PlanB: Contractors as VCs

[xchaotic]

It would seem that most if not all contractors in IT have some lump sums set aside.
Would it not make sense to get together and invest parts of it aggressively?
Some ideas that come to mind are businesses that unlike web2.0 projects, require a relative big upfront investment, therefore there's less competition.

Just as an example, a car share business in either London or Greater Manchester area - not everyone can do it as you have to buy the cars upfront.

Would anyone be interested in becoming a shareholder of such (or a similar) business? What assurances would you need? What ROI would you consider interesting enough to take the risk?

[pmeswani]

It would seem that most if not all contractors in IT have some lump sums set aside.
Would it not make sense to get together and invest parts of it aggressively?
Some ideas that come to mind are businesses that unlike web2.0 projects, require a relative big upfront investment, therefore there's less competition.

Just as an example, a car share business in either London or Greater Manchester area - not everyone can do it as you have to buy the cars upfront.

Would anyone be interested in becoming a shareholder of such (or a similar) business? What assurances would you need? What ROI would you consider interesting enough to take the risk?

Here's a quid. I would want 10,000% ROI on it please and it has to be within 3 months. . Being a VC is risky unless you know what you are doing. Even if I had some spare cash, I wouldn't invest into a VC unless I know what I am doing.

[BrilloPad]

Unless theo from Dragons den is running the VC then I am out.

[MikeC1408]

Here's my plan 'B'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7823812.stm

[Liability]

Let me tell you where I am with this.

It's a recession, I need all the money as contingency and for this reason - I am out.

[pmeswani]

Let me tell you where I am with this.

It's a recession, I need all the money as contingency and for this reason - I am out.

You are trying impersonate either Deborah or Duncan... Either way I'm ouT.

[MPwannadecentincome]

Its a good idea but I don't think you will find many takers for the risk on this forum!

[tim123]

It would seem that most if not all contractors in IT have some lump sums set aside.
Would it not make sense to get together and invest parts of it aggressively?
Some ideas that come to mind are businesses that unlike web2.0 projects, require a relative big upfront investment, therefore there's less competition.

Just as an example, a car share business in either London or Greater Manchester area - not everyone can do it as you have to buy the cars upfront.

Would anyone be interested in becoming a shareholder of such (or a similar) business? What assurances would you need? What ROI would you consider interesting enough to take the risk?

I would want to be the one sharing in taking the management decisions so that I know where the risk is.

But no, I don't think that I'd want to invest in a car share scheme.

tim