Shows
Kingscrowd PodcastFrom ‘Grow at All Costs’ to Profits: A New Fund for 2026Profit beats “power law” this week as Brian Belley and Teddy Lyons unveil the Kingscrowd Capital Profitability Fund—built to target venture-like returns with materially lower risk. 00:17 intro & announcement; 01:26 thesis overview; 01:48 why power law hurts most investors; 02:36 targeting profitable private companies; 03:01 strict screen (2 yrs positive NI, ≥$1M rev, YoY growth, rev multiple ≤7.5x, 3.0+ KC rating, 5-yr exit path); 03:31 portfolio design (25 companies, concentrated, equal/pro-rata); 04:20 case study: LMNT growth & margins; 06:05 case study: ConsumerDirect’s valuation step-up; 07:03 current pipeline examples; 07:51 return target (3–5x fund) & risk profile; 08:15 fund size & LP-friendly fees (≈1% mgmt, 5% carry); 09:05 webinar details & how this complements Fund I.
2026-02-0320 min
VC React PodcastVC React SV E3: Paramount vs. Netflix, Kalshi Doubles Valuation, SpaceX's Secondary Sale at $800BVC React Podcast - Silicon Valley:Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, LPs, & Angel Investors, reacting to the latest news on Silicon Valley startups, funds, and investment rounds. ---Hosts: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on https://archives.fwdstart.me/ ---Available on:Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4O6gOT7eoMxf5M7qy3HVMpApple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384---Guests:1. Brian Belley, from KingsCrowd Capital- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbelley/- Company Website: https://kingscrowd.com/2. Jenny Barba, Co-Founder & Managing Partner @ Features Capital- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennybarba/- Company Website: https://featuresvc.co/
2025-12-1236 minKingscrowd PodcastAre We in an AI Bubble? — Burry Shutters Fund, Mega-Cap Concentration, and Private-Market SignalsIs this an AI bubble, or just the messy middle of a platform shift? Brian Belley and Scott Kitun dig into Michael Burry’s headline shorts and abrupt fund shutdown, big holders trimming AI exposure, and the mega-cap concentration now dominating public indices. Then they pivot to Kingscrowd data: AI-related Reg CF deal counts and dollars raised, how online private markets rhyme (but don’t mirror) VC/public cycles, and what consolidation plus looming tokenized liquidity could mean for retail. You’ll hear practical portfolio takes—when to skim gains, where infrastructure still matters, and why forced illiquidity can help pri...
2025-11-2428 minKingscrowd PodcastRetail Allocations in IPOs — How Access Is Shifting + October Reg CF TrendsBrian Belley and senior investment associate Teddy Lyons dig into the rise of retail allocations in IPOs—from directed share programs (DSPs) at Lyft/Uber/Airbnb/Rivian/Reddit to broader retail windows via brokerages (e.g., FIGS, Robinhood, Bullish). They unpack why consumer-brand IPOs led the way and whether B2B/pharma could follow. The pair then connect public-market signals (e.g., headline shorts in mega-cap AI names) to private-market risk appetite, before breaking down October 2025 Reg CF totals (~$34M), platform leaders, and notable raises hitting the $5M cap. Finally, they hit industry moves—big-bank/secondary platform tie-ups and new...
2025-11-1723 minKingscrowd PodcastSecondary Markets & Tokenization — $100B H1 2025 Secondaries, Equity Platforms, and Mirror TokensThis week, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun unpack the biggest private-markets headlines: Morgan Stanley’s move into secondaries via a leading pre-IPO platform, the surge of H1 2025 secondary volume past $100B (with Evercore on 52%), and why that matters for liquidity. We also break down the Republic “MIRA tokens” model—how mirror/forward exposure differs from owning shares, accreditation/filings nuances, and why tokenized infrastructure could reshape access (or not). Plus: a quick debrief from Washington, D.C.—CFPA Summit takeaways, SEC/FINRA conversations, and Brian’s incoming CFPA board presidency. We close with the perennial question: should the accredited investor def...
