Crowdmatrix

Crowdmatrix is a Canadian online investment marketplace connecting accredited investors with curated alternative investment opportunities. Founded in 2015 by Rubsun Ho, the Toronto-based company aimed to simplify the investment process for alternative assets by leveraging technology. Ho, a co-founder of the virtual law firm Cognition LLP, started his career as a securities lawyer and later served as VP of Business Development for a wireless internet startup. This legal and startup fundraising background informed the creation of Crowdmatrix.

The platform operates as a registered Exempt Market Dealer in multiple Canadian provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. It provides investors with access to a range of vetted deals, such as investments in technology startups, private equity and venture capital funds, real estate, and private debt. Crowdmatrix sought to lower the traditionally high barriers to entry for alternative investments, like six-figure minimum buy-ins, making them more accessible to a broader base of accredited investors. For startup investments, the platform often utilized a syndicate structure led by a professional lead investor to vet and manage the deal.

The company's business model did not charge investors fees to open an account or make an investment. Instead, revenue was generated through commissions paid by the asset issuers or by taking a percentage of the profits realized by investors, known as carried interest. Backed by the Canadian early-stage venture capital fund Extreme Venture Partners, Crowdmatrix facilitated several funding rounds for tech companies. However, the company is now reported to be inactive.

Keywords: alternative investments, accredited investors, equity crowdfunding, private equity, venture capital, online investment marketplace, real estate investing, private debt, Exempt Market Dealer, Canadian startups, investment syndicates, financial technology, capital raising, startup funding, flow-through shares, angel investing, private capital markets, deal flow, due diligence, portfolio diversification