How to Find a Private Investor for Your Business

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Posted Nov 2, 2024

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Finding a private investor for your business can be a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in securing the funding you need to take your venture to the next level. According to a study, 70% of small businesses fail due to lack of funding.

Networking is a key way to find private investors, and attending industry events and conferences can be a great way to connect with potential investors. In fact, 80% of investors say that personal connections are the most important factor in deciding whether to invest in a business.

Your elevator pitch is also a crucial tool in attracting investors, so make sure it's concise and compelling. A good elevator pitch should be no longer than 30 seconds and should clearly communicate your business idea, market opportunity, and competitive advantage.

Researching potential investors and their investment criteria can also help you identify the right fit for your business. For example, some investors may specialize in a particular industry or stage of business, so it's essential to understand their focus areas.

Why Access Private Investors

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Accessing private investors can be a game-changer for startups, providing the capital needed to get a business off the ground without a lengthy and complex application process.

Private investors can be more flexible than traditional lenders in terms of repayment terms and conditions, and they may be willing to invest in a company that is yet to generate any revenue or is still in the process of developing its product or service.

Having a strong and experienced management team is essential to attract private investors, as they want to see that your startup is being led by competent and experienced individuals.

Private investors can also offer valuable mentorship and advice to young entrepreneurs, which can be invaluable for startups navigating the early stages of growth.

Why Accessing Your Business

Accessing your business can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to private investors.

Private investors are often looking for a clear and concise overview of your business, which is why a well-crafted pitch deck is essential.

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A good pitch deck should include a brief summary of your business, highlighting its unique value proposition and competitive advantage.

Having a clear and compelling value proposition can help you stand out from the competition and grab the attention of potential investors.

Private investors typically invest in businesses that have a scalable business model and a strong growth potential.

A scalable business model is one that can be easily replicated and expanded to meet increasing demand, which is essential for attracting private investors.

In fact, according to a survey, 71% of private investors prioritize scalability when evaluating potential investments.

Having a strong growth potential is also crucial, as it indicates that your business has the potential to generate significant returns on investment.

Private investors often look for businesses that have a clear and achievable growth strategy, which can help them determine whether your business is a good fit for their investment goals.

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Benefits of Accessing Your Business

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Accessing private investors can be a game-changer for your business. Private investors can provide the capital you need to get started, often without the need for a lengthy and complex application process.

They can offer valuable mentorship and advice, helping you navigate the early stages of growth. Many successful businesspeople have built their companies with the help of private investors.

Private investors are often more flexible than traditional lenders, willing to invest in companies that are yet to generate revenue or are still developing their product or service. This can be a huge advantage for startups.

Having a strong and experienced management team is crucial when seeking private investment. Private investors want to see that your startup is being led by a competent and experienced management team.

A sound business model is also essential. Private investors want to see that your startup has a viable business model with the potential to generate profits.

Receiving positive media attention can also make a big difference. Private investors often pay close attention to the media coverage of startups, and positive coverage can increase their likelihood of investing.

On a similar theme: Tomtom Model

Preparing Your Business

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As you prepare to find a private investor, it's essential to have a solid understanding of your business valuation. This will help you speak confidently about your company's worth during the fundraise process.

Being prepared for due diligence is also crucial, as investors will want to dive deep into your financials, customer data, and legal structure. Make sure you're organized and can quickly provide the necessary information to avoid raising red flags and slowing down negotiations.

Start by valuing your business using popular methods, such as the ones discussed in the article. This will give you a clear understanding of your company's worth and help you make informed decisions about your fundraise.

Business Valuation

Business Valuation is crucial for entrepreneurs, especially when dealing with venture capitalists. VCs are equity investors, so it's essential to understand your valuation and be able to discuss it during a fundraise.

To get a handle on your business valuation, you need to know that VCs typically use various methods to determine a startup's value. Valuing Startups: 10 Popular Methods can provide insight into these methods.

Understanding your business valuation will help you make informed decisions about your company's growth and direction. It's also a key factor in negotiations with investors, partners, or potential acquirers.

Having a clear understanding of your valuation will give you a solid foundation for future growth and success.

Raising Without a Strong Narrative

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Having a strong narrative is crucial when raising capital. Venture capitalists are inundated with pitches, so having a compelling story about your business is key to standing out.

Founders who only focus on the numbers and product without weaving those into a bigger story can struggle to engage investors. This is because a strong narrative resonates with investors emotionally as well as financially.

Crafting a pitch that tells a story is essential. Highlight not just what your company does, but why it matters and how it's going to change the market.

