🛃 Tariffs, Tensions & Opportunity: What Trump’s Trade Moves Mean for You

Hey Founderscrowd family,

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July — full of good food, great people, and a deep appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy (like the freedom to invest in what we believe in 🚀).

Now that the fireworks have settled, it’s time to zoom out.

We’re heading into another wild week in global economics, and today’s story is one that most investors are still sleeping on.

Let’s talk about Trump’s looming tariffs on Europe, what it means for markets, and why it might be the clearest sign yet that the best opportunities are now in private markets, not Wall Street.

And as always, we’ll break it down into 3 clear sections:

Read time: 3 min 23 sec 🕒

1️⃣ What's Actually Happening?

Former President Donald Trump, currently leading the Republican ticket, is considering reimposing broad tariffs on European goods — a policy reminiscent of his first term, where he slapped levies on steel, aluminum, and even French wine.

The backdrop?

🇨🇳 Trump has already pledged a 60%+ tariff on Chinese imports
🇪🇺 Now, Europe’s turn is coming — and fast.
📅 Deadline: July 10th — when a key decision must be made on whether to let current EU tariff waivers expire.

European leaders are, understandably, nervous. These tariffs could spark a new global trade war, destabilize markets, and force the EU to retaliate.

What does this mean for us?

• Price hikes (on everything from luxury cars to electronics)

• Corporate earnings at risk for multinational companies

• Volatility in global stock markets

But for those of us in the private markets, it means something else entirely.

2️⃣ Trade Tensions Create Private Market Openings

Here's the thing no one talks about:

📉 When public markets wobble, capital looks for shelter.
📈 And increasingly, that shelter is private, early-stage startups with massive upside and little correlation to the S&P 500.

Tariffs and geopolitical tensions accelerate three major shifts:

1. Domestic Manufacturing & Infrastructure — Startups that help companies “reshore” operations are booming. Think robotics, logistics, and supply chain optimization.

2. Defense Tech & Cybersecurity — As Europe and the U.S. prepare for a more fragmented future, private defense and dual-use tech are red-hot sectors. (Just ask Anduril or Palantir’s cap table.)

3. Alternative Financial Infrastructure — With banking, payments, and trade finance adapting to new realities, fintech innovators stand to gain.

In short: When global giants blink, startups hustle.
And savvy investors follow the innovation wave — before the headlines hit the front page.

3️⃣ Why This Moment Matters for You

We’ve said it before: private market investing is no longer just for billionaires with Stanford degrees and Sand Hill Road buddies.

Thanks to regulatory changes (like the JOBS Act) and platforms like ours, you can now invest like the 1% — without needing a million-dollar check.

But here's the catch:
When the world is in motion — like right now — access matters more than ever.

👉 That’s why we created Founderscrowd VIP — our private membership club that puts you inside the deal room with investors from Sequoia, Y Combinator, Techstars, a16z, and beyond.

When others are watching from the sidelines, you’ll be on the cap table.