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So far Matt Brown has created 30 blog entries.

5 Key Elements of Private Investing

The Direct Private Investments Show 5 Key Elements of Private Investing https://youtu.be/9kB3g3jLHjY Timestamps: [00:01:10 – 01:54]  Element 1: Why is this Capital Being Raised? [00:02:02 – 02:43]  Element 2: Identifying the Issuer [00:02:43 - 3:34] Element 3: Type of Security Being Offered [00:03:34 - 04:57] Element 4: Repayment Plan or Payback Period [00:05:57 - 08:08] Element 5: Understanding More >

5 Key Elements of Private Investing2023-07-12T09:50:14-04:00

7 Key Questions of DPI​

The Direct Private Investments Show 7 Key Questions of DPI https://youtu.be/6-6qAdcHeDcTimestamps:00:00:19 – 01:29 How do you prioritize deals?00:01:30 – 02:43 Importance of clear communication00:02:43 – 03:20 - Seven questions framework00:03:30 -04:29 Question 1: What do you do?00:04:30 – 05:24 Question 2: Who are you?00:05:25 – 06:30 Question 3: Where are you?00:06:31 – 08:13 Question 4: Who is your customer?00:08:14 – 09:32 Urgency More >

7 Key Questions of DPI​2023-06-30T13:49:57-04:00

Being Diligent in DPI

The Direct Private Investments Show Being Diligent in DPI https://youtu.be/QbCFJxayBH4Timestamps:[00:02:53 – 4:10] The viability of investment opportunities [00:04:11 – 6:08] Why Carofin typically avoids certain Industries [00:06:28 – 07:54 The number of opportunities considered and taken to market [00:07:54 – 08:42] Approval by the Investment Banking Committee [00:08:42 - ] The deep due diligence process More >

Being Diligent in DPI2023-06-30T15:35:49-04:00

Industry Themes​

The Direct Private Investments Show Industry Themes https://youtu.be/hkqnG5Ylrb4 Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and guest backgrounds   1:25 – 3:11 Importance of a generalist approach in private investments    3:11 - Examples of industries Carofin has worked with   8:02 - Leveraging industry expertise to make informed decisions   11:58 - The role of private capital in agriculture and coal   13:20 - Benefits of investing in less competitive markets Introduction When I was 19, I returned to what had been my family’s ranch outside Calgary to work for our neighbors, the new owners. What I remember most, aside from Myra’s home More >

Industry Themes​2023-06-30T13:50:12-04:00

Investor Considerations

The Direct Private Investments Show Investor Considerations https://youtu.be/HZoRxP6LQcI Timestamps:[00:03:00] - Investor suitability and risk tolerance  [00:06:00] - Typical investment size in private placements  [00:09:30] - Additional considerations for accredited investors  [00:10:30] - Age and investment objectives  [00:11:00] - Tax status considerations Introduction  Carofin, a leading institution in direct private investments, sheds light on personal factors which should influence investors’ decisions about investing directly in private companies. In a recent interview, Matt Brown spoke with experts Garrick Ruiz and Nash Roberts, who shared their More >

Investor Considerations2023-06-30T13:50:27-04:00

Private Placement Risks​

The Direct Private Investments Show Private Placement Risks https://youtu.be/o4c92ZTZgik Timestamps:Introduction to Direct Private Investment Risks [00:00:00 - 00:01:00]   Economic Condition Risks [00:01:00 - 00:02:19]   Illiquidity and Decision Risks [00:02:19 - 00:04:21]   Market Timing Risk [00:04:00 - 00:05:37]   Industry Related Risks [00:05:37 - 00:07:28]   Management Risks [00:07:30 - 00:09:24]   Offering Related Risks [00:09:25 - 00:10:30]  Handling Unforeseen Risks (12:36 – 15:58)Introduction On a recent episode of the Direct Private Investments Show, we dove into a discussion with industry experts, Bruce Smith and Josh Greene, examining some of the risks associated with private placements. From investment- related risks More >

