In Episode #8 of Slice of Real Estate, Sundip Patel, CEO at AVANA Companies.

Listen to the full episode to learn about: 

• AVANA Companies' focus on impact investing and lending in the US with global expansion plans.

• Social and environmental impact through job creation and clean energy projects.

• Democratizing CRE private credit investing via the fintech platform Equal Seat.

• Expansion into emerging markets like Saudi Arabia and India, focusing on women-owned businesses and micro-enterprises.

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Introduction

In this episode of the Slice of Real Estate Podcast, host Jared Taylor sits down with Sundip Patel, the co-founder and CEO of AVANA Companies, a financial services company dedicated to impact investing and lending. Patel shares insights into AVANA’s mission, their approach to social and environmental impact, and their exciting plans for future growth.

AVANA Companies: A Mission-Driven Approach

AVANA Companies, under the leadership of Sundip Patel, is committed to impact investing, primarily in the US, with aspirations for global expansion. Patel explains that AVANA started with a focus on creating and maintaining jobs through investments in commercial real estate. Over time, this mission evolved to include clean energy projects, further enhancing their social and environmental impact.

Measuring Social and Environmental Impact

Patel emphasizes the importance of measuring the impact of their investments. AVANA tracks various metrics, including job creation, ethnic diversity, income levels, and gender participation in their projects. This meticulous approach ensures that their investments not only yield financial returns but also contribute positively to the communities they serve.

Democratizing CRE Private Credit Investing

AVANA leverages a fintech platform called Equal Seat to democratize commercial real estate (CRE) private credit investing. This platform allows institutional and accredited investors to co-invest in various projects, making it easier for a broader range of investors to participate in and benefit from these opportunities. Patel envisions opening this platform to non-accredited investors in the future, further expanding its accessibility.

Expansion into Emerging Markets

Patel shares AVANA’s exciting plans to expand into emerging markets like Saudi Arabia and India. In Saudi Arabia, the focus is on supporting women-owned businesses and small enterprises, while in India, they aim to capitalize on the booming economy by investing in micro and small businesses. These expansions are driven by a desire to make a tangible impact in these regions, providing much-needed capital and support to underserved markets.

Challenges and Future Outlook

One of the challenges AVANA faces is balancing the need for financial returns with their commitment to social impact. Patel notes that while they have not yet attracted government or impact fund financing, they continue to explore these avenues as their portfolio grows. Looking ahead, Patel is excited about the potential to scale their impact, particularly in new markets, and to continue fostering diversity and resilience within their organization.

Conclusion

Sundip Patel's journey with AVANA Companies is a testament to the power of impact investing. Through strategic investments in commercial real estate and clean energy, AVANA is creating jobs, promoting diversity, and driving sustainable growth. As they expand into new markets, their commitment to making a positive difference remains unwavering.

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