The Pearl Fund (www.thepearl.fund) today announced the launch of a new investment vehicle focused on Opportunity Zone businesses. Following the recent traunch of Opportunity Zone regulations, the 2019 Fund will raise $25 million from investors with capital gains who are seeking tax-free venture capital returns.

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The specialized boutique fund focuses on three key areas:

"There couldn't be a more opportune or exciting time to launch our fund than now," said Brian Phillips, founder and managing partner of The Pearl Fund, who brings more than three decades of experience as a serial entrepreneur and expert on emerging economies. "We will be working closely with our portfolio companies to ensure high returns for our investors who are seeking to diversify their portfolios at such an unprecedented time."

Mr. Phillips, who has been a founding member of over a dozen startups, has spent time working with and advising hundreds of SME entrepreneurs for Goldman Sachs in dozens of countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Brazil, and India. Additionally, he is also a trusted advisor to Ivy League faculty on how to convert their inventions into viable businesses.

Opportunity Zone businesses: a 'sweet spot' for investors with measurable economic development and social impact

Opportunity Zone venture capital has the potential to generate stronger returns than similar investments in real estate. As with venture investing in general, the target returns for Opportunity Zone business investing is at least 10X, with the holy grail being to fund the next Apple or Google (by comparison, average real estate investments target returns are 2-3X). Further, a 2014 Goldman Sachs study found that investment in rapidly scaling small-to-medium enterprise is the most effective way to drive economic development.

The news of the Fund's launch follows the recent announcement that The Pearl Fund has added several key advisors who bring diversified expertise across business development strategy, marketing, and public relations. To register to receive more information, visit www.thepearl.fund.

About The Pearl Fund

The Pearl Fund is the first Opportunity Zone fund that is also a venture capital fund investing in early-stage startups and their founders. Led by serial entrepreneur and global economic development expert Brian Phillips, who has been a founding member of over a dozen startups (two IPOs, two acquisitions and one sold via an MBO), The Pearl Fund focuses on high-potential businesses that can yield a 10X+ return. For more information, visit www.thepearl.fund.

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FLIGHT PR Alysha Light alysha@flightpr.com