2025-11-0226 minKingscrowd PodcastInvestment Crowdfunding Exits & Failures — 2025 Update & What It Means for Your PortfolioWhat actually happened to exits and failures in investment crowdfunding—and how should investors react? In this episode, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun unpack Kingscrowd's latest dataset (650+ recorded outcomes through Q4-to-date 2025). We cover how 2023’s spike in shutdowns/bankruptcies cooled in 2024–2025, why exit volumes remain muted, and the macro and operator realities behind both (rates, liquidity, AI-enabled efficiency, consolidation). You’ll learn how a falling failure rate can change portfolio sizing, what to expect from M&A/IPO pipelines, and how to log outcomes at tax time (K-1s, write-offs, QSBS considerations—educational only). We wrap with quick takeaways...
2025-10-2025 minKingscrowd PodcastRobinhood Ventures on the NYSE: Retail Access & NAV RealityRegister free for ICW25: kingscrowd.com/icw25This week on the kingscrowd podcast, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun break down Robinhood’s proposed NYSE-traded venture fund—how it differs from interval funds, why it could trade at a premium/discount to NAV, and what this might unlock (or disrupt) for retail investors. Then, Teddy Lyons joins to cover an acquisition update: Healthcare Originals (HCO) acquiring Imago Rehab, what the combo could mean for commercialization, and how deals like this may foreshadow more portfolio consolidation.In this episode:Robinhood’s proposed exchange-traded venture vehicle (ticker...
2025-09-2227 minKingscrowd PodcastTokens, Reg A, and the Retail On-Ramp (ICW25 Preview)Save your spot for ICW25 (free): kingscrowd.com/icw25This week, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun go rapid-fire on the biggest shifts bringing private markets to retail — and preview investment crowdfunding week (ICW25), a four-day virtual event from Kingscrowd (Sept 29–Oct 2).In this episode:Republic’s SpaceX “Mirror” token (506(c), accredited only) and the broader tokenization pushNasdaq’s filing to enable tokenized securities tradingWhy rails are ready — but real trading/liquidity is the next milestoneiCapital, secondaries, and semi-liquid funds as retail on-rampsPrivate market...
2025-09-1519 minKingscrowd PodcastInvestment Crowdfunding Week Preview + Watrfall's Fan-Funded FilmsThis week’s Kingscrowd podcast spotlights Investment Crowdfunding Week (Sept 29–Oct 2)—a multi-day, retail-first event where founders meet capital and investors meet opportunity. Brian Belley and Scott Kitun preview sessions on today’s evolving paths to the public markets (Reg A, mini-IPOs, tokenized securities, and the late-stage access retail increasingly wants), noting the timely backdrop of broader market conversations about pre-IPO access.The team also dives into Watrfall, the Ron Perlman-backed, fan-driven film production platform now raising on Republic. They compare models across entertainment deals (project rev-share vs. platform equity), highlighting what savvy investors should examine—team pedigree...
2025-09-0222 minKingscrowd PodcastWhere the Money Flows: Equity Crowdfunding by City & State + Foment Bio Deal ReviewThis week on the Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons break down where equity crowdfunding dollars are flowing across the U.S. by city and state over the past 18 months. Expect familiar hubs like Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, but also surprises like Las Vegas and Denver/Boulder.Teddy then reviews Foment Bio, a biotech startup developing non-viral gene therapies targeting heart and kidney disease — with an animal-first commercialization pathway that could generate revenue sooner through licensing and partnerships.TopicsChart of the Week: Capital raised by city & sta...
2025-08-2523 min
Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding’s Comeback: $450 Million Invested in Early 2025 Signals New Growth for StartupsSuperpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.The regulated investment crowdfunding market is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with $450 million invested in the first half of 2025—a sign of renewed growth and confidence in this al...
2025-08-0525 minKingscrowd PodcastInvesting in People: Can You Profit from YouTube Creators and Athletes?In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Scott Kitun takes over as host, joined by Kingscrowd's Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons, for an engaging conversation about an emerging trend: investing directly in individuals—such as YouTube creators and professional athletes. The team dives into platforms like Gigastar, CrowdSurf, and Finlete, examining how these companies let retail investors back individuals based on future earnings.They break down recent examples including Nick Luciano, a popular creator who’s monetizing his future YouTube earnings on CrowdSurf, and MLB stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Emmanuel Clase, who’ve sold portions of thei...
