In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, attorney and CEO Mat Sorensen sits down with Ahmed Ahmed, Head of Funds at WeFunder, to discuss how investors can use a self-directed IRA to invest in startups and venture capital—an asset class once limited to Silicon Valley insiders and institutional funds.

The conversation explores how WeFunder democratizes early-stage investing through Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) and Regulation D (Reg D) offerings, giving both accredited and non-accredited investors access to vetted startup deals, diversified venture funds, and even pre-IPO companies.

Mat and Ahmed explain:

• How to invest in startups using your self-directed IRA or solo 401(k)
• The difference between Reg CF and Reg D offerings on WeFunder
• What the Orange Funds are and how they track Y Combinator companies
• Real examples of early-stage companies that scaled (e.g. Eight Sleep, Replit)
• Why diversification is critical in venture investing
• How to evaluate startup founders and what signals matter most
• What to expect in terms of risk, timelines, and exit strategies

This episode is essential listening for self-directed investors interested in private markets and early-stage innovation—and how to access it within a tax-advantaged retirement account structure.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to WeFunder and Startup Investing
01:30 – What Is Reg CF and Who Can Invest
03:16 – Inside the Orange Funds and Y Combinator Strategy
07:40 – Risk, Return, and Realities of Startup Investing
11:50 – Using a Fund Model to Diversify Your Startup Portfolio
19:22 – How to Evaluate Founders, Traction, and Deal Flow
24:27 – Getting Started with Startup Investing Through Your IRA

WeFunder Homepage: https://wefunder.com/

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Visit altassetsummit.com to learn how to invest in Alternative Assets.

(More links down below.)

You don’t need $100K to self-direct your retirement. In this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler outline 15+ real-world strategies for investing $25,000 or less using your Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, Solo 401(k), or HSA. From real estate deals and startup investments to crypto mining, mobile homes, equipment leasing, and even cattle, Mat and Mark break down the opportunities that everyday investors are already using to grow their retirement accounts.

Whether you're just starting with $5,000 in a Roth IRA or rolling over an old 401(k), this episode reveals how to make smart, creative investments in alternative assets—without needing a six-figure balance. You’ll also learn how to structure these deals legally with IRA/LLCs, avoid prohibited transactions, and understand the compliance rules that protect your tax-advantaged account.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Small-Budget Self-Directing

02:10 - Cryptocurrency and Crypto Mining Options

06:20 - Creative Real Estate and Partnerships

10:00 - Mobile Homes and Startup Investments

13:45 - Turo, Oil & Gas, and Livestock

22:45 - Equipment Leasing and Final Opportunities

32:16 - The Power of Roth IRAs

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Visit altassetsummit.com to learn how to invest in Alternative Assets.

(More links down below.)

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down a groundbreaking new executive order from President Donald Trump that could reshape the future of 401(k) investing—by opening the door to alternative assets.

For decades, Wall Street and Washington have kept most retirement savers locked into a narrow menu of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. This executive order flips the script, setting a national policy that every American preparing for retirement should have the option to invest in alternatives—just like the wealthiest institutions do.

Mat and Mark explain what “alternative assets” really mean in this context, from real estate and crypto to private equity, commodities, and infrastructure investments. They walk through the specific investments cited in the order, why these options have been off-limits for most 401(k) participants, and how this policy could shift the $8 trillion 401(k) industry toward more choice and freedom for everyday investors.

They also unpack the political dynamics, regulatory hurdles, and 180-day timeline for the Department of Labor and SEC to develop new guidance—while emphasizing what you can do right now. If you have an IRA or old 401(k), you can already invest in alternatives today using a self-directed account, bypassing the “check-the-box” limitations of traditional plans.

Whether you’re a corporate employee stuck with cookie-cutter 401(k) options or a self-directed investor ready to take the reins, this episode will help you understand the stakes, the timeline, and the opportunities in this unprecedented policy shift.

Chapters:

00:08 - Trump's Executive Order on Alternative Assets

02:19 - Defining Alternative Assets

02:30 - Learn How to Invest in Alternative Assets

(https://altassetsummit.com/)

02:48 - List of Alternative Assets - From Trump

04:19 - How the Executive Order Could Impact You

05:20 - Timeline and Political Landscape

09:07 - The Power of Self-Directed Investing

12:02 - IRAs: Invest in Alternatives Today

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com