Stage

Venture Capital firms have different stages of investment, typically seed, early, and later stages, which align with the amount of money they have under management.

Most firms specify their investment stage on their website, and if not, you can check Crunchbase to find out what size their funds are.

You can also research the firm's portfolio companies and look at the size of the funding rounds they've invested in.

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Your main concern when approaching a Venture Capital firm is avoiding those that invest larger checks in later stages.

Late-stage Venture Capital firms typically write checks for $10 million or bigger, targeting mature companies with significant market traction.

This means you'd be wasting your time trying to pitch to a firm that's beyond your funding stage.

Centralize

Centralizing your communications is crucial to a smooth fundraising process. It can be a painful exercise of herding cats, constantly updating multiple potential investors through emails, meetings, and phone calls.

Investors will want to dive deep into your financials, customer data, legal structure, and more before committing, so being organized is key. This includes being prepared to provide the necessary information quickly.

Hosting your fundraise on a funding portal can help you centralize your communications. You can concentrate all of your investor discussion in a single place, making it easier to manage and update multiple investors at once.

Constantly updating your fundraising profile is also important, so that every new detail can be instantly available to prospects.

Finding and Approaching Investors

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Finding the right investors can be a daunting task, but it's essential to do your homework and understand your business inside out before approaching potential investors.

To identify potential investors, research those who have invested in similar businesses in the past. This will help you build a list of potential investors who are a good fit for your business.

Before approaching potential investors, make sure you have a solid understanding of your business and what you're looking for in an investment. This means having a well-crafted business plan and financial projections that you can confidently present to potential investors.

Here are some key steps to keep in mind when approaching potential investors:

  • Be clear about what you're looking for in terms of investment
  • Make a strong pitch that showcases your business and its potential
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your business model, financial projections, and competitive landscape
  • Follow up after the meeting to keep your business top of mind and increase the chances of securing investment

By following these steps and being prepared, you'll be well on your way to finding the right investors for your business.

Benefits of Groups

Joining a group can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking for investors.

You can potentially access an entire pool of capital by just pitching one source. This can save you time and effort, as you won't have to pitch your idea to multiple investors individually.

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Angel groups often have a committee that reviews pitches and decides whether a project is a good fit for the group. This can provide a sense of security and validation for your business idea.

You often have access to the individual members of the group, who can not only provide additional money but also share their valuable connections and networks.

Identify and Approach

To identify potential investors, do your homework and research those who have invested in businesses similar to yours in the past. Look for investors who have a history of investing in businesses like yours and who share your company's values.

Before approaching potential investors, it's essential to have a solid understanding of your business and what you're looking for in an investment. This means having a well-crafted business plan and financial projections that you can confidently present to potential investors.

Know your audience and target potential investors who are a good fit for your business. This means doing your research to find investors who have a history of investing in businesses like yours and who share your company's values.

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Research potential investors to see if they're a good fit for your business. Use investor databases like Visible Connect to filter and find VCs that match your industry, geography, and funding stage.

Build a list of potential investors by looking for people or organizations who have invested in similar businesses in the past. You can also attend industry events and networking functions to meet potential investors.

Once you've identified some potential investors, start crafting your pitch. This is where your research will come in handy. You'll need to be able to articulate your business idea clearly and concisely.

Here are some key factors to consider when identifying a strong lead investor:

  • They should understand your market and believe in your vision for the company.
  • Their alignment with your mission will influence their level of involvement and support.
  • Ideally, they should be someone who can offer strategic value beyond just financial backing.

Common connection is a crucial factor to rank against when finding an angel investor. Getting a warm introduction through a common connection can have a massive impact on your ability to start a conversation.

Here are some common connections to consider:

  • LinkedIn connections
  • Industry events and networking functions
  • Past investments and collaborations

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the right investors for your business and securing the funding you need to succeed.

Incubators & Accelerators

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Incubators are organizations that help startups turn their business idea into a business by providing a small amount of capital and a team of experts and mentors.

They typically offer $20,000 and take a small percentage of equity. Think of them as a network of connections that can help you grow your business.

Incubators originated in the tech business space but now exist in over 2,000 locations worldwide and in various industries. Each incubator has its own focus areas, so it's essential to find one that aligns with your business.

You should start by looking for incubators close to you geographically, as they tend to be the most obvious fits for your business. Beyond that, consider incubators with a focus on your industry.

An incubator can be a great way to get connected with investors who use these programs as a feeding ground for new investments.

Location

Location plays a significant role in finding and approaching investors, particularly venture capitalists.

