Business

Are you looking for Mezzanine debt finance for your property development?

Published

4 years ago

April 20, 2021

Getting funding for an upcoming project is never an easy ordeal. Property developers and builders have to work hard to secure funding for their upcoming projects, especially during these unprecedented times of Covid-19. Obtaining funding is especially hard for small developers and builders as the market is dominated by high-end developers and big-time builders. Of course, factors such as the rising cost of land and the strict lending criteria do not make it any easier for small developers and builders to secure financing. If you are looking for Mezzanine debt finance for your property development, here is everything that you need to know.

What is Mezzanine debt finance?

First, let’s talk about Mezzanine debt finance. When a builder or a development company has fully utilised their debt borrowing capacity or looking to preserve their senior debt for the future, the builder or developer will need to look for an additional source of capital. This capital could be used for growth opportunities such as starting new projects or taking over ongoing projects and distributing among shareholders, and in some cases, buying back shares from shareholders. This is when developers need to start raising finance for property development.

Equity vs Mezzanine debt finance

Now, there are two options. One option is to raise more equity, which means that the builder or developer has to further dilute their share in order to get funding. The second, and more viable option, is Mezzanine financing. Mezzanine debt is used to bridge the gap between equity financing and debt. In simpler terms, think of Mezzanine financing as a more expensive form of debt or a cheaper form of equity. Since it is a more affordable form of equity, the interest rate is higher while the overall cost of capital is lower. Mezzanine debt financing allows a developer to get the highest return on investment while putting in the least amount of capital.

Let’s say a high-end builder wants to take over an ongoing project that has £20 million in debt, but the builder does not want to put up their capital. So, the builder will look for Mezzanine financing to cover around £15 million while the builder will only have to invest £5 million from their capital. Since the builder used Mezzanine debt financing, it will be possible to convert the debt into equity only once certain criteria are met. However, this allows the builder to reduce the amount of capital required to complete the transaction and eventually allows the debt to convert into profitable equity.

Tools for Mezzanine debt finance

For builders and developers who are looking for Mezzanine debt financing, technology is a great boon! Now, there are so many online tools that have made the process of securing funding so much easier. Sqft.Capital is one such company that works as an online finance raising tool for property developers and provides mezzanine debt for property developers! Sqft.Capital is a platform that has been created for UK property developers to model their deals, raise debt and equity, secure funding and optimise profits seamlessly.

The average debt raise request for Sqft.Capital is £2,945,179, while the average mezz raise request is £1,088,745. The average equity raise request is £688,211, and the average GDV projects that this company raises funding on is £4,640,130. This platform allows builders and developers to use free tools to model a financial projection and then puts all the data together to make it look presentable for lenders. Once the model is ready, Sqft.Capital finds the best financing options for the upcoming project, which either have the highest profit or require the least amount of equity.

Why choose Mezzanine debt finance?

One important reason that developers should opt for Mezzanine debt financing is that it allows them to increase their internal rate of return. Also, since the developers do not have to give up equity, they have complete control over their projects and businesses. Usually, when developers get more equity partners on boards, things can get messy. Additionally, the main chunk of mezzanine finance is payable as an exit fee when the loan is redeemed, which means most of the cost is a charge on profits.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.