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Is Equity Crowdfunding Immune to Market Volatility?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , ,

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

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

What Independence Day means to KoreConX

Posted on by Peter Daneyko

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Oscar A Jofre

What is KYC?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment on What is KYC?

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

 

What is KYC?

 

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

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

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

 

How is KYC Conducted? 


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

 

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

 

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

 

What are the benefits of KYC? 

 

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

 

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

 

What are the challenges of KYC? 

 

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

 

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

 

What is the difference between KYC and AML? 

 

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

 

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

What Kind of Data is Relevant for Private Equity?

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

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

 

The Role of Data in Private Equity

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Importance of Data

 

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

 

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

 

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

Partnership Strengthens Growing Industries Raising Private Capital

Posted on by Jason Futko Tags: , , ,

In another strategic move, KoreConX All-In-One Platform announces partnership with Fundopolis, an online investment bank specializing in exempt offerings and private placement capital allocation, as a way to keep creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs.

At first, Fundopolis was a KoreClient, attracted by its industry leading state of the art platform dedicated to processing and recordkeeping issuer and investor transactions in Exempt Capital-Raising Offerings, specifically RegCF and RegA+ offerings. Fundopolis uses KoreConX´s technology for their capital market activities.

As KorePartners, Fundopolis, a FINRA Broker-dealer registered in all 50 states, is eager to make their expertise available to the whole private capital ecosystem. With expertise in sectors such as real estate and cannabis, the online bank offers experience in these ever-expanding industries, guiding private companies as they navigate the complex regulatory space while introducing them to investors who share their vision for the future. Fundopolis is also part of the ecosystem for RegD, RegCF, and RegA+ offerings providing the FINRA broker dealer services to help companies raise capital.

“Beyond that, we understand that the investment landscape is constantly changing, and we pride ourselves on approaching the entire process with an eye on what is possible. As a recordkeeping transfer agent and escrow platform, we believe KoreConX is the perfect partner for Fundopolis, providing access to a vast ecosystem of investors and issuers,” says Bert Pearsall, CEO & Managing Principal at Fundopolis.

Co-founder and CEO at KoreConX, Oscar A. Jofre, acknowledges Fundopolis as a highly rated KorePartner. “When we first met, as a KoreClient, we saw a great potential and a lot of opportunities ahead of us. Since our solution unites tools to securely and efficiently manage business data and facilitate compliance during all the capital raising process regardless of where they are in this cycle, it was only natural to add them to our valuable team of KorePartners.”

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. For investor relations and fundraising, the platform enables private companies to share and manage corporate records and investments: it assists with portfolio management, capitalization table and shareholder management, virtual minute book, security registration, transfer agent services, and virtual deal rooms for raising capital.

KoreConX All-In-One Platform announces partnership with Fundopolis. Read more in our blog.

Recapping Our All-Star June Podcast Guests

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

KoreTalk #7: The MedTech ecosystem is booming.

 

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

 

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

It is time to meet your MedTech A+ Team

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , ,

With our KoreSummit on RegA + for Medtech companies quickly approaching, we’d like to introduce the speakers we are thrilled to have for this informative event an exciting and life-changing industry. It is time to meet your MedTech A+ Team.

 

Dawson Russel
A branding and marketing expert with over ten years of experience in the industry. He has helped over 100 companies build their brands and tell their stories to the right audience thanks to his specialty in creative storytelling. His company, Capital Raise Agency, provides full-scale branding, marketing strategy, website design and development, video production, lead generation, social media, email, native ad campaign management, and more. At the upcoming Medtech KoreSummit event, Dawson will be speaking about how to build a brand and tell a story that captivates an audience.

 

Scott Pantel
President and founder of Life Science Intelligence, a company that ​​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. At the upcoming KoreSummit, Scott will be discussing where Medtech companies can begin when embarking on their capital-raising journey. His wealth of knowledge on the topic will help entrepreneurs better understand the potential of Regulation A+ and how it can be used to grow their businesses. 

 

Stephen Brock
CEO of Medical Funding Professionals, a company that helps innovative companies in the healthcare field gain access to capital. Stephen is also passionate about ensuring founders, early employees, and investors retain control of their companies. For many companies in Medtech, this means introducing them to the potential of Regulation A+, which is just beginning to see more adoption by companies in this space. Stephens’s expertise in the Medtech field will shine through in his participation in the event’s panels.

