One of the most important questions every investor asks is simple: how is my investment protected? This concern is just as relevant for those choosing alternative financing – for example, investing in loans through crowdfunding platforms.

In recent years, the so-called mixed collateral has become increasingly common. This means that a loan is not secured by just one type of guarantee, such as real estate or a personal guarantor, but rather by a combination of several measures. For instance, a company might pledge production equipment or vehicles, while also adding a shareholder’s or director’s personal guarantee. In this way, a layered “safety net” is created for the investor.

Why do companies choose mixed collateral?

Flexibility in financing. Not every company owns a large real estate portfolio. However, that does not mean they cannot access financing. By pledging other available assets – equipment, vehicles, or inventory – and adding a guarantee, the company can still qualify for a loan.

Faster decisions. Often, investors feel confident enough when several complementary guarantees are combined. This enables quicker financing decisions, allowing businesses to avoid waiting months for all formalities to be completed.

A growth bridge for expanding companies. Fast-growing businesses may not yet have accumulated significant real estate assets but may own other valuable assets or have strong guarantors. Mixed collateral becomes a tool that connects their growth ambitions with investors’ security expectations.

What does it mean for the investor?

Diversified protection. By pledging multiple types of assets – such as production equipment, vehicles, or inventory – the risk that a drop in value of a single asset will affect the entire project is reduced.

Additional safety layers. If one form of collateral becomes harder to realize (for example, real estate market values fluctuate), other options remain – such as guarantor liability or equipment liquidation.

Broader investment opportunities. Mixed collateral opens the door to financing a wider variety of projects – not only real estate development, but also manufacturing, logistics, or services. In the past, such projects may have seemed too risky for investors because collateral options were limited.

FinoMark insight

On the FinoMark platform, projects with mixed collateral typically attract investment faster. Investors see them as a balanced solution: companies receive the flexibility they need, while investors gain additional confidence that their investment is protected.

Conclusion

Mixed collateral is not a compromise, but a smart way to align companies’ financing needs with investors’ security expectations. By pledging different types of assets and combining them with other guarantees, businesses can secure more flexible financing, while investors benefit from double – or even triple – protection.