor for some real or imagined offense. By wholeheartedly committing to the spirit and letter of the regulations from day one, and with the assistance of professionals well-versed in the regulatory requirements (a FINRA broker-dealer, an escrow agent, or an SEC-registered transfer agent), you can increase your chances of a successful RegA+ offering while protecting your company from potential legal problems down the road.

 

Budgeting for a RegA+ Raise

 

Budgeting is essential for a successful offering. Companies must have the proper funding to hire professionals, comply with regulations, and market the offering effectively. Without adequate funding, a company is likely to run into problems along the way. A RegA+ raise is a complex and costly undertaking, and companies should be prepared to commit the necessary funding before beginning the process. Including a well-thought-out budget in your business plan is one of the keys to success when raising capital through a RegA+ offering.

 

Affinity Marketing

 

Many companies turning to RegA+ aren’t just looking to raise capital; there’s something they want to do with the capital. Whether this is a product they want to make or a service they want to provide that they’re passionate about, they’re committed to that mission. Affinity marketing is a great way to connect with like-minded investors, show them that commitment, and bring them on board. This is much harder to do if the company isn’t actually committed to that mission in the first place.

 

Technology and Expertise

 

For issuers learning new technologies and working with experts in a field that they don’t know much about, it can be a daunting process. It takes commitment to learn these new technologies or do what the broker-dealer is advising, understanding that this is the path toward a successful offering. If you’re not sufficiently committed, you might just shrug this off as not worth the cost or effort.

 

Companies should take away from this that a successful RegA+ raise requires a commitment to the process from start to finish. Commitment is a willingness to put in whatever it takes to succeed: to invest the time and resources necessary, comply with regulations, budget appropriately for the offering, and assemble a team of experienced professionals. With a commitment to these essential components, a company can increase its chances of success and avoid the pitfalls that have led to the failure of other RegA+ offerings.

 

What is the Estimated Budget for RegA+ Issuance?

Posted on by Jason Futko Tags: , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment on What is the Estimated Budget for RegA+ Issuance?

Navigating the fundraising process and understanding how much to budget from a financial standpoint is one of the most frequent questions we receive. In the process of conducting a RegA+ offering ourselves, KoreConX has researched the estimated budget for a RegA+ offering.

 

While the budget varies based on several factors, you need to keep in mind the size of your raise and sector. As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to be ready to spend at least $250,000 on a successful RegA+ offering, $50,000 of which should be dedicated to getting your investor acquisition started. Most of your budget will be spent on Investor Acquisition. Now, this will not apply to every company but should serve as a general guide as to what you should expect a RegA+ offering to cost depending on the amount raised. 

 

Estimated Costs for USA-Based Companies:

What Why/ Work to be done When How much
USA Lawyer To file your SEC Form 1A and state filings First step in moving forward $35-$75k 
Auditors Are required to be filed with your Form 1A   First step requirement $3,500 +
SEC/State Filings Required regulatory Filings    $5k 
FINRA Broker-Dealer 8 States require you to have a Broker-Dealer to sell securities to investors  Begin engagement when you start with lawyer  1-3% fees 
Investor Acquisition

  • PR Firm
  • IR Firm
  • Video
  • Social media
  • Media Firm
  • Advertising
  • Webinar
  • Newsletter
  • Publishers
 These firms prefer to be engaged right after you file, as the clock begins and gives them only 45-60 days when you go live.  Depending on size of offering you will spend up to $200k-$400k. Before you file your Form 1A  $25-50k at the beginning to start
Investor Relations Director Hire an internal resource to manage incoming inquiries from potential investors.  Handle outbound calls from investor leads. $4,500/month
KoreConX All-In-One platform End-to-end solution $4,500/month
Investment Platform Requires 45-60 days to set up After you retain your lawyer  Included with your KoreConX All-in-one platform 
Live Offering During the live offering you will have to pay for ID, AML fees required   Ranges from $0.58/person, these fees are provided at cost
Live Offering During the live offering you will have to pay for your Payment processors ( Credit Card, ACH, EFT,  Crypto, WireTransfer, IRA)   These fees are provided at cost
SEC-Transfer Agent Required as part of your Form 1A filings  After you sign up with lawyer  Included with your KoreConX All-in-one platform 
Secondary Market Ability for Shareholders to trade private company shares. Included with your KoreConX All-in-one platform 
TradeCheck Report Ability to trade in all 50 states, include Blue Sky registration, and listing National Securities Manual Included with your KoreConX All-in-one platform 

 

 

Estimated Costs for Canada-Based Companies:

What Why/ Work to be done When How much
USA Lawyer To file your SEC Form 1A and state filings First step in moving forward $35-$75k 
Canada Lawyer $5k-$10k
Auditors Are required to be filed with your Form 1A   First step requirement $3,500 +
SEC/State Filings Required regulatory Filings    $5k 
FINRA Broker-Dealer 8 States require you to have a Broker-Dealer to sell securities to investors  Begin engagement when you start with lawyer  1-3% fees 
Investor Acquisition These firms prefer to be engaged right after you file, as the clock begins and gives them only 45-60 days when you go live.  Depending on size of offering you will spend up to $200k-$400k Before you file your Form 1A  $25-50k at the beginning to start
Investor Relations Director Hire an internal resource to manage incoming inquiries from potential investors.  Handle outbound calls from investor leads. $4,500/month 
KoreConX All-in-one platform $4,500/month 
Investment Platform Requires 45-60 days to set up After you retain your lawyer  Included with your KoreConX All-in-one platform  
Live Offering During the live offering you will have to pay for ID, AML fees required   Ranges from $0.58/person these fees are provided at cost
Live Offering During the live offering you will have to pay for your Payment processors ( Credit Card, ACH, EFT,  Crypto, WireTransfer, IRA)   These fees are provided at cost
Transfer Agent Required as part of your Form 1A filings  After you sign up with lawyer  Included with your KoreConX All-in-one platform 
Secondary Market Included with your KoreConX All-in-one platform 
KoreTrade Report Ability to trade in all 50 states, published in the Securities Manual Included with your KoreConX All-in-one platform 

KorePartner Spotlight: Richard Heft, President of Ext. Marketing

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , , ,

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.

