Lifestyle

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Sponsored Article – September 04, 2026

The Best Garage Addition Doesn't Always Require an Addition

There comes a moment in almost every collector's journey when the next acquisition isn't limited by budget, availability, or desire. It's limited by garage space. It starts innocently enough. One special car becomes two. Weekend drives become lifelong memories. The collection grows, and with every new addition comes another story worth preserving. Then one day, an unexpected opportunity appears—a rare Porsche, a vintage Bronco, a Ferrari you've admired for years—and instead of asking, "Should I buy it?" you find yourself asking, "Where would I put it?" For serious collectors, space eventually becomes as valuable as the cars themselves. The obvious solution is often the most expensive one: build another garage, expand the shop, or add onto the house. But there's another way to think about the problem. Think vertically. That's the philosophy behind Guardian Lifts. Founded by industry veteran Mark Hauge, Guardian was built on years of firsthand experience in the automotive lift industry. After working with lift systems for years, Hauge saw an opportunity to preserve a proven platform while raising the bar for quality, long-term reliability, and the kind of customer experience that turns first-time buyers into lifelong advocates. The goal wasn't simply to manufacture another lift—it was to create solutions collectors could depend on while supporting them long after the installation was complete. Today, Guardian offers a complete lineup of lift systems, including two-post service lifts, four-post storage lifts, side-by-side configurations, and the company's signature Triple Stacker. The Triple Stacker isn't simply another product in the lineup. It's a different way of thinking about collecting. Rather than letting available floor space determine the size of a collection, it allows owners to make better use of the vertical space that's already there. For many enthusiasts, that means postponing—or even eliminating—the need for a costly building expansion while creating room for the next chapter of their automotive journey. Because collectors rarely stop collecting. They simply run out of room. Guardian's commitment extends well beyond maximizing space. Every lift is backed by an industry-leading seven-year warranty, reflecting the company's confidence in its engineering and its commitment to standing behind every product it builds. Just as importantly, the company believes that exceptional products deserve exceptional support. From the first conversation through installation and beyond, Guardian has built its reputation on treating customers with the same care and attention they devote to their collections—a philosophy that has become one of the company's defining characteristics. The company's name says it all. A guardian protects what matters. It's more than protecting automobiles. It's protecting the investment, the craftsmanship, the memories attached to every set of keys, and the anticipation of discovering what comes next. Make room for what's next. Because sometimes the best garage addition doesn't require an addition at all. Visit GuardianLifts.com

By Sponsored Article – August 20, 2026

Why Serious Collectors Borrow Against Watches Instead of Selling Them

Most coverage of asset-backed lending is written for people who need money. This is written for people who own things they would rather not lose. When capital is required on short notice, the reflex is to sell a piece out of the collection. For a collection assembled over years, that is usually the most expensive option available. A watch sold under time pressure rarely reaches its true market value, and the piece does not return. The alternative is to borrow against an already-owned watch, a structure that separates liquidity from ownership rather than trading one for the other. The process is more straightforward than most owners expect. The timepiece is appraised, then vaulted and insured for the duration of the term. Ownership never transfers. On repayment, the watch is returned. What a lender assesses is narrower than most owners anticipate. The reference number establishes the market. Condition, service history, and the presence of original box and papers determine where a given example sits within it. Sentiment and original purchase price carry no weight in the appraisal. Speed follows from that discipline. Because the asset secures the loan rather than the borrower, there is no credit review and no income verification required. Qollateral structures these as non-recourse loans, with offers typically issued within 30 minutes. Liquidity and ownership are not mutually exclusive. Understanding which details determine what a watch can support is what separates a considered decision from a forced one. Visit Qollateral.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 10, 2026