Private Placement Risks​2023-06-30T13:50:41-04:00

Securities Explained

The Direct Private Investments Show Securities Explained https://youtu.be/CVJrif9Z-dM Timestamps:00:01:30 Basics of Securities: Debt vs. Equity  00:02:30 Importance of Accounting Knowledge  00:05:30 Understanding Debt Securities  00:06:30 Understanding Equity Securities  00:07:30 Offering Both Debt and Equity Securities at Carofin  00:09:00 Risks Associated with Debt and Equity Securities  00:09:30 - High-risk securities and debt restructuring 00:10:00 - An example of debt restructuring during COVID-19  00:10:30 - The relative risk in debt and equity securities  00:11:00 - Debt repayment in bankruptcy scenarios  00:12:00 - Target returns for diverse types of investments  00:13:00 - Thresholds for early stage venture and private equity  investments  00:14:00 - Equity returns for real estate investments  00:14:30 - Key takeaway for private debt and equity investors  00:15:00 – Age and investment goals considerations  00:16:00 - Closing thoughts and advice for investorsIntroduction   In a recent episode of the Direct Private Investments Show presented by Carofin, Matt Brown and Bruce Roberts, a seasoned investor More >

Securities Explained2023-06-30T13:50:56-04:00

Securities Structures

The Direct Private Investments Show Securities Structures https://youtu.be/VobHZdy07rE Timestamps:[00:00:32] – The importance of security structures in direct private  investments    [00:02:30] - Types of equity investments: Preferred Stock    [00:04:13 – 05:29] - The role of participating convertible and convertible   preferred stock [00:05:29 – 10:55?] – Guiding investors regarding security structures   [10:55 – 17:22] – Key elements in debt structures  (22:32 – 26:00) - Equity hold periods and exit multiples  Introduction: Two fruits. Both are round, but each delivers an entirely different taste sensation and benefits to your palate. In a recent episode of the Direct Private Investments Show, proudly presented to you by Carofin, Matt Brown interviews Bruce More >

Securities Structures2023-06-30T13:51:10-04:00

What makes a good deal?

The Direct Private Investments Show What makes a good deal? https://youtu.be/mPPBz5hVTnUOver the years, Bruce Roberts, CEO of Carofin, has evaluated thousands of investment opportunities.  He is frequently asked why one gets the thumbs up, where most others he passes on . What characteristics does he look for?In a recent episode of the Direct Private Investments Show, Bruce drew from 28 years of experience, sharing More >

What makes a good deal?2023-06-30T13:51:22-04:00

Why Carofin?​

The Direct Private Investments Show Why Carofin? https://youtu.be/Jj768-vyglk Timestamps:   [00:36] Carofin Investment Bank's origin story   [05:28] The early days of angel investing and venture capital   [11:12] The role of leadership in investment banking    [14:51] The importance of adaptability in the changing finance landscape   [19:22] The key qualities of a successful leader in investment banking   Why Carofin? Any organization, if it’s destined to last, needs a leader who, as the saying goes, can’t lead from the rear. This article, taken from a wide-ranging conversation between Matt More >

Why Carofin?​2023-06-30T13:51:34-04:00

Why Direct Private Investments?

The Direct Private Investments Show Why Direct Private Investments? https://youtu.be/sdhzCAcHZcE Timestamps: 00:00:30 What are Direct Private Investments?  00:01:30 The Size of the Alternative Investment Market   00:02:14 – 4:15 Inefficiency in Private Markets   00:04:15 – 6:27 Meaningful Investment Opportunities   00:06:30 – 7:02 The Challenges of Direct Private Investments   00:07:02 - 09:45 Transparency and Analyzing Private Companies  00:09:57 - 11:15   When and How Much to Consider Investing   00:11:15 – 12:03 Importance of a Support Network   00:12:04 – 12:32 Conflicted nature of investment bankers   00:12:32 – 15:45 Advice for First-time Investors Exploring Private Investing   00:15:46 – 19:53 Benefits of Working with Carofin for Private Investing   Introduction   Welcome to the Direct Private Investments Show, proudly presented by Carofin. In today's episode, we are discussing the potential benefits and challenges of direct private investments in the alternative investment More >

Why Direct Private Investments?2023-06-30T13:43:04-04:00

Understanding Securities Structures in Direct Private Investments

Introduction Two fruits. Both are round, but each delivers an entirely different taste sensation and benefits to your palate. In a recent episode of the Direct Private Investments Show, proudly presented to you by Carofin, Matt Brown interviews Bruce Roberts and Garrick Ruiz about the two primary categories of private investments, debt and equity. This article More >

Understanding Securities Structures in Direct Private Investments2023-06-28T15:32:14-04:00

The Direct Private Investments Show

The Direct Private Investments Show The Direct Private Investments Show is presented by Carofin, a leading provider of private placement investments, to help educate investors about the potential risks and rewards of investing in private placements. The show features expert guests who share their insights and experiences on various aspects of private placement investing. Through More >

The Direct Private Investments Show2023-06-30T13:55:24-04:00

The Power of Direct Private Investments: Opportunities, Inefficiencies, and Impact

