The Blast Club is attracting growing interest from investors looking for opportunities in the world of startups. Founded by Anthony Bourbon, this innovative investment club enables investors to participate in the financing of promising young companies from as little as €1,000. But what about the return on investment and the associated risks? Let’s take a look behind the scenes of this concept that democratizes access to venture capital.
The Blast Club concept: democratizing investment in start-ups
The Blast Club positions itself as a bridge between individual investors and the world of startups. Its founder, Anthony Bourbon, has drawn on his entrepreneurial experience to design a platform that enables everyone to become a player in the financing of innovation. The process is simple:
- Rigorous selection of 2-3 startups per month from 300 applications
- Personal investment by Anthony Bourbon in each proposed project
- Access to training and a community of investors
- Post-investment support for startups
This approach democratizes access to investment opportunities traditionally reserved for business angels and venture capital funds. With 8,000 active members and 55 million euros invested, the Blast Club seems to have found its audience. However, it’s crucial to understand the financial mechanisms and risks inherent in this type of investment before taking the plunge.
Costs and financial structure: understanding the commitment
Investing via Blast Club involves several levels of costs that need to be carefully analyzed:
| Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual membership | 1000€ to 10 000€ depending on the formula |
| Management fee | 3-5% on each investment |
| Capital gains commission | 20% on resale |
These fees may seem high, but they are in line with the logic of venture capital, where remuneration is linked to performance. Note that return on investment is expressed as a multiple of the initial investment, not as a percentage. Anthony Bourbon announces an average multiple of 9 over 4 years for his personal investments, an impressive figure but one to be taken with caution.
The investment horizon is long term, generally several years, with no dividends to look forward to. Potential gains are realized when shares are resold, via a club-internal platform. This structure encourages a patient vision of investment, aligned with the development cycle of startups.
Investor profile and diversification: the keys to success
The Blast Club is aimed at a specific investor profile, one that is aware of the risks involved and prepared to tie up part of its capital over the long term. Here are a few key points to consider:
1. High risk tolerance: We recommend investing only what you’re prepared to lose.
2. Diversification crucial: Spread your investments over several startups to mutualize risk.
3. Limited portion of assets: Investments in startups should represent between 5% and 20% of the overall portfolio.
4. Patience and long-term vision: Returns on investment can take several years to materialize.
The club offers interesting sector diversity, with 28 startups financed since the launch in a variety of fields, including food, marketplaces, e-commerce and insurance. This variety enables members to build up a balanced portfolio within the club itself.
Review and outlook: a bet on innovation
The Blast Club represents an innovative approach to participative investment in startups. Its initial success, with 55 million euros invested and an active community of 8,000 members, testifies to the appeal of this model. However, there are a few key points to bear in mind:
– The club’s actual performance remains to be confirmed over the long term, given its recent launch.
– Thealignment of interests between Anthony Bourbon and club members is a positive factor, but does not guarantee success.
– The rigorous selection of projects (2-3 out of 300 monthly applications) suggests a serious due diligence process.
–Post-investment support for startups can be an asset in maximizing the chances of success.
All in all, the Blast Club offers an interesting opportunity for investors willing to take calculated risks in the startup ecosystem. It democratizes access to an asset class previously reserved for an elite, while offering a structured framework and a committed community. Nevertheless, as with any high-risk investment, it is crucial to approach this opportunity with caution, bearing in mind that success stories should not overshadow the risks inherent in investing in young, innovative companies.