Inside Vermont’s $29 Million Monsalvat Farm Estate

In Vermont, land often matters more than the structure sitting on it. The state's most memorable properties aren't necessarily the largest or the most expensive, but the ones that are connected to the landscape and nature surrounding them. Stone walls disappear into forests, maple trees line quiet roads, and generations of preservation become part of the character of a place. That relationship between architecture, land, and tradition is what has long defined Vermont living.Set on more than 400 acres in Barnard, Monsalvat Farm mirrors many of those qualities. The property combines working farmland, forests, ponds, equestrian facilities, guest houses, and a substantial main residence that was built over nearly a decade. While the estate is listed at an asking price of $29 million, what makes it so special isn't simply its size or value, but the way in which every structure appears tied to the picturesque landscape around it. The drive into Monsalvat Farm tells you a lot about the property before you ever reach the main house. A narrow gravel road eventually crosses a bridge over a spring-fed pond, with Gilbert's Cottage sitting off to one side and a timber gazebo extending over the water. GALLERY-EMBED Gilbert's Cottage gives an early glimpse into the level of craftsmanship found throughout the estate. Timber-framed ceilings, stone walls, soapstone counters, and large windows overlooking the mountains make the space both like a guest house and an old Vermont retreat that has been here for generations. Just outside, the gazebo sits directly over the pond and easily becomes one of those places that changes with the seasons, whether it's used for summer dinners, fall evenings by the fire, or warming up after ice skating in the winter. GALLERY-EMBED The property's main residence, known as The Sanctuary, sits tucked into the woods and remains largely hidden until the final approach. Designed by architect Ralph L. Duesing and completed in 2009, the house took nearly a decade to build using New Hampshire granite, Vermont slate, and other reclaimed materials. The stone archway leading into the courtyard, the slate roofs, and the heavy masonry give the house the appearance and qualities of something much older than it actually is. GALLERY-EMBED Inside, the attention to detail becomes even more apparent. The twelve-sided great room rises beneath massive timber beams and centers around an incredible stone fireplace. A library wraps around the upper level, while the dining room, kitchen, and wine cellar continue the same focus on natural materials, ironwork, and hand-crafted finishes. Spaces like The Cabin, which serves as a music room, and The Folly, a stone tower tucked into the woods, add another story to the property without being overly designed or out of place. GALLERY-EMBED While the architecture gets much of the attention, Monsalvat Farm still operates as a working property. The barns and stables support equestrian use, maple trees are tapped for syrup production, and honey is produced on-site. Additional buildings, including The Farmhouse and The Lodge, provide guest accommodations and support the day-to-day operations of the estate. GALLERY-EMBED Large estates can sometimes feel disconnected from their surroundings, especially when newer construction attempts to recreate historic architecture. Monsalvat Farm avoids much of that. The buildings, materials, and landscape are tied together in a way that makes the property seem settled into the land rather than imposed on it. In a state where the landscape often matters as much as the house itself, that may ultimately be what makes the estate stand out. View Property Listing

By Sponsored Article – June 17, 2026

Cohiba Releases Limited-Edition Select Sampler

The Cohiba Select Sampler includes a Cohiba Blue Rothschild (41⁄2 x 50), Cohiba Nicaragua Robusto (47⁄8 x 50), Cohiba Connecticut Robusto (51⁄2 x 50), Cohiba Black Supremo (6 x 54), and an exclusive Cohiba Riviera Belicoso (51⁄2 x 56). Note that the Riviera Belicoso is only available in this sampler.Sean Williams, Brand Ambassador for Cohiba, said, “The Cohiba Select Gift Set Sampler is a dream gift for any cigar enthusiast. Not only does it offer a wonderful introduction to Cohiba as a whole, but it also contains an exclusive Riviera Belicoso made available just for this project. If you love cigars, you couldn’t ask for a better present.” Each cigar in the Select Sampler offers a unique and elevated smoking experience.● Cohiba Blue. Creamy and approachable. A fan-favorite.● Cohiba Nicaragua. Pure Nicaraguan decadence.● Cohiba Connecticut. Crafted with only the choicest of tobacco. The epitome of smooth.● Cohiba Black. Bold, sweet, and spicy. A powerhouse of a cigar sheathed in a Broadleaf wrapper.● Cohiba Riviera. Stunning and nuanced. The first Cohiba to feature a San Andrés wrapper.The perfect gift for any cigar lover, the Cohiba Select Sampler represents the best of the acclaimed Cohiba portfolio. Explore it for the first time or rediscover each iconic blend in a carefully curated size.Cohiba Select Sampler Gift Box; Suggested Retail Price: $99.95.The Cohiba Select Sampler started shipping to retailers in May. Shop Now

