Creating Groups - Setup and Configuration

Comprehensive guide to creating and configuring investment groups on CDAO Platform following proven industry principles

Creating Groups - Setup and Configuration

Launch your exclusive investor community with CDAO Platform's investment group creation tools. This detailed guide walks you through every step of setting up a successful investment group, from initial configuration to launch strategy.

🎯 Group Creation Success

✅ One Group Focus: Create one high-quality investment group per issuer
✅ Proven Framework: Industry-tested approach for successful investor communities
✅ Exclusive Access: Member-only deals regardless of group visibility
✅ Professional Setup: Comprehensive configuration and branding tools
✅ Launch Strategy: Step-by-step approach to group launch and growth

🚀 Getting Started

Prerequisites and Requirements

📋 Before You Begin

Ensure you meet all requirements before creating your investment group:

✅ Issuer Requirements

Verified Issuer Account: Complete issuer verification and approval
No Existing Group: Only one group allowed per issuer
Investment Experience: Demonstrated investment or business experience
Professional References: Credible references from investment community
Compliance Standing: Clean regulatory and legal history
Investment Thesis: Clear, articulated investment strategy

📄 Required Materials

Group Logo: High-resolution logo (200x200px minimum)
Cover Image: Banner image (1200x300px recommended)
Professional Biography: Detailed background and experience
Investment Track Record: Previous investment history and performance
Group Charter: Investment focus, criteria, and process
Legal Documentation: Terms, conditions, and disclosures

⚠️ One Group Policy: Each issuer can create exactly one investment group. This ensures focused effort and high-quality community building.

Planning Your Investment Strategy

🎯 Strategic Foundation

Define your investment strategy and group positioning:

🏭 Industry Focus

Technology Sectors: AI, SaaS, fintech, healthtech
Traditional Industries: Manufacturing, retail, services
Emerging Markets: Web3, renewable energy, biotech
Geographic Focus: Local, regional, or global markets
Cross-Sector: Diversified approach across industries

📊 Investment Stage

Pre-Seed/Seed: Very early stage investments
Series A: Early growth stage companies
Growth Stage: Series B+ expanding companies
Late Stage: Pre-IPO and mature companies
Multi-Stage: Flexible stage approach

💰 Investment Size

Minimum Check Size: $10K, $25K, $50K+
Maximum Allocation: Per-deal and per-member limits
Target Deal Size: Typical deal funding amounts
Member Capacity: Expected member investment capacity
Group Fund Size: Total group investment power

🎪 Unique Value Proposition

Network Access: Exclusive deal flow sources
Domain Expertise: Specialized knowledge areas
Geographic Advantage: Local market insights
Value-Add Services: Post-investment support
Community Benefits: Networking and learning

⚙️ Group Configuration

Basic Group Settings

🏗️ Foundation Setup

Configure the core settings for your investment group:

📝 Group Information

Group Name: Clear, memorable name (avoid generic terms)
Tagline: Concise value proposition (under 80 characters)
Description: Detailed explanation of group focus and benefits
Website URL: Link to group or personal website
Contact Information: Professional contact details
Social Media Links: LinkedIn, Twitter, other relevant platforms

🎯 Focus Areas

Industry Tags: Select relevant industry categories
Investment Stages: Target funding stages
Geographic Regions: Target investment geographies
Investment Types: Equity, debt, SAFE, convertible notes
Special Interests: ESG, diversity, impact, etc.

Visibility and Access Settings

🔍 Group Discoverability

Control how your group appears to potential members:

🌐 Public Group

Directory Listing: Appears in public group directory
Search Visibility: Found through platform search
Profile Viewable: Anyone can view group information
Open Applications: Anyone can apply for membership
Deal Access: Still requires approved membership
Marketing Benefits: Higher visibility for recruitment

🔒 Private Group

Hidden Directory: Not listed in public directory
No Search Results: Not found through platform search
Invite Only: Profile only visible to invited users
Controlled Applications: Applications by invitation only
Deal Access: Requires approved membership
Exclusivity Benefits: Enhanced privacy and selectivity

💡 Key Point: Regardless of visibility setting, ALL deals within investment groups are exclusively accessible to approved members only.

