Wealth & Finance International - January 2017

Wealth & Finance International 46 Creating a New Approach to Private Equity Cogress has created a unique model to break through the monopolistic approach to investment and open the door to investment opportunities usually reserved for the largest investors. Tal Orly, Cogress Co-Founder and CEO, is eager to emphasise the transparency and accessibility of this innovative investment approach. “At Cogress we are a fully regulated property investment firm that works closely with qualified investors and property developers alike, enabling them to access opportunities with as little as £20,000. I believe Cogress has introduced an innovative way for people to invest, going beyond the boundaries of the status quo in providing huge potential to all stakeholders. We bring liquidity to illiquid markets by delivering choices to investors and developers that they weren’t able to consider before. Since 2014, Cogress has invested in more than 35 UK projects, with an asset value (GDV) of over £650 million. “Our unique platform enables its investors to get started with as little as £20,000 with typical projected exits between 18 and 36 months.* Our team rigorously screens and carefully selects investment opportunities for our investors allowing them to choose when and in which project(s) they wish to participate. By democratising the investing process, we have created a ‘pick and choose’ culture in the property world allowing investors to diversify their portfolio based on their individual appetites. Each investor has an Investor Relations Manager assigned to them in order to provide peace of mind.” Operating in such an innovative company many staff have ever evolving roles; what makes them so dedicated to excellence, according to Tal, is their strong belief in the company’s vision and approach to investments. “As the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Cogress, I am involved in all aspects of the business from the property developments to its legal and financial complexities to the day to day management of the team. My role is balanced between meeting with potential investors, liaising with developers, discussing new development opportunities but also looking into innovative approaches for expansion. I do not believe that we are like any other private equity firm and so my role constant- ly changes, but what never does is my commitment in ensuring all processes in place are efficient and that they uphold Cogress’ highest professional standards.” “As a company we all feel a sense of duty when working closely with our investors and developers and we believe that by gaining their trust, loyal partnerships can be created and sustained. To achieve this, our team work hard to ensure that we offer the very highest standard of service to all of our clients. I consider my team to be family. We have gone through a lot together, building this company from the ground up. Without their support and commitment, Cogress would not be what it now is today. I believe that as a manager, you are only as good as the people in your team - so my goal is to provide an environment where everyone can grow professionally and have a voice in the success of the company.” Moving forward, Tal believes that the firm’s current success will help lead it to even greater achievements. “Overall, 2016 was an eventful year where the change of the stamp duty tax was announced and the Brexit vote was passed. As such, 2017 inherits this legacy and as a company we have to examine the effects of these issues in the property market. I believe that wherever there are challenges there are always opportunities as when there are opportuni- ties there are always challenges, that is why we make it our job to anal- yse the market and create new beneficial opportunities for our clients. “Ultimately, I relish the challenge of bringing Cogress’ ambitions to life and continuing our successes. As we look into the future, we look to provide a more seamless experience to our investors making our pro- cess fully automated and accessible. I believe that we have the perfect opportunity and environment to do so.” *Your capital is at risk and you may lose all of what you invest. Investments in property are not readily accessible and are therefore illiquid. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Seek independent advice if you are in doubt about whether our products are suitable for you or if you require tax advice. Cogress Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 696171). Cogress ltd is a company registered in England & Wales (No. 08950180). Company: Cogress Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.cogressltd.co.uk Address: 50 Eastcastle Street London W1W 8EA Telephone: +44 020 7100 9744 Cogress provides an exit-oriented private equity platform connecting its community of investors with opportunities usually reserved for the largest clients on the market. C 1701WF22 “Ultimately, I relish the challenge of bringing Cogress’ ambitions to life”