Inside the Race to Retail Capital w/ Opto Investments’ Mark Machin

This podcast episode focuses on the rise of retail investing and the growing demand for individual investors to access private capital. The CEO of Opto Invest explains the factors behind this trend, including the decline of public markets and the guidance of financial advisors. Opto Invest aims to address the challenges of educating investment advisors and assisting them in recommending private equity funds to their clients, utilizing technology and analytics. The platform prioritizes the selection of high-performing funds and offers a competitive advantage with its unique technology. The episode emphasizes the significance of education and analytics in instilling confidence in private equity investments. Furthermore, it highlights the evolving regulatory landscape and the potential benefits of individual investors gaining entry to private platforms. Lastly, the episode expresses optimism regarding the positive influence of retail capital in private markets and commends Opto Invest for spearheading opportunities for individuals to invest in private markets. Main points • The rapid growth of retail investing and increasing demand for access to private capital by individual investors. • Factors driving this trend including the thinning of public markets and the advice of financial advisors. • Opto Invest aims to address the challenges faced in educating investment advisors and helping them recommend private equity funds to their clients through technology and analytics. • The importance of education and analytics in building confidence in private equity investments. • The evolving regulatory environment and the potential benefits of individual investors gaining access to private platforms. • The criteria for selecting funds and the competitive advantages of Opto Invest, including its unique technology and focus on Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). • The growing interest in alternative investments and the need for diversification. • The barriers faced by individual investors in accessing private platforms, specifically the regulatory landscape. • The potential impact of retail capital in private markets, debunking concerns about its effectiveness. • The positive outlook on the potential of retail capital to play a substantial role in the private markets and the role of Opto Invest in providing opportunities for individuals to invest in private markets.