Services – All

In³ Finance Services — What We Offer

We partner with entrepreneurs and project developers to quickly and reliably deliver project finance to accelerate their commercial success in the US and emerging/frontier markets worldwide.  How?

Capital Formation Services | Vetting Reports | Strategic Advisory | Project Development | Business Development 

Since 1996, In3 has arranged private and “alternative” funding for diverse industries (mid-market energy, food/ag, water, materials, housing, real estate) in the US, EU and emerging/frontier markets. We can directly finance projects of $25 million or more (ideally, $50m and above), but when your situation does not immediately qualify, or for other goals, In3’s advisory services help business owners develop and optimize plans with investor-ready financial models, review and consult to de-risk and expedite closings, offer fresh, objective feedback.

How can you be sure we will be reasonably objective?  We often play the role of “third party neutral” for both investors and project developers, with a long history of upholding the highest ethical standards, where we voluntarily disclose any potential conflict of interest, and will easily acknowledge if we have a bias (and why) before offering a well-informed opinion or recommendations.  As former management consultants and mediators, helping resolve complex disputes required this sort of transparency.

Our “objectivity” is not just lip service — we’ve built our financial services firm’s culture on prior experience and hold true to those standards to this day through coaching and group facilitation, and look at multiple sides of topics for advisory services, strengthening the value of our services.  We bring a good dose of self-awareness that is so often lost with fundraising or competitor business development (bizdev) advisory services.  It is easy to get lose perspective or “fall in love” with an idea.  Try us out and see for yourself.

We mostly provide impact capital, direct project funding, vetting or due diligence services, bizdev and investment facilitation services to project developers in the US and globally.  We can assist with seamless project co-develop within our areas of expertise, and we periodically host engaging and educational “impact innovation” events to connect people working with cleantech, renewables and (among others) solutions to climate change.

Check-out our short list of eligibility criteria for our preferred program — what we call the Four Cornerstones: size, stage, space (or sector) and surety.

This capital can be structured as a loan, equity investment, or both (hybrid of mezzanine debt and equity), or other forms of non-traditional capital such as convertible debt, quasi-equity, and other solutions as part of our advisory work.

Our main focus is regenerative, circular and renewable resources — energy, food, water, materials — but we are open to any industry that delivers social and/or environmental benefits, or at least does no harm.

GETTING STARTED:  If seeking project finance, we recommend you begin with an honest, self-appraisal to assist with figuring out the best way forward.  Use our Readiness and Innovation Navigator (about RAIN — ungoing an update for 2024 bankability standards … please bear with us!) — if you don’t overthink it, RAIN can be completed in 5-10 minutes and will help expedite your fundraising.

Note that we DO NOT require RAIN assessment for our streamlined, flagship funding, In3’s Completion Assurance Program (CAP).  RAIN is most useful for ventures (not projects) seeking to raise funds, those that want to partner with us to further develop one or more projects, or “special situations” that do not meet CAP’s pre-qualification conditions.

Overview of In³ Services (click on a topic to learn more):

• RAISING CAPITAL:  We help you qualify for the best possible investment terms and asset valuations, greatly increase the probability of a successful infusion, and reduce the time it takes.  We represent a US Family Office with a mandate to invest in mid-market projects.  The preferred pathway for equity and/or debt project finance is our Capital Guarantee Program™ (In3 CAP).  About impact funding, FAQ, our client history.  Further details.
• STRATEGIC ADVISORY:  For planning, developing and financing your project or venture, with years of experience and track record of success with advising startups, governments, and established companies.  We can help with visioning, path-finding or strategy work, technology review and vetting reports, market feasibility studies, and many others.
• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:  In3 can help you optimize your portfolio, the capital stack (sources of capital including debt, equity, convertible equity, tax equities, etc.), or consider and map out longer-range plans, including owner exists, M&A, growth strategies, marketing communication, sales force/workforce development, succession planning and much more.  
• DEAL PACKAGING / FUNDING ORIGINATION:  As a designated loan originator with respected industry credentials (we are certified by Moody’s Analytics), we have worked closely with development finance institutions such as US OPIC (now DFC), development banks such as InterAmerica and Asian DB, sovereign wealth, family office and impact investment funds, and can help you win investor support while avoiding “blind alleys” along the way.  Our services save you time and money in the long run by increasing the odds of successful traction, due diligence and approval of binding terms at the best available rates.
• RISK MITIGATION: We bring fresh perspective and non-judgmental advocacy for presenting your deal with issues handled, strengths apparent, and finance well justified. Most risks are just lack of having an effective mitigation plan.
• COACHING & EDUCATION: Workshop leadership within our sphere of expertise, certified in finance, coaching and facilitation, we bring expertise in both subject matter and learning strategies, making our programs an invaluable investment.  These days, modular “just-in-time” learning based on real world topics offer the most direct, fastest approach.  We also bring workplace diplomacy, team development and communication expertise; for more on these services, visit Daniel Robin & Associates.
• DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: From smaller technical assistance grants to larger working capital and equipment grants, qualified individuals and companies can leverage funding in areas targeted for development.

