Our primary objective is to develop the Samaná region with respect for its natural heritage. With the support of the Dominican government, we have been implementing solutions designed to combine development with the preservation of local flora, fauna, and landscape.
One expression of this approach is our spatial development master plan, which allows construction on only 20–25% of the land, leaving the natural form and landscape of the remaining area undisturbed.
Compared with conventional real estate development, this represents a significant reversal of typical building-density proportions. It also has direct consequences for the way our projects are financed.
Can a real estate developer operate like a startup?
Real estate financing has traditionally relied on banks, venture capital funds, and large investment groups. Because individual investment tickets can be substantial, major investors often gain significant influence over the future direction of a project.
In practice, this can create pressure to maximize returns through higher construction density. For Samana Group, that would conflict with the principles behind our master plan.
Our response has been to diversify financing across a larger number of smaller investors rather than becoming dependent on a limited number of major capital providers. This approach allows us to retain greater control over development decisions and protect the concept of living in nature that sits at the center of the project.
We therefore use financing mechanisms more commonly associated with startups, including investment rounds that bring together multiple investors with smaller individual tickets.
We also raise capital for specific projects within Samana Group Holding rather than exclusively for the Holding itself, helping us maintain control over the broader organization.
Another important element of our financing strategy is the use of flexible convertible loans. These can either be repaid after one year or converted into shares or property, with a bonus applied to the value of the loan.
Thriving in the crowdfunding arena
Low-density development, extensive natural areas, and the opportunity to live close to nature may not always align with the priorities of traditional banks or investment funds. They have, however, attracted significant interest from individual investors, future residents, and private-market participants.
This made crowdfunding a natural addition to our financing strategy.
Our journey began with an Emiteo campaign, through which individual investors could purchase shares in Nomad City. We later entered the crowdlending market through the Polish platform Crowder.pro, offering short-term loans with high interest rates.
Our first Crowder.pro campaign exceeded its target by 66%. The following campaign, launched in November 2023, was oversubscribed by 141%.
At the time, the campaigns offered interest rates of 18–20%, demonstrating strong demand for alternative ways to participate in the development of our projects.