The Institute for Private Investors (IPI) is a private membership organization that offers peer-to-peer networking and investor education to its members. It is open to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, or families with minimum investable assets of US $30 million or more.[1]
IPI was founded in 1991 by Charlotte B. Beyer and has a focus on community and a collaborative model of learning.[2] The mission of IPI is to change the way investors work with advisors and advisors work with investors, for the benefit of both. IPI sells no investment products or consulting services, and 100% of its revenue is derived from membership dues and educational fees.
For wealthy individuals and families, IPI offers access to Memberlink®, a private online social networking platform where qualified investors can confidentially discuss investment ideas and other issues facing wealthy families.[3] Investor conversations online typically focus on investments, wealth management and the family office, and families can discuss advisors, fees, tax strategies, insurance/legal matters, succession planning, and any number of lifestyle topics such as luxury travel and family governance.[4]
For young wealth-holders in their 20s, 30s and 40s, IPI also offers a NextGen Membership that combines online resources with special events and educational programs designed to help next generation principals connect with and learn from their peers. Events focus on issues important to the next generation, such as entrepreneurship, impact investing, and angel investing, and in October 2011, Peter Buffett addressed IPI's NextGen group in a private and intimate Concert & Conversation.[5]
In addition to individual private investors and families, professional service firms, such as registered investment advisors and wealth managers, can also join IPI as members. Professional firms do not gain access to the investors' conversations and are also not allowed to directly pitch or sell to the investors, but do benefit from positioning, education and competitive intelligence. [6]
In 2011, IPI was acquired by London-based Campden Media.[3]