Buy pre-IPO stock in private companies
Invest in startups and venture funds
Investments
$10,000
The minimum investment on EquityZen is $10,000, though this may vary by offering.
Investments
$10,000
The minimum investment amounts on the OurCrowd platform are as follows: $10,000 for individual company investments, $5,000 per company with a $25,000 balance transfer for a Portfolio Select Account, and $50,000 for investing in OurCrowd funds.
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.
High Risk
4/5
Investing via OurCrowd carries risks, including the potential loss of capital, market fluctuations, and limited liquidity. Early-stage companies may not succeed, leading to a total or partial loss.
Minimum Liquidity
1/5
EquityZen offers liquidity for vested shares only. It does not provide liquidity for unvested shares, unvested RSUs, or options directly.
Minimum Liquidity
1/5
Investments on the OurCrowd platform are generally illiquid, as they involve early-stage, privately-held companies. Liquidity events, such as a sale or IPO, may take several years, and there is no guarantee or secondary market for trading these investments. Investors should be prepared for long-term commitments without immediate liquidity options.
Receive new reviews from Fintorial
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.
Not Predictable Return
N/P
Returns on investments in OurCrowd's early-stage companies and venture funds are highly variable and unpredictable. While there is potential for high returns, given the speculative nature of startup investing, there's also a significant risk of loss.
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.
Long-term Investment
5+ years
Investments through OurCrowd typically require a long-term commitment, often spanning several years to over a decade, due to the nature of startup and venture fund investing.
Who can invest
International
OurCrowd investments are open to accredited investors as per local regulations, which vary by country. However, residents of Cuba, Iran, Lebanon, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine are excluded from investing through the platform.
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.
Moderate Volatility
3/5
Assets on OurCrowd, being early-stage and privately-held companies, are highly volatile. Their valuations can fluctuate significantly due to market dynamics, competition, and operational risks.
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.
Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated
OurCrowd complies with the regulations of each country it operates in, adhering to laws governing accredited investors and investment platforms. It is subject to regulatory oversight, ensuring transparency and investor protection. While not specified, financial audits and compliance checks are likely part of its operations to meet legal and financial standards, maintaining trust and reliability among investors.
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.
Insurance
No
OurCrowd does not offer insurance for investments on its platform. Investments in startups and venture funds are inherently risky, with no insurance protection against losses.
Payouts
No Recurring Payouts
Investors in private companies on EquityZen typically do not receive dividends, as these companies often reinvest profits to fuel growth.
Payouts
No Recurring Payouts
Investors on OurCrowd typically do not receive dividends from their investments in startups and venture funds, as these are growth-focused and aim for capital appreciation. Profits are usually reinvested to fuel further growth.
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.
Withdrawals
Investors on OurCrowd can get their money back during a liquidity event such as an IPO, acquisition, or sale of the company.
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.
Extra Fees
Yes
OurCrowd's fee structure includes a 2% annual management fee for the first four years, capped to cover investment management costs. Additionally, there's a 4% upfront administration fee for direct SPV expenses, with the possibility of extra reimbursement set off from returns upon distribution. Carried interest entails a 20% fee on profits up to 5x the invested amount, escalating to 25% for proceeds exceeding 5x.
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.
Taxes
Annual Statement
OurCrowd offers investors an annual statement, which is essential for tax reporting. This statement details the year's financial activities, aiding in accurate tax filings.