In this conversation, Ian Formigle, Chief Investment Officer at CrowdStreet, discusses the role of CrowdStreet as an online platform for individuals to invest in commercial real estate projects. He explains how CrowdStreet acts as a broker-dealer and offers investment opportunities in various asset classes and geographies. Ian also highlights the growth of the investment advisor side of CrowdStreet and the different preferences of investors.

He shares the factors that contributed to CrowdStreet's success in the online platform market and the importance of avoiding platform risk. Ian discusses the types of real estate investments that attract investors, such as multifamily properties, and the challenges of investing in niche product types. He also explains the process of finding and vetting sponsors for the platform and the criteria used for screening. Finally, Ian discusses the short-term goals of CrowdStreet, including recovering and growing in 2024.

Takeaways
CrowdStreet is an online platform for individuals to invest in commercial real estate projects across the country.
CrowdStreet acts as a broker-dealer and offers investment opportunities in various asset classes and geographies.
Investors on CrowdStreet can choose between investing individually or through funds managed by CrowdStreet Advisors.
Multifamily properties are a popular investment choice on the platform due to their approachability and potential for cash flow.
CrowdStreet screens and vets sponsors to ensure they meet the platform's criteria and maintain a long-term relationship based on trust.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Overview
00:43
What does CrowdStreet do?
01:38
CrowdStreet's Role as a Broker-Dealer
03:00
Growth in Investment Advisor Side
04:07
Surviving and Thriving in the Online Platform Market
05:23
Factors Contributing to CrowdStreet's Success
06:11
Differentiating CrowdStreet's Marketplace
07:02
Avoiding Platform Risk
08:27
Creating a Scalable Investor Experience
09:46
Transitioning from Active to Passive Real Estate Investing
11:58
Understanding Crowdfunding and Regulation 506
14:13
Differentiating CrowdStreet from True Crowdfunding
15:38
Investor Interest in Multifamily Real Estate
17:15
Product Types that Attract Investors
19:22
Product Types that Lack Investor Interest
21:19
Avoiding Niche and Risky Product Types
23:21
Finding and Vetting Sponsors
26:23
Recovering and Growing in 2024
31:10
Short-Term Goals for CrowdStreet
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This podcast is sponsored by Kahr Real Estate Services (https://www.kahrrealestate.com/), a leading provider of in-person and online financial training for the commercial real estate industry.

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