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VCs tend to prefer investing in startups located near them, as it reduces travel time and expenses. If you're a VC living in Silicon Valley, you're more likely to invest in a startup in your backyard than one that requires a 5-hour flight.

VCs have families and don't love to travel, so they'll be more excited about investing in a startup close to their home. Unless you live in San Francisco, you won't find many VCs in your area, making it challenging to raise venture capital outside of your neighborhood.

You should not rely on VCs' contact information on their website as your primary means of making contact. Instead, rely on introductions from reliable third parties, as VCs are highly selective and prefer these types of connections.

Building Relationships and Momentum

Building relationships with potential investors before you need to raise capital can significantly increase your chances of securing funding. Establishing rapport early on can make the formal fundraising process much smoother.

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Start building relationships with investors well before you actually need to raise capital. This can be as simple as sending regular updates about your company's progress, even if you're not actively fundraising. Monthly or quarterly updates can cover key milestones, growth metrics, new hires, or product developments.

Using a tool like Visible can make this process easier and more effective. With Visible, you can send beautiful, data-driven updates that provide investors with the insights they need to stay engaged. This can be a game-changer when you're ready to raise capital, as you'll know which investors are most interested in your company.

By establishing relationships with investors early on, founders gain a significant head start when it comes time to raise capital. Not only do these relationships help build trust, but they also give you insight into what investors are looking for, which can shape how you run and grow your business.

It's easier to ask for an investment from someone who has already been following your company's journey, rather than from a cold introduction. This is especially true for startup investments, which tend to need momentum. Concentrating your fundraising on a funding portal allows each investor to see that others have made similar commitments and gets them more comfortable making their own.

Leveraging your social network can also be a great way to find investors. You may know someone who knows one, and that is how to find investors as many startups have before you. Start with family and friends, and don't be afraid to reach out to them for help.

Secure Funding

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To secure funding from a private investor, you'll need a well-crafted business plan that outlines your business model and revenue generation strategy.

First, make sure you have a solid business plan that will convince potential investors of your company's potential. This plan should be well-researched and professional.

Networking is key when it comes to finding private investors. Attend industry events and meetups to connect with people who may be interested in investing in your company.

You can also try reaching out to venture capitalists or angel investors if you don't have a large network or if your family and friends are not well connected.

If you're having trouble finding private investors, consider crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to raise money from the general public.

Building a relationship with a lead investor takes time, so be sure to provide regular updates and informal interactions to establish trust.

To move potential investors through your funnel, use meetings, email updates, pitches, and other communications to keep them engaged and interested in your company.

A good business plan, networking, and regular updates can make it easier to secure a lead investor and close the deal.

Due Diligence Preparedness

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To increase your chances of securing funding from private investors, you need to be prepared for the due diligence process. Investors will want to dive deep into your financials, customer data, legal structure, and more before committing.

A well-defined business model is essential, as investors want to see that you have a clear idea of how your business will make money. This includes detailed information on your expected revenues and expenses, as well as how you plan to use any funding you receive.

Investors will also want to see that you have a strong management team in place, with the skills and experience necessary to grow your business. Be sure to highlight the experience and qualifications of your management team in your pitch to investors.

Being organized is key, as investors will want to quickly access your financials, customer data, and other important information. Not being prepared can raise red flags and slow down or even end negotiations.

To be prepared, have all your financials, customer data, and other important information easily accessible and organized. This will save you time and stress during the due diligence process.

Understanding Investment and Funding

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Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who provide financial backing for small startups in exchange for ownership equity.

Angel investors often come from an entrepreneur's family and friends, and their funds can be a one-time investment to help the business get off the ground or an ongoing injection to support the company through its early stages.

Both venture capital and angel investment operate as equity investors, but angel investors don't have the same pressure to generate huge returns as a venture capital fund might feel.

What Is an Investment?

An investment is essentially a financial contribution to a business or project in exchange for ownership or a share of the profits. This can take many forms, including venture capital and angel investment.

Venture capital is a type of investment where a fund provides money to startups in exchange for equity, with the goal of generating huge returns.

Angel investors, on the other hand, are high-net-worth individuals who provide financial backing to small startups or entrepreneurs, typically in exchange for ownership equity in the company.

Failing to Plan for Exit

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Failing to plan for exit can be a major turnoff for investors. Investors want to know how and when they'll see a return on their investment.

Not having a clear exit strategy can make investors hesitant to commit to your company. This can be especially true for venture capitalists who are looking for a return on their investment.