We prefer to partner with our client companies and work in collaboration, and would be happy to discuss your situation after you’ve explored this website’s tools and information FAQ or reviewed how to qualify for project finance.  We’ve been in operation since 1996 and have a long history of success working with clients that have used these services; you can benefit, too.

Raising Capital or Impact Capital

Our flagship product is In3’s Completion Assurance [Guarantee] Program™.  Why this funding program?

Read to take next steps?  Go here.

In addition to providing project funding, we advise and assist project teams, developers, and investment partners/sponsors to obtain cost-effective capital. We offer a program of vetting and optimization that investors rely on for giving projects due consideration.  We provide strategic insights on the best ways to structure and populate the capital stack, sometimes involving multiple financing sources or multiple rounds of finance, to achieve project goals.

Now in our 25th year, In3 partners with clients in diverse industries to help them prepare to raise money — debt, equity, convertible debt, grants, revenue contracts, joint ventures and more — for US operations as well as in emerging markets and developing countries. (See also, related article on impact funding.)

The main capital that we have obtained for clients in the current economy (since 2008) is low-APR term loans (3-20 years), for at least $5 million and up to $750 million, so far, with capital available into the US$ billions.  Average loan size as of 2018 was $31.5 million, with 6.5 year tenor, but this continued upward in 2019-2020 (despite COVID), as larger projects ($120 million or more) have become more popular with investors that wish to gain efficiency and be careful of transaction costs.  More on how our innovative program disrupts that trend, with novel advantages over traditional pathways to funding middle-market projects.  Capital Guarantee Program investment strategy here.

We also can assist with attracting venture equity partners, or “quasi-equity” (also called C-loans; see below) when we have expertise in the industry of focus, with fees commensurate with risks and the amount of work required to obtain capital.  Jump to our non-CAP venture fundraising services instead of CAP project capital.

We are affiliated with capital partners who specialize in renewables and/or development finance, for-profit impact project finance with social and/or environmental benefits, or other much-needed solutions in the middle market (see Our Sweet Spot or read article entitled “Impact Capital — opportunities to solve problems we all face“).

We understand the need for effective, long-term relationships, including equity and JV partnerships, so we thoroughly vet deals and introduce only the projects or ventures that fit our investor’s profile. This deal flow saves both parties time and effort, not wasting time on companies unsuitable to the investor nor vice versa.

Our purpose is to provide access to capital that otherwise would be difficult to reach.  This is “alternative” capital — not from commercial banks — and in addition to our in-house partners, includes “boutique” (highly specialized) impact investors, private family offices, and institutional lenders such as development banks, pension fund managers, and pre-screened groups.

We are capable of working with short-term financing needs, such as buyouts, tax equities, import-export or bridge loans, as part of a services package.  It is difficult for us to introduce seed-stage investors if we do not have a long-standing relationship that enables us to prove your trustworthiness.  Once you have a seed-stage investor at the table, or sufficient resources to pay us to develop the business plan, we do offer advisory service contracts.  Use this link to set up a preliminary call.