By Sponsored Article – June 16, 2026

Cohiba Unveils Limited-Edition Serie M Reserva Plata

A Cohiba made in Miami. Cohiba has partnered with the famed El Titan de Bronze Factory in Miami’s Little Havana to produce a remarkable new cigar of unparalleled quality: Serie M Reserva Plata. And like previous Serie M releases, Reserva Plata boasts a stunning blend crafted exclusively by Certified Level 9 Rollers. “This is our 6th Serie M Release, and it continues to be a pleasure working with El Titan de Bronze to create a special expression each year for this line,” said Cohiba Brand Ambassador Sean Williams. “Serie M Reserva Plata is just that… special. It marks only the second time we’ve ever used a San Andrés wrapper on any Cohiba cigar. Married with the rest of this terrific blend, Serie M Reserva Plata really delivers a deep, rich, well-balanced profile.” Serie M Reserva Plata is available in stores now. Each carefully constructed box contains ten cigars. And it is only available in a single size: a classic Toro. Cohiba Serie M Reserva Plata Toro (6” X 52); Suggested retail price per cigar: $29.99. Exclusively produced by the famed El Titan de Bronze Factory in Miami's Little Havana, Cohiba Serie M Reserva Plata delivers a lush, nuanced smoking experience highlighted by its bold Mexican San Andrés wrapper. In addition, the blend features a Nicaraguan Estelí binder, along with Nicaraguan Jalapa Viso & Ligero, Nicaraguan Estelí, and Dominican Piloto Cubano fillers. This astounding, limited-edition cigar offers aficionados a rich and varied smoking experience. Expect notes of wood, cocoa, and hazelnut after lighting up. This is the 6th and latest release in the acclaimed Serie M Line. Shop Now

By Sponsored Article – June 05, 2026

The Scandifio Corso Academy: Where Two Worlds Collide

In a world increasingly shaped by speed and convenience, true discernment is found in what is intentional, enduring, and built with purpose. The Scandifio Corso Academy was created for those who value legacy over trends and craftsmanship over shortcuts. Born from the exclusive partnership between Scandifio Cane Corso—one of the most established and respected names in the breed—and Milligan Valley K9 Academy’s refined training methodology, the Scandifio Corso Academy represents a unified approach to breeding, development, and placement. It is not a collaboration of convenience, but a singular vision executed as one. For nearly four decades, Scandifio Cane Corso has set the standard for pedigree preservation, structure, and temperament. That foundation is seamlessly carried forward through Milligan Valley K9 Academy’s comprehensive development program, ensuring each dog’s potential is carefully cultivated from the earliest stages through advanced training. Breeder and trainer work together as a single entity, guiding each dog’s development with clarity, consistency, and intention. Every Scandifio Corso Academy dog is selected based on temperament, pedigree, and suitability for modern life. Training emphasizes balance, reliability, and composure—producing a dog capable of integrating effortlessly into family life, public settings, travel, and everyday routines. The result is a companion that is not only capable, but deeply enjoyable to live with. The client experience reflects the same philosophy. Each placement is discreet, personalized, and tailored to the individual’s lifestyle and expectations. From initial consultation through seamless nationwide delivery, every detail is handled with precision and care, offering a truly white-glove experience. The Scandifio Corso Academy is not a volume-based program, nor is it transactional. It is a deliberate offering for a discerning clientele who understand that true quality cannot be rushed, replicated, or mass-produced. When heritage breeding and refined training exist as one, the result is rare, intentional, and unmistakably exceptional. VIsit Website <- Gallery ->