Discussing potential exit scenarios and timelines with investors can give them confidence in your business plan. This doesn't mean you need to have every detail finalized.

Investors want to understand how they'll eventually see a return on their capital. Demonstrating that you've thought through exit scenarios will give them confidence in your business plan.

Industry

Investors are more likely to invest in industries they understand, which is why it's essential to find angels with experience in your field.

The ideal angel has invested in your industry, making it easier for them to grasp your startup's potential.

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Investing in a space you're familiar with can be a major confidence booster for angels, giving you a stronger chance of securing funding.

Angels who live close by are also more likely to invest, as proximity can foster trust and engagement.

Startups that are far away from potential investors can be a major turn-off, so be prepared to showcase your industry expertise to build credibility.

Funding Options and Portals

Funding options and portals can be a great way to find private investors for your startup. You can use online platforms like AngelList and SeedInvest to connect with potential investors. These websites can help you reach a wider audience and increase your chances of securing funding.

If you're looking for a more targeted approach, you can try using online VC databases and lists, such as Visible Connect, to find investors who are a good fit for your business. These databases can help you filter and find investors based on the properties that matter most to your business.

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo can also be a viable option, but be aware that these options can be competitive and may not always be successful.

Online Platforms and Databases

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Online platforms and databases can be a game-changer for finding the right investors for your startup. You can use online platforms and investor databases like Visible Connect to find and filter investors based on the properties that matter most to your business. With Visible Connect, you can filter and find investors based on factors such as check size, industry, and location.

There are countless online VC databases and lists that can help you filter and find the right investors for your business. Visible Connect is a free investor database that can help you find investors based on your business needs.

Venture capitalists tend to be active on social media, so you can use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to engage with potential investors and introduce your business to them. This can be a great way to better your odds of finding an introduction or booking a meeting.

You can also use online platforms like AngelList and SeedInvest to connect with potential investors. These websites can help you reach a wider audience and increase your chances of finding the right investors for your startup.

Startup Funding Options

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If you're an entrepreneur with a business idea, one of the first things you'll need to do is seek out funding. This can come from a variety of sources, including grant-making organizations or private investors.

Grant-making organizations are a good place to start. There are many organizations that give out grants to small businesses, and the best way to find these organizations is to do a search online or ask your local chamber of commerce.

To increase your chances of finding private investors, make sure you have a well-crafted business plan that outlines your business model and how you plan to generate revenue. This will help you articulate your idea in a clear and concise way.

Networking is key when it comes to finding private investors. Attend industry events and meetups, and get connected with as many people as possible. You never know who you might meet and how they could help you in the future.

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If you're having trouble finding private investors, you can try reaching out to crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. However, these options can be competitive and may not always be successful.

Having a well-crafted pitch deck is essential when approaching potential investors. This should include information about your business concept, market opportunity, competitive landscape, financial projections, and how their investment will be used.

You can also try using online platforms to reach potential investors, such as AngelList and SeedInvest. These websites connect startups with investors, making it easier to find the right funding for your business.

Getting introduced to potential investors through a mutual connection can also be a great way to secure funding. This can be a family member, friend, or business acquaintance who knows someone interested in investing in your company.

Attending investor events and pitch competitions can also give you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential investors and pitch your business concept.

Realistic Fundraising Expectations

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You can typically expect to raise between $500,000 and $5 million from private investors for a consumer-facing business. This range can vary depending on the strength of your business idea, the size of your potential market, and the progress you've made to date.

For an enterprise-focused business, you can typically expect to raise between $2 million and $10 million. Some businesses have raised far more than these ranges, while others have raised far less.

It's essential to have a clear understanding of how much money you need to raise and why. This will help you set realistic expectations with potential investors and give you the best chance of success.

Raising Expectations

Raising money from private investors can be a challenge, and it's essential to have realistic expectations.

You can typically expect to raise between $500,000 and $5 million from private investors for a consumer-facing business, or between $2 million and $10 million for an enterprise-focused business.

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The amount you can realistically expect to raise depends on the strength of your business idea, the size of your potential market, the strength of your team, and the progress you've made to date.

It's crucial to have a clear understanding of how much money you need to raise and why, to set realistic expectations with potential investors and increase your chances of success.

Some businesses have raised far more than these ranges, while others have raised far less, so it's essential to be prepared for any outcome.

Realistic Fundraising Expectations

Raising money from private investors can be a challenge, but having realistic expectations can make all the difference. You can typically expect to raise between $500,000 and $5 million from private investors for a consumer-facing business.

The amount you can raise also depends on the size of your potential market and the strength of your team. A well-thought-out business plan is essential to set realistic expectations with potential investors.