Industry Focus:  Our clients are mostly in these diverse industries (more than 30 to date) with one thing in common — they all deliver some form of social and/or environmental impact (by itself, making a profit is not enough) — including renewable energy (utility-scale and commercial-scale solar, wind, small hydroelectricity, biomass), renewable resources (agriculture, agroforestry, aquaculture, aquaponics, water-related), waste conversion (municipal or industrial waste-to-energy, biofuels, or other “biomaterials” products such as biochar/carbon black for filtration, biopolymers for fabrics, textiles, or specialty ‘green’ chemicals such as biopesticides), energy efficiency (commercial-scale LED lighting retrofits), energy storage, eco-housing/real estate/communities, health (natural products, nutraceuticals, value chain) & other B2B cleantech (smart grids, microgrids … ) or other facets of the clean/circular/impact/sustainable economy.

The most attractive terms can be obtained by de-risking and carefully preparing plans and proposals.  We work with both US companies and overseas companies doing business in emerging markets and developing economies.  See list.

Note on forms of capital:  Quasi-equity instruments have both debt and equity characteristics. One option is convertible debt (starts off as a loan then converts to equity based on milestones reached), which compared to senior, subordinated or mezzanine debt, offers more flexible repayment terms.

Other options include preferred stock, multiple classes of shares to separate financial interest from control, and income-based or revenue contract investments. Quasi-equity investments are just one option in the capital stack to ensure that a project is soundly funded.  Ask if your project qualifies.

Vetting Reports for Impact Investors, Vendors, Developers

With nearly three decades experience, In3’s founders have gained perspective and deep knowledge of several industry best practices, relevant drivers and trends on more than a dozen industry sectors. Sectors include most renewables / cleantech (from solar and wind to small-scale hydro), sustainable agriculture, waste-to-value (including biomass, tires and more), regenerative design and a few more.

Our global reach gives this perspective the benefit of understanding cultural biases and strengths and weaknesses to any given proposal.  We often assist Impact Investors, Vendors and Developers seeking to expand into new markets as a third party neutral “insider” with information and insights they might not otherwise have at their fingertips.  Such audits and reports are available under a well-defined scope of work.  Ask us for details.

Deal Packaging 

We help determine the best options for loans in these markets, then assist with “packaging” — preparing or polishing the loan documents, including any necessary financial modeling, business plans, loan application forms, and other materials requiring analysis and clear/concise communication.

In general, a financial guarantee enables capital at the best-available terms, and with no initial cash or “skin” (unexpended, new cash co-investment). Except when financed via our flagship program, using a Completion Assurance Guarantee (CAG) as security, expansion capital (when the operating company has been in the line of business three or more years) is faster to obtain than “greenfield” (new) project capital. Similarly, funding proposals for projects involving renovation, refurbishment, or retrofits (such as for energy efficiency) can be built quickly. Some industries, such as utility-scale solar, are quite well proven and can obtain financing easily via our Completion Assurance Program (CAP)™.  In3’s CAP is faster, easier, better.

We do work with startup or “greenfield” projects, cross-border joint venture partnerships … teams seeking project finance from other than commercial bank sources (including the multilateral development banks, private impact investors, some family office, sovereign funds, larger angels and angel groups).  We have earned a success rate of better than 98% since inception.  References available.

We also offer deal syndication (multiple concurrent investors) for industries and projects in host countries where we have the most experience. Loan terms typically offer attractive, market rates of interest, and customary financing costs and fees borne by the borrower.  Some projects qualify for concessionary (below market-rate) loan terms.  With interest rates at historic lows, this might be the perfect time to obtain a fixed-rate or variable-rate term loan.

After completing a fast and easy self-assessment, feel free to ask us for an estimate of costs and timeframes.  Refer also to our industry Sweet Spot, Frequently Asked Questions, or a summary of How to Qualify for development finance loans.

