Kingscrowd Podcast

KC Podcast: AngelList’s USVC Fund + Alaffia Deal Review — What Retail Investors Need to Know

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:45:03 +0000

AngelList just launched a new registered fund that allows retail investors to access top-tier private companies like OpenAI and Anthropic with just a $500 minimum. In this episode, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun break down what this means for the future of private market investing — and why investors need to look closely at fees, structure, and timing before jumping in.

Then, Teddy Lyons and Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau dive into a unique deal review of Alaffia, a clean beauty brand rebuilding after a private equity acquisition disrupted its supply chain. With the founder back and a new team in place, the question becomes: can this company reclaim its growth — and exceed it?

02:30 — What the USVC fund actually is
04:00 — Why this is a big moment for retail investing
06:30 — The hidden issue: secondary exposure
09:00 — Are retail investors buying too late?
11:00 — Fees, carry, and layered fund structures
14:00 — Funds vs picking individual startups
16:00 — Why portfolios may outperform retail investors
18:00 — Long-term expectations (and reality check)
20:00 — Where private market investing is heading
24:30 — Deal review intro: Alaffia
25:30 — Alaffia origin story & private equity impact
28:00 — Financials breakdown & revenue drop
30:00 — Key concern: growth ceiling
32:00 — Private equity case study (Toys “R” Us comparison)
34:00 — Why the new team matters
36:00 — Valuation analysis (~1x revenue)
38:00 — Final takeaways: betting on the team

Why Crowdfunding Is Bigger (and More Confusing) Than Ever

sam@kingscrowd.com (Scott Kitun, Brian Belley) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Brian and Scott kick things off by recapping Investment Crowdfunding Week and the growing expansion into new asset classes like creators and collectibles (01:40). They introduce the core idea that crowdfunding has become a “buffet” of opportunities — spanning startups, SMBs, fractional assets, and more (03:05).

The conversation then shifts to platform innovation, including new security types, revenue-share structures, and acquisitions like StartEngine’s move into wine investing via Vinovest (07:54).

Midway through, Brian shares insights from a global crowdfunding research conference, highlighting how Europe’s market has evolved differently — with more debt-focused investing and less startup-driven hype (22:25).

The episode closes with a critical discussion on why crowdfunding hasn’t fully met expectations: retail investors invest too infrequently, with too little capital, and often misunderstand venture-style outcomes — making repeat behavior and portfolio construction the real missing pieces (27:45).

The Illusion of Liquidity in Private Investing

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:38:35 +0000

Register for Investment Crowdfunding Week 2026

Brian and Scott kick things off with a look at Fundrise’s Innovation Fund and a viral investor return story showing shares jumping dramatically post-listing (01:25). They unpack why early trading prices can deviate significantly from net asset value (NAV), and what that means for investors chasing exposure to companies like OpenAI (12:10).

The discussion expands into broader private market dynamics — including lockups, limited float, and why early buyers may be price-insensitive (18:43). They then shift into a deeper conversation about liquidity pressures across private equity and credit, where both institutional and retail investors are increasingly seeking exits (19:53).

The episode closes with a critical insight: illiquidity isn’t a bug — it’s a feature. But as retail investors enter private markets expecting public-market flexibility, a fundamental mismatch is emerging that could reshape the entire ecosystem (28:50).

New Assets, New Rules: The Evolution of Alternative Investing

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:20:23 +0000

Brian and Scott kick things off with a preview of Investment Crowdfunding Week and the growing importance of the creator economy as an investable asset class (00:13). They recap a recent CFP webinar on emerging investment structures, including the debate around mirror products and synthetic venture exposure (04:19).

The conversation then shifts to the realities of investing in late-stage private companies and whether current valuations justify secondary market participation (06:52). They explore how new alternative products are expanding access — but also increasing complexity for everyday investors (08:28).

Finally, they discuss recent SEC updates, crypto clarity, and the shutdown of FranShares, using it as a lens to examine what works — and what doesn’t — in building sustainable crowdfunding platforms (10:00+).

Reg CF Reform: What Actually Needs to Change?

sam@kingscrowd.com (Teddy Lyons, Scott Kitun) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:49:24 +0000

Scott and Teddy open with a look at a new SEC petition proposing structural updates to Regulation Crowdfunding, including raising the Reg CF cap and modernizing fundraising pathways (00:00). They preview Investment Crowdfunding Week and Tim Draper’s keynote before digging into the petition’s core proposals (00:56).

The discussion explores whether increasing the $5M cap would meaningfully impact the market (04:03), why Reg CF → Reg A transitions remain clunky (07:18), and how loosening advertising rules could unlock more issuer and investor participation (09:22). Scott shares a hot take on raising minimum investment sizes to improve issuer economics (12:04), while Teddy questions SEC incentives to prioritize Reg CF reform (14:38).

They close with a candid discussion on compliance fatigue, why many issuers stop investor updates, and what industry maturity should look like as equity crowdfunding approaches its 10-year mark (16:08).

Retail vs VC: How to Think About Follow-On Investing

sam@kingscrowd.com (Scott Kitun, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Teddy Lyons) — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 17:40:46 +0000

This week on the Kingscrowd Podcast, Teddy, Scott, and Léa break down one of the most important — and often overlooked — questions in startup investing: when should you follow on? Using Pirouette Pharma as a case study, the team explains why Kingscrowd Capital is reinvesting and what milestones matter most when deciding to double down.

The conversation explores how retail investors should think differently than institutional VCs, what progress signals real execution, why pro rata participation from prior investors matters, and how valuation discipline plays into blended returns. If you’ve ever wondered whether to invest again in a company you already backed, this episode gives you the framework.

Hylio Deal Review: Drones, Defense, and the Future of Farming

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Teddy Lyons) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:56:48 +0000

Brian begins by summarizing Kingscrowd’s product roadmap updates, including enhanced site-wide search functionality (1:26–2:33), renewed discussion of the Profitability Fund (2:50–3:13), and new capabilities within Kingscrowd Pro such as advanced filtering, client tracking, and API access (3:51–4:32).

The discussion then transitions to Hylio (4:49–6:10), a precision agriculture drone company replacing tractors with targeted aerial spraying systems. Léa explains Hylio’s recent revenue results and how a factory transition temporarily slowed reported growth despite continued demand (7:06–8:29). Brian and Teddy weigh in on the realities of hardware startups, including supply chain complexity and capital intensity (8:59–11:00), while emphasizing Hylio’s prior profitability as a positive de-risking factor (11:30–12:03).

The team contrasts Hylio’s chemical-efficiency model with Greenfield Robotics’ chemical-elimination thesis (12:03–13:46). Léa then highlights Hylio’s regulatory progress and its upcoming autonomous launchpad system (“Arcra”), which could eliminate the need for on-site operators pending FAA approval (14:41–16:28). The conversation also covers Hylio’s entry into defense through its U.S.-manufactured Photon drone (17:34–18:30).

The episode closes with a key consideration for investors: adoption risk among farmers and behavioral inertia around switching from tractors to drones (20:46–21:30), balanced by growing health and environmental awareness in agriculture (22:19–23:15).

