|
Frequently Asked Questions
Do-It-Yourself Capitalist
Glossary What is SCOR? Resources
|
Home,
Entrepreneurs, Professionals
(accountants, attorneys, consultants, etc., Articles for sale and Subscription
Information,
Join the SCOR Report Listserv, About SCOR Report
How to Reach Us Site Map,
Resources
Some Additional Sources of FinanceLife Insurance Companies C Life insurance companies used to be interested in investments on the order of at least $1 million or more per deal. Recently, insurers have become aware of the profit potential from financing small businesses and some have active funding programs. Most insurance companies will not fund start-up ventures and prefer those with a track record of profits with the potential for future growth. These companies favor long term financing for internal expansion. They will also fund acquisitions and leveraged buyouts. Pension Funds C Possibly to honor their duty to the retirees who will depend upon their providential management, pension fund managers are generally reticent to finance small companies and almost adamant about not funding startups. Some state legislators have attempted to push them into those regions, but the courts have held that since it isn=t state money, the legislators have no control over how it should be invested. However, competition for returns is forcing managers to at least consider investing small amounts in smaller companies. Investment bankers C Some investment bankers specialize in raising capital for small businesses with tremendous growth potential, otherwise known as the flavor of the month companies because there is a great deal of current investor interest. The investment banker usually demands warrants and stock and sells securities for the company, charging at least a 10% commission on the gross dollar amount raised. They will also collect fees and expenses so that the cost of using an investment banker to raise money can exceed 35% of the amount sought. Thus, if you want to raise $1 million, the investment banker will take at least $350,000 off the top. If the offering fails to raise enough money to be do what it said it planned to do in the offering document, the stock will be recalled and the money returned to the investors. The investment bank will not charge commission, but will retain many of the other fees it has charged. A company with an unsuccessfully underwritten stock offering can end up losing a great deal of money. Stewart-Gordon Associates, Inc. Copyright © 2000 by Stewart-Gordon Associates, Inc., Dallas, Texas,
all rights reserved.
|