Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Buy pre-IPO stock in private companies
Invest in collectible assets
The minimum investment on EquityZen is $10,000, though this may vary by offering.
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 on Rally carries risks, including fluctuating investment values and no guaranteed selling price. The unique nature of collectible assets also introduces specific risks. Detailed risk factors are outlined in each asset's Offering Circular or Private Placement Memorandum, available in the asset's "Legal" section for investor review.
EquityZen offers liquidity for vested shares only. It does not provide liquidity for unvested shares, unvested RSUs, or options directly.
Rally's platform offers liquidity through Live Trading, allowing investors to buy and sell shares in real-time during market hours via the PPEX ATS, after a 90-day lock-up period. Shares must be held for 5 business days before resale, with brokerage services provided by Dalmore Group, LLC, a FINRA and SIPC member.
Unlike public market investments, private investments carry higher risks and unpredictability. Consequently, it's challenging to define a standard return rate for EquityZen investments.
Rally's historical returns on collectible assets range from 1.35% to 84% over holding periods of 2 to 6 years. These all-time returns reflect the varied performance of different assets within this timeframe.
Typically, companies on EquityZen have received late-stage funding, suggesting an expected investment horizon of 2-5 years, but outcomes can vary widely.
Investments on Rally typically have a 2 to 6-year horizon, suited for medium to long-term growth. A 90-day lock-up period post-Initial Offering restricts immediate trading, emphasizing a strategic, longer-term investment approach.
Rally is open to U.S. residents over 18 with a Social Security number, bank account, ID, and address in the contiguous United States, who pass KYC and AML checks.
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.
The collectible assets on Rally, such as collector cars and memorabilia, exhibit volatility due to factors like consumer preferences, rarity, and market demand. Unlike traditional investments, their values can fluctuate unpredictably, reflecting the speculative nature of the collectibles market.
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.
Rally operates under strict regulatory oversight, offering securities regulated by the SEC and partnering with FINRA and SIPC-member broker-dealers, ensuring investor protection. Its operations and assets are regularly audited for compliance, financial accuracy, and asset authenticity.
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.
Rally protects its collectible assets with comprehensive insurance to cover damages or losses, ensuring investor interests are safeguarded against unforeseen circumstances.
Investors in private companies on EquityZen typically do not receive dividends, as these companies often reinvest profits to fuel growth.
Rally primarily offers returns through capital appreciation rather than dividends, with investors benefiting from selling shares at a higher price than the purchase price, based on the asset's value increase over time.
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.
Investors can get their money back by selling shares on Rally after the 90-day lock-up period, during market hours, via the app. Success in selling depends on market demand. Shares must be held for at least 5 business days before they can be resold.
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.
Rally charges no commissions or management fees on investments. Initial offerings include a sourcing fee detailed in each asset's offering circular. Instant Cash transfers incur a 1.5% fee with a $0.25 minimum, added to the transfer amount, but new users enjoy a 14-day fee waiver.
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.
Rally issues 1099 tax documents to investors who sell shares or receive dividends, available in their Portfolio by March of the following year. Investors with active investments receive monthly statements, typically updated by the first week of each month, with new investments reflected within two months.