Venture Investing and Direct Public Offerings (DPO's)

     DPO's are probably THE BEST way to become involved in venture investing, but only if they are part of a complete venture incubation system. DSI and its partners have developed exactly such a system, which to our knowledge is unique, and truly has excellent potential.

     On this page we will provide references to working papers, methods and other information that can help improve the understanding and decision making process relating to venture investing, business performance and regulatory effectiveness.

     DSI is committed to work as rapidly as possible with its partners and affiliates to design and establish optimal business development and venture investment systems.  We have set up structures and processes that pro-actively facilitate interaction and accountability for everyone's benefit (read our working papers to see where we are heading and please give us feedback).

     DSI's system includes the following elements:

• A focus on the use of DPO's as venture investment opportunities
• Bridge financing as an attractive entry for venture investment
• Specialized newsletters for DPO company management and independent investors
• Venture investment education campaigns and promotions
• Implementation of success assurance principles
• Formation of online venture investment clubs
• Formation of specialized venture investment funds
• Participation of public organizations in pro-active systems

     To obtain summary information about venture investment projects that we are currently working on, learn more about our revolving loan program and private investing opportunities send an email to:

DPO's and Venture Investments

     Direct Public Offerings (DPO's) are sales of shares offered directly to the public by companies that are authorized to do so by securities regulators.  DPO's, properly structured, are in effect venture investments.  That's what makes them attractive.

     Independent investors should have the opportunity to know more about venture investments, but there is actually very little information available for them.  The degree of misunderstanding that exists about such investments is dismal affecting all interested parties, including investors, entrepreneurs and public servants.

     Clearly, much needs to be done in this area.   This section of our web site will be updated and we ask that you provide comments and feedback.  We are doing what we can to do our part.  Please give us your suggestions or comments by emailing:

Success Assurance and Performance Monitoring

     The secrets of business success are not all that secret.  It is quite obvious that business success principles can be easily identified.  We have been studying this area for many years and we know what is required.  Most experienced, successful business people also have the same knowledge.   What has been lacking is an implementation and execution system.

     The main elements of a "success assurance" program are operational results planning that create focus and discipline, along with accountability that comes from accurate performance monitoring.  (I.e., a program based on the principles that what gets measured is more likely to get done; and when you know you are being watched, you are more likely to perform better.)  At DSI we are implementing this type of program by working actively with clients, their advisors, and investors.  Watch for our working paper on this topic.

Formation of Venture Investment Clubs

     After you have read our working papers, you will probably agree that it can make a lot of sense to participate in a venture investment club.  As part of our effort to bring venture investing to the attention of independent investors DSI has teamed up with FairShares Corporation to sponsor the formation of venture investment clubs.   If you are interested in joining or helping to form such a club email:

Formation of Venture Investment Funds

     Nearly 30 years ago Congress was interested in making it less burdensome for businesses to obtain financing.  In practical terms there has been little progress to date with respect to this goal.  At DSI we believe that the emergence of the Internet and the widespread use of computers makes it possible to create much more efficient venture investment systems making it possible to increase the number of investments that are made and still have better returns.  We are seeking strategic partners to establish specialized venture funds that will take advantage of the changes in the coming venture investment environment.

     Please email if you are interested in working with us. If you are a resident of the United States you will need to be an accredited investor.

Working Papers

     The following working papers are available at the FairShares Corporation site (link will open in new window), our venture investing partner.

FSC WP#1.  What Entrepreneurs and Investors Should Know about Venture Investment

FSC WP#2.  How to Make Sense of Venture Investment Returns

You can obtain copies of these papers and other premium information simply by subscribing to FairShares Independent Investors newsletter. To subscribe, click here and then click on the"Join fs4u-independent-investors button" (link will open in new window.)

Links - Learn More about Venture Investment

http://www.people.hbs.edu/jlerner/info.html - If you want to do some serious studying here are some materials from a Harvard University course.

http://www.ventureeconomics.com   -  "Venture Economics Information Services has been providing institutional investors and private equity professionals with private equity performance benchmarking and analytics products for over thirteen years."  Not geared to independent investors, but probably the best source of data about venture capital investment results.

Public Service and Venture Investment

     In this section we want to identify and highlight what can be done by public servants to facilitate business development and investment in positive ways.  Much emphasis is placed on the negative functions of government, for example with respect to business regulation and in dealing with investment fraud.  This in itself is a serious problem.

     We believe that public servants work for all of us and have responsibilities to make positive contributions as well.   This is particularly the case regarding economic development, business growth and investment opportunity.  The Internet can have a  positive impact on the way public servants perceive their roles and responsibilities by personalizing their interactions with the public.  We would like to see more thoughtful communication about this issue and hope that you will get involved.  Look for a working paper on this topic soon.