Monday, April 15, 2019

What to Expect at AICPA ENGAGE 2019


An accomplished executive in finance, Kate Merli serves as the CFO of New 2nd Capital, a private equity firm with substantial investments in middle market companies. A prominent figure in the industry, Kate Merli is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), a global network of more than 430,000 members of the accounting profession.

In addition to providing guidance and developing standards for audits, AICPA hosts events such as the upcoming ENGAGE 2019, which will be held at the MGM Grand Las Vegas June 9-13. The five-day event will include a series of conferences on estate planning, personal financial planning, career development, tax strategies, technology, and advanced accounting and auditing. 

With more than 3,800 attendees annually, AICPA ENGAGE is an opportunity to learn about other areas of accounting and to network with other accountants and financial professionals. For those unable to attend the live event, AICPA offers streaming of audio and video sessions accompanied by slides. For more information, visit www.aicpaengage.com.

Friday, April 5, 2019

US Venture Capital Investment Hits All-Time High in 2018


As the CFO of New 2nd Capital in New York City, Kate Merli oversees the onboarding, fund administration, cash flow planning, and valuation of client accounts managed by the company. With a postgraduate degree in accountancy from Bentley University, Kate Merli has solid knowledge and experience in many areas of finance, including private equity and venture capital.

The year 2018 was by far the biggest for United States-based startups, with a reported investment of $130.9 billion from venture capitalists, according to the joint report published by PitchBook and the National Venture Capital Association. However, the number of deals decreased from 9,400 to 8,949 even though the investments in 2018 increased by more than 57 percent, from $87 billion in 2017.

According to the report, deals exceeding $100 million dominated among startup companies, venture capitalists, and private equity investors. One notable example was $1.3 billion for Epic Games, the video game company that created Fortnite. 

The report also revealed the significant growth of capital investments in life science startups, with more than $23 billion invested across 1,308 deals. California, New York, and Massachusetts remain the leading hubs for venture investment activity, with 79 percent of the total amount invested and 53 percent of the number of deals.

Monday, March 11, 2019

Three Popular Hikes Near New York City


The chief financial officer of New 2ND Capital, a private equity fund based in New York City, Kate Merli possesses more than 10 years of experience in the finance sector. In her free time, Kate Merli maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys hiking.

New York City is not commonly associated with hiking, though several hiking spots are nearby. A few of the popular hiking trails near the city are:

- The Appalachian Trail. The world’s longest hike, it runs from Maine to Georgia, but New York hikers can access the trail near Bellvale Mountain, about 90 minutes from New York City.

- Kazimiroff Nature Trail. A two-mile hike, this trail winds through Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. The looped trail takes hikers through meadows and forests along the rocky coastline facing Long Island Sound. The hike offers great views of the surrounding landscape.

- Breakneck Ridge Trail. For a challenge, this trail comes with some rock climbing and steep ascents. The 10-mile trail takes roughly six hours to complete, though hikers can enjoy smaller segments of the trail.

Monday, March 4, 2019

The Astor House - NYJL Headquarters and Event Venue


Financial executive Kate Merli serves as the CFO of New 2ND Capital in New York City. Outside of work, Kate Merli enjoys volunteering and is an active member of the New York Junior League (NYJL).

The largest women’s volunteer organization in New York, the NYJL has more than 2,800 volunteers who give over 250,000 hours of service to their community each year. NYJL operates from its headquarters at the Astor House. The organization moved into the house in 1950.

Located on the Upper East Side, the Astor House is a five-story townhouse that overlooks Park Avenue. Recognized as a historical landmark, the building features a combination of modern amenities and traditional details. The Astor House is near major public transportation, including the Penn and Grand Central railroad stations.

One of the largest rooms in Astor House is the Harriman Room. Approximately 70 tables can fit comfortably inside the room. When combined with the Pine Room, the space can accommodate 225 guests.