 

Potential and Impact of the Cannabis Sector on Jobs Creation

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , ,

The cannabis sector is growing fast, and with it, the potential for job creation. A recent study shows that the cannabis industry could create and support an additional 1,250,000+ jobs. As legalization spreads, it creates opportunities for all types of workers and the industry as a whole. Plus, as more companies utilize JOBS Act exemptions, the capital to support this growth is readily available.

 

Expected Job Creation Growth in the Cannabis Industry

 

As the cannabis industry continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the need for qualified employees in all areas of the business increases. Vangst, a leading cannabis recruiting agency, filled over 150,000 positions in 2021 alone. With this level of growth projected to continue into 2022 and beyond, it’s evident that the cannabis sector is a significant player in job creation.

 

To get a better understanding of the employment landscape within the cannabis industry, Vangst surveyed over 1,000 professionals working in the space. The results showed that the majority of employees (34.4%) have less than a year’s experience in cannabis. On the other hand, over 30% have been working in the industry for five years or more, indicating opportunities for both experienced professionals and those just starting in their careers. 

 

According to a job report from Leafly, the legal cannabis industry supports the equivalent of 428,059 full-time jobs and created an average of 280 new jobs a day in 2021. In that year, according to New Frontier, legal cannabis sales reached $26.5 billion for the year, and this is expected to reach $32 billion by the end of 2022. This data also calculated the CAGR of the cannabis industry and expects it to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030 to reach more than $57 billion.

 

What This Means for Employment

 

With the sector experiencing its fifth consecutive year of 27% or more annual job growth, the demand for qualified employees in all business areas, from cultivation and production to sales and marketing, will continue to rise. Plus, with 49% of Americans trying cannabis at some point in their lifetime, it is evident that cannabis use is not going anywhere.  Indeed, consumer cannabis use increased by 50% during the pandemic.

 

The cannabis industry is an exciting and ever-changing field that offers ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Cannabis job creation is not only limited to those working in the plant-touching side of the business. The industry provides opportunities for professionals in a wide range of fields, from accounting and finance to human resources and marketing. This means that job creation will not slow down as the industry crosses over into other markets and types of products, providing a unique opportunity for those looking for a career change or those just starting their professional lives.

 

With its fifth consecutive year of high job growth, the cannabis sector shows no signs of slowing. As cannabis is legalized in more states, the industry’s growth is expected to continue to drive employment, especially as cannabis employment growth rates are quickly surpassing other industries.

 

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

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , , , , , 2 Comments on A $30 Trillion Market in 8 Years: Shari Noonan Speaks with Crowdfund Insider

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Oscar Jofre Speaks at Franchising Event in Denver, CO

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , , , , ,

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Investment Compliance: It’s Not Just About Complying

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , ,

Compliance can be a complex, dynamic task for companies raising capital, and sometimes might feel like an unnecessary burden just to stay in the good books of regulators and their seemingly arbitrary requirements. However, compliance can have other added benefits when managed correctly and introduces new efficiencies and trust within the regulatory environment. Some of these benefits include:

 

  1. Avoid unnecessary costs and delays: When it comes to managing compliance, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that it helps protect your company from regulatory risk. While failure to meet regulatory requirements can itself create costly delays, taking shortcuts and merely going through the motions of compliance can create a risk of much more costly liabilities and litigation. 

 

  1. Understand shareholder base: Another benefit of managing compliance instead of controlling it is that it allows you to understand your shareholder base better, and identify and engage with your shareholders more effectively. When you know who is investing in your company, you can tailor your messaging, convert investors into ambassadors and build trust and confidence with investors.

 

  1. Identify high-risk investors: One of the critical functions of compliance is to help identify and flag high-risk investors, protecting the company from both regulatory and reputational risks. Is the investor on any blacklists that would make them ineligible to invest? By managing compliance, you can more easily identify investors who may pose a threat to the company and take steps to mitigate that risk.

 

  1. Make continuous improvements: Managing compliance instead of controlling it helps create a continuous improvement process. Active engagement with the compliance process can help you to identify potential shortcomings and anticipate regulatory changes before they happen. This gives you the foresight to adapt when they come, or even allows you to enjoy a competitive advantage over competitors who may be blindsided. This is critical in the ever-changing landscape of compliance.

 

Investment compliance is not about control but learning to effectively manage this dynamic task. By understanding and managing compliance, companies can avoid costly penalties and fines, better understand their shareholder base, identify and flag high-risk investors, ensure that all the correct information about an investor is captured, and create a process for continuous improvement. 

 

Examining RegCF Trends

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , ,

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Graphical art representing the RegCF brochure available for download

Private Capital Trends for the Cannabis Industry

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , ,

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

 

The Constantly Growing Industry of Cannabis

 

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

 

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

 

Investing in the Private Cannabis Market

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Cannabis Industry Trends in 2022

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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