Join us for our next event!
Upcoming Event
A Deep Dive into Closed End Funds with John Cole Scott, President & CIO, CEF Advisors | April 03, 2025
Please join us as we co-host an informative educational and networking event with Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Pacific Northwest and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Seattle. The event will feature John Cole Scott, a second-generation, 25-year industry veteran and Closed-end Fund (CEF) expert. During this interactive session, John will provide insights into the closed-end fund, business development company, and interval fund landscape and answer any questions that you might have regarding these unique structures.
Specific Topics to be covered will include:
Navigating the Closed-End Fund Landscape – Gain insights into the structure, advantages, and investment opportunities in closed-end funds, business development companies (BDCs), and interval funds.
Discount Seasonality & Market Trends – Explore historical discount volatility patterns and seasonal trends that impact investment timing and portfolio positioning.
Fund Activism & Its Impact on Value – Understand how activist investors influence fund pricing, governance, and performance and what this means for institutional and individual investors.
Income & Alternative Investment Strategies – Learn how these vehicles provide access to alternative investments and income-generating strategies beyond traditional mutual funds and ETFs.
Current Market Outlook & Practical Applications – Hear expert insights on emerging trends, regulatory developments, and strategies to capitalize on inefficiencies in these investment structures.
Speaker Bio
John Cole Scott has been with CEF Advisors, a 1989 RIA firm, since 2001. CEF Advisors specializes in customized, income-focused portfolios for high-net-worth investors, optimizing for risk and taxes.
In 2016, John developed a suite of CEF/BDC-based benchmark indexes and, since 2014, has collaborated on a BDC-focused fund that has raised over $500 million. He is the Founder & Executive Chairman of the Active Investment Company Alliance (AICA), a past board member of the Richmond Association for Business Economics (RABE), and an active member of the CFA Virginia chapter.
A graduate of The College of William & Mary, he is widely quoted in financial media and has presented at numerous investment conferences. In 2008, he founded CEFData.com, a data service covering all U.S.-listed and non-listed closed-end funds (CEFs), business development companies (BDCs), and interval funds. His 10-member analyst and programmer team tracks 800 funds and a $915+ billion universe of closed-end management companies.
John also serves as Treasurer and Co-Chair of the Investment Committee for the New York State Society of the Cincinnati. He previously held leadership roles with the William & Mary National Alumni Board and currently serves on The 1693 Partners Fund Board for W&M’s Endowment.
How to attend?
Our events are open to all members of the AltsInvest Collective, as well as to their guests. If you are not yet a member, we encourage you to apply and become one here. Events have limited capacity and require prior registration, so please check the event details and reserve your tickets in advance.
Cost to attend?
The cost to attend the event will be $10 to cover any expenses in holding the event. Any excess proceeds will be donated to our partner charity, DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network).
Previous Events
Alternative Investments: 8 Due Diligence Red Flags and Risk Areas | Insights from John Canorro
Our March event brought together investors for another insightful discussion. Our fellow member, John Canaro from Path Stone led the discussion focusing on eight potential red flags in investment due diligence, including improper investment allocations, flawed valuations, related-party transactions, and asset-liability mismatch. He used various case studies to illustrate these points. Significant attention was given to the importance of understanding operational risks and proper evaluation of private investments. The presentation concluded with a discussion on the emerging trends in crypto investments and the regulatory landscape. The session emphasized the need for thorough investigation and systematic evaluation in mitigating investment risks. The meeting ended with an interactive Q&A session.
Discover the Power of Pre-Seed and Seed Investing: Insights from Peter Mueller
We had a fantastic evening filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities at our very first event of 2025. Attendees learned how to unlock the potential of pre-seed and seed investing and discovered ways to get involved in the exciting world of startup funding. This event catered to both seasoned investors and those just starting out, making it an invaluable experience for anyone looking to enhance their investment portfolio. Participants had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge that can aid in their success in angel investing.
The evening featured a keynote presentation by Peter Mueller, founding partner of Breakwater Ventures, followed by an interactive Q&A session and ample networking opportunities. Overall, it was a fantastic occasion for individuals interested in alternative investments to engage and share insights. We appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to making the event a success.
Unlocking Hedge Fund Opportunities: Insights from Paul Kreiselmaier
In the inaugural AltsInvest Collective meeting for accredited investors looking for network and education across alternative investments we explored Hedge Funds. Unlike traditional investment vehicles such as mutual funds, hedge funds employ a range of strategies to capitalize on market opportunities, making them a potentially versatile addition to an investor's portfolio. Expert insights shared by Paul Kreiselmaier, Managing Director and head of hedge funds at Verus Investments.
Note: Members can access summaries of all past and future events.
The SEC Whistleblower Program: Protecting Investors and Promoting Transparency: Insights from Neil Chelo
Our second event of the year brought together investors for another insightful discussion. Neil Chelo, our fellow member and Managing Partner at Quadre Investments, detailed the SEC's whistleblower program, describing its origins, processes, and potential rewards. He also shared insider experiences, notably the uncovering of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and the risks q with investment fraud. Future meeting topics will include operational due diligence and private debt instruments.