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Excellent Examples Of Alternative Investments And How They Operate

By James Collins


The most common investment ideas are stocks, pre-packaged products, bonds and exchange traded funds, among others in that categories. However, there are excellent examples of alternative investments that provide better returns and greater financial security. While these alternatives were left to the wealthiest individuals and institutions, they are becoming increasingly accessible to the common man.

Private Equity firms are companies trading privately other than in stock markets. They specialize in multiple investment markets. They allow capital investment and also raise funds to fund their projects. Some of the areas where these companies make their money include investing in start-ups, financing the growth of other companies and through venture capital. Investors get their funds through IPOs or when the company gets its returns. The parent company has to deduct performance and management fees.

Investing directly in a private company is another manifestation of alternate investment. The other name given to this form of investment is angel investing while the money is referred to as seed capital. The unpredictable nature of start-ups makes this a risky option. However, successful start-ups give excellent returns to investors. These are investment opportunities that are accessible to the common man.

Venture capitalists are making a lot of money away from the eyes of the public. This model allows a person to invest in an existing company. Unlike a start-up, these existing companies have operations and require strategic investment to grow their operations. Their portfolio and performance record cannot support a credit application through formal banking or credit routes. Some of these venture capital moves fail leading to heavy losses.

Investors in real assets are usually driven by passion and the prestige of owning certain assets. Real assets include precious metals, real estate, rare coins and prime agricultural land. Others in this category are baseball cards, wine and art. You may buy real assets through companies or acquire the assets as an individual.

Hedge funds are an easier and more liquid version of private equity. The difference is in their areas of investment. Their strategy targets arbitrages, distressed assets, macro-trends and equity long-short. Their frequency of redemption and liquidity is greater which means that investors can easily get their money. It is the hedge fund managers who raise money for their firms.

Debt investment is increasing in size and giving investors excellent returns. The debts are neither traded publicly nor are they rated by credit agencies. The aim is to provide cash to private companies to keep their operations running at a commission. The deal is sealed using mezzanine debt or promissory notes. It allows a company to maintain a steady cash flow and maintain its operations despite owning or being owed money through supplies.

Alternate investment shields you from huge losses because the firms spread the risk through diverse investments. In case you opt to invest directly, scrutinize the company or venture to gauge the risk factors. The returns when investing in real assets may not be significant but there is prestige that comes with owning the rare assets.




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