Welcome to the Direct Private Investments Show, proudly presented by Carofin.  In today’s episode, we are discussing the potential benefits and challenges of direct private investments in the alternative investment space.  Joining us is Bruce Roberts, CEO and founder of Carofin.   What are Direct Private Investments? Direct private investments fall under the broader category of alternative investments, which often are presented in the form of funds that invest in More >

The Power of Direct Private Investments: Opportunities, Inefficiencies, and Impact2023-06-28T19:53:37-04:00

Understanding the Viability of Investment Opportunities

Introduction Are you interested in learning about the world of private investments and how Carofin determines whether each investment opportunity is viable?  This article, drawn from The Direct Private Investment Show, should help investors appreciate the steps that our experts follow and incorporate them into their routines. In this episode, host Matt Brown joins Jason More >

Understanding the Viability of Investment Opportunities2023-05-31T10:39:29-04:00

Mastering Private Investing The “Right” Way

When planning to go grocery shopping, the odds of producing a memorable feast go up sharply when you’ve planned ahead.   A recipe, whether for meal prep or investing, can increase your chances of success.  As more and more people seek alternative ways to grow their wealth, direct private investments offer exciting opportunities for accredited More >

Mastering Private Investing The “Right” Way2023-05-31T14:12:46-04:00

Understanding How to Invest with Carofin

Introduction  Carofin works hard to make it easy for accredited individuals, family offices and institutional investors to open accounts and invest in direct private investments.  We will show you how easy it is to start, as explained by Julia Gray and Bruce Smith in a recent interview on The Direct Private Investments Show. Who Can More >

Understanding How to Invest with Carofin2023-05-31T14:05:44-04:00

5 Elements of Private Investing: A Guide for Evaluating Investment Opportunities

Introduction Private investing can be a rewarding, yet complex, endeavor.  In this article, we explore a “first-pass” framework with which to cultivate a simple, straightforward understanding of a private security offering.  This is a  consistent, effective, and efficient analytical approach.  Read below about the five key elements of private investing, as discussed by Matt Brown and More >

5 Elements of Private Investing: A Guide for Evaluating Investment Opportunities2023-05-31T13:57:18-04:00

Evaluating Venture-Stage Deals

Introduction   Deciding whether to invest in a new venture is often challenging due to the many unknowns.  In the following article, our CEO, Bruce Roberts, expands on the subject, drawing upon his decades of experience working with early stage enterprises. Defining Venture Stage Deals Venture-stage enterprises, according to Roberts, refer to operating businesses More >

Evaluating Venture-Stage Deals2023-05-31T14:24:32-04:00

A Generalist’s Approach to Navigating the Private Investment Landscape

Introduction When I was 19, I returned to what had been my family’s ranch outside Calgary to work for our neighbors, the new owners.  What I remember most, aside from Myra’s home cooking, was the amount of work that went into preparing for the next season, welding broken machinery, sharpening blades, stocking seed, and More >

A Generalist’s Approach to Navigating the Private Investment Landscape2023-05-31T14:35:36-04:00

Carofin: Important Personal Considerations in Private Placements

Carofin, a leading institution in direct private investments, sheds light on personal factors which should influence investors’ decisions about investing directly in private companies.  In a recent interview, Matt  Brown spoke with experts Garrick Ruiz and Nash Roberts, who shared their insights on what investors should consider when evaluating private investment opportunities. Garrick Ruiz, More >

Carofin: Important Personal Considerations in Private Placements2023-05-31T14:42:53-04:00

Demystifying Private Securities: Debt vs. Equity

In a recent episode of the Direct Private Investments Show presented by Carofin, Matt Brown and Bruce Roberts, a seasoned investor in both private equity and lending markets, demystify the world of private  securities.  This article explores the key differences between debt and equity and is featured in our latest video, Demystifying Private Securities: More >

Demystifying Private Securities: Debt vs. Equity2023-05-31T15:00:49-04:00

What are the Essential Components of a Good Deal 

Over the years, Bruce Roberts, CEO of Carofin, has evaluated thousands of investment opportunities.  He is frequently asked why one gets the thumbs up, where most others he passes on. What characteristics does he look for? In a recent episode of the Direct Private Investments Show, Bruce drew from 28 years of experience, sharing his insights on what makes a “good deal.”  The More >

What are the Essential Components of a Good Deal 2023-05-31T15:16:25-04:00

Why Carofin?