Our Bond Goes Public: What a Direct Listing Means for Crowdfunding Investors

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:55:24 +0000

Our Bond (TG-17 Inc., OBAI) has gone public via a direct listing (0:00–1:15), and Brian and Léa explain what’s happening and what investors need to do next. Léa starts with a clear refresher on what Our Bond is and how the product works in real life (1:17–3:49), including adoption and enterprise customers that make it more than a typical consumer app (4:12–5:33). She also outlines why Kingscrowd Capital liked the opportunity—product differentiation, growth/valuation context, and the founder’s prior exits (4:53–6:02). Brian then pulls up key deal context and the path from prior fundraising to today’s public-market moment (6:08–8:16), before they shift into the how-to for investors: check your inbox for transfer-agent instructions, understand that shares are typically held in your name via DRS, and that you may need to transfer to a broker to trade (8:16–9:11, 12:53–13:34). They also discuss how fees can hit smaller investors disproportionately and why this is an “industry infrastructure” issue founders should think about early (9:11–15:22). Finally, they explain IPO vs direct listing—including why direct listings don’t issue new shares immediately (18:43–20:30)—and why early price action can be misleading when float is limited and many shareholders can’t trade yet (15:52–17:57). They close with a founder takeaway: communicate early and clearly, and reduce friction wherever possible to protect investor trust (21:50–22:34, 22:57–23:52).

From ‘Grow at All Costs’ to Profits: A New Fund for 2026

sam@kingscrowd.com (Teddy Lyons, Brian Belley) — Tue, 3 Feb 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Profit beats “power law” this week as Brian Belley and Teddy Lyons unveil the Kingscrowd Capital Profitability Fund—built to target venture-like returns with materially lower risk. 00:17 intro & announcement; 01:26 thesis overview; 01:48 why power law hurts most investors; 02:36 targeting profitable private companies; 03:01 strict screen (2 yrs positive NI, ≥$1M rev, YoY growth, rev multiple ≤7.5x, 3.0+ KC rating, 5-yr exit path); 03:31 portfolio design (25 companies, concentrated, equal/pro-rata); 04:20 case study: LMNT growth & margins; 06:05 case study: ConsumerDirect’s valuation step-up; 07:03 current pipeline examples; 07:51 return target (3–5x fund) & risk profile; 08:15 fund size & LP-friendly fees (≈1% mgmt, 5% carry); 09:05 webinar details & how this complements Fund I.

Reading Between the Lines: StartEngine’s Latest Filing

sam@kingscrowd.com (Scott Kitun, Teddy Lyons, Brian Belley) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:17:14 +0000

(00:00) Brian tees up a StartEngine deep dive and notes Kingscrowd own raise on StartEngine. (01:28) Teddy frames the Reg A+ at a ~$2B valuation and walks through 2024–2025 revenue, highlighting how ~82% YTD comes from StartEngine Private. (03:03) He explains the SPV model (buy secondaries, mark up ~25%, sell into a fund) and why GAAP records gross sales as “revenue” while the true economics are the spread. (06:13) Scott zooms out: secondaries fueled 2025, but that pace may be cyclical; the core portal model struggles without scale, pushing platforms toward private, services, and consolidation. (11:48) The team reviews line-item revenues and market data: fewer new Reg CF offerings but higher average dollars; Reg A+ accelerating. (24:15) Looking ahead: success hinges on bigger, better issuers, clearer settlement/transfer, and investor-friendly valuations. (31:40) Diligence takeaway—read filings closely; watch how “revenue” is defined. (32:51) Wrap and reminder about kingscrowd’s StartEngine offering.

From the Data: What Drove $900M+ Online in 2025 and a Fresh Look at BabyQuip

sam@kingscrowd.com (Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Scott Kitun, Brian Belley) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Brian, Scott, and Léa unpack the 2025 funding rebound across the online private markets—highlighting Reg A+’s triple-digit YoY growth, steadier Reg CF dollars despite fewer offerings, and how security mix is shifting (more preferred equity, more debt). Then Léa leads a deal review of BabyQuip: revenue progression (~$3.4M FY22 → ~$6M FY24), burn reduction, peak-season cash-flow positives, new “GoQuip” expansion, and partnership-led distribution—while raising again at roughly the same share price as ~2.5 years ago. (Not investment advice.)

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & agenda: 2025 recap + BabyQuip deal review

01:00 – Headline stats: ~$380M Reg CF, ~$547M Reg A+, >$900M combined

02:30 – Reg A+ up ~124% YoY; Reg CF up ~11% YoY despite fewer offerings

04:10 – Quality over quantity: CF offerings down ~28–30% (~1,000 deals)

06:00 – Security mix: preferred equity hits a high; debt/rev-share keep rising

08:00 – Platform behavior & the “fewer, bigger, better” issuer trend

10:20 – What the 2026 IPO climate could mean for A+ pipelines

12:00 – Introducing the deal: BabyQuip overview (marketplace dynamics)

13:00 – Growth: ~$3.4M (FY22) → ~$6M (FY24), aiming ~+$15% YoY

14:00 – Same share price as ~2.5 years ago: what that implies

15:00 – Unit economics & seasonality; peak months cash-flow positive

16:00 – Burn down: ~$2.6M (’24) → ~$1M (’25)

17:00 – Distribution: partnership placements with a major travel site; more in pipeline

18:00 – GoQuip expansion: beyond baby gear (mobility, beach, bulky travel items)

19:00 – Network effects & competition in two-sided marketplaces

20:00 – Founder lens: marketplace experience & execution discipline

22:00 – Final thoughts, reminders, and Kingscrowd raise/webinar info

2026 Kickoff: 2025 Recap, Bold Predictions, and the Future of the Retail Private Markets

sam@kingscrowd.com (Teddy Lyons, Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Tue, 6 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Happy 2026! Brian, Scott, and Teddy recap a stronger-than-expected 2025 for online private markets (near ~$902M, strongest since 2021), then outline the 2026 playbook: Reg A momentum, platforms shifting to broker-dealers and solicitation, secondaries/tokenization blurring public and private, and SEC leadership changes that may accelerate capital formation. We dig into the quality uptick from VC-backed CF rounds, how AI will compress build costs and reshape B2B, where risks live (SaaS churn, infra overbuild), and which sectors look compelling (defense, energy). Plus: Kingscrowd Pro launches for industry users, and our Reg CF raise is live on StartEngine.

00:00 – Intro, goals for 2026

01:17 – 2025 recap: funding near ~$902M; Reg A leads

03:41 – Kingscrowd Pro launch + Kingscrowd raise on StartEngine

05:59 – Infra shift: broker-dealers, solicitation, scale

08:04 – Tokenization & secondaries: liquidity and the public/private blur

11:58 – VC-backed CF deals rising; quality & signaling

13:50 – SEC/commission changes & policy backdrop

16:05 – Platforms’ revenue mix pivoting to private/secondaries

18:30 – AI in 2026: breakthroughs, modeling, cost curves

22:40 – Risks ahead: B2B SaaS churn; infra “clean-up”; IPO mechanics

27:12 – Sectors to watch: defense, energy

30:03 – What this means for founders & investors

33:40 – Wrap + 2025 Funding Report next week

SpaceX IPO Math, Wefunder Allocation Drama, and Crowdfunding IPO Realities

sam@kingscrowd.com (Teddy Lyons, Scott Kitun, Brian Belley) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:38:34 +0000

Check out Kingscrowd's crowdfunding campaign.

Brian and Scott kick off with headlines—Invest Act passes the House and Kingscrowd’s StartEngine raise goes live (00:00–00:48), then dig into SpaceX’s $1.5T IPO talk and how pre-IPO targets anchor secondary pricing, complete with SPV stack/fee pitfalls (00:48–06:13). They contrast retail vs. institutional behavior around secondaries and hype cycles (06:13–12:53), before bringing in Teddy to dissect AppTerra’s listing: split math, day-one volatility, and transfer-agent delays that disadvantage crowdfunded holders (12:53–18:16). They close on what needs fixing (pre-IPO transfer readiness, better float/volume) and practical takeaways for retail navigating secondaries and IPOs (18:16–21:19), plus final wrap and what to watch next (21:19–end).

