Cult Wines vs EquityZen Comparison

Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms

Invest in a portfolio of highly desirable wines

Buy pre-IPO stock in private companies

58,000 visits/month 19,600 search keywords
148,000 visits/month 74,800 search keywords

Investments
$35,000

Minimum investment levels start at $35,000 for the Premier Cru tier and go up to £1 million for the Black Tier.

Investments
$10,000

The minimum investment on EquityZen is $10,000, though this may vary by offering.


Moderate Risk
3/5

Investing with Cult Wine Investment involves market risks, potential fluctuations in wine prices, and variable liquidity, which could impact the value and sale of the assets.

High Risk
4/5

Investing in private companies via EquityZen involves risks such as limited liquidity, market volatility, company performance uncertainties, regulatory changes, less available information, and potential lack of diversification, which could impact investment returns.


Minimum Liquidity
1/5

Cult Wine Investment allows for portfolio liquidation, typically within 8 to 12 weeks, through sales to global trade, collectors, and consumers.

Minimum Liquidity
1/5

EquityZen offers liquidity for vested shares only. It does not provide liquidity for unvested shares, unvested RSUs, or options directly.

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Moderate Return
8 %

Cult Wine Investment has achieved a compound annual growth rate of 8% since 2009.

Not Predictable Return
N/P

Unlike public market investments, private investments carry higher risks and unpredictability. Consequently, it's challenging to define a standard return rate for EquityZen investments.


Long-term Investment
3-10 years

Cult Wine Investment advises a 3-5 year minimum investment term, ideally extending to 5-10 years for optimal results.

Long-term Investment
2-5 years

Typically, companies on EquityZen have received late-stage funding, suggesting an expected investment horizon of 2-5 years, but outcomes can vary widely.


Who can invest
International

Cult Wine Investment accepts investors worldwide with no geographic restrictions. Minimum age requirement: 18 or legal drinking age in your country.

Who can invest
United States

Only accredited investors can invest in EquityZen's offerings.


Moderate Volatility
3/5

Fine wine values can fluctuate due to various factors, resulting in lower volatility compared to traditional markets, yet still subject to changes in market conditions.

Moderate Volatility
3/5

Assets on EquityZen, which are shares in private companies, can be highly volatile due to limited public information, sensitivity to market conditions, low liquidity, and company-specific events, leading to significant price fluctuations.


Regulation and audits
Not Regulated

Wine investment is not regulated by financial authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority or the Securities Commission.

Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated

EquityZen Securities is registered with the SEC and is a member of FINRA/SIPC, ensuring it adheres to regulatory standards and practices for investor protection and undergoes regular audits.


Insurance
Yes

Cult Wine Investment's stored wines are fully insured against physical loss or damage, kept in a secure facility near London.

Insurance
No

EquityZen is a FINRA/SIPC member firm, offering account protection up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash claims) through SIPC in case of brokerage failure, not covering market value losses.


Payouts
No Recurring Payouts

Cult Wine Investment does not offer dividends.

Payouts
No Recurring Payouts

Investors in private companies on EquityZen typically do not receive dividends, as these companies often reinvest profits to fuel growth.


Withdrawals

To receive funds from Cult Wine Investment, investors sell their wine, typically within 8-12 weeks, and then the proceeds are returned to them.

Withdrawals

Investors can get their money back from investments on EquityZen mainly through an IPO, acquisition of the company, or secondary market sales on the platform. However, returns depend on market demand and timing of these liquidity events, with no guaranteed timeline.


Extra Fees
No

Cult Wine Investment charges an annual fee based on the investment tier, with the Premier Cru tier at 2.75%, Grand Cru at 2.50%, Cult Cru at 2.25%, and Black Tier at 2%. Fees are divided into monthly payments calculated from the portfolio's end-of-month value, rather than an annual lump sum.

Extra Fees
Yes

EquityZen charges a 5% fee to sellers upon transaction closure. For investors, a one-time sales fee applies: 5% for investments up to $500,000, 4% for $500,000 to $1 million, and 3% for over $1 million.


Taxes
Annual Statement

Cult Wine Investment assists with tax documentation upon request or through a Relationship Manager for higher-tier investors.

Taxes
Tax Form

EquityZen issues a Schedule K-1 for taxable events and provides vetted tax documentation to investors. Upon investment, individuals complete necessary tax forms (W-9 or W8-BEN) and receive annual tax updates.

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