Alternative investments have been gaining much interest in the past few years. So today, we are talking to an alternative investing expert and inspiring entrepreneur Stefan von Imhof. Stefan is the founder of Alts.co, a leading alternative investing community. He’s no stranger to failing and learning along the way to build a business that not only brings success but also points you towards your true north.
Timestamps:
- Where Stefan sees himself on his entrepreneurial journey. -3:15
- Why Stefan was temporarily afraid of entrepreneurship. -5:55
- How and why Stefan started The Alternative Investments Newsletter.-8:15
- The biggest challenges that Stefan faces as an entrepreneur. -12:40
- Why Stefan feels that there is absolutely no room for the ego as a startup CEO. -14:48
- Why slow and steady doesn’t always win the race. -15:30
- Why Stefan still has constraints in his business even though it is successful. -17:10
- Why the biggest growth hack that Stefan knows is acquisition entrepreneurship. -18:35
- How hiring and taking on a co-founder had the biggest impact on Stefan’s business. -21:37
- What entrepreneurs need to know about alternative markets. -37:21
- How Stefan defines success for himself and his business. -42:15
Stefan von Imhof has always had a passion for analysis and valuations and had years of successful experience in companies like Flippa and HG Insights. He started his first business right after college, he has bought and sold many websites and newsletters. He is now is the CEO of Alts.co. Stefan is originally from Boston but now lives with his wife and Boston Terrier, Charlie, in Australia.
Types of Alternative Investments
Unlike conventional stocks, bonds, and cash, alternative investments are non-traditional investment assets. Investors that want to diversify their portfolios or look for higher potential returns frequently pursue them. Here are some common types of alternative investments:
1. Private Equity – Private equity involves investing directly in private companies or buyouts of public companies that result in their delisting from stock exchanges. This category includes venture capital, growth capital, and leveraged buyouts. While it often requires longer investment horizons, private equity can offer substantial returns, especially when backing high-growth startups or turnaround businesses.
2. Hedge Funds – Hedge funds pool capital from accredited investors and employ a range of strategies—like short selling, arbitrage, and leverage—to earn active returns. They are less regulated than mutual funds, offering more flexibility in strategy but also higher risk.
3. Real Estate – Real estate investing includes owning residential or commercial properties, participating in real estate development, or investing in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts). It’s a tangible asset that can generate both income and appreciation, and it often serves as a hedge against inflation.
4. Commodities – Commodities like gold, oil, agricultural products, and other natural resources are considered alternative investments because they behave differently from stocks and bonds. Investors use them to diversify portfolios and protect against market volatility and inflation.
5. Collectibles and Art – High-value collectibles—such as fine art, rare coins, vintage cars, and wine—can appreciate over time, especially if they are scarce and in demand. However, investing in collectibles requires specialized knowledge and carries liquidity risks.
6. Cryptocurrencies – Digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have emerged as a new class of alternative investment. Their decentralized nature and rapid value shifts attract investors seeking high returns, although the volatility and regulatory uncertainty make them risky.
7. Private Credit – Private credit refers to non-bank lending where investors provide debt financing to companies, often in the form of direct loans or mezzanine financing. This space has grown significantly since the 2008 financial crisis, offering attractive yields compared to public debt.