Inside the Pink Sheets of Private Markets: TerraCycle & Liquidity

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Secondaries just got more interesting. Brian and Scott break down the sudden wave of buy orders in TerraCycle on StartEngine’s secondary marketplace—why shares listed well below the current round price got scooped, how to sanity-check classes and terms, and what real liquidity might look like as ATSs roll out. We also talk through risk profiles, adverse selection vs. forced sellers, and a quick note on GigaStar’s announced ATS timing for creator revenue shares. If you invest in online private markets, this is your playbook for spotting mispricing and avoiding traps.

Highlights include...

TerraCycle case study: why a flood of sub-$1 asks vanished when a new round priced higher
How to read secondary listings (common vs preferred, splits, terms, round context)
Liquidity ≠ exits: why paper discounts still carry long hold risk
The buyer’s edge: catalysts, filings, platform data, and timing
Why more ATSs (e.g., creator revenue shares) could change retail behavior
What needs to improve: volume, price discovery, better issuers, clearer order flow

Chapters

01:16 TerraCycle background: 2020 raise vs. current round context

03:16 The secondary sweep: sub-$1 asks get filled—what likely happened

06:02 Why secondaries matter: volatility, volume, and real price discovery

08:20 Terms & traps: share classes, splits, and apples-to-apples pricing

10:19 “Is this unfair to sellers?” Risk, motive, and market reality

12:25 The bigger picture: retail liquidity, tokenization, and ATS momentum

15:02 Price vs. value: unicorn secondary resets and mindset shifts

18:33 What institutions need: better issuers + larger floats

21:04 Playbook: using platform data & filings to underwrite secondaries

25:33 Creator rev-share ATS note & why it may trade more actively

30:55 Teaser for next week: Aptera IPO & IPO market check

What the INVEST Act Could Unlock for Retail & VC Funds

sam@kingscrowd.com (Teddy Lyons, Scott Kitun, Brian Belley) — Mon, 8 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

What’s on today’s show • 00:48 Demo Day (Dec 10, 1pm ET): Koios, TMA, Macrovey • 02:14 INVEST Act overview • 03:34 Reg CF lower financial threshold to $250K • 04:21 Accredited via exam + inflation indexing • 05:08 VC fund (3c1) expansion—more investors, larger size • 07:30 Who benefits first & likely sequencing • 09:00 Founders’ raise strategy: CF + Reg D funnels • 10:40 Retail access, products & retirement channels • 12:05 Deal Review: TMA Precision Health—model, data, pricing • 15:40 Claims+genomics data moat, opt-in rates, risks

KC Capital Tops Wefunder List — Events You Can’t Miss + Macrovey Deal Review

sam@kingscrowd.com (Teddy Lyons, Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 14:19:49 +0000

Brian, Scott, and Teddy break down Wefunder’s new Top Investors feature—where Kingscrowd Capital ranks #1 in power and influence—and what it signals about traction in online private markets. Then they preview two investor events right after the holidays (Citizens Coffee CEO interview on Dec 4, 2pm ET and Q4 Demo Day with Pacaso’s David Willbrand on Dec 10, 1pm ET). The second half is a deal review of Macrovey (raising on Netcapital): a 40-year materials-handling installer evolving into a hardware-agnostic warehouse automation platform. We cover legacy revenue, robotics-as-a-service, government contracts, margins, and the execution risks of shifting from services to product. If you invest in Reg CF, this one’s a tidy, practical briefing.

Highlights include...

Wedunder launches “Top Investors”—KC Capital lands #1

What rankings actually tell founders & retail investors

Two post-holiday events: Citizens Coffee (Dec 4), Q4 Demo Day (Dec 10)

Deal review: Macrovey—from installer to robotics platform

GTM using legacy relationships + RaaS potential

Risks: org shift to product, speed vs. runway, enterprise sales

Are We in an AI Bubble? — Burry Shutters Fund, Mega-Cap Concentration, and Private-Market Signals

sam@kingscrowd.com (Scott Kitun, Brian Belley) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:11:50 +0000

Is this an AI bubble, or just the messy middle of a platform shift? Brian Belley and Scott Kitun dig into Michael Burry’s headline shorts and abrupt fund shutdown, big holders trimming AI exposure, and the mega-cap concentration now dominating public indices. Then they pivot to Kingscrowd data: AI-related Reg CF deal counts and dollars raised, how online private markets rhyme (but don’t mirror) VC/public cycles, and what consolidation plus looming tokenized liquidity could mean for retail. You’ll hear practical portfolio takes—when to skim gains, where infrastructure still matters, and why forced illiquidity can help private investors avoid bad timing. Clear-eyed nuance on risk, upside, and pacing—minus the hype.

Highlights include...

Burry’s shorts → fund shutdown: signal or noise?

Mega-cap concentration: index math and why it matters

AI “bubble or build-out?”: infra vs apps, power limits, capex fatigue

Kingscrowd data: AI-labeled Reg CF deals & capital over time

Public → private transmission: sentiment, flows, consolidation

Tokenization & future liquidity: pros, cons, and timelines

Portfolio tactics: skimming, diversification, and sizing

Retail Allocations in IPOs — How Access Is Shifting + October Reg CF Trends

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Teddy Lyons) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:23:02 +0000

Brian Belley and senior investment associate Teddy Lyons dig into the rise of retail allocations in IPOs—from directed share programs (DSPs) at Lyft/Uber/Airbnb/Rivian/Reddit to broader retail windows via brokerages (e.g., FIGS, Robinhood, Bullish). They unpack why consumer-brand IPOs led the way and whether B2B/pharma could follow. The pair then connect public-market signals (e.g., headline shorts in mega-cap AI names) to private-market risk appetite, before breaking down October 2025 Reg CF totals (~$34M), platform leaders, and notable raises hitting the $5M cap. Finally, they hit industry moves—big-bank/secondary platform tie-ups and new capital for infrastructure players—and what this consolidation means for founders and investors. Data, context, and practical takeaways for positioning into Q4.

Highlights include...

How retail gets IPO access: DSPs vs. brokerage retail allocations

Why consumer brands led—and could B2B/pharma be next?

Public-market sentiment → private-market behavior (AI, shorts, timing)

October Reg CF snapshot: ~$34M; campaigns hitting the $5M cap

Platform dynamics: the “big three” performance patterns

Secondary/infra headlines: large broker/platform moves; fresh raises

How to use the data: expectations, diligence, portfolio pacing

Secondary Markets & Tokenization — $100B H1 2025 Secondaries, Equity Platforms, and Mirror Tokens

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Sun, 2 Nov 2025 18:10:31 +0000

This week, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun unpack the biggest private-markets headlines: Morgan Stanley’s move into secondaries via a leading pre-IPO platform, the surge of H1 2025 secondary volume past $100B (with Evercore on 52%), and why that matters for liquidity. We also break down the Republic “MIRA tokens” model—how mirror/forward exposure differs from owning shares, accreditation/filings nuances, and why tokenized infrastructure could reshape access (or not). Plus: a quick debrief from Washington, D.C.—CFPA Summit takeaways, SEC/FINRA conversations, and Brian’s incoming CFPA board presidency. We close with the perennial question: should the accredited investor definition evolve, and how would that change Reg CF/Reg A dynamics? Clear context, practical implications, and what we’re watching next.

Highlights include...

