David Novak

What better way to understand venture capital investing than by interviewing a specialist with tremendous professional experience? Our special guest is Kevin Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Serac Ventures in Oklahoma City. Moore has over 16 years of experience in finance and private markets investing. Prior to Serac Ventures, he was a Partner at Spur Capital Partners where he led investments into top-tier, early-stage venture capital fund managers and select co-investment/direct investments. Prior to Spur, Moore was the Director of Angel Investments and Venture Advisor at i2E, Inc. a seed-stage investment firm we have discussed on this podcast previously. Serac Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in the seed stage, providing the greatest opportunity for outsized returns. They back companies building technologies that expand access to capital and financial services and make work faster, more secure and more productive. Serac typically writes checks between $250K to $750K. They look for companies with a finished product, revenue, a growing customer base and a scalable and capital-efficient business model. https://lnkd.in/esG7Cqep The Strategic Growth Podcast offers expert business insights, interviews with thought leaders and business plan triage for business owners, start-ups or anyone with a specific business problem. Strategic Growth Podcast Ep194. Listen/Stream/Subscribe to the podcast https://lnkd.in/gRRW7GF7 Apple Podcast bit.ly/TheGoldingGroup Videos on YouTube bit.ly/GoldingGroupYouTube Spotify bit.ly/SGPSpotify iHeartRadio bit.ly/SGPiHeart Spreaker https://lnkd.in/g5VQu67K Goodpods https://bit.ly/SGPGoodPods Amazon https://bit.ly/SGPonAmazon Audible https://adbl.co/41HkMZ1 Podchaser bit.ly/SGPodchaser Pod Link http://pod.link/1275659816 Deezer bit.ly/SGPDeezer Podcast Addict bit.ly/SGPodAddict Podbean https://lnkd.in/giVxCBqT The Strategic Growth Podcast offers expert business insights, interviews with thought leaders and business plan triage for business owners, start-ups or anyone with a specific business problem. Please subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Tell a friend, leave a review and engage with us here. To contact us for advice, assistance or collaboration: https://lnkd.in/eXKkpSx

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Many ask how we got started. Check out our blog, "How We Started a Venture Capital Fund in Oklahoma," authored by our managing partner, Nathaniel Harding, for an inside look at how our partners launched a fund in the shadow of COVID-19. #vc #okcvc #cortadventures #blog #midcon #fundraising #entrepreneurship #oklahoma #startups #tech

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Announcing July 10 ETA Circle event. Come hear a candid and brutally honest discussion on business acquisition and ownership. Register: www.ETACircle.com Come listen to our speaker Dan Verboski talk about the real-world challenges you will face as a business owner. Also, listen to his interview by Will Smith from Acquiring Minds from June 27. A must-listen to interview for anyone considering buying a company. Come hungry: Food, wine, beer, sodas and snacks provided for free. (Thanks sponsors!) Event location to be emailed. Please contact Reid@ETACircle.com if you do not receive the location. *** Please no service providers at this event. This event is only for acquisition entrepreneurs. Please register so we can have an accurate food count. Everyone who has not attended before must register in advance (admission will be denied to first-time attendees who did not register.) *** Agenda: 5:00pm-6:30pm – Networking 6:30pm-7:15pm – Speaker presentation and announcements 7:15pm onwards – Continued networking About the Founder: Reid Pennebaker is full-time searching to acquire a business at Gulf Bright Partners. Reid created ETA Circle for acquisition entrepreneurs to meet other business buyers and share advice and experiences. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the event! Contact Reid@ETACircle.com if you have any questions! Special thanks to our July 2024 event sponsor: Bailey Law Firm PLLC - Founded and based in Houston, TX, Bailey Law Firm focuses on acquisition entrepreneurship. With flat fees tailored to each deal, we prioritize pricing transparency, ensuring clarity and predictability in all our services. Our tailored solutions are designed to align seamlessly with the unique goals of each client, recognizing the distinct nature of every M&A endeavor. Backed by a deep understanding of diverse industries and a commitment to staying ahead of legal market trends, Bailey Law offers strategic insights and actionable recommendations that empower informed decision-making. We are committed to maximizing your transactional value, minimizing your risk, and optimizing your deal structure. Bailey Law is your trusted ally in achieving your objectives during your entrepreneurship journey.