By Sponsored Article – March 13, 2026

Why You May Not Really Be “Accessing” Private Markets

By Crowd Street. You may be hearing about the expansion of private markets everywhere these days. Most of the time, people are talking about 401(k)s. In May 2025, Empower announced it would begin allowing private assets in some of the 401(k) plans it manages. 1 And in August 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to expand these offerings. 2 These headlines sound big, but read the fine print and you’ll find these plans don’t necessarily hand you the steering wheel as a private markets investor. Most 401(k) offerings will come through managed accounts. Translation: you generally don’t pick the fund, and you don’t choose the assets. 3 Some call this “access.” It’s really “access with caveats.” Even if your 401(k) includes private assets, you’re probably not investing on your own terms. Fortunately, 401(k)s aren’t the only new way to invest in private markets. Let’s unpack these recent changes — and the other options investors have today. Why Is Access to Private Markets Expanding? First, a bit of background: what exactly are private markets, and why is there a push to expand access to them? “Private” — also called “alternative” — refers to any asset not traded on a public exchange. The most familiar categories are private equity, private credit, and commercial real estate. Historically, access to these assets was limited to ultra-wealthy and institutional investors, such as endowments, pensions, and sovereign wealth funds. 4 That’s begun to change, including through these new 401(k) products. Over the past two decades, private assets have grown to represent a much larger share of the economy. Nearly nine in ten companies with at least $100 million in annual revenue are now privately held. 5 And these private companies have outperformed their public market counterparts over 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year periods. 6 Source: PitchBook, Q1 2025 North America PitchBook Benchmarks Report, Data as of March 31, 2025. Data represents equal weighted horizon IRRs. All public index values are total return CAGRs. All private capital returns are net of fees and accrued carry. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. The performance of private assets has prompted efforts to open them to more investors. Many individuals are eager to allocate to the same fast-growing segment of the economy that many institutions and the ultra-wealthy have long invested in.7 The question now is how best to make that happen. Is “Access” Still Access If You Don’t Have Control? A common assumption is that individual investors want access to private markets, but not the work of studying them or managing their allocations. Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, made this point during a recent CNBC segment. Asked how investors would approach private assets, Rowan replied, “Do [investors] actually do the work? I don’t think so.”8 That view is reflected in many of the expected 401(k) offerings. As The Wall Street Journal notes, “If an employer decides to allow private investments in its plan, a managed-accounts adviser will determine how much of each investor’s portfolio to allocate to them.”9 Is “access” really access if it doesn’t come with control? Crowd Street doesn’t think so. A Different Path for Retirement Investors For investors who want to allocate retirement capital to private assets, managed 401(k) accounts aren’t the only path. A longstanding and increasingly popular option is the self-directed IRA, or SDIRA. With an SDIRA, investors can access private companies, real estate, and other alternative assets on their own terms. It’s often described as “hands-on control” over retirement savings.10 These accounts allow investors to diversify beyond the traditional mix of stocks and bonds while maintaining direct involvement in their allocations, rather than deferring to a managed account provider. How Crowd Street Keeps Investors in Control For more than a decade, Crowd Street has enabled individuals to invest in alternative assets. If there’s one thing the company has learned in that time, it’s that most investors do the work. They want to review opportunities, study materials, and make choices that reflect their goals and risk tolerance. That’s why, as Crowd Street expanded its private market offerings, it kept control front and center. The platform enables investors to participate in individual deals and managed funds, either directly or through self-directed IRAs. That combination of access and control is one of the ways to invest like institutions do. And it’s what makes Crowd Street the home for self-directed investors in the private markets. Visit crowdstreet.com to discover more. Visit CrowdStreet.com 1 https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/empower-401k-private-markets-retirement-accounts-fa74dd002 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/democratizing-access-to-alternative-assets-for-401k-investors/3 https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/07/trump-private-assets-retirement-plans.html4 https://www.blackrock.com/se/individual/themes/discovering-private-markets5 https://www.apolloacademy.com/many-more-private-firms-in-the-us/6 https://www.futurestandard.com/insights/chart-of-the-week/private-equity-outperformance7 https://www.bain.com/insights/why-private-equity-is-targeting-individual-investors-global-private-equity-report-2023/8 https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/apollo-ceo-marc-rowan-says-traditional-investing-model-is-broken.html9 https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/empower-401k-private-markets-retirement-accounts-fa74dd0010 https://www.usatoday.com/story/special/contributor-content/2025/04/30/why-more-americans-are-turning-to-self-directed-iras-for-real-estate-and-alternative-investments/83367228007/ CrowdStreet, Inc. (Crowd Street) offers investment opportunities on its website (the “Platform”). Broker-dealer services in connection with the placement of securities are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (Crowd Street Capital), a registered broker-dealer Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered exclusively to private funds and not otherwise provided to Crowd Street’s members through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (Crowd Street Advisors), a federally registered investment adviser. This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as a recommendation, an offer to sell securities, or a solicitation to buy any investment products or services. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. Visit CrowdStreet.com for additional disclosures, our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy. This article was written by an employee of Crowd Street and has been prepared solely for informational purposes. This article is not intended to be relied upon as advice to investors or potential investors and does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any investor. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of money you invest, and past performance does not guarantee future performance. All investors should consider such factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. The views and statements expressed by this publisher are made solely by the third party and are based upon the opinions of the publisher.

