WealthForge Concludes $2.5 Million Series A Fundraising Round

RICHMOND, Va., April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- WealthForge Holdings, Inc. ("WealthForge"), a Richmond-based firm focused on servicing the new private equity investments market, today announced that it has closed its series A fundraising efforts during which it raised $2.5 million. New Richmond Ventures ("NRV"), a Richmond-based investment firm, and SenaHill Partners, LP ("SenaHill"), a New York City-based merchant bank, were the lead strategic investors in the financing round which closed March 31.

"We are pleased with where our fundraising concluded in this round and are particularly proud to have the support of NRV and SenaHill," said Mat Dellorso, co-founder & CEO of WealthForge. "These are two firms that understand our company and our market."

"WealthForge is positioned to be the backbone of the emerging online private investment marketplace, including crowdfunding," said Fred Bryant, chief compliance officer and co-founder of WealthForge. "We are confident we have the right partners to help grow our business."

WealthForge's clients include Realty Mogul, a marketplace for accredited investors to pool money online and buy shares of pre-vetted investment properties.  

"WealthForge is well positioned in the newly enabled and rapidly growing market for internet based capital formation," said Ted Chandler, principal at NRV and Chairman of the Board of WealthForge." At NRV, we look to support strong local leadership teams with powerful offerings in dynamic, growing markets. WealthForge is just such a company and we could not be more proud to be on their team."

"Crowdfunding will be a big secular theme going forward, and we are excited about our investment in Wealthforge," said SenaHill Managing Partner, Justin Brownhill. "Our experience in the highly regulated capital markets and broker-dealer space gives us a unique perspective as to which business models have the most potential for investors. WealthForge's strategy, technology, and team impressed us greatly and we are proud to be involved."

Revised Securities & Exchange Commission ("SEC") regulations included within the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act ("JOBS Act"), specifically Titles II and III, are creating a larger market for private investments by changing the limits on who can invest and revising restrictions on how companies can publicize their intent to raise capital. This federal law passed by Congress in 2012, will make private investment opportunities accessible to millions of Americans. For the first time since the 1930's, private companies are now allowed to advertise when raising capital.  Also, in 2014, it is expected that average citizens, not just those defined as high net-worth, will be allowed to invest in private companies and startups.

About WealthForge
WealthForge Holdings, Inc. is a firm that enables online private investments – investments made in companies, particularly small businesses and startups that are not on a public exchange. WealthForge provides the technology and oversight needed to complete these private investment transactions within SEC regulations through its wholly-owned licensed broker-dealer subsidiary. Some of WealthForge's services include compliance, investor verification, transaction processing, shareholder services, and access to larger pools of capital. WealthForge's broker-dealer subsidiary has been operating as a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) since 2009. The company is headquartered in Richmond, VA.

To learn more about WealthForge please visit: www.wealthforgellc.com

About New Richmond Ventures
New Richmond Ventures was formed in 2011 with a mission to help grow the Richmond community by investing in social impact-focused entrepreneurs. NRV is led by a well-known team of Richmond-area business, investment, and philanthropic leaders, principally Jim Ukrop, Bob Mooney, and Ted Chandler.

To learn more about New Richmond Ventures please visit: www.newrichmondventures.com

About SenaHill Partners, LP
SenaHill Partners is a Merchant Bank offering a full suite of investment, operating, and advisory services to the Financial Technology Sector. As operators with deep domain expertise, the partnership leverages its experience, rolodex, and unparalleled industry advisor network to offer superior services that drive its partner companies' success. SenaHill focuses on four major vertical ecosystems: Capital Markets & Exchanges, Banking, Alternative Financing & Payments, Insurance & Asset Management, and Treasury & Cash Management.

To learn more about SenaHill please visit: www.senahill.com

SOURCE WealthForge Holdings, Inc.