Author: Brian Flaherty

Brian Flaherty
Brian Flaherty
Brian's interest in finance started from an early age, when he used money saved from working summer jobs to purchase his first mutual fund at 15. He went on to pursue the field in school, eventually graduating from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. After graduation, Brian put his expertise to work advising institutions and high-net-worth investors as a strategist at a wealth management firm. Recently, Brian transitioned to pursue a career as a financial writer, where he leverages his writing skills and his financial knowledge to help investors uncover the best opportunities and make intelligent use of their capital.
space x secondaries
Pre-IPO Secondaries

Five charts that explain the secondaries market

The secondary market looks nothing like it did a year ago — or at any point in its history. These five charts paint a good picture of what’s happening today.

atm machine economics and plumbing
Everything Else

The Hidden World of ATM Machines

People don’t think much about ATMs, but there’s fascinating stuff going on behind the scenes. If you ever wondered about the “plumbing” behind ATM machines, this issue is for you.

All Startups

The CIA’s Secret VC Fund

Today, we’re looking at ​In-Q-Tel​, the secretive firm funding some of America’s leading tech companies, operated by none other than the CIA.

Patents

The Four Pillars of Intellectual Property

We break down the four pillars of IP ownership: trademarks, trade secrets, patents, and copyrights. If you were ever confused about this stuff, this issue is for you.

crowded skeeing
All Sports

America’s Ski Resort Duopoly

America’s skiing market is dominated by Vail and Alterra — both of which are thriving. But this market has unique supply & demand qualities, and a very uncertain future.

Everything Else

Santa Claus Economics

There’s a rumor that Santa was invented by Coca-Cola. It’s not true. But what is true is that there are Santa Claus universities, insurance policies, and unions.

saudi aramco logo
International Investing

Saudi Aramco: A look at the world’s most profitable company

Petroleum giant ​Saudi Aramco​ is the most profitable company in the world — and yet one of the least understood. The history of this company is like a back & forth “cold war” between America and Saudi Arabia. This issue is packed with details to get you up to speed.