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Max is an accomplished finance and investment executive, boasting over ten years of experience in the sector. He established Openstakes Capital, a firm renowned for its expertise in private debt and equity investments. Previously, as a Managing Director APAC at LMM Liechtenstein—a multi-family office managing assets over $40 billion—Max honed his investment and origination skills, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

In his role at Factor, Max leads the investor relations and financing strategies to surpass the expectations of our financial partners. Additionally, he takes on the responsibilities of a fractional CFO, strengthening financial systems to adeptly handle the challenges within the construction and development industries.

Max’s extensive experience and strategic approach to finance and investment ensure that both Factor’s projects and financial practices are positioned for success in the competitive market.

What is your investment philosophy?

As a value investor, my approach centres on identifying dislocations or mispricings in assets across different markets. These dislocations often arise from market inefficiencies, which vary by asset class. For instance, in equities, opportunities may stem from spin-offs or bankruptcies, while in debt markets, regulatory changes or lender preferences may be the source of mispricings. In real estate, dislocations can often be found in regional markets, zoning changes, or emerging demand for new types of development, such as industrial properties. Ultimately, my goal is to take advantage of these inefficiencies to uncover undervalued assets with strong potential for long-term growth.

How do you think about risk mitigation in real estate projects?

When it comes to risk mitigation in real estate projects, it is important to approach each project with a sound strategy. This involves conducting thorough due diligence on the property, understanding the local real estate market, and carefully managing the construction process.

To minimise risk, it’s important to avoid being swayed by fads or trends, which can lead to investing in overvalued properties. Instead, we focus on identifying properties with long-term potential that are undervalued or have a solid track record of profitability.

Another key component of risk mitigation is managing the construction process efficiently. This involves value engineering to ensure that the construction process is optimised for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as working with experienced contractors and subcontractors who have a proven track record of delivering quality work on time and within budget.

Ultimately, successful risk mitigation in real estate projects requires a disciplined approach to investment, a thorough understanding of the local market, and a commitment to finding creative solutions to potential challenges.

You’ve worked in some pretty diverse places. How has that shaped your career?

Working in diverse places has greatly impacted my career. Exposure to different cultures has allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for cultural differences and recognize the fundamental similarities that exist between people, irrespective of their background. This has had a significant influence on my worldview, and how I approach the business world. By understanding the core similarities between people, I am better positioned to meet their needs and provide relevant solutions.

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Madison Ross
ASSISTANT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

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