Secondary market shift: H1 2025 > $100B; Evercore’s 52% share—why it matters

Why big banks want pre-IPO pipes—and what changes (and doesn’t) for individuals

Rumor mill vs reality: portal acquisitions vs white-label infrastructure

Tokenization 101: how “mirror” exposure differs from owning shares; risks & mechanics

CFPA Summit takeaways: demand-driven products, regulatory conversations, retail access

Accredited investor debate: possible tests, impacts on Reg CF/Reg A/Reg D

How investors can navigate: expectations on upside, timelines, and due diligence

Investment Crowdfunding Exits & Failures — 2025 Update & What It Means for Your Portfolio

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

What actually happened to exits and failures in investment crowdfunding—and how should investors react? In this episode, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun unpack Kingscrowd's latest dataset (650+ recorded outcomes through Q4-to-date 2025). We cover how 2023’s spike in shutdowns/bankruptcies cooled in 2024–2025, why exit volumes remain muted, and the macro and operator realities behind both (rates, liquidity, AI-enabled efficiency, consolidation). You’ll learn how a falling failure rate can change portfolio sizing, what to expect from M&A/IPO pipelines, and how to log outcomes at tax time (K-1s, write-offs, QSBS considerations—educational only). We wrap with quick takeaways from Investment Crowdfunding Week and practical ways to track your own outcomes using Kingscrowd tools.

Robinhood Ventures on the NYSE: Retail Access & NAV Reality

sam@kingscrowd.com (Scott Kitun, Teddy Lyons, Brian Belley) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Register free for ICW25: kingscrowd.com/icw25

This week on the kingscrowd podcast, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun break down Robinhood’s proposed NYSE-traded venture fund—how it differs from interval funds, why it could trade at a premium/discount to NAV, and what this might unlock (or disrupt) for retail investors. Then, Teddy Lyons joins to cover an acquisition update: Healthcare Originals (HCO) acquiring Imago Rehab, what the combo could mean for commercialization, and how deals like this may foreshadow more portfolio consolidation.

In this episode:

Robinhood’s proposed exchange-traded venture vehicle (ticker noted as “RVI” in the discussion), how NAV works, and why daily trading could matter for retail

Interval funds vs. tickers: liquidity, pricing mechanics, and investor fit

Tokenization momentum vs. actual trading/liquidity (why rails ≠ markets… yet)

Investment crowdfunding week (ICW25): Sept 29–Oct 2 — founders meet capital, investors meet opportunity

Clip: Michael Collins (Alumni Ventures) on where retail capital fits

Scott’s counterpoint: why late-stage/pre-IPO may be the safer retail lane

Deal update: HCO acquires Imago Rehab (tele-rehab + wearable) — potential synergies, structure, and what to watch next

02:54 Scott: Why this could be a big shift for retail (and for other platforms)
06:55 NAV updates, premiums/discounts, and why liquidity matters
08:53 Tokenization rails vs. real trading; where things actually stand
09:45 ICW25 preview (Sept 29–Oct 2): founders, investors, platforms, sessions
12:12 Clip: Michael Collins (Alumni Ventures) on retail’s role (pre-seed/seed)
13:13 Scott’s counterpoint: late-stage/pre-IPO may be the better retail lane
16:30 Transition to deal news — Teddy joins
17:09 Teddy intro (and a playful Taylor Swift aside)
17:52 Deal update: Healthcare Originals acquires Imago Rehab (stroke rehab + wearable/telehealth)
20:45 Why the combo could accelerate commercialization and RPM distribution
22:40 How the acquisition appears structured; lead-VC dynamics; live raises
24:18 Scott: Expect more portfolio consolidations and roll-ups ahead
26:15 Future topic teaser: follow-ons vs. spreading bets
26:54 Wrap + ICW25 reminder (kingscrowd.com/icw25)

Tokens, Reg A, and the Retail On-Ramp (ICW25 Preview)

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Save your spot for ICW25 (free): kingscrowd.com/icw25

This week, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun go rapid-fire on the biggest shifts bringing private markets to retail — and preview investment crowdfunding week (ICW25), a four-day virtual event from Kingscrowd (Sept 29–Oct 2).

In this episode:

Republic’s SpaceX “Mirror” token (506(c), accredited only) and the broader tokenization push

Nasdaq’s filing to enable tokenized securities trading

Why rails are ready — but real trading/liquidity is the next milestone

iCapital, secondaries, and semi-liquid funds as retail on-ramps

Private markets’ growing slice of US equities — and why that matters to everyday portfolios

ICW25 session preview with Mark Elenowitz (Digital Offering): from Reg A “Semi-IPO” to IPO

Newsmax as a case study, and why allocations are being re-thought for retail

Robinhood’s roadmap toward private access & the “everything app” moment

2:10 – tokenized SpaceX “mirror” token launch

2:55 – nasdaq + tokenized securities

3:35 – what still needs to happen (real trading/liquidity)

4:45 – why republic’s approach may work

5:50 – iCapital, secondaries, and retail on-ramps

7:53 – private markets’ growing share of US equities

9:08 – funds will be online too (not just single deals)

10:45 – ICW25: Mark alenowitz (digital offering) preview

11:40 – Newsmax, “semi-IPO” vs “mini-IPO”

14:18 – clip: democratized allocations & brand awareness via Reg A

16:57 – where it’s all heading (semi-public, tokenized)

17:55 – robinhood, managed access, and predictive markets

18:27 – event details & wrap

Investment Crowdfunding Week Preview + Watrfall's Fan-Funded Films

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Scott Kitun, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau) — Tue, 2 Sep 2025 14:51:30 +0000

This week’s Kingscrowd podcast spotlights Investment Crowdfunding Week (Sept 29–Oct 2)—a multi-day, retail-first event where founders meet capital and investors meet opportunity. Brian Belley and Scott Kitun preview sessions on today’s evolving paths to the public markets (Reg A, mini-IPOs, tokenized securities, and the late-stage access retail increasingly wants), noting the timely backdrop of broader market conversations about pre-IPO access.

The team also dives into Watrfall, the Ron Perlman-backed, fan-driven film production platform now raising on Republic. They compare models across entertainment deals (project rev-share vs. platform equity), highlighting what savvy investors should examine—team pedigree, rights/recoupment waterfalls, distribution, and audience—and place Waterfall alongside trends such as investing in creators (e.g., Gigastar), athletes (Finley), and even teams. Expect more personalized, community-funded content—and plenty of questions about what makes a media deal investable.

Where the Money Flows: Equity Crowdfunding by City & State + Foment Bio Deal Review

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Teddy Lyons) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week on the Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons break down where equity crowdfunding dollars are flowing across the U.S. by city and state over the past 18 months. Expect familiar hubs like Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, but also surprises like Las Vegas and Denver/Boulder.

Teddy then reviews Foment Bio, a biotech startup developing non-viral gene therapies targeting heart and kidney disease — with an animal-first commercialization pathway that could generate revenue sooner through licensing and partnerships.

Topics

Chart of the Week: Capital raised by city & state (18-month window)

Hotspots: Bay Area, Boston/Cambridge, Florida, Chicago, Texas, Colorado

Surprises: Las Vegas emerges as a top dot

Deal Review: Foment Bio (FB-101, FB-201), plasmid-based gene therapy, animal-first licensing

SPACs, Startup Access & Retirement Investing: Big Private Market Shifts

sam@kingscrowd.com (Teddy Lyons, Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The latest Kingscrowd Podcast dives into three major developments for private market investors. The team dissects Boxabl’s $3.5B SPAC deal and the implications for different classes of crowdfunding shareholders. They explore pending House bills that could expand accredited investor qualifications beyond wealth thresholds, opening up new opportunities for informed retail investors. And they unpack the sweeping impact of President Trump’s executive order allowing 401(k) plans to hold private assets — a potential game-changer for capital access and portfolio diversification.