By Sponsored Article – March 03, 2026

Where XPEL Excellence Meets Ford Performance

When ultra-rare performance icons demand protection, only elite hands will do—and Elite Window Tinting has built its reputation on answering that call. A multi-year award-winning XPEL shop and proud XPEL Signature Partner, Elite Window Tinting recently had the rare privilege of working on two identical 2025 Ford Mustang GTDs, one of the most exclusive Mustangs ever produced. GALLERY-EMBED The Mustang GTD represents the absolute pinnacle of Ford performance engineering—hand-built, track-inspired, and produced in extremely limited numbers. With collector-level significance and six-figure valuations, protecting these vehicles wasn’t optional; it was essential. Elite Window Tinting approached the project with the precision and discipline such machines deserve, installing full-body XPEL Ultimate Plus Paint Protection Film on both GTDs. Every panel received seamless coverage, ensuring the factory finish remains untouched by road debris, track fallout, or environmental wear. The result is an invisible shield that preserves both aesthetics and long-term value—without compromising the aggressive design language that defines the GTD. GALLERY-EMBED What sets Elite apart isn’t just technical expertise—it’s trust. Trusted by XPEL. Trusted by collectors. Trusted with vehicles that leave no margin for error. When owners of the world’s most exclusive performance cars want protection executed at the highest level, they turn to Elite Window Tinting. Because when only the best will do, you do it the Elite way. Visit XPEL.com

Fortress360℠: Inside the Next Evolution of Personal and Executive Security

By Sponsored Article – February 03, 2026

Inside the Next Evolution of Personal Security

In an era where visibility equals vulnerability, personal security has expanded far beyond guards and gated driveways. Executives, public figures, and high-net-worth individuals now face a complex threat landscape that spans physical attacks, cyber intrusion, reputational targeting, and even climate-driven risks. That reality is what led to the creation of Fortress360℠, a comprehensive, intelligence-driven protection platform developed by the defense specialists at US Armor Group. Fortress360℠ isn’t designed to react after something goes wrong. It is built to anticipate and neutralize threats before they materialize. By combining physical security, cybersecurity, armored mobility, and open-source intelligence, the program delivers an integrated approach to safeguarding every aspect of a client’s life, from homes and offices to travel, digital access points, and family protection. In this interview, we break down what Fortress360℠ is, who it’s for, and why traditional security measures are no longer enough. We also explore how the program works, from in-depth vulnerability assessments to discreet, real-world implementation, offering a clear look at how modern protection is evolving for those who simply can’t afford to take chances. What is Fortress360? Fortress360℠ by US Armor Group is an elite, dynamic, configurable defense program developed by the world’s foremost defense experts from the U.S. military and law enforcement industries. Fortress360℠ is designed to mitigate every threat imaginable, including digital threats and property protection. With many potential vulnerabilities, safeguarding all aspects of an individual’s life is where we step in to provide streamlined, highly effective security at every level. Who is Fortress360 for? Executives, politicians, celebrities, high-value people, and prominent individuals, along with their families. Why would I need Fortress360? Simply being the CEO of a large company can bring on unwarranted attacks by individuals angry with that company. We have seen a dramatic increase in deranged individuals researching and finding the residences of executives of certain companies, then committing acts of vandalism, arson, or worse. CEOs are also at risk from professional hackers who may want to gain access to a CEO’s information. Since the office of a CEO usually has robust security measures to mitigate hacker attempts, high-value hackers will often try to gain access from the CEO's home, vacation home, yacht, jet, or hotel where the CEO accesses company information. There’s also been a huge increase in politically motivated attacks on executives, politicians, Celebrities, high-net-worth individuals, and prominent individuals along with their families. Simply by making a donation to a cause someone believes in, they can become a target. We have also seen well-known people targeted for publicly supporting a political figure, a political group, for making religious statements, supporting a country in a conflict, or even for questioning medical research studies. When attackers target these types of people, the Fortress 360 platform steps in to mitigate physical, digital, and cyberattacks, as well as threats from natural disasters. Often, by using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Fortress 360 anticipates attacks before they happen. How does Fortress360 work (from installation to protection)? Each client first receives a very detailed vulnerability assessment, which is designed to mitigate every potential threat, including Cybersecurity breaches, unwanted surveillance, and a comprehensive review of the structural fortification capabilities of the residence or place of business. An additional vulnerability assessment is also conducted to mitigate the threats of natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and more. Also included in the assessment is a complete review of the client’s current security plan as well as the capabilities of their security team, if applicable. For those needing an armored vehicle for everyday life, we can provide anything from a Tesla, Porsche, Escalade, Rolls-Royce, or any type of passenger vehicle. The armor is light and invisible to the naked eye, making it appear as a regular, unmodified passenger vehicle. Where do I learn more about Fortress360? Visit USArmorGroup.com for more details. Click on the Fortress 360 link at the top of the page. Visit USArmorGroup.com

