Auspicious Assets

At Auspicious Assets, we believe in the incredible strength and potential of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. These individuals have overcome unimaginable hardship, and we are dedicated to equipping them with the tools and resources they need to not only survive, but thrive.

One of the biggest challenges our clients face on their entrepreneurial journey is the need for transparency while safeguarding their identities. Building trust with investors, partners, and customers often relies on a level of public exposure that can put our clients at risk.

This is where Auspicious Assets steps in. We understand the delicate balance between fostering transparency for business collaboration and protecting our clients’ privacy. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive due diligence process unlike any other.

Why Traditional Due Diligence Doesn’t Work for Survivors

Conventional investigative procedures processes rely heavily on publicly available information and background checks. While this may be sufficient for most businesses, it is be an existential barrier for our clients. Here’s why:

• Information Silos & Unintended Exposure: Traditional methods often rely on contacting third parties, which can inadvertently reveal a survivor’s location or financial activity. This can be dangerous, especially for independent survivors whose abusers maintain control over shared networks or have a history of stalking. Auspicious Assets prioritizes methods that protect survivor privacy.
• Algorithmic Bias Against Protective Measures: Improved Text: Survivors who have taken legal steps to protect their identity by sealing public records may be unfairly excluded from essential services for up to a decade due to automated screening processes lacking human oversight. Conversely, foreign individuals could potentially open accounts without ever setting foot in the country. Auspicious Assets recognizes the complexities surrounding sealed records and is committed to supporting survivors without penalizing them for prioritizing safety.
• Misinterpreting Safety Measures: Survivors often take proactive measures like filing fraud alerts with consumer reporting and data brokerage agencies. Traditional due diligence processes may misinterpret these actions as reasons to eliminate otherwise qualified applicants. Our trained researchers recognize these steps as signs of responsible financial management.
• Inaccurate Information: Abusers may manipulate financial records or use threats to keep a survivor’s circumstances hidden. Our experienced team can recognize the difference between financial abuse and financial mismanagement. This ensures deserving applicants aren’t disqualified based on inaccurate information.
• Triggering Past Trauma: Engaging with past records, even indirectly, can be emotionally triggering for survivors. Our trauma-informed approach minimizes the need to interact with potentially upsetting information.

We’ve spent countless hours on calls and meetings with bewildered bank associates, rarely encountering the same person twice. This inconsistency is the greatest barrier we navigate with our entrepreneurs. Afterwards, the wind hits their sails.

A Trauma-Informed Approach to Due Diligence

At Auspicious Assets, we take a trauma-informed approach to due diligence. This means prioritizing our clients’ well-being and safety while still providing the highest level of assurance to investors and partners. Here’s how our process works:

• Client Consent is Paramount: Every step of the process begins with the informed consent of our client. We provide clear explanations of what information is needed and how it will be used.
• Verification Through Partnerships: We have established relationships with specialized partners who have expertise in working with survivors. These partners include federal entities with a proven track record under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), as well as NGOs and social service agencies with experience in verifying identities, skills, and experiences through alternative methods that avoid triggering past trauma. Examples of such alternative methods include character references from trusted advocates, counselors, or mentors, or skills assessments conducted by qualified professionals who are trained in trauma-informed practices.
• Focus on Strengths and Potential: Our due diligence goes beyond a simple background check. We focus on identifying our clients’ strengths, skills, and business ideas. We assess their entrepreneurial potential and provide them with support to develop a solid business plan.
• Direct Verification of Business Operations: To ensure the legitimacy and viability of our clients’ businesses, we may conduct direct verification of their business operations. This can involve activities such as visiting their workspace (with the client’s permission), speaking with suppliers and customers, and reviewing business licenses and permits. We will always prioritize the safety and privacy of our clients throughout this process. For example, workspace visits would only be conducted once we have established a trusting relationship with the client and they have explicitly consented. All communication with suppliers and customers would be carefully managed to avoid revealing any identifying information about the client.
• Human Expertise Needed: Trained advocates, familiar with the nuances of sealed court documents and survivor experiences, can interpret redacted records and recognize legitimate situations that algorithms might misinterpret.

Transparency with Confidentiality

While we shield the identities of our clients, we understand the need for transparency with our stakeholders. Here’s how we achieve this balance:

• Detailed Business Documents: We work with our clients to develop comprehensive business portfolios that clearly outline their business concept, target market, competitive growth analysis, marketing strategy, balance sheets, cash flows, profit & loss statements, financial projections, management team structure, and more for an investor prospectus. In some cases, we may also help clients develop other essential business documents, such as operating agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and standard business contracts.
• Vetted Industry Expertise: Our team is comprised of experienced entrepreneurs and investors. We leverage this expertise to assess the viability of our clients’ business plans and provide feedback to investors.
• Impact Reporting: We track the progress of our clients’ businesses and share anonymized impact reports with investors. These reports showcase the positive outcomes achieved through their support.

Investing in More Than a Business, Investing in a Survivor’s Future

By investing in Auspicious Assets, you’re not just investing in a promising business venture, you’re investing in a survivor’s future. Our unique due diligence process ensures that you’re getting a clear picture of the business opportunity while protecting our clients’ well-being.

Together, we can create a world where survivors not only rebuild their lives, but become successful entrepreneurs and role models of resilience and strength.

Partner with Auspicious Assets and Make a Difference

If you’re an investor who values social impact alongside business success, we invite you to partner with Auspicious Assets. Contact us today to learn more about our unique approach and how you can make a positive impact on the lives of survivors.