Problem: It’s difficult to invest in the alternative asset class of Antiques.
Solution: In times of bear stock markets, one option for limiting losses and preserving gains is to invest in assets that have a performance which is non-correlated to the market. Alternative investments are one example of an asset class that fit this description. In recent years, alternative investment companies have boomed: StockX for buying and selling sneakers (valued at $1B+), Otis for buying and selling “culture” (created by the former founder of Skillshare, Michael Karnjanaprakorn), and Masterworks to buy and sell shares of fine art (they’ve been acquiring art works work millions). This is all part of the larger trend of democratizing assets that were traditionally only reserved for the wealthy. One area I have notice where there hasn’t been much democratization is in the area of antique dealing. With dozen of television shows on the topic that each garner millions of viewers, there is a clear interest in potentially finding something that is extremely valuable and old. In fact, there’s even this December 23, 1982 article about “Investing in Antique Furniture vs Stocks.” This paired with the fact that the antique market is in a steep decline (as of 2018, that is) provides an opportunity ripe for disruption and profits. This investment platform would open up the general public to the $24B+ fine art and antique market.
Monetization: Retain at least 5% ownership in all antiques purchased; platform trading fees; creating a secondary market with these fees; premium subscriptions.
Contributed by: Michael Bervell (Billion Dollar Startup Ideas)