 

Douglas Ruark
A corporate finance expert who has been involved in the securities industry for over two decades. He has experience with SEC-exempt securities offerings and provides advisory services for clients preparing and executing Regulation D, Regulation CF, and Regulation A+ offerings. We are excited for Douglas to share his knowledge at the KoreSummit event, where he will be speaking about Form 1A and the regulatory requirements for filing. 

 

Shari Noonan
CEO and Co-Founder of Rialto Markets, has over 20 years of experience in financial services, giving her unique insight into the private market. Shari will be joining the event to discuss the topic: “Form 1A: What is it, the regulatory requirements, and all you need to complete the filling and go live.” This makes her a valuable speaker at the upcoming event as she can offer information on the topic from both a regulatory and technological perspective for MedTech companies. 

 

Andrew Corn
Founder and CEO of E5A, a marketing firm specializing in RegA+ offerings. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Andrew has a unique perspective on raising capital through marketing. He will be speaking at the upcoming KoreSummit on how Medtech companies can sell the story, not the stock. Through marketing, companies can reach a wider pool of potential investors, including those who are not accredited investors. Andrew brings his world-class knowledge of marketing Regulation A+ offers and acquiring the right investors for a company’s raise.

 

Nick Antaki
Corporate attorney with experience in securities offerings and private placements, providing legal services to small and medium-sized businesses, including entity structuring, regulatory strategy, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Nick’s experience will be valuable to KoreSummit attendees as they look to raise money for their businesses, and he joins his colleague Doug Ruark from Reg D Resources.

 

Joel Steinmetz
COO and co-founder of Rialto Markets, with over 20 years of experience in the financial services field. He saw the many obstacles issuers and investors faced in the private placement market, opening up the opportunity to bring efficiency to inefficient markets, and inspiring him to co-found Rialto Markets.

 

Lee Saba
CTO and Head of Market Structure at Rialto with over 20 years of experience in financial services. We are excited to hear Lee share his thoughts in this growing Reg A+ vertical.

 

Matthew McNamara
Managing Partner at Assurance Dimensions and has over 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant. He specializes in SEC and private company audits, focusing on technology, manufacturing, retail, construction, nonprofit, and transportation industries. Given his broad experience in accounting and auditing, McNamara is well-positioned to provide valuable insights on financial reporting for MedTech businesses.

 

Andy Angelos
President of Forward Progress, a company that provides end-to-end solutions for investor marketing, lead generation, and customer acquisition campaigns. Their battle-tested strategies connect you with accredited and nonaccredited investors to provide growth capital for your business. Andy will be speaking at a talk on “sell the story, not the stock” at the upcoming KoreSummit, sharing his expertise on connecting with investors and delivering sustained growth. With his vast experience in marketing and capital acquisition, Andy will surely give an insightful discussion that will be valuable for anyone in attendance.

 

John Hayes
Co-founder and CEO of Raising Stakes Media, a company that provides marketing and advertising services for businesses hoping to raise capital through a Reg A+ offering. With over 25 years of experience in the media industry, John brings a wealth of knowledge to the table for effectively telling a company’s story.

 

Oscar Jofre
Co-founder, president, and CEO of KoreConX. He has long been a passionate advocate for expanding the private capital market to increase opportunities for companies and investors alike. Part of his mission at KoreConX is to establish an ecosystem of trusted partners that can help investors and issuers succeed through the JOBS Act exemptions. 

 

Peter Daneyko
KoreConX’s CRO and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table regarding business development, startups, and sales. He will be speaking at the KoreSummit about Secondary ATS and Form 1A: What is it, the regulatory requirements, and all you need to complete the filling. This is essential information for anyone in the MedTech industry looking to go live with Reg A+, as it can be challenging to navigate the regulatory landscape. 

 

Dr. Kiran Garimella
Chief Scientist & CTO at KoreConX, is a world-renowned expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning, with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. His experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to the KoreSummit, and he will talk about preparing for your live offering and secondary ATS.

 

Amanda Grange
Transfer specialist with KoreConX and returning for the upcoming KoreSummit event. She brings her experience to the table to discuss what issuers should be aware of when going live and the preparations they need to make to set themselves up for potential success.

 

It’s not too late to sign up for the event. You can register for the half-day webinar event here. It’s completely free to attend! 

 

The Medtech A+ Team: An Upcoming KoreSummit Event

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , ,

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.

