For investors, that once in a life time opportunity is always out there happening for someone else. There is always a story about a guy that got in on an IPO for a software company that turned him into an overnight millionaire or that next big bio-tech IPO for a company that has the closest thing to a cure for Alzheimer’s that the industry has ever seen, they did a small pre IPO raise and then closed out the offering and now there are talks of a buyout, again overnight millionaires will be made.
Are these investors exceptional in terms of their research capabilities and knee deep in investment banking contacts that give them insider info on the down low? Most likely they did two simple things the right way. First, they made themselves available for opportunity by subscribing to IPO alerts from reputable firms. If you’re quick to action you could find yourself in the middle of an obscenely profitable venture. Second it’s the luck of the draw for those who are willing to put themselves out there for a little acceptable risk for the chance of big reward. Obviously blatant risks like Forex, pink sheet pump and dumps and investing in pie in the sky concepts that don’t have a chance in heck of actually working are for the few adrenalin junky millionaires who thrive off of the rush of, um well, losing.
If, hypothetically you get access to a possible jackpot IPO in the rare ‘Pre IPO’ stage what is your next move? Who do you call to help you with research and how do you evaluate the company on the spot based off of the prototypical PPM? First, if it’s your money it’s fine to get a second opinion but you need to know what to look for in a viable investment.
Here is how you do a spot audit for stability in an investment in the Pre IPO phase: 1. Look for a solid corporate structure consisting of well pedigreed professionals in the C-level positions, strong and diversified inter-industry board of directors, secondary advisory board, strategic alliances and an equity/share distribution mechanism that is organized and compliant and a share price based off of a solid valuation by a reputable firm.
2. Are they in a growth industry? When you look at the founders resume in the business plan are they serial entrepreneurs with a track record of modest success but minimal focus? Or has their career been targeted and focused on one single direction? You want to professional that has worked his entire life honing his skills and pedigree for this particular industry and this on opportunity and he’s all in and there is minimal possibility of pump and dump.
3. What is their 12 month strategy post public? What is their growth strategy? If they think they can grow organically they’re in for a shocker. They have to show a plan for post public growth through acquisition and subsidiary merger. What targets do they have lined up and what will they bring to the company which will ultimately affect your share price and overall investment. Who does their legal? What is their post public market creation strategy and who is their contracted investor relations firm and what is their track record for dealing with companies in this particular industry genre? What is their globalization strategy for rapid and expedient but controlled growth?
4. Are they politically connected? What strategies firm are they working with to gain global and incremental political and legislative support? What bills are they mentioned in and who are the politicians that are sponsoring and cosponsoring this legislation and what type of photo opps and press is being set up to make this company the face to the industry?
Never invest with borrowed funds or capital that you depend on for retirement or necessity. Only invest with capital you’re not afraid to lose (this goes for any and all investments). Getting involved in pre IPO opportunities can be very rewarding for the informed, accredited investor. Do your research and make yourself available to the right circles of influence that can act as hotbeds for opportunity. Surround yourself with industry insiders and ask lots of questions.
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