A conversation with Haroon M. Cheema, a seasoned international tax attorney, discussing the complexities of cross-border taxation, investment structures, and tax incentives. He's done many deals, so he has thoughts on what you should look out for when considering an investment. Haroon shares his journey from New Jersey to Dubai and back, offering valuable insights into the world of international tax law.

Takeaways:

• Investment structures can significantly impact tax outcomes.
• Tax incentives vary greatly by jurisdiction.
• Understanding tax treaties is crucial for international investments.
• Legal and financial expertise is vital in tax planning.
• Tax credits are generally more valuable than deductions.
• Entity structure affects tax liabilities and benefits.
• Due diligence is essential in tax-related transactions.
• AI can assist in finding primary tax sources but not in analysis.
• Tax law is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning.

In this episode of the Beyond Stocks show, Chihiro Kurokawa interviews Cory Rodriguez, a crypto and Bitcoin mining expert. They discuss the evolution of mining technology, the unique business model of NFN8, and the competitive landscape of Bitcoin mining. Cory explains the risks associated with Bitcoin mining investments and how NFN8 mitigates these risks through strategic power contracts and innovative technologies like immersion mining. The conversation also touches on the finite nature of Bitcoin and the future of mining operations.

NFN8 started in a garage and has evolved into a significant player in Bitcoin mining.

The technology for Bitcoin mining has drastically improved, with hash rates increasing significantly over the years.

NFN8's business model focuses on leasing supercomputers to accredited investors for Bitcoin mining.

Bitcoin mining is primarily focused on Bitcoin, with institutional miners largely avoiding other cryptocurrencies.

The competitive landscape includes both large institutional miners and smaller operations like NFN8.

Bitcoin mining is a finite process, with the last Bitcoin expected to be mined by 2140.

Risks in Bitcoin mining include fluctuating electricity prices and natural disasters.

Emerging technologies like immersion mining are becoming more affordable and efficient for Bitcoin mining operations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Crypto Mining and NFN8

03:58 Evolution of Mining Technology

06:43 Business Model of NFN8

09:49 Bitcoin Mining Landscape

16:21 The Finite Nature of Bitcoin Mining

18:27 Risks and Mitigation Strategies

26:21 Emerging Technologies in Mining

31:56 Investment Opportunities and Closing Thoughts

Bitcoin, crypto mining, NFN8, investment, technology, business model, immersion mining, risks, competition, cryptocurrency

In this conversation, Chihiro interviews James Wang from Mimosa Ventures, exploring his journey into venture capital, the differences between angel investing and venture capital, and the current state of the VC ecosystem. They discuss the impact of AI on various industries, particularly healthcare, and the future of AI technology. James emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships in investment and the challenges in today's VC market due to economic uncertainties.

Takeaways

James Wang has a diverse background in finance and venture capital.

Understanding the stages of startup funding is crucial for founders.

Angel investing focuses on very early-stage companies, while VCs invest in more established startups.

The VC ecosystem is currently facing challenges due to a lack of exits.

Economic uncertainty affects investment decisions and valuations.

Smaller VCs can find unique opportunities in local markets.

AI is revolutionizing industries but has limitations in reasoning and intelligence.

Practical applications of AI can significantly improve efficiency in healthcare.

The future of AI may involve new business models and payment systems.

Investors should seek strategic partnerships that add value beyond capital.

00:00 Introduction to Venture Capital and James Wang

03:05 Understanding Investment Stages: Seed to Series A

04:28 Angel Investing vs. Venture Capital09:17Current State of the VC Ecosystem

10:57 Market Forces Behind Lack of Exits

12:52 Emerging VCs and the Power Law

14:50 The Impact of AI on Venture Capital

19:20 Limitations and Misconceptions of AI

22:24 The Future of AI and Its Business Models

27:31 Final Thoughts on Venture Capital and AIKeywords: venture capital, angel investing, startup funding, AI impact, investment strategies, market trends, VC ecosystem, seed funding, Series A, technology investments

In this conversation, Pedro De Leon asks Chihiro Kurokawa for the details from his journey in multifamily investments, discussing the reasons behind his choice of this asset class, his first experiences, and the current state of the market. He highlights the challenges faced in today's multifamily landscape, including rent growth and tenant demand, and offers predictions for the future of the market. Chihiro also emphasizes the importance of demographics in investment decisions and shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences in the field.

Takeaways

• Long-term demographics for multifamily are positive due to housing demand.
• Building more housing is essential to address affordability issues.
• Networking and mentorship are crucial for success in multifamily investing.
• The current market shows distress with declining rents and increased supply.
• Investors are experiencing reduced distributions and some have lost equity.
• Future predictions indicate more distress in the multifamily market ahead.
• Chihiro thinks cap rates will expand further before valuations improve.
• Opportunities exist in markets with strong demographic growth.
• Experience is invaluable and cannot be bought
• Choosing the right partners is critical in multifamily investments.