There’s a Lot of Private Capital to Go Around

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

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

 

A Staggering Amount of Private Capital

 

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

 

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

 

Accessing Private Capital

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Private Equity’s Primetime Has Arrived

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , ,

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

 

1) Interest Rates:

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

 

2) Economic Uncertainty:

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

 

3) Regulation:

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

 

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

How Can a Foreign Company use RegA+

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

For many issuers outside of the United States, the ability to raise capital from a wide pool of investors, including “the crowd” is immensely compelling. However, for foreign issuers to be able to use RegA+, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

 

First and foremost is whether the company would be eligible to offer securities to U.S. investors. Foreign companies should seek the advice of qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations. Additionally, foreign companies should consider the costs associated with making a public offering under RegA+ and the ongoing reporting requirements imposed on the company if it elects to use this securities exemption.

 

Benefit from RegA+ as a Foreign Company

 

The benefits of using Reg A+ for foreign companies are tremendous. Perhaps most importantly, RegA+, as a securities exemption, allows companies to raise $75 million from non-accredited investors. The exemption also enables issuers to “test the waters” concerning interest in their securities before officially launching the offering

 

Using RegA+ as a Foreign Company

 

It is vital first to understand the process and what is required when looking to do a RegA+ raise. Foreign companies should be aware of the following when using RegA+:

 

  • The company must be registered as a US company with a principal place of business in the US.
  • The company must have two years of audited financial statements.

 

While RegA+ offers a foreign company a simplified path to raising capital in the United States, several requirements still need to be met for the offering to be successful. These requirements include:

 

  • Filing a Form 1-A with the SEC.
  • Passing an SEC review process.
  • Engaging a US-based registered broker-dealer.
  • Disclosing all material information about the company and the offering.

 

However, like any method of raising capital, RegA+ may not be suitable for all foreign issuers. This makes it incredibly important to engage a knowledgeable team that can guide issuers through the process.

 

What Does ATS Mean in Trading

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

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

 

Different Forms of ATSs

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

What is the Difference Between an ATS and Exchange?

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

 

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

 

The Impact of Liquidity on Investing

 

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

A Distributed Workforce And How To Trust Your Employees

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

At the Virtual Communication Mastery event on May 26th, 2022, Oscar Jofre, KoreConX President, CEO, and co-founder, was invited to participate in a talk on the importance of building a team from a distributed workforce and how to trust your employees. He spoke about the company culture at KoreConX, which is based on trust and empowering employees to make decisions and how it benefits operations, and how we are seeing more companies embrace the remote model of working.

 

During the interview, the Virtual Communication Mastery hosts spoke to Jofre about how the crowdfunding concept in the US changed how fundraising works and who stakeholders are. “Venture capital is not the only way, there is nothing wrong with not being a venture, and because of COVID, online crowdfunding investment in the US has grown and has become more popular than ever,” said Jofre. He reiterated how there is lots of money sitting available, over $30 trillion, waiting to be invested, but it was difficult for people to support companies they believed in. Now with the JOBS Act regulations, KoreConX does everything compliantly to empower the private capital market so everyone can invest in innovative private companies.

 

This idea of inclusion does not only apply to its investors but also to the company’s employees. KoreConX is seeing companies embracing the distributed model “because it is about productivity.” You want your company to have the best product possible, and by getting the best people to believe in and execute that vision, it does not matter if they are in the same room as you. 

 

In fact, nearly 61% of Americans choose not to go into the workplace, a stark change from earlier in the pandemic.  “In 5-10 years,” says Jofre, “offices will not be the major hub for where people work.” He continued, saying that “with distributed working, we will see more small communities becoming hubs of people working remotely, and we are seeing more traveling because of remote working. Remote work is a very different environment where you do not lose things when you leave.” This allows a company and its employees to stay connected no matter where they are constantly. 

 

A significant concept Oscar believes in is providing to all employees is trust. He believes that “for a distributed team to work productively, there must be trust” between the employer and the employee. The employer trusts that the job will get done, and the employees trust that they can do their job without being micromanaged. By trusting your employees to make business decisions, you empower them to be as invested in the company as you are and improve productivity.

 

Trends We Believe Will Shape Investment Crowdfunding

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

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

 

More support for Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Impact on Minority Companies

 

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

 

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

 

Closing Thoughts

 

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

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

Posted on by Peter Daneyko Tags: , , , , , ,

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

 

What is a Reg A+ Quarterback?