2025-08-0427 minKingscrowd PodcastSubstack Hits Unicorn Status & Mid-Year Crowdfunding TrendsOn this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley and Senior Investment Associate Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau discuss Substack's recent Series C funding at a $1.1 billion valuation—what it means for retail investors who participated in their 2023 Wefunder round. Later, they break down Kingscrowd’s H1 2025 Crowdfunding Industry Report, highlighting key investment trends, the resurgence of Reg A+ raises, and the industries leading the charge in capital raised.
2025-07-2823 minKingscrowd PodcastSoFi's Private Funds & Gigastar's Creator EconomyOn this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley and Scott Kitun dive into SoFi's latest announcement offering private market opportunities like Fundrise and ARK Invest to everyday retail investors. Later, Senior Investment Associate Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau joins to discuss Gigastar, an innovative platform allowing retail investors to back YouTube creators through revenue-sharing tokens. They explore Gigastar's explosive crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder and assess the opportunities and risks for retail investors entering the creator economy.
2025-07-2119 minKingscrowd PodcastCrowdfunding Trends, Asset Sales Explained, & Siren Biotech's Bold Cancer PlayIn this week's episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Scott Kitun, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons cover: Key takeaways from the SEC's newly released Reg CF crowdfunding report and what data is missing. The realities and implications of asset sales as an exit strategy for startups, using Hello Woofy as a recent example. A detailed deal review of Siren Biotechnology, a groundbreaking startup leveraging gene therapy to tackle deadly brain cancers. Discover why prominent VCs like Founders Fund are backing Siren's revolutionary approach, and why investors should pay attention. Stay informed with the latest insights to make s...
2025-06-0927 minKingscrowd PodcastStartup Down Rounds Deep Dive & Neopenda's Path to ScaleIn this week’s Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons explore down rounds—funding rounds at reduced valuations—and their impact on investors. While commonly viewed negatively, down rounds can offer strategic investment opportunities when understood in context. They examine real-world examples, including Elemental Health, to explain how investors should approach these scenarios.Next, the team reviews a compelling follow-up funding opportunity: Neopenda, a med-tech innovator that provides affordable, battery-powered health monitors for newborns in resource-limited hospitals. With EU regulatory approval secured, Neopenda’s device is positioned for significant global expansion, tackling critical healthcar...
2025-06-0225 minKingscrowd PodcastRevenue Multiples Deep Dive + Why PvP Gaming FailedOn the latest episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, host Brian Belley teams up with Senior Investment Associates Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Teddy Lyons, along with industry expert Scott Kitun, to explore startup valuations and learn lessons from a recently failed startup.Segment 1: Revenue Multiples by Industry (2025 Update)The Kingscrowd team examines the latest data on revenue multiples, offering a comprehensive breakdown across key industries, including food & beverage, healthcare, consumer products, and software. Léa and Teddy share insights on why some industries command higher multiples, highlighting crucial considerations for investors evaluating startup valuations. Learn how to...
2025-05-2639 minKingscrowd PodcastCrowdfunding Portal Rankings & the Industries Driving Investment On this week’s episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, host Brian Belley is joined by senior investment associates Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Teddy Lyons for a three-segment deep dive:Segment 1: Rating Equity Crowdfunding PlatformsKingscrowd's Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau presents fresh data on how major equity crowdfunding platforms—including Republic, StartEngine, Wefunder, and niche players like Honeycomb—score based on Kingscrowd’s proprietary rating system. Discover why platforms like Republic consistently stand out in deal quality, and what makes Honeycomb unique in pricing and performance metrics.Segment 2: Industries Attracting the Most Crowdfunding Investment
2025-05-1918 minKingscrowd PodcastThe VC Factory is Broken—What's Next?In this episode of the Kingscrowd Podcast, host Brian Belley is joined by industry insider and The Scott Show host Scott Kitun to discuss the fundamental shift in venture capital as traditional "venture factory" models collapse. Hear insights from Scott’s conversation with Sam Lessin (founder of Slow Ventures) about the rise of "Zombie Unicorns," why IPO pathways are stalled, and how the new "Regatta Model" might redefine early-stage investing.In segment two, Kingscrowd's senior investment associate, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, breaks down the April 2025 Reg CF market trends. Discover which companies topped fundraising charts, why platforms like Wef...
