TIGER 21 high-wealth management group doubles down on Tampa chapter

The TIGER 21 exclusive global community of ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs and affluent investors is expanding its reach across the Tampa Bay region. 

TIGER 21 Tampa Bay Chairs Allen Clary and Vera Anderson, who oversee the two local, invite-only 15-member groups, are leading the creation of a third. 

“This is a community where members learn from each other in a peer-to-peer environment and from hand-selected experts. We bring in speakers to help navigate unique challenges and opportunities that stem from members’ successes and their amassed wealth,” Anderson said.

TIGER 21 was founded in 1999 by Michael Sonnenfeldt, an entrepreneur seeking objective advice on wealth management following a major liquidity. The concept started with a single group in New York City of six entrepreneurs who had all just sold their businesses and were seeking guidance on wealth preservation. 

“Most of the members are first-generational wealth creators. The people they’ve grown up with don’t always understand the responsibilities that fall on their shoulders. They are also preparing them to become good stewards of the generational wealth and the real transition from being an entrepreneur and active to becoming an investor, where you have to be more passive and diversified. This is where in our monthly meeting members have their own personal board of directors and within the setting.”

The members must sign non-disclosure and non-solicitation documents to have candid conversations. 

Anderson, a St. Pete resident, will be leading the third Tampa-based group. Clary will continue to lead the two preexisting groups. 

Since its founding, members had to have at least $10 million in investable assets. However, nearly 25 years later, the level of nationwide wealth has increased, and the organization has adjusted its minimum threshold requirement to $20 million to ensure members and peers carry similar level of wealth. 

The worldwide membership has also expanded to 1,300 members with international groups. 

The third group officially opened in August and TIGER 21 has received several membership commitments. 

Traditionally, the majority of members are commercial and residential real estate stakeholders, but investors in other sectors are changing the dynamics. 

“In recent times, we are seeing private equity take the top position over real estate, which is a close second. With private equity being the leading investment, it’s indicative of the interest of investing in other businesses beyond real estate assets. We also have members who are retired or semi-retired who had at least one significant exit and are focusing on philanthropical topics,” Anderson said. 

Clary noted that some members are investing in a local hotel project, as well as startups. 

The duo said a fourth TIGER 21 Tampa group may come online in the future.