 

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

 

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

 

The Importance of a Quarterback

 

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

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

 

Reg A+ Raises and QBs

 

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

 

It All Started with the JOBS Act

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

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

 

KoreTalkX #1: 10th Anniversary of the JOBS Act

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

 

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

 

KoreTalkX #2: How Can ESG Reshape Capital Raising?

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

KoreTalkX #4: Thoughts on Investor Acquisition

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

 

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

 

Security Tokens for RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , ,

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

 

What are Security Tokens?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Benefits of Security Tokens for Issuers and Investors

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Can Cannabis Companies Use RegCF?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre Tags: , , , ,

In recent years, public perception of cannabis is gaining positive momentum. As of April 2021, 35 states have made medical marijuana legal, with 18 of them legalizing it recreationally. This growth has been tremendous, raising the industry’s value to over $13 billion and directly supporting 340,000 jobs. Additionally, 91% of Americans believe that regulators should legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use.

 

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

 

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

 

RegCF and Cannabis

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Growing with RegCF

 

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

KorePartner Spotlight: Dawson Russell, Founder and CEO of Capital Raise Agency

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Dawson Russell is the Managing Partner and CEO of Capital Raise Agency, a full-service investor acquisition, and creative agency. Capital Raise Agency has helped over 100 clients build their brands and tell their stories to the right audience, specializing in creative storytelling in the realm of JOBS Act raises such as Reg A+, Regulation D, and S. 

 

Dawson is excited about the potential RegA+ is poised to unlock for MedTech companies and believes that the partnership with KoreConX is the perfect fit for his company. We were excited to recently sit down with Dawson Russell to talk to him about his thoughts on the industry and what he is looking forward to in the industry’s future.

 

Q: Why did you become involved in the industry? 

 

A: This is a part of our story that we always love to tell issuers. This is not an industry that we picked out as a “niche” we were going to market into. We fell into it naturally. I started working with my father’s financial advisory firm for about 16 years. The story goes, I walked in and saw their new marketing materials that were sitting on the conference room table and said, “this is awful.” I didn’t realize they had just dropped a lot of their marketing budget on these new “updated” materials. So my father and his business partner looked at each other and said, “well, fix it then.”

 

After other advisors and broker-dealers started to see their design and marketing, the agency snowballed by referral. Over ten years ago, the first Reg D offering reached out to us to help them re-brand and tell their story in the broker-dealer and advisor marketplace. We helped them raise $60 million, and since then, we have helped 100+ clients build their brands and tell their stories to the right audience.

 

Q: What services does your company provide for Reg A offerings? 

A: We are a full-service investor acquisition and creative agency, in that we provide everything from full-scale branding, marketing strategy, audience selection, website design and development, video production, lead generation, social media, email, native ad campaign management, and more. We always tell our issuers that we really want you to see us as the marketing director down the hallway. Even though we are remote, we want it to feel like we are on your team and not just a third-party vendor. If something creative or marketing-related needs to be accomplished, chances are we have done and can do it for our issuers. 

 

Q: What are your unique areas of expertise? 

A: I believe the most unique area we bring to the table is our creativity in storytelling. It all comes down to how you can tell your story to your prospects and investors creatively and relatively. So our unique ability comes from meeting with our clients and understanding who they are, what they are doing, and why that is important to the investor, and then putting the creative elements in place to tell that story in a captivating way.

 

Q: What excites you about this industry? 

A: One of the things we love about this industry is how much it feels like all the vendors, from legal to tech, to investor acquisition, to managing broker-dealers, truly feel like we are in this together. It feels more like we are a part of a giant team, all pushing for the same goal; to help our issuers succeed in their journey through the capital raise process. 

 

Q: What opportunities do you see RegA+ unlocking for MedTech companies? 

A: While we only have a handful of experience with MedTech companies in this space, we have heard an overwhelming, repetitive theme that venture capital firms take so much of a MedTech company that it leaves the founders with hardly any ownership of what they dreamed up and created in the first place. RegA+ unlocks the potential to keep their company in their hands and build a genuine following and investor distribution channel that they can reach out to repeatedly as they grow and need to continue to raise capital. 

 

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

A: We love KoreConX because of the ability it gives an issuer to really brand their entire process from start to finish (from lead to investor) as their own. There are no random KoreConX logos that appear through the investment process, and it makes it such a smooth and easy user experience for the investor from the landing page to opt-in to start the investment process.

 

5 Key Players To Know For Your 401k Audit

Posted on by Assurance Dimensions Tags: , , , , ,

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.

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