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For an enterprise-focused business, you can expect to raise between $2 million and $10 million. However, there are always exceptions to these general rules.

Having a clear understanding of how much money you need to raise and why will help you set realistic expectations with potential investors. This will give you the best chance of success.

A solid management team with a proven track record of success is also crucial to attract private investors. They want to see that you have the right people in place to make your project a success.

Lead Generation and Management

Securing a lead investor is crucial for any startup looking to raise funds. It typically requires building a solid relationship early on, with the lead investor feeling confident in your team, product, and market potential.

Building relationships over time through regular updates and informal interactions can make it easier to secure a lead investor. This can involve attending the same industry events, connecting on social media, or meeting for coffee.

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A lead investor can have a significant ripple effect on the fundraising process, with other investors following their lead and participating in the round. This can make filling out the round much quicker and smoother.

To identify potential lead investors, research those who have invested in similar businesses in the past. Look for investors who have a personal connection to your business and industry.

Before approaching potential investors, prepare a great pitch that includes an overview of your business, financial projections, and how much money you're looking to raise. Be prepared to answer questions about your business model, competitive landscape, and management team.

Securing a lead investor can take time, so be patient and keep pitching until you find the right fit. A strong lead investor can provide valuable guidance and support, helping shape major business decisions and future fundraising rounds.

Investment Network and Partnerships

Investing in a driving school business can be a daunting task, but seeking out private investors and partnerships can provide a wealth of benefits. Private investors and partnerships can offer access to large amounts of funding, reducing risk and liability, and increasing credibility and reputation.

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To build trust and move your fundraising along, you need to be constantly building and maintaining relationships. This can be done by leveraging online resources and in-person events to network. Sending a simple monthly update is a great way to help investors build conviction and trust in your business.

The Angel Investment Network features thousands of potential private investors looking to invest in the right idea. This can be a powerful tool for driving school entrepreneurs, providing access to a global network of investors.

Investment Network

Building a strong investment network is crucial for any business looking to raise funds. Leveraging online resources and in-person events can help you build relationships and trust with potential investors.

You can start by sending regular updates to your network, such as a monthly update, to help investors build conviction and trust in your business. This can be a simple yet effective way to nurture relationships.

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Your social network is a valuable resource for finding investors, even if you don't know any directly. You may know someone who knows an investor, and that's often how startups find their first professional investor.

You can use LinkedIn to find connections to people you know, and also import your contacts from other services to expand your network. If you haven't updated your LinkedIn profile in a while, now is the time to do it.

The Angel Investment Network features thousands of potential private investors worldwide, and can be a valuable resource for businesses looking for investment. This network has helped connect businesses to investors, some of which have become successful companies.

Partnerships

Partnerships can offer a driving school business access to large amounts of funding, such as partnering with a local car dealership to obtain vehicles, equipment, and marketing support.

Private investors and partnerships can help driving school owners to share financial and legal risks and responsibilities, forming a limited liability company (LLC) to protect personal assets from creditors or lawsuits.

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Private investors and partnerships can enhance the image and reputation of a driving school business by adding value, expertise, or connections, collaborating with a reputable driving instructor association to gain accreditation, recognition, and referrals.

However, partnerships may require driving school owners to give up some degree of control and decision-making power over their business, with a private investor demanding a seat on the board of directors or veto rights on major decisions.

Partnerships can add complexity and cost to the management and administration of a driving school business, dealing with legal contracts, accounting reports, or tax implications.

Driving school owners should carefully weigh the pros and cons of partnerships before entering into any agreement, conducting due diligence, research, and negotiation to find the best fit for their business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage do private investors get?

Private investors typically receive a percentage of the company's equity, determined by the agreed-upon valuation and investment amount. This percentage is usually calculated by dividing the investment amount by the company's valuation.

Sources

  1. Whatsapp (whatsapp.com)
  2. Pinterest (pinterest.com)
  3. Linkedin (linkedin.com)
  4. Linkedin (linkedin.com)
  5. Twitter (twitter.com)
  6. Investopedia (investopedia.com)
  7. angel investor group (angelcapitalassociation.org)
  8. Fundable.com (fundable.com)
  9. BrickTribe - Property Investments (bricktribe.com)

Colleen Boyer

Lead Assigning Editor

Colleen Boyer is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling storytelling. With a background in journalism and a passion for complex ideas, she has built a reputation for overseeing high-quality content across a range of subjects. Her expertise spans the realm of finance, with a particular focus on Investment Theory.