1:12 – Boxabl’s $3.5B SPAC Announcement

5:45 – How SPACs Work (and Their Risks)

9:32 – Crowdfunding Share Types & Liquidity

12:18 – Pending Accredited Investor Rule Changes

15:02 – Pros & Cons of Opening Access

18:27 – Trump’s Executive Order on 401(k) Private Assets

21:50 – Institutional Players in Retirement Investing

25:10 – Direct Startup Investing in 401(k)s?

27:35 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

Investing in People: Can You Profit from YouTube Creators and Athletes?

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Scott Kitun, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau) — Mon, 4 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Scott Kitun takes over as host, joined by Kingscrowd's Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons, for an engaging conversation about an emerging trend: investing directly in individuals—such as YouTube creators and professional athletes. The team dives into platforms like Gigastar, CrowdSurf, and Finlete, examining how these companies let retail investors back individuals based on future earnings.

They break down recent examples including Nick Luciano, a popular creator who’s monetizing his future YouTube earnings on CrowdSurf, and MLB stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Emmanuel Clase, who’ve sold portions of their future sports earnings through Finlete. The discussion explores the benefits, risks, ethical considerations, and regulatory uncertainties associated with these unique investment structures. Is investing in a person's future the next big thing—or is it a risky novelty?

Substack Hits Unicorn Status & Mid-Year Crowdfunding Trends

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

On this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley and Senior Investment Associate Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau discuss Substack's recent Series C funding at a $1.1 billion valuation—what it means for retail investors who participated in their 2023 Wefunder round. Later, they break down Kingscrowd’s H1 2025 Crowdfunding Industry Report, highlighting key investment trends, the resurgence of Reg A+ raises, and the industries leading the charge in capital raised.

SoFi's Private Funds & Gigastar's Creator Economy

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Scott Kitun) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

On this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun dive into SoFi's latest announcement offering private market opportunities like Fundrise and ARK Invest to everyday retail investors. Later, Senior Investment Associate Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau joins to discuss Gigastar, an innovative platform allowing retail investors to back YouTube creators through revenue-sharing tokens. They explore Gigastar's explosive crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder and assess the opportunities and risks for retail investors entering the creator economy.

Tokenized Investing: Game-Changer or Risky Bet?

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 7 Jul 2025 19:21:06 +0000

This week's Kingscrowd Podcast discusses the rise of tokenized equities and Republic's new Mirror Tokens. Brian, Scott, and Teddy break down the opportunities and hidden risks for retail investors looking to access big-name private companies through tokens, and debate whether this innovation is truly beneficial or a risky bet.

Hidden Risks in Equity Crowdfunding & Valuations vs. Revenue

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian, Scott, Léa, and Teddy explore unexpected investor risks in crowdfunding, sharing real stories of IPOs and acquisitions that didn’t go as planned for investors. Plus, the team analyzes why some pre-revenue startups get high valuations—and what it means for your investments.

Repeat Crowdfunding Rounds, Platform Switching, and Atlanta Startup Showcase Recap

sam@kingscrowd.com (Teddy Lyons, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Brian Belley) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

This week on the Kingscrowd Podcast, the team shares highlights from the recent Atlanta Startup Showcase, featuring pitches from high-potential companies like Doc2Doc Lending, RISE Robotics, Healthcare Originals, and Vegetable + Butcher. Plus, Léa reveals fresh data on platform switching among repeat crowdfunding issuers—uncovering why startups move between major equity crowdfunding platforms and what this means for investors.

Crowdfunding Trends, Asset Sales Explained, & Siren Biotech's Bold Cancer Play

Mon, 9 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Scott Kitun, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons cover: Key takeaways from the SEC's newly released Reg CF crowdfunding report and what data is missing. The realities and implications of asset sales as an exit strategy for startups, using Hello Woofy as a recent example. A detailed deal review of Siren Biotechnology, a groundbreaking startup leveraging gene therapy to tackle deadly brain cancers. Discover why prominent VCs like Founders Fund are backing Siren's revolutionary approach, and why investors should pay attention. Stay informed with the latest insights to make smarter decisions in the online private markets.

Startup Down Rounds Deep Dive & Neopenda's Path to Scale

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, teddy lyons) — Mon, 2 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this week’s Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons explore down rounds—funding rounds at reduced valuations—and their impact on investors. While commonly viewed negatively, down rounds can offer strategic investment opportunities when understood in context. They examine real-world examples, including Elemental Health, to explain how investors should approach these scenarios.

Next, the team reviews a compelling follow-up funding opportunity: Neopenda, a med-tech innovator that provides affordable, battery-powered health monitors for newborns in resource-limited hospitals. With EU regulatory approval secured, Neopenda’s device is positioned for significant global expansion, tackling critical healthcare challenges. The analysis covers valuation insights, founder motivations, risks, and potential returns.

Revenue Multiples Deep Dive + Why PvP Gaming Failed

Mon, 26 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

On the latest episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, host Brian Belley teams up with Senior Investment Associates Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Teddy Lyons, along with industry expert Scott Kitun, to explore startup valuations and learn lessons from a recently failed startup.

Segment 1: Revenue Multiples by Industry (2025 Update)

The Kingscrowd team examines the latest data on revenue multiples, offering a comprehensive breakdown across key industries, including food & beverage, healthcare, consumer products, and software. Léa and Teddy share insights on why some industries command higher multiples, highlighting crucial considerations for investors evaluating startup valuations. Learn how to use revenue multiples effectively—and when to look beyond them.

Segment 2: How Industry and Stage Affect Valuations

Dive deeper as the team discusses industry-specific dynamics influencing startup valuations. They identify median multiples, key outliers, and industry trends, providing investors with a practical framework for assessing whether a startup's valuation is justified. The conversation also covers how biopharma, software, and consumer products differ significantly in their valuation methodologies.

Segment 3: Postmortem—Why Did PvP Fail?

In a candid breakdown, Brian and Scott Kitun analyze the failure of PvP, a web3 gaming platform that recently shut down after multiple successful crowdfunding rounds. The discussion explores potential warning signs in PvP’s funding history, unrealistic growth projections, and critical macroeconomic shifts. Scott emphasizes how investors can spot hype-driven trends and avoid similar pitfalls in gaming and other tech sectors.

Crowdfunding Portal Rankings & the Industries Driving Investment

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, teddy lyons) — Mon, 19 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, host Brian Belley is joined by senior investment associates Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Teddy Lyons for a three-segment deep dive:

Segment 1: Rating Equity Crowdfunding Platforms

Kingscrowd's Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau presents fresh data on how major equity crowdfunding platforms—including Republic, StartEngine, Wefunder, and niche players like Honeycomb—score based on Kingscrowd’s proprietary rating system. Discover why platforms like Republic consistently stand out in deal quality, and what makes Honeycomb unique in pricing and performance metrics.

Segment 2: Industries Attracting the Most Crowdfunding Investment

Which industries are dominating investor interest in equity crowdfunding? Léa breaks down the data, highlighting healthcare, consumer goods, food and beverage, and clean energy as sectors driving significant investment volume. The team discusses why these industries resonate so strongly with crowdfunding investors and the unique investment characteristics each brings to the table.

Segment 3: Deal Review—Vegetable + Butcher

Teddy Lyons provides an in-depth analysis of Vegetable + Butcher, a DC-area meal delivery service with $10M in annual revenue from just 2,500 subscribers. The team evaluates its compelling unit economics, niche market positioning, competitive advantages, and future scalability. Could this company carve out substantial market share in a crowded field?

The VC Factory is Broken—What's Next?

Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, host Brian Belley is joined by industry insider and The Scott Show host Scott Kitun to discuss the fundamental shift in venture capital as traditional "venture factory" models collapse. Hear insights from Scott’s conversation with Sam Lessin (founder of Slow Ventures) about the rise of "Zombie Unicorns," why IPO pathways are stalled, and how the new "Regatta Model" might redefine early-stage investing.

In segment two, Kingscrowd's senior investment associate, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, breaks down the April 2025 Reg CF market trends. Discover which companies topped fundraising charts, why platforms like Wefunder and StartEngine are continuing to dominate, and how investor communities are reshaping deal momentum.

Highlights include...

Why traditional VC funding models are breaking down.

Sam Lessin’s take on the collapse of the "Venture Factory" era.

Scott Kitun’s personal investment strategy evolution.

April 2025 equity crowdfunding trends, including top-performing campaigns.

Insights into the significant seasonal drop after April 30th reporting deadlines.

Betting on Founders: Gerry Hays Introduces Venture Staking and Pharma Market Insights

sam@kingscrowd.com (gerry hayes, brian belley, teddy lyons, scott kitun) — Mon, 5 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

On this special episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, we're joined by Gerry Hays, founder and CEO of Doriot. Gerry shares the vision behind Venture Staking, a new model designed to revolutionize early-stage investing by allowing investors to secure future investment rights at minimal upfront costs. Later, Kingscrowd’s Senior Investment Associate Teddy Lyons breaks down the latest healthcare and pharma trends in Regulation Crowdfunding (RegCF) and Regulation A (RegA) markets, highlighting surprising data on funding growth and investor behavior.

Episode Highlights:

Special Guest Gerry Hays: Understanding Venture Staking and its impact on crowdfunding

Venture Staking Model: Why securing the right to invest could be better than investing upfront

Healthcare Funding Trends: Surprising insights into RegCF and RegA performance in biotech and pharma

Inside the Kingscrowd Acquisition of CrowdCheck with CEO Chris Lustrino

sam@kingscrowd.com (chris lustrino, brian belley) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

This special Kingscrowd Podcast episode features founder & CEO Chris Lustrino discussing Kingscrowd’s strategic acquisition of CrowdCheck. Learn how combining CrowdCheck’s industry-leading regulatory expertise with Kingscrowd’s data-driven advisory platform creates a groundbreaking solution for startup founders navigating Regulation CF and Regulation A raises. Chris also shares insights into the vision behind Kingscrowd’s growth and how investors and founders will benefit from this game-changing merger.

Highlights & Key segments:

Behind the Acquisition: Why CrowdCheck was an essential strategic move for Kingscrowd.

Future Roadmap: Exclusive details on upcoming product developments, including the launch of Kingscrowd’s investor relations platform.

Investment Opportunity: How Kingscrowd investors can benefit directly from the recent acquisitions and continued growth trajectory.

Unlocking Private Capital: What's Changing at the SEC?

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley shares exclusive insights straight from the SEC’s recent Small Business Forum. Get the inside track on potential regulatory shifts—including higher Reg CF and Reg A+ funding caps—and what these changes mean for private investors and startup founders. Plus, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Teddy Lyons dive into how recent tariff uncertainty is impacting US climate tech startups and reshaping the future of American manufacturing.

Highlights include...

SEC Insider Insights: Brian breaks down proposed regulation changes, their potential impact on capital access, investor protections, and fraud prevention.

Tariff Impact Deep-Dive: Léa analyzes climate startups positioning themselves as winners in US manufacturing amid tariff volatility.

Industry Spotlight (AI & Pharma): Teddy outlines potential ripple effects from tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical sectors.

Navigating Startup Investments Amid Market Volatility

sam@kingscrowd.com (Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Scott Kitun, Brian Belley) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast episode:

Reg CF Trends in March: Brian and Scott dive into the significant uptick in Reg CF funding, analyzing March's $44 million raise—up 58% month-over-month—and exploring its implications against the backdrop of recent public market volatility.

Public vs. Private Market Investing: Scott discusses the benefits of diversification into private markets during turbulent economic periods, highlighting the psychological advantages and practical strategies for managing investor stress and volatility.

Deal Review - Rise Robotics: Léa presents a detailed breakdown of Rise Robotics, a pioneering company replacing traditional hydraulics with efficient electric linear actuators. They discuss its promising market potential, innovative technology, financial backing, valuation insights, and overall investor considerations.

Inside Newsmax's Reg A+ "mini" IPO & Startup Tax Advice: LLCs vs C-Corps

sam@kingscrowd.com (Brian Belley, Scott Kitun) — Mon, 7 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast: Newsmax IPO Analysis: The team breaks down Newsmax's unprecedented Reg A+ IPO, its explosive first-day trading activity, and implications for the online private market. Tax Season Essentials: Brian and Teddy dive into the nuances of LLCs versus C-Corporations, discussing tax implications, K-1 forms, and the QSBS tax benefit. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Darren Marble 10:15 Newsmax "mini" IPO 21:06 LLC vs C-Corp

Infrastructure Investments: Hamilton Lane Opens Door for Retail Investors

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Women Funding Gap Chart: https://kingscrowd.com/article/the-deal-funding-gap-for-women-founders-explained Hamilton Lane + Republic Infrastructure Fund: https://republic.com/hamilton-lane-private-infrastructure-fund Hamilton Lane & Republic Partnership: Scott Kitun details the innovative partnership between Hamilton Lane and Republic, democratizing private equity investment in infrastructure for retail investors with opportunities starting at $500. Infrastructure Investing Explained: An exploration of private equity infrastructure investments, potential returns, risk profiles, and why infrastructure is becoming a vital part of retail investors' portfolios. Women-Founded Startups Analysis: Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau examines trends in funding for women-founded startups, highlighting equity crowdfunding’s progress and remaining gaps. 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Tokenized Infrastructure Fund 27:05 Women Funding Gap

Crowdfunding Deep Dive: Taxes, Real Estate, & Hylio Drones

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Hylio analyst report: https://kingscrowd.com/hylio-on-startengine-2024/ Startup Tax 101: https://kingscrowd.com/navigating-taxes-in-startup-investments-what-every-investor-should-know/ In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast: Tax Insights for Investors: Brian and Scott discuss key tax considerations for crowdfunding investors, including Schedule K-1s, extensions, and the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) advantages. Real Estate Crowdfunding Trends: Teddy provides an analysis of how interest rates influence real estate crowdfunding, highlighting growth patterns and economic factors affecting investor decisions. Hylio Drone Deal Review: Léa examines Helio, a leader in precision agriculture drone manufacturing, focusing on its potential, valuation, regulatory advantages, and strong growth trajectory in a highly competitive market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Startup Investing Tax Prep 19:40 Real Estate Deals in Reg CF 27:39 Hylio Deal Analysis

Meme Coins, Fraud & the SEC: What Investors Need to Know

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The SEC just made a major announcement about meme coins—and we’re breaking it down. Are meme coins just gambling, or are they actual investments? What does this mean for investor protections, and where do we draw the line between speculation and securities? Then, we shift gears into crowdfunding trends, analyzing how "testing the waters" impacts funding success. Do investors follow through on their pledges? Why do some campaigns exceed their reservations, while others fail to hit their goals? Our data experts dive into the numbers across Wefunder and StartEngine to see which platform has the best conversion rates. Tune in for actionable insights that investors, founders, and finance enthusiasts can’t afford to miss.