2025-05-1228 min
Money IssuesWhy Jeff Bezos, Coatue Launched a New Billion Dollar Private Fund For Individual InvestorsThis week, something seismic happened in private markets. Jeff Bezos, Michael Dell, and Coatue’s Philippe Laffont announced a $1B tech fund that’s now accessible to individual investors — with minimums starting at just $50K.
Let that sink in.
The floodgates are opening. What used to require millions and insider access is now coming to retail. First Hamilton Lane launched the first truly retail private fund exclusively on Repubic with a $500 minimum and now Coatue offering access to its own unique offering at $50k (funds like these typically have minimums in the millions).
In this episode, Scott is joined by KingsC...
2025-05-0742 minKingscrowd PodcastUnlocking Private Capital: What's Changing at the SEC?In this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley shares exclusive insights straight from the SEC’s recent Small Business Forum. Get the inside track on potential regulatory shifts—including higher Reg CF and Reg A+ funding caps—and what these changes mean for private investors and startup founders. Plus, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Teddy Lyons dive into how recent tariff uncertainty is impacting US climate tech startups and reshaping the future of American manufacturing.Highlights include...SEC Insider Insights: Brian breaks down proposed regulation changes, their potential impact on capital access, investor protections, and fraud prevention.Tar...
2025-04-2128 minKingscrowd Podcast2024 Equity Crowdfunding Recap: Insights & PredictionsThe latest Kingscrowd Podcast episode takes a deep dive into the equity crowdfunding market for 2024, exploring key trends, platform performance, valuation insights, and diversity metrics. Kingscrowd’s VP of Product, Brian Belley, alongside investment analysts Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Teddy Lyons, analyze thousands of deals to uncover the latest developments in this rapidly evolving space. Learn how the market fared post-2021 highs, which platforms dominated the industry, and what the future holds for 2025. Key takeaways include: Market performance: How the industry has evolved since its 2021 peak. Platform trends: Discover which platforms led the charge. Diversity matters: Women-led teams hit rec...
2025-01-1326 minKingscrowd PodcastStartup Insights: BitterBrains’ Growth, Competition & Exit PlansIn this week’s Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons explore Bitter Brains, an innovative online education platform currently raising funds on Republic. Bitter Brains specializes in developer certifications and courses for frameworks like Vue and React. The team analyzes its growth potential, business model, competition, and exit strategies while discussing broader trends in the EdTech sector.
2024-12-2319 min
Test. Optimize. Scale.Test. Optimize. Scale. Episode #182 "Why are people investing, and what are they excited about?" W/Brian BelleyMy guest is Brian Belley, Brian is the Vice President of Product at KingsCrowd and a prolific angel investor who has backed over 220 private startups through equity crowdfunding and private syndicates. As the founder of Crowdwise.org and VentureWallet.co (acquired by KingsCrowd in 2021), Brian has established himself as a leading voice in the democratization of private investing. Beyond his investing activities, Brian serves on the Board of Directors for the Crowdfunding Professional Association and NE FIRST, where he helps shape the future of retail investing and robotics education. A self-taught developer and experienced engineering leader, he...
2024-12-2058 minKingscrowd PodcastCrowdfunding Insights: Kingscrowd's 200th Chart + Elemental Health UpdatesIn this week's Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley, Teddy Lyons, and Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau celebrate the 200th edition of the "Chart of the Week" by exploring the most popular investments among Kingscrowd users. They dive into major names like StartEngine, Monogram Orthopedics, and Rentberry, uncovering trends behind their popularity. The team also breaks down material updates to Elemeno Health, including new leadership, improved margins, and the nuances of liquidation preferences.
2024-12-1620 minKingscrowd PodcastTop Revenue Growing Startups & A Look Into Lexi's Market PivotIn this episode of KingsCrowd’s Investment Roundtable, Brian Belley, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons explore the top revenue-growing startups in equity crowdfunding from 2022 to 2023 (with active raises today). They analyze which sectors are leading the charge, including surprising players in the food and beverage industries. The team also takes a deep dive into Lexi, a company pivoting from IoT solutions to smart building management. Learn about the market potential, risks, and opportunities this pivot presents, along with insights on revenue growth and valuation. Key Takeaways: -Top Startups by Revenue Growth: Discover the top five startups that achieved sig...
