We Help Businesses Raise The Money They Need To Operate.
We Do This In Six Ways:
1. Loan Origination:
Vertical Optimization, LLC is a loan originator for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). OPIC is an agency of the United States Government. It helps U.S. businesses invest overseas, fosters economic development in new and emerging markets, and complements the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment.
OPIC supports small businesses through a handful of vetted and designated service providers known collectively as the Enterprise Development Network (EDN). There are two kinds of EDN members?Network Investors (who provide investment capital to qualifying businesses) and Originators (who engage, develop & assist businesses to access these financial services).
Businesses can access these financial services through EDN Originators. Vertical Optimization, LLC is an EDN Originator for financing. We can assist qualified US entities to access political risk insurance coverage and loans (ranging from $100,000 to $250Million) from OPIC. For more information, click here.
2. Business Development Assistance:
In addition to loans, OPIC/EDN also oversees the Africa Technical Assistance (ATA) program. ATA is designed to provide business development assistance to qualified African businesses to enable them access services that may otherwise be unaffordable (but nonetheless vital for their long-term success). These would include business planning services, marketing plans, accounting and legal services, amongst others.
These capacity building interventions are intended to strengthen African businesses to become more globally competitive. The African business does NOT have to have US ownership to qualify for ATA support. The program could cover up to 50% of the cost of qualifying business development services provided to eligible companies. Vertical Optimization can assist companies to participate in this program as well as provide them the requisite business development services. For more information on the ATA program, send an e-mail to info@vo-llc.com.
3. Direct Lending/Private Clients:
These are clients that need to raise money (or secure a project) from an external source such as a bank, venture capital group, small business development agency, friends or family. The required documents could be business plans, proposals, feasibility studies, placement prospectuses, or similar documents.
The business plan helps the small business owner clarify where they are, where they are going, and how they propose to get there. It gives the prospective investor a true representation of the state (and prospects) of the business.
In many instances, we assist our clients by introducing them to lenders and underwriters, at no additional cost. We assist companies in the US as well as internationally. Our trade development program, Export Path, has a number of financial partners in several countries around the world, to whom we routinely refer clients for direct lending. Direct lending clients are welcome to access these services and leverage these relationships as long as we are satisfied (by way of the enterprise development process) that the project is viable and bankable. Typically we do not charge clients or 'take a position' on the money they raise based on our enterprise development services. This helps maintain credibility with our lenders & partners. Unlike "brokers" our recommendations are NOT influenced by the prospect of a "success fee".
4. Private Sources & Private Placement:
Most entrepreneurs have more goodwill than they realize. Often times, friends, family, relatives, and the larger community would be willing to invest in an opportunity if they are provided good, clear, transparent information about the risks and rewards associated with the investment. We provide the support for private placements. In certain instances, a few wealthy individuals may invest in an opportunity. In others, it may be a larger number of small investors with common ties that come together to drive a project. Either way, we assist you in accomplishing the background work needed to attract the funds you need to operate - and thrive!
5. Direct Investment:
Our firm invests in other companies. We do so in instances where there is a strategic fit with our portfolio AND we can clearly add value. In certain instances, we assist companies with private placements - identifying and engaging willing investors to invest in the company.
To accomplish this, the business MUST go through the valuation process for 'private clients' (above) before any consideration of investment. Our investments are typically equity positions, and we bring our business expertise - and contacts - to assist in growing the operation.
6. Group Clients:
Many bankable businesses cannot raise the relatively small amounts of money they need to grow.To assist these businesses, we have created a platform that leverages the (social and financial capital) of a global small business community to raise money via a microfinance mechanism. This platform is called 'Small Business Extended Family'. To learn more or to join, click here.
We Can Help You!
Our team works together to provide clients with the best solutions to many complex problems. What kind of entity to create? What is the best direction for a company in the face of competing alternatives? What is the best response to competitive threats? What would be a good brand in a highly competitive market space? What are the best sources of financing? What would be the impact of a merger or strategic alliance? What is the best path to exit a venture? Etc.
