If you have—or had—money invested with DLP Capital (in any of their real estate funds, credit funds, or private offerings), you may be in the position of a claimant in this lawsuit. Cases like this also matter broadly because they can affect how real estate investment firms operate, how transparent they must be with investors, and how risk is shared. Even if you’re not currently invested, the outcome could inform your decisions in similar investment opportunities.
Background: What Is the DLP Capital Lawsuit About?
Who is DLP Capital?
DLP Capital (often styled “Dream, Live, Prosper Capital”) is a real estate investment and private capital firm that offers funds and credit investments backed by real estate. They advertise target annual returns and invest across various real estate-backed debt or equity deals.
They are active in issuing offerings (notes, funds) under SEC filings (such as their “Positive Note Fund” etc.).
What lawsuits or claims are currently public?
There is no single, definitive “DLP Capital class action lawsuit payout” now (as of the latest information), but multiple legal disputes and red flags have emerged:
- Anthony Ruben v. DLP Capital
In 2022, a former senior managing director at DLP, named Anthony Ruben, filed a suit against DLP Capital Partners, LLC. He alleges that DLP promised him shares of the firm’s profits or equity participation, but then terminated his employment and cut him out of those promised shares. He is seeking damages of about $21.7 million. - Cedar Grove Capital v. DLP / Don Wenner
Another case is Cedar Grove Capital, LLC v. Don “Don” Wenner, DLP Capital Partners, LLC, DLP Real Estate Capital, Inc., and DLP Lending. This appears to be a case brought by a third-party or creditor or investor, challenging agreements, defaults, or obligations tied to real estate development or lending deals. - Investigations into DLP Fixed Fund 3 LLC
There is public interest and investigation by securities attorneys in DLP Fixed Fund 3 LLC (a closed-end real estate fund launched by DLP in May 2022). These investigations often arise where investors suspect mismanagement, nondisclosure, or misleading marketing. - Allegations of overpromised returns and misuse of funds
In commentary and LinkedIn articles, DLP has been criticized for marketing “guaranteed 21% annual returns,” allegedly masking risky strategies (such as excessive leverage or speculative day trading) under vague or misleading promotional language. - Disputes in receivership / settlement motions
In a receivership context (for example, when assets are controlled by a court-appointed receiver), a “settlement motion” tied to DLP has drawn attention: DLP allegedly pushed for a sale of over $40 million in assets for only $750,000 (a deeply discounted price), raising questions about fairness, favoritism, or mismanagement.
In short: several legal actions and investigations are underway, mostly from former insiders, investors, or creditors, alleging improper promises, defaults, misuse of assets, and undervalued sales.
Who’s Affected / Who Might Be Eligible to Take Action
If you’re wondering whether you might qualify to join any DLP Capital lawsuit or claim, here are likely groups:
- Investors in DLP funds — especially in “Fixed Fund 3,” credit fund, or other offerings who believe you were misled or your returns deviated significantly from what was promised.
- Former employees or insiders — like Anthony Ruben, who had agreements that promised equity or profit participation.
- Creditors or counterparties — entities that lent money or had contracts with DLP or its development projects, and believe DLP defaulted or mismanaged obligations.
- Those who relied on DLP’s marketing / projections — if you invested based on materials that promised high returns or guaranteed performance, you may have claims of misrepresentation.
- Beneficiaries of receivership assets — in cases where a court is controlling or disposing of assets, parties with claims to those assets might challenge settlement motions or sales.
Because many claims are individual or contract-based (rather than class actions), eligibility tends to depend on your specific involvement rather than being a broad class.
Timeline: Key Events (What We Know)
- 2022 — Anthony Ruben sues DLP, seeking $21.7 million over promised profit shares.
- May 2022 — DLP launches Fixed Fund 3 LLC, a real estate fund that is now under investigation or scrutiny.
- 2023 — Cedar Grove Capital files suit against Don Wenner / DLP in Louisiana.
- Ongoing 2024–2025 — Commentary and investigative pieces detail red flags about marketing claims, use of investor funds, and settlement motions in receivership.
Because these are ongoing, newer filings, motions to dismiss, discovery, and court rulings are likely forthcoming.
What’s at Stake: What Investors Might Win or Lose
Here’s what’s on the line in the “DLP Capital lawsuit” space:
- Money / damages — Investors or claimants may recover losses, unpaid returns, or compensatory damages depending on contract terms and evidence.
- Equity / profit participation — Former insiders may hope to enforce promised equity stake agreements.
- Asset value & fairness — In receivership or settlement sales, lost value could mean serious losses. If assets are sold far below market, stakeholders lose potential recovery.
- Legal costs, time, and risk — Litigation is expensive, uncertain, and slow. Recoveries may be eaten by legal fees or appeal delays.
- Reputation & investor trust — Poor outcomes or proven misconduct can damage DLP’s reputation and affect future fundraising or investor confidence.
- Precedent for similar funds — If courts hold DLP liable, it might encourage stricter oversight of real estate funds and higher duty to investors elsewhere.
In the best case, claimants recoup substantial losses; in the worst case, claims are dismissed or yields are minimal (after fees).
What to Watch Next / Case Update
If you’re tracking this, here are the key future developments to monitor:
- Motions to dismiss — DLP or defendants may attempt to dismiss claims for failing to state legal grounds.
- Discovery phase — Documents, emails, financial records, and depositions will shed light on promises vs. actual practices.
- Class certification (if any) — If any claim is framed as a class, courts will decide if multiple claimants can be grouped.
- Settlement negotiations — Many cases settle before trial; watch for proposed settlements or announcements.
- Court rulings / judgments — Judges may issue decisions on liability, damages, or dismissals.
- Appeals — If a party loses at trial, appeals could extend the timeline.
- Receivership / asset transactions — In cases where DLP assets are controlled by receivers, motions approving sales or settlement of those assets will be critical (e.g. the $40M sale motion).
If you are (or were) an investor, it’s wise to keep track of case dockets, receive legal notices, and consult counsel for advice on whether to join or resist a settlement.
FAQs
Q1: Am I eligible to join this lawsuit or claim damages?
Maybe — if you invested in a DLP fund, made a contract with them, or were promised participation (equity, profit share) and believe terms were breached. Eligibility depends on the specific lawsuit’s class or plaintiff definitions.
Q2: Do I need a lawyer?
Yes — in many cases, having a lawyer helps you understand the strength of your claim, negotiate (or object to) settlements, and protect your rights. Many legal actions in this space are complex and require securities or real estate law experience.
Q3: When will this case (or payout) be decided?
That’s uncertain. These cases can take years: motions, discovery, settlement, trial, appeals. There is no known completion date for most DLP claims currently.
Q4: What if I miss a deadline to join or file a claim?
You may lose your right to recover in that particular lawsuit. Courts often set “bar dates” or statutes of limitation; missing them can be fatal to your claim.
Q5: Could I recover nothing?
Yes — if the court finds the claims weak, or the defendant prevails on legal defenses, or no settlement is reached, some or all claimants might recover nothing (or only minimal amounts after costs).
Q6: Can the lawsuit expand to more investors or claims later?
Potentially — if courts allow class expansion, add more plaintiffs, or consolidate related cases. New claims or lawsuits may also arise targeting different offerings.
If you believe you have or had investments with DLP Capital, especially in their newer funds or in agreements promising profit participation, it may be worth reviewing your contracts and getting legal advice. Keep an eye on court filings and any notices you may receive.