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Business venture with unbeliever

Ben Collyer

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Take religion out of this question and the answer is still 'Why on Earth would you consider doing such a thing??'

because he has offered to invest money which I don't have, and I want to improve my financial situation
 
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akaDaScribe

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Is it feasible for a christian to become a shareholder in a startup company with an unbeliever who is involved with illegal ventures in his other investments? even if the company you two make is legal?

Is this someone who is a silent partner and funding the business you will run and do you have controlling interest in the company? What impact would it have on your business if he gets busted for one of his other ventures? Is this person trying to transition out of illegal ventures?
 
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Hearingheart

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because he has offered to invest money which I don't have, and I want to improve my financial situation

And if he invests money with you, what does he get out of it?

If you decide to partner with him, and that is what you are doing, then you need to have an ironclad agreement written by an attorney who is looking out for you.

I'd rather live in a tent than be hooked to someone who could sink me.
 
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Ben Collyer

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he is funding the business, I would have controlling share, I would be in control of how taxes and everything are managed. We are meeting today for a discussion and I intend to tell him that if we are to proceed, everything will be done legitimately and on MY terms
 
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Serving Zion

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because he has offered to invest money which I don't have, and I want to improve my financial situation
Are you aware of 2 Corinthians 6:14? .. it sounds like St Paul's exact advice is against it.
 
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akaDaScribe

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When people are caught in illegal activities, many times their assets are frozen for a good while. How would that impact your business?
 
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Chinchilla

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Is it feasible for a christian to become a shareholder in a startup company with an unbeliever who is involved with illegal ventures in his other investments? even if the company you two make is legal?

It's called laundering money and yes
 
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Albion

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because he has offered to invest money which I don't have, and I want to improve my financial situation
Yes, but don't you run a real risk of being implicated in some illegal activities? You would be his business partner, after all.
 
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akaDaScribe

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What I’m trying to point out is that there are a lot of complications in any business relationship. Adding illegal activity to it brings in whole other sets of issues. Like what people are you tieing yourself to by tieing yourself to him? Bringing into your life? How will it impact your representation of Christianity? Are you creating secrets about yourself that will bite you down the road?

Personally, God would have to drag me kicking into that scenario. Remember, we are running a marathon and not a sprint. If your business idea is that solid, there are other investors.

People who are driven about an idea will get there by perseverance. I’ve seen it 1000 times. Believe in your dream enough, stick with it, and you can make it happen another way.
 
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messianist

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If he earns money illegally and funds your business how would you call that legitimate
 
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turkle

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I agree with the others that it's a terrible idea. Also consider that if he cheats the system with illegal activities, he will also cheat you. You are setting yourself up for a lot of trouble if you partner with someone that lacks integrity. I can see how the prospect of improving your finances is tempting, but what good is it if your integrity is compromised? What fellowship can light have with darkness?
 
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Ben Collyer

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I met him today, he showed me all the paperwork that shows his businesses are registered and legit, and also clarified that he isnt into anything illegal, people just assume he is because he is succesfull

he offered me a $40,000 investment in exchange for 51% of the business and showed that the funds come from a legitimate source
 
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messianist

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Is it feasible for a christian to become a shareholder in a startup company with an unbeliever who is involved with illegal ventures in his other investments? even if the company you two make is legal?
 
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Ben Collyer

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Is it feasible for a christian to become a shareholder in a startup company with an unbeliever who is involved with illegal ventures in his other investments? even if the company you two make is legal?

he isnt involved with illegal stuff?
 
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Hearingheart

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So what you are saying is you thought he was doing something illegal because of hearsay and gossip but now you asked him and he said that he wasn't. Good new for you if it's true!

He's willing to put quite an investment into your business. What are his terms and when does he expect a return? Is there a timeline associated with the percentage he receives? (for example, 1st yr- 5%, 2ye- 10%, 3rd yr- 25% etc.) Are there other businesses of a similar nature that have the same type of profits?

Do lots of research. I can't stress this enough, lots of research, then hire an attorney and check with an accountant. Have a contract written up between the two of you. Not a general, generic contract....one specifically addressing your business and any details that need covered. Specifics and details are your friend.

Just as a side thought, if he believes this much in your businesses potential, is there a way to create success without taking on that big of an investor?
 
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