Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1087136
32 WAC Magazine | wac.net Finding opportunity with investment groups By Brianna McDonald, WAC Program Board Member e Northwest has been a lead- ing technology and life sciences community for decades, and these indus- tries continue to foster the growth of our region and business ecosystem. Do you regret missing out on early-stage investment into Microso, Amazon and Expedia, to name just a few? Risk may be scary, but it's also pivotal to generating your wealth. One of the best ways to find the next great opportunities is to join an invest- ment group. ese groups offer access to deal flow and alternative investments you won't usually find elsewhere. Unlike a fund, however, groups don't invest for you. You invest on your own in collaboration with others. If joining with others in pursuit of financial growth piques your interest, here are some important things to consider: • How much capital can you afford to allocate? • How diversified do you want to be to mitigate risk? • At what stage of company development do you want to invest? You typically should have at least 15 to 20 investments in your portfolio to be considered well-diversified. Seed and early-stage investments are the riskiest but can also yield the biggest returns. Later-stage investment is less likely to fail but is usually more expensive. When working collaboratively on vetting early-stage opportunities, your personal experience is essential, whether you come from a business background or are a consumer who understands the target market. BUSINESS DIRECTORY All WAC members receive a complimentary listing in the Club Business Directory. To activate your listing, log on to wac.net/directory. —WAC member Brianna McDonald sits on the Program Board and is president of the Keiretsu Forum Northwest Region. Log on to wac.net/directory to view her WAC Business Directory listing. As you seek an investment group that best suits you, reach out to your personal and professional networks. You might be surprised to find out who is already involved in these groups. Be curious, ask questions and, when you're ready, find out how to join. Great opportunities await! club life investment insights