Caleo Private Equity is offering investors a long-term high-yielding debt product through one of its portfolio companies, Austin Business Finance (formerly trading as GetBackd and currently trading as Backd).
Austin Business Finance (trading as Backd) provides debt financing to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the USA.
The niche that Backd targets is still relatively new to alternative lenders and it is addressing an undercapitalised and growing market opportunity.
Since commencing USA operations in Q1 2019, Backd has expanded its deal-sourcing network, refined its credit models and built a diversified loan book.
Backd was founded by brothers Xan and Michail Myburgh who were founders of Cash Flow Capital South Africa, a highly successful company offering loans to SMEs in the franchise sector. They saw an opportunity to expand their niche into the US market.
The Caleo Private Equity team is highly familiar with the business, having worked closely with the founders and their team for c. 5 years. Caleo Private Equity has invested $14.5 million of investor capital as equity in the business, and over $8 million of debt capital under this loan note.
This loan note appeals to investors seeking a high-yielding dollar investment opportunity. Investors receive an annual interest rate of 8.75% paid monthly on investor capital, with a minimum term of 2 years. Caleo Private Equity is offering investors a long-term high-yielding debt product through one of its portfolio companies, Austin Business Finance (formerly trading as GetBackd and currently trading as Backd).
“We work hard to empower and support small business - the backbone of the economy - that‘s why we believe in reinvesting our success, to help fuel yours.” – Xan Myburgh
The Gap There is a gap in access to credit by SMEs in the USA. Banks say they are lending, but most major surveys of small business owners point to constrained credit markets despite recovery post the global financial crisis.
Structural Barriers Today, the banks in the USA have structural barriers such as consolidation of banking industry, high search costs of small dollar lending and regulatory overhang.
Small Busiess Loans are Down Small business loans are down 25% since peak in 2007 and the banking industry is less focused on small business lending.
Small Busiess Collateral Small businesses, especially retail, restaurants and consumer services have very little collateral, or have perishable inventories which further undermines their ability to borrow from a bank.
Online Platforms Online platforms have emerged which are opening channels to access new pools of capital.
Personal Relationships The power of the personal relationship still seems to be a key factor for SMEs taking the leap to grow their businesses. It’s more than just a click of a button.
Product Advantages Austin Business Finance has several competitive advantages that will allow it to successfully penetrate the market and secure and grow its position.
Accessible – Decision-making based on past turnover instead of asset value
Fast – Technology allows for 24-hour approval process
Simple – Easy online application process takes 10 minutes
Relationship-building – Account managers understand client needs and aspirations, transparency andopportunity to educate client
Unrestricted – Austin Business Finance doesn’t restrict the use of funds to specific purposes
Transparent – All costs are known and explained upfront
Daily repayment – Daily repayments make it easier to manage cash flow for clients
Unsecured – Focus on strength of the business’s cash flow as opposed to fixed assets
Tech Highlights Austin Business Finance has a user-friendly and efficient online system.
Online Application Process – Clients apply online and link their bank accounts within 5 minutes.
Automated Credit Model – Internally developed credit-matrix can qualify clients within a few seconds; historically, our credit model has kept bad debts below 2.7%.
Client Dashboard – Clients can manage their accounts online, apply for more finance, request statements and settlement figures or update their details.
Loan Management and Sales Software – Completely integrated backend with various systems (CRM, LMS, Voice, Marketing, etc.) communicating with each other.
Credit Matrix Austin Busiess Finance has developed a proprietary credit scoring model that has proven to be highly predictable of business defaults.
Austin Business Finance’s provision + write-offs = 8% of cash disbursed.
Bank statements are the digital fingerprint of small businesses. Backd uses thousands of data points (internal and external) to rank a client within a proprietary risk matrix.
Leading business-lending credit model, specifically designed to promote fair lending practices.
Backd follows a risked based pricing method to ensure that net margins stay constant given the risk of the client.
Model is kept up to date with new risk measures being frequently added. Backd runs a regression analysis every year to ensure that the model stays highly predictable of future defaults.
The terms of the loan note have been summarised in the table below.
Team Glen Scorgie, CA (SA) Glen has over 20 years of experience investing and fundraising globally. He began his career as a dealmaker and portfolio manager at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), where he managed the US high-yield bond portfolio, investing over $1 billion of capital in over 150 US and European corporates. Glen subsequently co-founded RMB’s Opportunities in Global Real Estate portfolio and went on to co-found the RMB Westport Real Estate Development Fund, the largest sub-Saharan Africa real estate private equity fund at the time. Glen was also Chief Investment Officer and a founding member of Gateway Delta Development Holdings prior to joining Caleo Private Equity.
Education: BCom Accounting Hons (UNISA); Bachelor's Degree in Accounting (Wits).
Selwyn Blieden, PhD CFA Selwyn has over 20 years of experience in consulting and banking, locally and abroad. He began his career at McKinsey & Co. in Johannesburg, undertaking projects across Africa. Selwyn subsequently co-founded and managed RMB’s Opportunities in Global Real Estate portfolio and later co-founded the RMB Wesport Real Estate Development Fund, the largest sub-Saharan Africa real estate equity fund at the time. Prior to joining Caleo Private Equity, Selwyn led ABSA’s commercial property finance business in Africa as a Principal at the ABSA Group. Selwyn currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the African Leadership Academy.
Education: PhD Mathematics (Cambridge); BA Hons in Mathematics and BA in Mathematics and Economics (Wits).
Due Diligence Provider When it comes to exploring investment opportunities, it is crucial to delve into the meticulous due diligence process that accompanies ventures in collaboration with Caleo. Caleo's team, seasoned in the world of finance, not only comprehends but actively engages in the due diligence process for potential investments, offering transparency and lucidity throughout the investment journey.
Understanding the Vision: Caleo, drawing from its extensive experience, provides invaluable insights into the intricate financial landscape. Their unwavering commitment to open and candid communication ensures that investors are equipped with well-informed financial solutions, fostering a solid foundation of trust.
Tailoring Investment Strategies: Caleo commences this process by crafting personalized financial blueprints, meticulously defining short, medium, and long-term objectives. Through an in-depth assessment of financial positions, balance sheets, asset ownership, income statements, and cash flows, Caleo tailors investment strategies that align seamlessly with the investor's current financial standings and future aspirations.
Aligning Wealth with Purpose: Caleo's overarching mission is to align personal visions with financial objectives. Their steadfast dedication to providing uncomplicated and transparent investment solutions is achieved through clear, effective communication and seamless collaboration. This meticulous process ensures that wealth becomes a powerful tool, harmonizing with each individual's life purposes.
Due Diligence Expertise: Caleo's commitment to due diligence extends to performing structural analyses and evaluating tax jurisdictions. Their open communication policy guarantees that investors are well-informed, with the receipt of clear and comprehensive monthly reports detailing the status of their investments.
Scope & Process: Comprehensive due diligence has been conducted, encompassing all critical aspects of financial stability, structural integrity, legal compliance, and environmental sustainability. Caleo’s approach is meticulous, leveraging their extensive experience in managing and assessing real estate investments for family offices. Their analysis helps in identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with property investments, ensuring that Project ABBA meets high standard of investment safety and sustainability. Caleo’s involvements adds a layer of trust and assurances, providing potential investors with confidence in the thoroughness of the investment’s evaluation.
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