In the context of the Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) industry, an Investor refers to an individual or entity that contributes capital to a QOF. A QOF is an investment vehicle designed to incentivize investment in economically distressed communities known as Opportunity Zones.

Investors in a QOF may receive various tax benefits as a part of the investment. These can include temporary deferral of taxes on previously earned capital gains, a step-up in basis, or a potential exclusion from taxable income of future capital gains from the opportunity zone investment if certain conditions are met.

The goal of this investment is to spur economic development and job creation in low-income areas, and the investor’s capital is utilized for that purpose. In order to be considered eligible for the associated tax benefits, the investor must meet specific criteria and adhere to particular regulations within the context of the Opportunity Zones program.