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You might have noticed that the BuildGroup website, LinkedIn, and blog are looking a little different. A bit newer, a tad crisper, and a lot more Austin. Our brand refresh emphasizes our identity as a different kind of venture firm. One that prioritizes long-term relationships over transactions and brings operational partnership to the table. Building sustainable businesses that customers love is what we love to do, and we wanted our brand to reflect that. Key elements of our brand evolution include a building blocks-inspired logo, a warm and modern color palette that echoes our Austin roots and home base (though we back great companies everywhere), and a super usable website and blog. Read more about our design and brand process on our blog: https://lnkd.in/d6AjMsxc What do you think? How’d we do? #Rebrand #VentureCapital #StartupInvesting #BuildGroup

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Have you registered yet? Our corporate partner, Trinity Investors, is hosting a special event right in their offices! Join us on May 16th where we’ll hear fellow CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth member, Dan Meader CFA CPA, Founder and managing partner of Trinity Investments, share his perspective on market dynamics and emerging opportunities. Members, check your email to register. ___ . . . #cfasocietydfw #cfainstitute #cfaprogram #investmentdecisionmakingprofessionals #investmentdecisionmaker #investmentdecisionmakers #financeprofessionals

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I recently had the chance to reconnect with Ollie Chandhok and Dallas Business Journal. Check out our conversation on the local business landscape, how companies are approaching the election, and the benefit of having your data work for you! https://lnkd.in/eaHjg3cf

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Grant Cardone's recent observations on Austin's real estate market shed light on a notable trend: a 6.2% drop in multifamily property rents compared to last year, signaling a potential correction. With nearly 19% of apartments under construction or in lease-up phases, oversupply challenges are evident. Despite this, Cardone sees opportunity for long-term investors, projecting significant returns amidst the correction. Notably, areas like Lake Travis and North Austin defy the trend, boasting a 95.8% occupancy rate. Cheryl Higley of Northmarq Austin acknowledges oversupply concerns but anticipates gradual market balance. As Austin's real estate landscape evolves, insights from leaders like Cardone and Higley offer valuable guidance for investors navigating these shifts. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g-DA4Qn9 #RealEstate #AustinMarket #InvestmentInsights

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In a strategic move, two subsidiaries of Dallas-based Sunoco recently acquired NuStar's corporate headquarters in San Antonio. This acquisition marks a significant development in the commercial real estate and energy sectors, reflecting a broader trend of consolidation and strategic investment. Key points to consider: - **Long-Term Vision**: The acquisition signals Sunoco's long-term commitment to the San Antonio market. By purchasing NuStar's HQ, Sunoco is not just acquiring a building but investing in a pivotal asset that will likely serve as a central hub for future operations. - **Market Confidence**: This purchase demonstrates a robust confidence in the commercial real estate market within San Antonio. Despite economic uncertainties, Sunoco's decision suggests a bullish outlook on the city's economic potential and growth prospects. - **Strategic Location**: San Antonio, with its burgeoning tech sector, growing population, and favorable business climate, presents a strategic location for corporate operations. Sunoco's move can be interpreted as leveraging this geographic advantage. Looking ahead, this acquisition could potentially transform how Sunoco operates in the region. Here are a few predictions and considerations: - **Operational Integration**: Expect an integration of San Antonio into Sunoco's broader operational strategy. This could lead to streamlined processes, enhanced logistical capabilities, and potentially, greater market reach. - **Economic Impact**: As Sunoco ramps up its presence in San Antonio, it could spur economic growth, fueling ancillary developments and attracting talent to the area. The ripple effects could be substantial, from job creation to increased business opportunities for local vendors. - **Sector Consolidation**: This move hints at a larger trend of consolidation within the energy sector. We may see more such acquisitions as companies seek to solidify their market positions and leverage economies of scale. In conclusion, Sunoco's recent acquisition of NuStar's corporate HQ is more than just a real estate transaction. It's a strategic play that underscores Sunoco's long-term vision and confidence in San Antonio's market potential. As this development unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Sunoco capitalizes on this asset to fuel its future growth and what it means for the broader energy and real estate landscapes. #CommercialRealEstate #EnergySector #BusinessStrategy #MarketTrends

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CTAN is dedicated to investing in startups in Central Texas and beyond! As part of our dedication, we recently rolled out an initiative designed to fuel the growth of startups - the CTAN Startup Success Package. This package contains over $450k worth of credits and discounts from our partners such as Google, Amazon, Stripe, and more. ALL founders who apply to CTAN and meet our investment criteria gain access to this incredible package, designed to supercharge the entrepreneur's journey. What does the CTAN Startup Success Package offer? - Over $450k in startup credits from our portfolio of partners - Exclusive pitch and mentorship opportunities - Invaluable local and national discounts and resources tailored for founders - And much more to accelerate the startup's success! Do you have a business or know someone who has a business that could benefit from being included in our Startup Success Package? Tag them below or contact our team to learn more about this opportunity! #ctan #startups #entrepreneurs #angelinvesting #austintx #austininnovation

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🤔 Are you looking for strategies to improve your cash flow? Look no further! Toshi Partners dives into Cash Flow Strategies specifically designed for OKC real estate investors to help you maximize profits. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this article has valuable insights to help you maximize your profits. 🏡 If you're ready to increase your OKC real estate income, click the link and read now:: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gyYB8zAu Check it out and share your thoughts in the comments below! #OKC #RealEstate #OklahomaCity #CashFlow #InvestmentStrategies #RealEstateInvesting #Toshi

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If you are a Louisiana business owner with annual revenues of $10 million or more, I want to meet you. My partners and I specialize in helping mid-market business owners sell a portion or the entirety of their company to quality strategic and financial buyers. Even if a private sale isn't currently part of your exit plan, circumstances can change. That’s why I’m offering you complimentary valuation guidance, industry-specific transaction data, and an overview of our private sales process. With this information, you’ll have a clear understanding of your options and can set intentional and informed exit goals. My aim is to empower you with this knowledge, and in return, I only ask for one thing – the opportunity to compete for your business should you ever decide to seek M&A advisory services.

