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…

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Futures 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…

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Being 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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