Trillions in Retail Investing? Robinhood’s Big Bet on Tokenization

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Kingscrowd Podcast, we dive into two major themes shaping the future of investing: 💰 Robinhood’s Tokenization Push & Retail Investing’s Future Robinhood’s CEO Vlad Tenev just revealed plans to tokenize real-world assets and bring trillions of dollars in private markets to retail investors. We break down what this means for startup investing, equity crowdfunding, and the future of finance. 🤖 AI Startups & Investment Crowdfunding AI is everywhere—but how many AI startups in crowdfunding are actually innovating vs. just riding the AI hype? We analyzed funding trends and uncovered which companies are truly AI-driven and which are marketing tricks.

The IPO Problem & Access to Capital

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This week on the Kingscrowd Podcast, we tackle two major topics shaking up the investment crowdfunding space: 🚀 IPOs in Crowdfunding: Beta Bionics & Cloudastructure Two startups that raised money from retail investors went public this week, but there were major hurdles for investors. From locked-up shares to poor planning, we discuss what this means for future IPOs in the industry. 💰 Is Equity Crowdfunding Truly Democratizing Capital? Since it's Black History Month, we analyzed whether Black founders are getting better access to capital through crowdfunding compared to venture capital. We dive into the stark funding gap, where Black-led startups get a fraction of VC funding but perform better in equity crowdfunding. Join Brian, Teddy, and Leah, with special guest Scott Kitun, as they break down the numbers and discuss the real challenges and opportunities in startup investing.

How Changing SEC Rules Could Shape Startup Investing in 2025

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 3 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast the team discusses potential regulatory changes in 2025 and how they could impact startup investing. We also dive into our Chart of the Week, analyzing data from the top equity crowdfunding platforms and how their investment sizes and median raises compare. Scott Kitun joins us to break down the evolving regulatory environment, including how Andreessen Horowitz and the SEC's new crypto task force could reshape reg CF and reg A offerings. Plus, we explore how funding platforms like wefunder, Republic, startengine, and dealmaker are performing, and what it means for both investors and founders.

TruCrowd Shuts Down & Private vs Public Revenue Multiples Explained

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This week’s Kingscrowd Podcast dives into two key topics: the closure of TruCrowd, a longtime funding portal, and the comparison of public vs. private revenue multiples in crowdfunding. Join Brian, Teddy, Léa, and special guest Scott Kitun as they explore what TruCrowd’s shutdown means for the industry, how investors can navigate platform closures, and what revenue multiples reveal about private vs. public market opportunities.

Key Startup Red & Yellow Flags to Watch For

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this week’s Kingscrowd Podcast, we dive into the red flags and yellow flags that every investor should be aware of when evaluating startup investments. From low runway risks to unclear valuations, our team breaks down the top challenges seen in 2024’s equity crowdfunding deals. Topics include: 🚩 Top red flags: Low runway, active lawsuits, and high revenue multiples. ⚠️ Yellow flags: Insider share sales, repurchase rights, and unclear valuation terms. 🛠 Practical tips for identifying and navigating risks.

2024 Equity Crowdfunding Recap: Insights & Predictions

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

The latest Kingscrowd Podcast episode takes a deep dive into the equity crowdfunding market for 2024, exploring key trends, platform performance, valuation insights, and diversity metrics. Kingscrowd’s VP of Product, Brian Belley, alongside investment analysts Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Teddy Lyons, analyze thousands of deals to uncover the latest developments in this rapidly evolving space. Learn how the market fared post-2021 highs, which platforms dominated the industry, and what the future holds for 2025. Key takeaways include: Market performance: How the industry has evolved since its 2021 peak. Platform trends: Discover which platforms led the charge. Diversity matters: Women-led teams hit record deal participation. Valuations: Why they remain high despite economic challenges.

Startup Insights: BitterBrains’ Growth, Competition & Exit Plans

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this week’s Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons explore Bitter Brains, an innovative online education platform currently raising funds on Republic. Bitter Brains specializes in developer certifications and courses for frameworks like Vue and React. The team analyzes its growth potential, business model, competition, and exit strategies while discussing broader trends in the EdTech sector.

Crowdfunding Insights: Kingscrowd's 200th Chart + Elemental Health Updates

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Teddy Lyons, and Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau celebrate the 200th edition of the "Chart of the Week" by exploring the most popular investments among Kingscrowd users. They dive into major names like StartEngine, Monogram Orthopedics, and Rentberry, uncovering trends behind their popularity. The team also breaks down material updates to Elemeno Health, including new leadership, improved margins, and the nuances of liquidation preferences.

Crowdfunding Trends: Honeycomb Credit's Acquisition of Raise Green & Platform Market Shifts

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 9 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian, Léa, and Teddy discuss two significant topics shaping the equity crowdfunding space. First, the team analyzes the implications of Honeycomb Credit’s acquisition of Raise Green, a platform focused on climate-related investments. Then, they dive into an exclusive analysis of equity investment distribution across major crowdfunding platforms like StartEngine, WeFunder, Republic, and DealMaker. Key Insights: Honeycomb Credit’s strategic acquisition of Raise Green and its impact on the impact investing landscape. StartEngine’s rise as the market leader, overtaking WeFunder in equity crowdfunding. The decline of Dalmore’s market share and DealMaker’s rapid growth in the space. How network effects influence platform consolidation in the crowdfunding industry.

What’s Cooking in Equity Crowdfunding? Insights on Food Startups

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

🍴 In this Thanksgiving special of the Kingscrowd Podcast, Léa, Teddy, and Chris discuss the equity crowdfunding market for food startups. From the rise and fall of plant-based alternatives to the resurgence of sustainably raised meat companies, we explore the trends shaping this sector. 💡 Highlights: Why has plant-based food lost its buzz in 2023? Which categories are thriving in food crowdfunding? Key investment considerations for CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) startups. Join us as we serve up insights on the meat, dairy, and plant-based sectors and offer a full plate of analysis on food-related deals. 🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from the Kingscrowd team! 📊 Explore the latest deals and analysis at Kingscrowd.

Qnetic's Flywheel Solution to Energy Storage

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Read our analysis on Qnetic: https://kingscrowd.com/qnetic-on-wefunder-2024/

In this week’s Kingcrowd Podcast, we explore Qnetic, a groundbreaking energy storage company leveraging flywheel technology to solve the biggest challenges in renewable energy. With the global push toward sustainable power, Qnetic offers an eco-friendly and long-lasting alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Join Teddy, Léa, and Scott as they dive into the potential of this innovative solution and its place in a rapidly growing market. 💡 Highlights: What makes Qnetic’s flywheel technology revolutionary? The growing demand for energy storage solutions in the renewable sector. Letters of Intent: How meaningful are they for Qnetic's success? Is this a winner-take-all market?

Breaking Down StartEngine’s Latest Raise and Veteran Founder Trends

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

This week’s Kingscrowd Podcast dives into two compelling topics: veteran founders in crowdfunding and StartEngine’s latest capital raise. We explore how veterans are gravitating toward industries like aerospace, business tech, and healthcare and what unique advantages they bring to these sectors. Then, we analyze StartEngine’s newest funding round, discussing their growth trajectory, valuation, and competition within the crowdfunding platform space. Join Léa, Scott, and Teddy for a detailed look at these trends and what they could mean for startup investors.

October Investment Insights and Deep Tech: What’s Next for Investors?

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Check out our full analysis of Printera: https://kingscrowd.com/printera-on-startengine-2024/ In this week’s Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian, Teddy, and Léa dive into key trends shaping October 2024’s investment landscape. Our chart of the week explores capital-intensive industries such as robotics and lithium extraction, with insights into top-raising companies like EnergyX and Miso Robotics. Next, we review Printera, a 3D printing startup making waves in construction by using robotics to reduce building costs and timelines. Join us for these discussions, plus a timely update on potential shifts in the regulatory landscape following recent SEC meetings and the Fed's interest rate cut. Perfect for both investors and founders, this episode offers a deeper look into industry changes, company profiles, and market trends.