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🚀 Streamlined, efficient, and compliant – Fort Worth Independent School District's journey with DebtBook Under a tight deadline to review 200+ contracts, Fort Worth ISD's finance team navigated GASB 87 under immense pressure. DebtBook not only eased this burden, but also transformed their approach to lease management and compliance. With centralized document storage and automated reporting, audit preparations became a breeze, ensuring confident ongoing compliance with GASB 87 and GASB 96 for the finance team. 👉 Read the full case study here: https://hubs.la/Q02Jj8Js0

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During a recent discussion, the Northwest Arkansas (NWA) rental market and its potential impact from new supply and the economy were the focal points. One key consideration was whether the NWA rental market could face similar challenges in Austin and Atlanta, where year-over-year rental rates are -6.5% and -3.4%, respectively (according to a Yardi Matrix report from May 15th). The short answer is yes—anything is possible. The Federal Reserve can't predict the future, so I don't believe any investor could either. But what we can do is look at the data. Here's the story that I'm seeing: 🔹 Per the Skyline Report, new multifamily supply impacted vacancy rates in the second half of 2023, increasing from 2.2% to 3.1%. If you remove new construction, though, vacancy rates ended at 2.0%. 🔹 Again, from the Skyline Report, median rent increased from $926 at the beginning of 2023 to $1,005 at the end of the year. 🔹 MMG is forecasting a 4.2% increase in NWA rents during 2024. We are already seeing rental rates recover in many larger and more heavily impacted markets. 🔹 Despite additional properties coming online this year, a contributing factor to NWA's success is the persistent population growth. It's the 18th fastest-growing MSA in the country despite only being the 98th largest. Every day, 36 people move to the area. How are things going so far? Through Q1, Multi-Housing News ranked Fayetteville, AR as the hottest small market in the United States. Robust economic or real estate data should never trump thorough due diligence and a vetted business plan, but what we have observed reinforces our bullish outlook.

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CTAN Board Chair, Gary Forni, was featured on a recent episode of the InvestorConnect podcast with Hall T. Martin! 🎙️ In this episode, Gary shares his insights on angel investing and the impactful work we’re doing at Central Texas Angel Network. "Our Internal Rate of Return is 30%....We're running a 4.6x Return on Cash." - Gary Forni Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation! 🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gpbqu8Fp #CTAN #AngelInvesting #InvestorConnect #Podcast #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship

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📞 Calling all investors and bankers! 💸 We have a bond for purchase! Visit OCIAbonds.com for more info. The Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority, the state’s largest issuer of tax-backed debt, will return to the municipal bond market on Thursday for the first time since 2022. The Authority is scheduled to price nearly $168 million of fixed-rate State Facilities Revenue and Refunding Bonds, designated the Series 2024A and 2024B Bonds, to refinance outstanding bonds saving roughly $10 million over the next 10 years. The bonds are rated AA—with a Positive Outlook by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. Rating analysts cite “adherence to conservative budgeting practices”, a “low debt burden”, and the state’s strong reserve position as important factors in the state’s credit rating. The Authority was created in 1959 to provide bond funding for the construction of office buildings and other infrastructure for departments and agencies across the state. The Debt Management Division in the State Treasurer’s Office provides staff to the Authority. In addition to administration of the Authority’s bond portfolio, staff oversees the new $600 million Legacy Capital Financing Fund, which was authorized by the Legislature and signed by the Governor last session. This program allows the state to self-finance authorized capital projects rather than issuing bonds and will serve as a valuable source of capital project funding in the near term, possibly replacing the need to issue bonds to finance new capital projects. “Oklahoma's state income tax provides double tax-exemption for investors. Additionally, Oklahoma retail investors receive top priority in the purchase and allocation of the Authority’s bonds,” said State Treasurer, Todd Russ. “Our office is leading the state’s efforts to enhance our bond rating which results in better pricing, ultimately benefiting the state agencies who are borrowers.” Please contact your brokerage firm or bank to inquire about participating in the bond sale. Additional information regarding the upcoming bond sale, including the Preliminary Official Statement, rating reports, and an investor presentation can be found by visiting OCIAbonds.com.

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