Seed Stage/Grant Funding/Forgivable Loans & Philanthropic Investments

We help determine the best options for venture development and seed stage grants, mainly in emerging markets, which vary greatly by region, then we can assist with preparing the grant program description and making initial inquiries. We enjoy close working relationships with diverse sources of Technical Assistance grants, feasibility study grants, and startup project assistance (seed stage) grants up to US $1,500,000.  These services are paid for by the client on a split-fee basis, with an initial deposit and progress payments are based on milestones reached. Most of our compensation comes from “success” — bringing in the grant funds or whatever is agreed to as the target.  Such a contractual arrangement drives collaboration and goal achievement.

Risk Mitigation

We systematically de-risk your investment opportunity using a variety of mitigation strategies including careful planning & analysis, risk insurance, credit enhancement (such as financial guarantees), and other tools based on industry standards applied to your unique situation.

Strategic Advisory for planning, developing and financing

Business plan critique and development, financial model reviews, and assistance with meeting lender requirements are also available.

Our advisory services are usually arranged as a package within a tightly-defined scope of work (1-page roadmap available upon request) using a Management Service Agreement.  Services often include one or more of the following

1. Capital formation strategy — identify and pre-qualify the optimal source(s) of private or institutional debt finance, sometimes supplemented by private equity investments, subordinated debt, or other forms.  Start by using our Readiness & Innovation Navigator (Request RAIN), then evaluate your options.
2. Business planning — we can help develop or polish your project business plan (quite different than a venture investment business plan; review the differences), to ensure that your proposed project meets with success. If you already have a project business plan, we also offer effective review or critique, once the capital sources(s) have been identified. Business model design to carry out strategy benefits from market intelligence and assessing market timing, which always requires an insightful read (interpretation) of current trends, drivers and benchmarks or case studies, which is the opposite of anything cookie-cutter.
3. Project financial modelling — from cash flow analysis to ratio requirements review … let our certified analysts guide you to defensible and transparent projections that meet or exceed expectations
4. Transaction de-risking — Risk analysis and mitigation solutions such as financial guarantees or, pledges of collateral, credit enhancement, and for some projects, evaluate the need for available offtaker / commercial / all risk insurance
5. Facilitation or sources Financial Completion Assurance Guarantees | definition
6. Management team qualifications (resume/CV) review to capture highlights; identify how to present any gaps
7. Structuring transactions, including coordinating with attorneys, accountants and other professionals
8. Project search/selection/development: Not yet clear about the project itself? Elements or partners missing? Issues that need to be resolved before proceeding? Ask us for confidential consultation.
9. Pre-qualification project evaluation prior to application — assess the degree of fit prior to making a contractual commitment.
10. Preparation of documentation — executive summary and presentations, including coaching on delivery, to obtain financing.

Business Development 

In3 can help you optimize your portfolio of projects, or portfolio of other assets on your balance sheet, optimize the capital stack (sources of capital including debt, equity, convertible equity, tax equities, etc.) for a given project, or optimize the mix of products or services within a project (depending on targets for triple-bottom-line results), or consider and map out longer-range plans, including owner exists, M&A, growth strategies, marketing communication, sales force/workforce development, succession planning and much more.

More on Expert Assistance from In3
Be sure to review our process for a quick overview of how we work. We bring expertise in renewables, clean technology and health-related industries that deliver strong social/environmental impacts, and stand ready to assist you with moving through the exacting process of obtaining project finance or equity partners.  We have a stellar track record, with consistently high rate of acceptance through careful screening and attention to details.

Coaching & Education

In³ principals have delivered hundreds of workshops, conferences, team-building, planning, discussion forums, round-tables and seminars for thousands of professionals in the US and internationally (see Daniel Robin & Associates).  We also provide individual coaching and group facilitation services that management teams find quite useful. Today we offer programs that clarify and inspire, focus on innovation for sustainability, investing/fundraising, entrepreneurship, management, strategy, effective team communication and more.  Read our educational services overview and ask us about your specific issues, goals or learning objectives.

Events

We are presently offering a series of Invitation-only Events for asset owners, asset managers, family offices (both single and multi), companies and accredited institutional investors who are interested in achieving their purpose through an innovative, low-risk, high-reward structure — backing Completion Assurance guarantees for showcased products that fit with specific themes. Contact us for more information or the schedule.
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