Investing in a private company

Filed under:hznp.com — cfz @ January 9, 2009 edit
  • I recently attended a lecture given by the CEO of a private company. This company has a number of large contracts, has received VC investment from large, reputable firms (Motorola Ventures, The Tokarz Group, etc). I believe the comapny would be a good investment. Is it possible for private individual to invest a modest amount (~$10,000) in a private company? If so, what is the appropriate way to go about doing so? Thank you for your time.


  • I agree with all the above, just to point out that it is not just one person's opinion. Reading Maqrchbald-ga's comment reminded me of another point. A private company interested in additional capital of $ 10,000 would probably be able to raise it from existing owners, a very much simpler matter for the company. I can understand your interest; some private companies can be very attractive, but if they are, they have no need for an additional new owner. Sorry. That is what the stock market is for - for us little investors. Myoarin


  • It is possible, but generally given the circumstances it won't be permitted by existing obligations that were assumed at the time the VC made their investment. Generally speaking, the VC will now sit on, if not control the board of director's of the organization upi are looking to invest in. There is no way to invest in a private company without the consent of the board of director (this is the foundation of the difference between "public" and "private"). The place to start is with the company's CEO and the question "are you currently seeking additional funding". If the CEO has the leg room to make such decisions after their initial rounds of funding then it may be OK. But...do be warned that if a VC is OK with you getting in on the action it may be a sign that the believe the deal has soured - it means they are not willing to risk any more of their own money. If they think its a good deal a VC WANTS to invest more in later rounds, or to get another VC in on the action and build alliances (all very generally speaking). That said, 10,000 is usually not worth the effort required (legal, beurocratic) for a company to get some investment, unless very early rounds. Alternatively, you could approach the VC and see if they are still seeking investment in the fund that is buying into the company you are interested in. While that will dillute your investment across all companies the fund is interested in, it might be a nice option. That said...most VCs do not accept money in sums as small as 10K. The short answer is "unless you have some connection to the firm or a TON of money or unless you are taking on an invesment that has gone very high risk then it is unlikely that investment attempts will succeed.







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