Seraph Research Foundation
Seraph Research Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to foster economic development. We provide education courses and training workshops to increase the formation and access to private risk capital. SRF works with economic development organizations, universities, research and development centers and individuals to create, manage and improve angel investment groups in local and regional communities.
WHY
Investment in private, high-growth companies accounts for most of the wealth created over the last four decades in the United States. This trend will continue in the foreseeable future as innovation and technology accelerate changes in every aspect of our lives. The trillion+ wealth created by these investments mostly went to a small number of institution-backed venture capital, private equity funds, and ultra-high net worth individuals. We believe that when 13 million+ qualified American households have access to these opportunities and invest successfully, our society and economy will grow better. SRF provides education and training to accredited individuals so that they can share this wealth by owning equity in these new and innovative companies.
HOW
Investing in private companies pre-exists Wall Street and has been practiced by institutional investors like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Stanford and Yale endowments for decades. Over the years, the United States has gradually established laws and regulations that make it easier for individuals to invest in private companies. Unlike buying publicly traded company stock, where access is ubiquitous, investing in private corporations is not universally accessible. Seraph Research Foundation’s goal is to remove this barrier to access. We will share knowledge on how to think about the right venture capital investing approach for individuals, how to establish an investment process, and how to apply techniques to reduce risks and enhance odds of success.
IMPACT
A community of 500 angel investors who each on average invest $50,000 a year over ten years will amount to a total of $250 million in risk capital. $250 million in risk capital is a sufficient resource to create 2,500 high-paying jobs in the community. With an average investment of $500,000 per company, the $250 million in risk capital will accelerate the formation and growth of 500 companies in the area. In addition, this investment will generate significant tax revenues, secondary jobs, and opportunities to retrain the workforce and improve economic standing. As innovation drives more economic growth in the United States, a healthy supply of risk capital is essential to and a prerequisite to economic growth.
Our Courses
Introduction to Investing*
This class will deliver the knowledge and practical skills of venture capital investment which includes:
- Learning the basic financial and legal structure
- Forming investment analysis models
- Evaluating investment opportunities
- Deciding due diligence items
- Managing the process
- Understanding terms and conditions
- Exiting investments
The course is designed for qualified individuals who have never made an angel/venture capital investment into a private company and those who need to refresh their knowledge and skills. Students will acquire sufficient understanding and techniques to begin making venture capital investments. Several case studies will provide insights on how to improve the odds of success and minimize mistakes.
This is a 4-5 hour long course with case studies.
Price: $495.00 (Minimum/Maximum Attendees: 5/20)
*Subject to modification.
Advanced Venture Investing*
This course will deliver advance know-how to those who want to become a professional angel investor.
- Sourcing investment opportunities
- Applying industry-specific analytical frameworks
- Conducting effective and efficient due diligence
- Building a successful portfolio
- Optimizing risk/reward
- Evaluating fund managers
- Assessing syndicates
This course is designed for individuals and family offices who have previously made a few venture capital investments into startups directly or through managed funds by third-party general partners, and plan to be more active or transition into a professional angel and venture investor. Students will examine several paths to achieve a successful career in venture investing, and acquire practical skills to accomplish that goal. Attendees must have basic knowledge of angel/venture capital investing.
This is a 4-5 hour long course.
Price: $995.00 (Minimum/Maximum Attendees: 5/20)
*Subject to modification.
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Qualifications
You must be an accredited investor under the SEC rule in order to receive education and training from Seraph Research Foundation. To be an accredited investor, a person must have an annual income exceeding $200,000 ($300,000 for joint income) for the last two years with the expectation of earning the same or a higher income in the current year. A person is also considered an accredited investor if they have a net-worth exceeding $1 million, excluding real estate holdings, either individually or jointly with their spouse. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis. Please contact [email protected] to request waiver of qualification.