Managed accounts technology provider SMArtX Advisory Solutions is giving advisors using its platform access to direct private company investments. The new access comes via Deal Book, an investment platform created by SMArtX-affiliated broker/dealer HedgeCo Securities, specializing in alternative investments.
The platform allows investors to access “late stage, pre-IPO firms” and includes notable companies like Robinhood, SoFi, DoorDash and Impossible Foods. HedgeCo Securities receives a commission of a referral fee for soliciting the private investment, pending the completion of an investment via Deal Book.
“Deal Book enables us to provide access to great private company investments,” SMArtX CEO Evan Rapoport said in a statement. “Since companies are opting to stay private longer into their lifecycle, shareholders looking for liquidity are often willing to sell their shares at a discount, providing opportunity for our advisors and their clients.”
“This creates a chance to own part of a firm that is an established household name, for a lower minimum and lower price,” he added.
Investments can be made for as little as $20,000, according to the announcement. Deal Book’s offerings are designed to meet increasing accredited, noninstitutional investor demand for access to investments typically reserved for institutional investors and industry insiders, according to Alex Smith-Ryland, spokesperson for SMArtX.