A man with glasses and a shaved head is sitting in the driver’s seat of a car, holding the steering wheel and looking forward, as if preparing to navigate through busy public markets or down Crowd Street.

By Sponsored Article – January 30, 2026

How Crowd Street is expanding access to private markets.

By Crowd Street. Annual letters from some of the world’s biggest investment firms have become so closely followed they now spark news cycles of their own. Whether your preferred muse is Larry Fink, Jamie Dimon, or Marc Rowan, they’re all sounding the same alarm: public markets may not be what they used to be. There are a few numbers many people know. The count of U.S. public companies has been cut nearly in half over the past two decades — from about 8,000 in the ‘90s to just 4,000 today. And stock markets have grown more concentrated than ever, with just ten companies now making up 40 percent of the S&P 500’s total value. But new, unsettling figures seem to surface every day. One stands out: nearly nine in ten companies with at least $100 million in annual revenue are private. It’s a sea change from the old days of investing. Source: Blue Owl, The growing opportunity in private markets; Capital IQ as of 9/30/24 For many individual investors, it adds up to this: your portfolio probably reflects much less of the economy than it used to. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. For the first time, the largest and fastest-growing part of the economy — the private markets — is broadening its access to individual investors. Let’s unpack what these markets are and how investors can think about this expanded access. Where Did All the Public Companies Go? Public markets have shrunk by nearly half over the past two decades, but there aren’t necessarily fewer U.S. companies. Where did they all go? For the most part, into the private markets. Over that same 20 years, the number of private equity–backed companies grew from about 1,900 to more than 11,000 — a nearly 500 percent jump. And today, there are roughly six times as many private “unicorns” (companies with a $1 billion valuation) as there are public companies with an equivalent market cap. For many institutions and the ultra-wealthy, that growth has proved attractive. Assets held by private equity expanded fifteenfold between 2000 and 2022. And among individual investors with more than $10 million in assets, about 80 percent now allocate to private markets. Before we toss out any more numbers, you might be wondering: why haven’t any of these private investments ever crossed my desk? For a long time, they were simply off-limits. Regulations and old-school private equity norms meant that unless you were ready to cut a multimillion-dollar check, you likely weren’t getting into one of these funds. Today, though, new products and federal rule changes are cracking that door open for individual investors. You no longer have to be a pension fund, Fortune 500 CEO, other institutional or ultra–high-net-worth investor to diversify into categories like private equity and private credit. One of the platforms leading that shift is Crowd Street, a marketplace for self-directed access to private assets. How Crowd Street Is Expanding Access to Private Markets For more than a decade, Crowd Street has enabled accredited investors to build portfolios in commercial real estate. Today, the company has expanded its offering to a broader range of private market opportunities, including private equity, private credit, and venture capital. To do it, Crowd Street has entered into a strategic relationship with Callan, one of the world’s leading institutional investment consultants, who will support Crowd Street by helping review and conduct diligence for select private market investment opportunities. They’ve also launched distribution agreements with top global asset management firms to offer investments traditionally reserved for their institutional and high-net-worth clients. Private assets, like public ones, come with both opportunities and risks. It’s true that they’ve grown faster and larger than their public counterparts in recent decades — but that growth doesn’t guarantee safety. It's important for investors to understand that the investment opportunities on the Crowd Street Platform are speculative and involve substantial risk. Investors should not invest unless they can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Crowd Street represents opportunity: the chance to diversify beyond concentrated public stocks, to invest across the broader economy, and to participate in similar types of assets that institutions and the ultra-wealthy have for decades. For the first time, these opportunities are in your hands. And Crowd Street is there to support you along the way. Visit crowdstreet.com to discover how. Visit CrowdStreet.com

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