Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Buy pre-IPO stock in private companies
Invest in a real estate portfolio
The minimum investment on EquityZen is $10,000, though this may vary by offering.
Concreit offers two investment options with different minimum investments. For the Cash Flow strategy, investors can start with a few thousand dollars and have the option to use auto-invest for gradual contributions. For Home Shares, the minimum investment is $100 per share.
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.
Investing in Concreit involves significant risks, such as the potential for complete loss of capital, illiquidity of investments, and exposure to the volatile real estate market. Other risks include the platform's limited operating history and potential conflicts of interest.
EquityZen offers liquidity for vested shares only. It does not provide liquidity for unvested shares, unvested RSUs, or options directly.
Investments on Concreit are illiquid, with no guarantee of being able to exit through their redemption program.
Unlike public market investments, private investments carry higher risks and unpredictability. Consequently, it's challenging to define a standard return rate for EquityZen investments.
Concreit targets a 5.5% preferred annual return for investors, focusing on income through property value growth and rental income. Investors in Home Shares can potentially achieve an 8% to 14% annual return, combining equity appreciation and cash dividends from rental payments. While these returns are based on historical data and Concreit's strategic approach, actual future returns may vary due to market conditions and economic factors.
Typically, companies on EquityZen have received late-stage funding, suggesting an expected investment horizon of 2-5 years, but outcomes can vary widely.
Concreit typically estimates a 5-7 year hold period for investments in Home Shares. While investments are long-term, Concreit's redemption program may allow for earlier withdrawal under certain conditions, providing some flexibility regarding the investment's time horizon.
Concreit is open to US citizens or residents over 18, with no requirement to be an accredited investor.
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.
Assets on the Concreit platform are subject to the volatility of the real estate market, influenced by economic conditions, interest rates, and supply and demand. This can lead to fluctuations in investment values, highlighting the inherent risks and potential for price volatility in real estate investments.
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.
Concreit is registered with the SEC as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), making it a fiduciary required to act in its clients' best interests. This registration subjects Concreit to SEC oversight and compliance standards.
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.
Concreit investments do not have FDIC or SIPC insurance, meaning there's no governmental or organizational protection against loss for funds invested on the platform.
Investors in private companies on EquityZen typically do not receive dividends, as these companies often reinvest profits to fuel growth.
Concreit distributes dividends from the net income of rental properties, after deducting expenses. For Cash Flow investments, the goal is weekly dividend payments, with an option for reinvestment. Home Shares investors receive quarterly dividends based on rental income, with potential profit from property appreciation upon sale. Distribution frequency and income depend on each property's performance and market conditions.
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.
Concreit investors face a 60-day hold period for withdrawals after investment, with the overall process taking 2-3 weeks. A short-term withdrawal fee applies to profits withdrawn within 12 months, where investors receive their full principal but only 4/5 of short-term gains.
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.
Concreit charges a flat $5 monthly fee for accounts under $5,000 and a 1.0% annual fee for balances of $5,000 or more, aimed at covering asset management costs. Fees are deducted monthly from the investor's bank account or the fund, based on the ending account balance the day before assessment.
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.
Concreit supports investors during tax season by issuing a Form 1099-DIV for holdings that distribute $10 or more annually, simplifying tax filing. They aim to have tax documents ready by February 1st.