How Poor Execution Turns a Great Idea into the Worst Investment
Prelude In early 2017, I was shown an opportunity to invest in a US$6.5m simple agreement for a future equity (SAFE) note issued by BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc., a $1bn Canadian e–commerce company. All of business’ facets looked solid My client had made previous investments in the company and had a strong conviction in the team, the company, the market and this “new marketplace” opportunity. The company sells heavy construction supplies, such as tiles and…
Read Full PostFutures Investor Takes Eyes Off the Ball and Pays the Price
Prelude Around 2013-2014, I had a short-term market speculative position on the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) using a SET50 Futures contract. One day, the market slid around 10% because of political unrest, and I was on the losing side of the equation. Too busy to watch an investment It was a busy day at work, and I would generally not think too much about my position unless I received a call from my broker. I received a call. My broker told me that my position had to be forced closed. At the time, I was…
Read Full PostFalse Hope, Poor Due Diligence Blinds Oil Industry Investor
I invested in an oil and gas industry offshore support vessel company in the first quarter of 2014, driven mainly by the desire to cash in on the presumed success of its parent company—an oil and gas industry engineering, procurement, and construction firm.
Read Full PostStart-Up Entrepreneur Runs out of Investment ‘Juice’
Around three years ago, my partner and I founded a business producing and delivering raw juices for detoxification. We had felt that this product would be a winner because, early on, a lot of people were signing up quickly once we had explained the many health benefits of raw-juice programs.
Read Full PostBeing the Money Man for Friends
My worst investment decision was an investment in a start-up company. I did not invest because I thought the company had a good idea but because I liked the people who were working there, and I didn’t feel I could say “no” to them.
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