2024-09-2022 minKingscrowd PodcastThe Reality of Startup Failures & A Deep Dive Into Pivotal HealthIn this episode of KingsCrowd's "Investment Roundtable," our experts, Brian Belley, Teddy Lyons, and Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, explore the booming HealthTech and pharmaceutical sectors in regulation crowdfunding. They dive into top investment opportunities, including Future Cardia's innovative heart monitor and Ajna Biosciences' plant-based pharmaceuticals for autism and anxiety. Learn about the FDA approval process, key risks, and why these startups are attracting major investor interest. Tune in to get the inside scoop on the latest trends and opportunities in this high-stakes industry! Key Takeaways: HealthTech & Pharma Boom: The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors have seen significant traction in regulation crowdfunding, w...
2024-09-1316 min
Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.Unveiling the Realities of Debt Investing in Crowdfunding: Insights from KingsCrowd’s Brian BelleyI’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.tl;dr:* Guest Introduction: The episode features Brian Belley, VP of Product at KingsCrowd, discussing his analysis on...
2024-08-2725 minKingscrowd PodcastInvestment Roundtable: Top HealthTech & Pharma Startups to Watch in 2024In this episode of KingsCrowd's "Investment Roundtable," our experts, Brian Belley, Teddy Lyons, and Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, explore the booming HealthTech and pharmaceutical sectors in regulation crowdfunding. They dive into top investment opportunities, including Future Cardia's innovative heart monitor and Ajna Biosciences' plant-based pharmaceuticals for autism and anxiety. Learn about the FDA approval process, key risks, and why these startups are attracting major investor interest. Tune in to get the inside scoop on the latest trends and opportunities in this high-stakes industry! Key Takeaways: HealthTech & Pharma Boom: The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors have seen significant traction in regulation crowdfunding, w...
2024-08-2716 minKingscrowd PodcastClean Energy the next Big Opportunity? Plus Examining Founders with Multiple ExitsIn this episode of "Investment Roundtable," KingsCrowd experts Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, Brian Belley, and Teddy Lyons dive deep into the booming Clean Energy sector. They discuss why investors are backing clean transportation and energy companies, despite the challenges of high valuations and competition. Learn how to evaluate emerging green energy startups, the potential risks, and what trends could drive the future of this rapidly growing industry. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just curious about CleanTech, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate this market. Subscribe to Kingscrowd and create your free account at: kingscrowd.com/s...
2024-08-2418 min
Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.Expert: Taking a Long-Term View Is Key to Successful Crowdfunding InvestmentsI’m not a financial advisor; nothing I write in Superpowers for Good should be considered investment advice. You should seek appropriate counsel before making investment decisions.Devin: What do you see as your superpower?Brian: I think my long-term thinking mindset is perhaps my superpower.Brian Belley, today’s guest, has made over 200 angel investments in companies via crowdfunding sites, including an investment in The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, the company I started. He agreed to join me to talk about his insights as an investor. He is also the...
2023-09-0725 min
Disruption Everywhere PodcastHow Crowdfunding is Disrupting Venture CapitalIn this episode we will diving into the emerging equity Crowdfunding space. Crowdfunding has been around for quite some time and used on platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo where you can directly support a project, but you wouldn’t receive equity for your investment. Today that has all changed with the emergence of platforms like Wefunder, Republic and Netcapital to name a few. Our guest Brian Belley, Founder and CEO of Crowdwise will be sharing his vast knowledge, insight and experience in equity Crowdfunding. We will dive into topics like regulation, different platforms, building a customer base through Crowdfunding, an...
2020-06-2126 min
Adventure Capital by WefunderWords from the Wise, with Brian BelleyFor his 8th birthday, Brian Belley could've asked for anything from comic books to video games. But instead, he asked for U.S. Savings Bonds. Yep... He's maintained that same geeky passion for investing ever since and shares our vision of making investing in startups accessible to all. Listen in as he talks about Crowdwise - the company he's created to help investors get started in equity crowdfunding. "Wefunder does not endorse, recommend, or advise investing in any company. "
2019-07-2434 min