Chapter 8: Intermestic Capital’s Strategic Approach to EB-5, National Security & U.S. Manufacturing
In this latest chapter of the interview series hosted by Michael Gibson, Marco Lopez of Intermestic Capital shares how national security, economic resilience, and job creation are at the center of their approach to EB-5 investing. With a focus on reshoring critical industries, Intermestic’s collaboration on the EVelution Energy cobalt facility demonstrates how immigration investment can strengthen both America’s workforce and strategic infrastructure.
In Chapter 8 of our ongoing interview series with Michael Gibson of USAdvisors.org, we hear from Marco Lopez, Managing Partner at Intermestic Capital, who shares how his team is reshaping the EB-5 investment landscape through a unique focus on national security and domestic manufacturing.
During the conversation, Marco discusses the growing importance of shortening supply chains—a lesson reinforced during the pandemic and increasingly relevant in today’s volatile global environment. Intermestic Capital has strategically shifted its focus to projects that support reshoring American manufacturing, particularly in sectors critical to national interest.
The Yuma, Arizona-based EVelution Energy cobalt processing project is one such example. This facility not only helps reduce America’s reliance on foreign supply chains but also qualifies as a High Unemployment Targeted Employment Area (TEA)—making it ideal for EB-5 investors looking to contribute to real U.S. job creation.
Marco emphasizes the value of government experience and policy insight when navigating the EB-5 space.
“Understanding how federal agencies and Congress operate gives us a distinct advantage in executing projects that serve both investors and U.S. economic goals,” he said.
Watch the full interview here to learn how Intermestic Capital is aligning immigration investment with America’s industrial future.
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 8
Michael Gibson, USAdvisors, interviews Marco Lopez, Managing Partner, Intermestic Capital
Transcript
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 8
Michael Gibson, Managing Director of US Advisors (USAdvisors.org) an independent Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Michael also owns and runs EB-5 Investments (eb5projects.com) and is an EB5 industry expert.
Marco Lopez, Managing Partner, Intermestic Capital
Michael Gibson, speaking
Right, what we, we mentioned in the other video, with the principles was shortening the supply chain.
Marco Lopez, speaking
Correct.
Michael Gibson, speaking
And, and we talked about how crucial it was, not only during Covid, but in times of, well, we're in a very unstable world, to a lot of volatility. So the, the closer that the manufacturers have, and manufacturing is now taking a lot of priority and importance back in the country. So shortening that supply chain so that the US manufacturers can deliver as what they're promising their shareholders, seems to be much more important.
Marco Lopez, speaking
Yeah. And so that's what we really focused, and I moved the direction of the firm to think about and work with organizations and companies that were doing the work of coming back to America. And, and, and reshoring those companies. Manufacturing especially, to shorten those supply chains, as you mentioned. And so, when the latest reform to the EB 5 space occurred, under the previous term of President Trump, Sergio here, here brought to the table, the opportunity to both, that align with our interest at Intermestic. Which was creating quality jobs here in our State, and here in America. With the ability to practice our international trade. Which was find a, a unique offering and opportunity for our network of international investors. That were seeking to come to America and invest in job creating spaces in our State. And so it just happened to be a perfect match. And then we set out on the work with Sergio, and with Dennis to find a premier project that fit that, those priorities. But in this case also elevated it to my background of national interest, national security. Finding an opportunity that did that. And that's how our work in being the promoter sponsor of EVelution priority projects.
Michael Gibson, speaking
So, so, so even though Intermestic, may be, what we might say, is that newer player to the EB 5 space, you have a tremendous amount of experience. Working with immigration and, and with the agencies and in Congress. And, and knowing what the program is looking for in terms of job creation. And all of the other aspects of the EB 5 program promises to, not only the investors but to the US citizens.
Marco Lopez, speaking
Yeah. It really fit well. Because of in an era of uncertainty, understanding the way that the federal government works, especially around national interest and national security was key. I was frankly surprised that more experts, coming out of the administration, haven't really taken an active role in projects dealing with EB 5 and other government programs that attract foreign investors. Because that really is a, a space that is unique. And you have to figure out and know the inner workings, the sausage making that you talked about, so that you could get ahead and you could be successful. And that's what we hope to accomplish with this project in Yuma.