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Invest in the Future: Pre-IPO Access & the AI Boom

The Richer Geek

Release Date: 04/30/2025

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Think pre-IPO investments are just for billionaires? Think again.

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today’s guest is Mike Ivancie, CMO at UpMarket, an alternative investment platform that’s opening the door for accredited investors to access private market opportunities once reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

Since 2019, UpMarket has helped individuals invest over $150 million into assets like pre-IPO shares in SpaceX, Neuralink, Stripe, and OpenAI, as well as hedge funds, private equity, and real estate. Mike’s mission is to break down barriers and grow the platform to over $1 billion in transactions. Before joining UpMarket, he led growth at CNote, an impact investment platform, where he helped raise over $100 million for underserved communities

In this episode, we’re discussing…

  • Democratizing Alternative Investments: Upmarket provides accredited investors access to private market opportunities, including pre-IPO companies, private equity, and private debt.

  • Accessing Pre-IPO Giants: Learn how you can potentially invest in high-growth companies like OpenAI, SpaceX, and Anthropic before they go public.

  • Understanding the Investment Process: Mike explains the mechanics of investing through UpMarket, from minimum investment amounts to the process of potential liquidity events like IPOs.

  • Weighing the Pros and Cons: Gain insights into the potential benefits (high growth potential) and risks (illiquidity, higher fees) associated with pre-IPO and alternative investments.

  • The AI Investment Landscape: Explore the current skepticism and future potential of AI investments, including the significant energy demands and potential industry shifts.

  • Impact Investing Explained: Understand the definition and real-world utility of impact investing, considering the trade-offs between financial returns and social good.

  • The Intertwined Future of AI and Energy: Discover the staggering projected energy consumption of AI data centers and the potential role of nuclear energy in meeting these demands.

  • Getting Started with UpMarket: Learn how to explore investment opportunities and educational resources on the UpMarket website (upmarket.co) and connect with Mike Ivancie directly.

     

    Resources from Mike Ivancie

     LinkedIn | UpMarket | Email

    Resources from Mike and Nichole

     Gateway Private Equity Group |  Nic's guide | Franchise With Bob