October 1, 2013
Dear SEC:
I am an attorney and associate of the Yearling Funds, L.P., an early-stage venture capital firm based in Louisville, Kentucky. I am writing in regard to two issues: the final Rule 506 regarding general solicitation, and proposed rules to expand the scope of Regulation D and Form D. Specifically, I am seeking clarification of the facts and circumstances that would reasonably establish that an investor is accredited. I also respectfully request the Commission withdraw its proposed amendments to Regulation D and Form D, as these requirements would paralyze angel investing and virtually shut small issuers out of the capital markets.
Our Firm has a large number of Limited Partners, all of whom are accredited investors. Accredited investors such as LPs form the backbone of the startup economy. Collectively, our firm has funded more than 20 deals in start-ups and early-stage companies. The majority of these companies have gone on to raise additional capital and continue to positively impact the economy.
I recognize that the JOBS Act required issuers to take reasonable steps to verify that investors are accredited when relying on Rule 506(c). However, reasonable steps should not include disclosure of personal financial information by angel investors already well-versed in the startup economy. Active angel and early stage investors are both accredited investors and knowledgeable about the risks of this form of investing. This combination of fact and circumstances provides richer validation than the check-the-box method prohibited by Congress.
Our Firm and associated LPs work closely with entrepreneurs over long periods (often years) to provide essential mentorship capital and support in addition to financial backing. If our LPs are required to navigate cumbersome and costly requirements to provide private financial data to every startup in which they invest, they will go elsewhere. Our LPs invest their own funds – they are not hedge funds or private equity managers – which have extensive infrastructure already in place to help determine whether a limited partnership investment is suitable for a potential accredited investor.
I respectfully request the Commission take two actions: Withdraw the proposed rules and, provide guidance in regard to Rule 506(c), to the following effect:
If an issuer verifies that a purchaser is a member of an established angel group or is otherwise actively engaged in the startup community and also provides written representation that he or she
is an accredited investor, the issuer will have met the verification requirement of Rule 506(c).
Sincerely,
Ross Jordan