FAQs

We believe a DPO is the best investment vehicle for a small business like ours. Here’s why:

• We want to pay a return to you, not to a bank.
• We believe our best investors are those who already value and support us: our community of readers.
• We are providing an opportunity to invest locally rather than in Wall Street.
• We want to keep money in the local economy by paying a return to California residents in the Bay Area and beyond.

A Direct Public Offering, or DPO, is a public offering of securities by a business or nonprofit made directly to both accredited and non-accredited investors. By using a DPO, also known as investment crowdfunding, Berkeleyside ensures our pool of investors is from the 100%, not the 1%.

Ben & Jerry’s raised investment through a DPO, as did the Green Bay Packers, the only publicly owned franchise in the NFL. More locally, Oakland’s People’s Community Market is building its organization through DPOs.

The shares earn 3% annual dividends, which will either be paid in cash at the end of year or accrue until paid in a later year. If the company is sold or liquidated, investors will have a preferential right to receive their investment amount plus accrued dividends. The company can choose to repurchase the shares, at the investment amount plus accrued dividends, at any time. Shares are transferable, subject to a number of restrictions described in the offering materials.

There is risk in every investment and this is no different, as Berkeleyside is offeringpreferred stock that would be junior to any creditors in a bankruptcy. This risk is offset by the fact that, with 3% annual dividends, we are paying 3.0x the return of the best savings account in the country, and 2.5x the rate of 7-year US Treasury bonds. An investment in Berkeleyside diversifies your portfolio, builds local economic resilience, strengthens your sense of place in your community, and supports independent local news. All investments are about risk, but with most investments you are placing your trust in a faceless organization. With Berkeleyside, you can stop by and talk to us, or run into us on the street, anytime. Which would you prefer?