Membership Criteria and Application Process

👥 Member Selection Framework

Define criteria and process for selecting group members:

📋 Qualification Criteria

Investment Capacity: Minimum annual investment commitment
Accreditation Status: Accredited investor requirements
Experience Level: Previous investment experience requirements
Industry Knowledge: Relevant sector expertise
Geographic Criteria: Location requirements if applicable
Network Quality: Professional network and references
Cultural Fit: Alignment with group values and approach

📝 Application Questions

Investment Background: "Describe your investment experience and notable deals"
Industry Expertise: "What industry knowledge do you bring to the group?"
Investment Capacity: "What is your typical annual investment allocation?"
Value Addition: "How will you contribute beyond capital to group deals?"
Alignment: "Why are you interested in joining this specific group?"
References: "Provide professional and investment references"
Commitment: "Confirm your commitment to active group participation"

🎨 Visual Branding and Design

Logo and Visual Identity

🎨 Professional Branding

Create compelling visual branding for your investment group:

🎭 Logo Requirements

Minimum Resolution: 200x200 pixels
Recommended Size: 400x400 pixels or higher
File Formats: PNG (preferred), JPG, or SVG
Background: Transparent background preferred
Professional Design: Clean, professional appearance
Scalability: Readable at various sizes

🖼️ Cover Image

Dimensions: 1200x300 pixels recommended
Content Guidelines: Professional, relevant imagery
Text Overlay: Avoid text in cover images
Brand Consistency: Align with logo and overall brand
File Size: Under 2MB for optimal loading
Image Quality: High resolution, clear imagery

💡 Branding Tip: Use CDAO Platform's IPFS uploader for reliable, permanent image hosting with automatic optimization.

Group Description and Messaging

📝 Compelling Content

Craft compelling group descriptions that attract quality members:

📋 Description Structure

Hook Statement (1-2 sentences)
- Compelling opening that captures attention
- Clear value proposition for potential members
Investment Thesis (2-3 paragraphs)
- Your investment philosophy and approach
- Market opportunity and timing rationale
- Unique insights and competitive advantages
Track Record (1-2 paragraphs)
- Relevant experience and past successes
- Specific examples and quantified results
- Professional background and credentials
Member Benefits (bullet points)
- Exclusive deal access and better terms
- Community insights and networking
- Educational opportunities and resources
Call to Action (1-2 sentences)
- Clear next steps for interested investors
- Emphasis on selective membership process

📊 Group Analytics and Tracking

Performance Metrics Setup

📈 Success Measurement

Configure analytics to track group performance and optimization opportunities:

👥 Member Metrics

Application Volume: Number of applications received
Approval Rate: Percentage of applications approved
Member Retention: Long-term member engagement
Active Participation: Deal participation rates
Referral Generation: Members referring other investors
Geographic Distribution: Member location analysis

💰 Deal Metrics

Deal Frequency: Number of deals presented monthly
Participation Rate: Percentage of members investing
Average Investment: Mean investment size per deal
Deal Velocity: Time from presentation to closing
Success Rate: Percentage of deals successfully funded
Portfolio Performance: Aggregate investment returns

🚀 Launch Strategy

Pre-Launch Preparation

📋 Launch Checklist

Complete these steps before launching your investment group:

✅ Content Review

☐ Group description reviewed and optimized
☐ Logo and cover images uploaded and tested
☐ Application questions configured and tested
☐ Member criteria clearly defined
☐ Legal disclaimers and terms included
☐ Contact information verified and current

🎯 Initial Member Strategy

☐ Target member list created (50-100 potential members)
☐ Personal network outreach plan developed
☐ Professional references secured
☐ Launch announcement content prepared
☐ FAQ document created for common questions
☐ First deal pipeline identified (3-5 potential deals)

Soft Launch Phase

🐣 Controlled Growth

Launch your group with a controlled soft launch to trusted contacts:

👥 Initial Outreach (Weeks 1-2)

Personal Network: Invite 10-20 trusted contacts from your network
Professional Connections: Reach out to colleagues and business partners
Previous Investors: Invite investors from your previous deals
Industry Contacts: Connect with relevant industry professionals
Referral Requests: Ask initial members for qualified referrals

🔄 Feedback and Iteration (Weeks 3-4)

Member Feedback: Gather feedback on group setup and process
Application Process: Refine based on early applications
Content Optimization: Update descriptions based on feedback
Process Refinement: Improve member onboarding experience
Quality Assessment: Ensure member quality meets standards

🆘 Getting Help

🏗️ Group Creation Support

Need help creating your investment group?

Group Setup Support: groups@support@cdao.vc
Branding Assistance: creative@support@cdao.vc
Strategy Consulting: strategy@support@cdao.vc
Technical Support: tech@support@cdao.vc
Help Center: http://companydao.org/support

🌟 Build Your Investment Community

Creating a successful investment group requires careful planning, professional execution, and ongoing commitment to member value. Take time to craft a compelling value proposition and focus on attracting quality members who align with your investment thesis.

Start building your exclusive investor community today!