Any organization, if it’s destined to last, needs a leader who, as the saying goes, can’t lead from the rear. This article, taken from a wide-ranging conversation between Matt Brown and Bruce Roberts, Carofin’s CEO, from the Direct Private Investments Show, talks about leadership, Carofin’s origins, the evolution of commercial banking and venture capital, and touches on the reasons investors and issuers come to Carofin. You can watch the video above.

Why Carofin?2023-06-30T11:19:18-04:00

Understanding Investment Risks in Direct Private Investments

Understanding Risks in Private Placements Introduction On a recent episode of the Direct Private Investments Show, we dove into a discussion with industry experts, Bruce Smith and Josh Greene, examining some of the risks associated with private placements.  From  investment-related risks to industry risks, management risks, and offering related risks, we offer valuable insights to More >

Understanding Investment Risks in Direct Private Investments2023-06-28T14:16:04-04:00

Evaluating Venture Stage Deals

The Direct Private Investments Show https://youtu.be/-O7XD6KZrug Timestamps: 0:00:26 – 1:47 Defining venture and private equity 00:01:48 – 2:14 The framework for evaluating venture deals: 9 Leaps of Faith 00:02:16 – 4:12 Importance of management, experience, and perseverance 00:04:13 – 4:50 Balancing an Issuer’s past failures and successes 00:04:50 – 7:49 Disruptive versus sustaining technologies 00:07:49 -  Challenges of creating a physical product 00:09:05 – 11:25 Customer motivations: fear or desire 11:25 – 13:59 Customers and business models:  recurring revenues business vs. selling a product 14:00 – 15:37 Distribution Channels and Sales Pipelines 15:38 – 17:16 Challenges of scaling a business 17:16 – 22:32   Competition, Issuer Characteristics Introduction Deciding whether to invest in a new venture is often challenging due to the many unknowns.  In the following article, our CEO, Bruce Roberts, More >

Evaluating Venture Stage Deals2023-06-01T10:17:37-04:00

Evaluating Issuers

The Direct Private Investments Show https://youtu.be/YIGiEAPzp34 Timestamps: 0:00 - 01:17: Bruce Roberts and Carofin Introduction 01:19 - 02:24: What are “Issuers” and “Securities?” 02:24 - 04:43 Creating an issuer evaluation process: the customer’s “why 04:43 – 05:56 The Lane: Meeting the Customer’s Need with the Company’s Solution 05:56 -  07:40 Company Challenges: Product and Sales 07:40 –10:10   Example of the Lane Framework: Focusing on the Issuer’s Channel 10:10 – 11:53  First Principles: Problem, Challenges, and Solution 11:53 – 14:02  Company organization: does it align with the Lane -- Operations, Sales and marketing, and Administration 14:03 – 17:02  Using the Lane to compare investments Introduction As an accredited investor, More >

Evaluating Issuers2023-06-01T11:14:25-04:00

Direct private investments done the “right” way

The Direct Private Investments Show https://youtu.be/2Fb6EfL7QTc   Timestamps:  [00:00:23 01:42]  Context for the video [00:01:44 – 4:07]  The right investor -- Suitability and accreditation [00:04:15 – 04:57]  The right amount per transaction: risk tolerance and liquidity [00:04:57 – 05:32 The right amount across the portfolio [00:05:30]  The right amount: Diversification [00:06:56 ] – The right security: return profile and investment analysis [00:08:11 – 09:30 Funds vs. direct private investing [00:09:46 – 10:35] - White paper on private investing   Introduction When More >

Direct private investments done the “right” way2023-06-01T11:17:34-04:00

Carofin’s Investment Process

The Direct Private Investments Show https://youtu.be/LIBt0xkd1E0 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:00 – 01:51 Types of investors with Carofin 00:01:52 – 02:42 Why Join Carofin 00:03:02 – 06:13 Suitability and Accreditation with Carofin 00:06:14 – 08:44 Diversification, Volatility, and Private Investments 00:08:50 – 10:40 Opening a Carofin account and Investing 00:10:41 – 11:03 Staying updated with Carofin Investments 00:11:05 – 11:38 Distributions and Account History 00:12:45 – 13:32 More >

Carofin’s Investment Process2023-06-01T11:18:30-04:00

Evaluating Companies: 7 Key Questions for Direct Private Investments

Introduction Private investors play a crucial role in providing capital to businesses, supporting their growth and innovation. However, choosing the right opportunity can be difficult. Before getting too deep in the weeds in your analysis, Bruce Roberts, CEO of Carofin, an investment bank, recommends using a framework developed over two decades to efficiently guide More >

Evaluating Companies: 7 Key Questions for Direct Private Investments2023-06-28T19:46:52-04:00
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