Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in franchises
Invest in startups in exchange for equity
The standard minimum investment on Wefunder for most Community Rounds is $100. However, the exact minimum can vary based on the specific offering and the investor's status as an accredited investor.
Investing in FranShares involves risks such as market volatility, economic changes, and franchise-specific challenges. Despite efforts to mitigate risks, there's no guarantee of returns, and FranShares' financial health could impact investments.
Investing in startups on Wefunder is highly risky, and there's a real possibility of losing your entire investment.
While liquidity isn't guaranteed, the platform is developing a secondary market for potential future liquidity opportunities.
Wefunder's investments are not highly liquid, as there is no public market for selling your stake. After one year, you can sell to any interested buyer.
FranShares' TNT Franchise Fund Inc., with 55 locations across major U.S. metros, historically generates returns of 20 to 28% EBITDA per location after 16-18 months.
On Wefunder, investors can earn returns through different investment mechanisms: Debt, Convertibles Stock (No Dividends), Stock, Dividends. Investment returns on Wefunder vary by investment type, with dividends more typical in later-stage, non-tech businesses.
Income portfolios target a 10-15 year hold; growth funds aim for a 5-7 year period before selling.
Investments on Wefunder are long-term, with an average return period of around seven years, particularly for convertible notes or SAFEs.
FranShares welcomes both accredited and non-accredited investors, focusing mainly on opportunities for non-accredited individuals. The platform also accepts international investors from many countries, depending on the specifics of each offering.
Individuals 18 and older can invest on Wefunder, regardless of whether they are accredited or non-accredited investors. Additionally, Wefunder allows investments through entities.
Franchise investments are subject to volatility due to economic shifts, industry trends, and franchise performance. While some franchises may be more resilient, values can fluctuate, posing a risk to investment value in adverse conditions.
The assets on Wefunder, primarily startups and small businesses, are highly volatile due to the uncertain success of these ventures and fluctuating market conditions.
FranShares employs SEC regulations A+, D, and CF for its investment offerings, creating structures with a main investment vehicle and subsidiaries for each franchise brand, possibly including locations or groups of locations.
Wefunder is regulated by the SEC and FINRA under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), requiring it to adhere to strict rules about investment limits, company fundraising, and disclosures.
FranShares' insurance covers physical damages or losses to franchises but does not protect against market fluctuations, economic downturns, or fraud. Coverage limits may not fully reflect market values, meaning insurance does not eliminate all investment risks.
FranShares plans to distribute excess cash flow to investors 12 to 18 months after each offering closes, with distributions expected quarterly. The frequency can vary (quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) based on the specific offering.
Wefunder investments typically do not offer dividends, as they are often in early-stage startups focusing on growth.
Investors in FranShares can receive their investment back through the sale of franchises, targeted within 5-15 years depending on the fund type. Upon sale, net proceeds are distributed to investors based on their fund ownership share.
On Wefunder, investors primarily see returns from liquidity events like acquisitions or IPOs, where investments may convert to cash or shares. After the first year, shares can be sold to any interested buyer, with Wefunder facilitating the transfer process. For debt investments or revenue shares, returns follow the agreed terms, like fixed repayments or revenue-based payouts.
FranShares charges a 1% to 3% annual management fee and possibly a performance fee, detailed in each offering's documents. No management fees are charged for the "TNT Franchise Inc." offering.
Wefunder charges a one-time transaction fee of 2% for bank payments and 5.5% for credit card payments. For WeFunds, an administrative fee covers lifetime costs like filings and accounting, with no additional contributions required from investors.
FranShares investors may owe capital gains taxes on profits from share sales and pay taxes on dividends, classified as ordinary or qualified based on holding periods and individual tax situations.
Wefunder supports tax reporting for investors by providing Schedule K-1 forms for those invested through LLCs or SPVs, detailing taxable gains or losses. For investments receiving payments, such as revenue shares, Form 1099 may be issued to report income.