Dr. Thomas J. Powell

You lead the direction, decision-making, and performance of a private equity fund as a General Partner (GP) —taking on legal responsibility, securing capital commitments, executing investments, and managing portfolio value to generate strong returns. This article gives you a deep, actionable look at the GP’s responsibilities, authority, and financial incentives throughout the fund lifecycle. You’ll learn how GPs operate, how they work with Limited Partners (LPs), and how they shape strategies that ultimately determine fund success.  What is a General Partner in a private equity fund? A General Partner is the managing entity of a private equity fund, responsible for day-to-day operations, strategy execution, and legal accountability. You make all investment and management decisions on behalf of the fund and carry unlimited liability for its obligations. The fund is typically structured as a limited partnership. You, as the GP, serve as the active manager, while LPs—often pension fu...

Angel investors are individuals funding your early-stage startup with smaller checks and mentorship, while venture capitalists are institutional funds offering larger investments and structured governance for rapid scaling. You stand at a pivotal moment—choosing funding that aligns with your stage, goals, and culture. In this article, you’ll explore the differences between angel and VC investment —from timing, funding size, and expectations to strategic fit and current market trends—so you can confidently choose the path that matches your startup’s trajectory. What Are Angel Investors? Angel investors are successful individuals who inject personal capital—typically between $25,000 and $1 million—into promising startups, often in exchange for equity or convertible instruments. You benefit from their deep domain knowledge, startup experience, and network connections. Angels move quickly and decisively, making them well-suited for early-stage ventures still proving product-market fit. Th...

If you're managing significant wealth with international exposure, you've likely considered how to protect it from legal risk, political instability, or shifting tax regimes. Offshore trusts can provide long-term protection, financial privacy, and estate planning advantages—when structured correctly. In this article, you’ll learn how offshore trusts function, why high-net-worth individuals use them, what benefits they offer, and the critical compliance and jurisdiction decisions that determine whether they serve you well or put you at risk. Understanding Offshore Trusts An offshore trust is a legal arrangement where you transfer assets to a trustee based in a foreign jurisdiction. That trustee legally owns and manages the trust property for your chosen beneficiaries, based on terms you define in the trust deed. Common jurisdictions include the Cook Islands, Jersey, Nevis, and the Cayman Islands—each offering different degrees of asset protection and confidentiality. You can ch...

Private equity can seem mysterious if you're on the outside looking in, but once you break it down, the model is fairly straightforward. It’s a way for investors to take ownership in private companies, often with the goal of improving performance and eventually selling at a profit. If you're considering stepping into private equity—either as an investor, advisor, or operator—understanding the mechanics will help you navigate the space with more confidence. In this article, you'll get a clear look at how private equity works, who’s involved, how deals are structured, and what you can expect along the way. What Private Equity Actually Means Private equity refers to investments made directly into private companies or public companies that are taken private. These investments are usually managed by private equity firms that raise capital from institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. As an investor, you wouldn’t typically invest directly into a c...

When you're getting your startup off the ground, one of the first and most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right legal structure. It may not sound glamorous, but it has serious consequences for your taxes, your liability, your ability to raise funding, and how smoothly your business operates as it grows. The right entity can protect your personal assets, simplify your taxes, and make you more attractive to investors. The wrong one can do the opposite. You want to pick a structure that supports your goals—not one that creates roadblocks. In this article, I’ll walk you through the main types of business entities , show you where they work best, and help you figure out what fits your startup’s needs today and as you scale. Sole Proprietorship: Simple, But High Risk If you're starting a business on your own and want to get going fast, the sole proprietorship is the default choice. It’s the easiest structure to set up—no formal registration required beyond a loc...

Investing in real estate has always been one of the most reliable ways to build wealth, but success largely depends on choosing the right city. Over the years, I’ve analyzed countless markets, and some cities consistently offer better opportunities than others. The best investment locations combine affordability, population growth, strong job markets, and increasing housing demand. I’ve seen firsthand how real estate investors make substantial returns by targeting cities with these factors. Several locations stand out as prime opportunities for rental income, appreciation, and long-term stability. Here’s my list of the top ten cities worth considering for real estate investment this year. 1. Colorado Springs, Colorado I’ve watched Colorado Springs climb the ranks as one of the hottest real estate markets. With home sales and prices projected to grow significantly, it’s a goldmine for investors looking for long-term appreciation. The city’s job market is expanding, thanks to military i...