Understanding Zombie Companies and Revenue Growth in Startup Investing

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

This week's newsletter: https://www.pitchreviews.com/p/are-companies-successfully-growing-revenues-before-raising-again-online See our Trevi Systems analysis: https://kingscrowd.com/trevi-systems-on-dealmaker-securities-2024/ This week’s podcast tackles critical trends in startup investing, exploring the concept of zombie companies with low growth and how it affects investors. The team also introduces new Kingscrowd raise page features, giving investors a closer look at updated financial metrics. The deal we review is Trevi Systems, a forward-osmosis desalination startup led by a founder with prior billion-dollar exits, offering promising growth but at a premium valuation. Finally, Brian recaps recent meetings with the SEC and Congress, where discussions covered improved investor protections, tax credits, and greater transparency in the crowdfunding space.

Transportation Startups, Down Rounds and Common vs Preferred Equity

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this week’s Kingcrowd Podcast, the team explores trends in transportation startup investments, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the pack, followed by planes and eVTOLs. They also discuss Elemeno Health’s pivot and down round, highlighting the company’s potential for future growth. Lastly, they dive into the critical differences between common and preferred equity, emphasizing the impact on investors’ returns.

How to Spot Misleading Financials in Investment Crowdfunding Campaigns

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

What are the key insights from Q3 2024 investment crowdfunding data? Teddy shares that Q3 saw strong performance with top companies like AtomBeam and Liquid Piston raising the most capital. The equity crowdfunding market raised close to $1 million per day, with the year expected to close around $350-$400 million for Regulation CF. What are some red flags investors should be cautious about when analyzing campaign pages? Brian points out revenue charts where issuers lump multiple years together, making declining revenues less visible. Léa highlights the issue of non-GAAP financials being presented as pro forma revenue, which can mislead investors about a company's actual performance. How do non-disclosed valuations impact investors? Léa emphasizes that not disclosing valuations is a major issue, leaving investors in the dark. Teddy expresses frustration with platforms that fail to disclose valuations and urges the SEC to make it mandatory for all companies to publicly state them, as it's a crucial factor for investor decision-making. What should investors be aware of regarding financials in crowdfunding campaigns? Brian reminds investors that Regulation Crowdfunding requires financials to be in GAAP format, making it essential to cross-check SEC filings and not rely solely on non-GAAP figures. Teddy adds that even though presenting pro forma revenue isn’t illegal, transparency and explanation are vital for investors to trust the data.

VC vs. Crowdfunding, Boxabl’s $3B Valuation & AptDeco's Resale Model

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

The Roundtable crew analyzes data on venture capital vs. crowdfunding trends, assessing Boxabl's $3.4 billion valuation, whether it’s justified and understanding why it has two active raises. The team also reviews AptDeco's current offering, a rising platform transforming the secondhand furniture market with $6.5M in revenue and top-tier partnerships. Key Takeaways: Venture Capital vs. Crowdfunding: We analyze data from 2018 to 2024, revealing that while both markets saw huge growth in 2021, crowdfunding has pulled back less and shows more consistent growth than traditional venture capital. Boxabl’s Massive Valuation: With a $3.4 billion valuation, Boxabl has gained traction, but questions remain about its gross margins, product delivery, and the founders' hefty compensation. Is Boxabl overvalued? AptDeco’s Rise in the Furniture Resale Market: AptDeco is transforming the secondhand furniture market, with $6.5 million in revenue and partnerships with major brands. Learn why it's a standout player in this growing space and how it solves key logistical challenges.

Top Revenue Growing Startups & A Look Into Lexi's Market Pivot

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of KingsCrowd’s Investment Roundtable, Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons explore the top revenue-growing startups in equity crowdfunding from 2022 to 2023 (with active raises today). They analyze which sectors are leading the charge, including surprising players in the food and beverage industries. The team also takes a deep dive into Lexi, a company pivoting from IoT solutions to smart building management. Learn about the market potential, risks, and opportunities this pivot presents, along with insights on revenue growth and valuation. Key Takeaways: -Top Startups by Revenue Growth: Discover the top five startups that achieved significant revenue growth from 2022 to 2023, with a focus on consumer products and CPG brands. -Analyzing Growth in Crowdfunding: The episode covers how to assess startup growth beyond revenue percentages, and what key factors to look at when considering crowdfunding investments. -Lexi’s Market Pivot: Lexi, originally an IoT platform, has pivoted to decarbonizing buildings. The team examines its potential in the growing smart building management market and discusses the financial and regulatory challenges it faces. -Investment Risks: While Lexi has exciting potential, the pivot presents new risks. -Key concerns include a steep decline in revenue and potential overvaluation at a $30 million cap.

The Reality of Startup Failures & A Deep Dive Into Pivotal Health

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of KingsCrowd's "Investment Roundtable," our experts, Brian Belley, Teddy Lyons, and Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, explore the booming HealthTech and pharmaceutical sectors in regulation crowdfunding. They dive into top investment opportunities, including Future Cardia's innovative heart monitor and Ajna Biosciences' plant-based pharmaceuticals for autism and anxiety. Learn about the FDA approval process, key risks, and why these startups are attracting major investor interest. Tune in to get the inside scoop on the latest trends and opportunities in this high-stakes industry! Key Takeaways: HealthTech & Pharma Boom: The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors have seen significant traction in regulation crowdfunding, with numerous offerings and high capital raised. Future Cardia Spotlight: Future Cardia's heart monitor, designed for continuous patient monitoring, is progressing towards FDA approval through the 510(k) pathway, which could fast-track its market entry. Ajna Biosciences Overview: Ajna Biosciences is developing plant-based pharmaceuticals for autism and anxiety, targeting conditions with significant unmet needs and lessening side effects compared to traditional drugs. FDA Approval Insights: The episode breaks down the different FDA approval pathways, highlighting the complexities and potential risks involved in bringing new medical devices and drugs to market. Investment Risks & Rewards: The discussion includes potential risks such as the capital-intensive nature of these startups and the regulatory hurdles they must overcome, balanced against the high potential rewards in these innovative sectors.

Investment Roundtable: Top HealthTech & Pharma Startups to Watch in 2024

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Clean Energy the next Big Opportunity? Plus Examining Founders with Multiple Exits

sam@kingscrowd.com (Kingscrowd) — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of "Investment Roundtable," KingsCrowd experts Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Brian Belley, and Teddy Lyons dive deep into the booming Clean Energy sector. They discuss why investors are backing clean transportation and energy companies, despite the challenges of high valuations and competition. Learn how to evaluate emerging green energy startups, the potential risks, and what trends could drive the future of this rapidly growing industry. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just curious about CleanTech, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate this market. Subscribe to Kingscrowd and create your free account at: kingscrowd.com/subscribe Subscribe to our free Pitch Reviews newsletter: pitchreviews.com/subscribe Read the chart: https://kingscrowd.com/discover-the-top-founders-in-equity-crowdfunding-with-multiple-exits/ The Companies EarthGrid: https://kingscrowd.com/earthgrid-on-netcapital-2024/ GoSun: https://kingscrowd.com/gosun-on-startengine-2024/ Neighborhood Sun: https://kingscrowd.com/neighborhood-sun-on-wefunder-2024/ Infinity Fuel Cell: https://kingscrowd.com/infinity-fuel-cell-and-hydrogen-on-dealmaker-securities-2023/