Chapters

03:10 Chihiro's Journey into Multifamily

06:03 Current Market Conditions and Challenges

08:58 Future Predictions for Multifamily Investments

11:45 Identifying Opportunities in Multifamily

14:47 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Investors

17:49 Conclusion and Upcoming Beyond Stocks Workshop in DFW

Keywords

multifamily investments, real estate, market trends, investment strategies, housing demand, economic factors, rental market, property management, investment opportunities, financial distress

In this episode of the Beyond Stocks Podcast, Pedro and Chihiro dive into the world of Private Credit — exploring how it has evolved since the Great Recession of the late 2000s and what investors need to watch out for today.

After 2008, new regulations forced traditional banks to tighten lending standards. This opened the door for private lenders to step in, offering loans to borrowers deemed too risky or undesirable for banks. While private credit has exploded in popularity, it also comes with fewer transparency requirements - leading some to consider it a financial black box. Jamie Dimon recently commented that private credit could be a "recipe for a financial crisis."

Pedro and Chihiro ask the big questions: Could a downturn in private credit trigger systemic risks similar to 2008? Or has the market matured enough to handle stress without collapsing?

Whether you’re new to alternatives or a seasoned investor, this episode will help you understand the opportunities and risks of private credit in today’s market.

• How private credit emerged after the Great Financial Crisis (GFC)

• The similarities and differences between 2008 subprime lending and today’s private credit boom

• Why private credit portfolios can be opaque and difficult to evaluate

• Potential risks if widespread loan deterioration were to occur

• How accredited investors should think about private credit allocation and due diligence

• Learn more about us at www.beyond-stocks.com

  
  

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What You'll Learn

In this episode of the Beyond Stocks Podcast, we sit down with Nic Espanet — multifamily investor, syndicator, and host of the FLEX Forward Podcast. Nic shares his journey from being a passive investor to leading large multifamily syndications, managing thousands of doors, and helping people invest as Limited Partners into commercial real estate.

If you’ve been curious about how to get started in multifamily investing, the challenges syndicators face, or what it takes to scale from a few units to thousands, this conversation is for you.

Whether you’re an accredited investor looking for passive income or an aspiring syndicator aiming to build your own portfolio, Nic’s story and strategies will give you the insights to move forward with confidence.

• How Nic transitioned from passive investor to multifamily syndicator

• The mindset shift required to manage thousands of multifamily units

• What every first-time investor should know before wiring money into a deal

• Key lessons from Nic's journey to becoming a professional investor

• Why building strong partnerships is the cornerstone of success in real estate

• Nic’s perspective on the future of multifamily investing and where the best opportunities may be

  
  

• Connect with Nic Espanet: LinkedIn | FLEX Forward Podcast

• Learn more about Beyond Stocks: beyond-stocks.com

  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Beyond Stocks, leave us a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to start investing beyond Wall Street.

Most investors have heard Buffett's expression about being greedy when others are fearful. But knowing it and doing it are entirely different.

John Bullman is the Chief Investment Officer at LGT Financial Advisors, and he has decades of investment experience including 15 years at a leading family office.

This discussion was packed with brilliant insights including John's thoughts on whether we currently have more inflationary or deflationary pressures; a story about how he and his team were rewarded for having the guts to go big after being clobbered (along with everybody else) during the Great Recession.

Beyond Stocks is the premier podcast and community for people who want to go beyond stocks, bonds and mutual funds to invest in alternative assets. It's time to get out from under Wall Street!

Jared Benson with Clotine Capital is our favorite kind of investor. He started with a regular job like most other people, but at the young age of 25 he made his first investment into a private offering. He's also tried his hand in multiple businesses as an entrepreneur but wisely concluded that he should only create and run businesses that are in his area of expertise. This mindset allowed him to reach accredited investor status at a young age.

Today, he's focused on making his money grow for him through a variety of private investments.

Jared also discusses good and bad deals and the lessons learned.

Keith Blackborg and his wife Jessica did well with their businesses and real estate investing, but they eventually faced existential questions like "Why are we still doing this?"

They sold their assets and took a three year vacation, after which they formed Financial Journey. FJ serves self-directed millionaires who learn about wealth creation, wealth preservation, investments and tax strategy. Along they way they have fun through retreats and other events that foster a sense of community and giving.

Today our guest is Jeff Murphy from North Texas Angel Network. NTAN is a network of dozens of accredited investors who invest in early stage startups. They regularly meet in Dallas Fort Worth to listen to pitches from startups that are raising capital. The group setting helps investors consider outside viewpoints before making an investment.

If you think you need to have millions in investable cash to be an angel investor, you're wrong! Listen in to get the details.

Beyond Stocks is brought to you by Pedro De Leon, Jr. and today's host, Chihiro Kurokawa. Our goal is to educate high income earners and business owners about how to invest into alternative assets without going through Wall Street.