Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Buy shares in vacation rental properties
Buy pre-IPO stock in private companies
Fundhomes sets its minimum investment threshold at $100, with shares available at $10.
The minimum investment on EquityZen is $10,000, though this may vary by offering.
Investing in Fundhomes carries risks such as potential loss of capital, market fluctuations, and regulatory changes affecting profitability. Investments are generally illiquid with a long-term exit strategy, and early withdrawal may result in penalties. A secondary market to improve liquidity is under consideration but not guaranteed.
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.
Fundhomes offers liquidity options including automatic share sales when properties are sold (5-10 years), a secondary market for selling shares to other investors, and a buyback program, with potential early sale penalties within the first year.
EquityZen offers liquidity for vested shares only. It does not provide liquidity for unvested shares, unvested RSUs, or options directly.
Investors in Fundhomes can expect cash dividends from rental income, projected at a hypothetical rate of 6.62% per year, and property appreciation, estimated at 4.74% per year, upon sale within 5-10 years. This totals a hypothetical annual return of 11.36%.
Unlike public market investments, private investments carry higher risks and unpredictability. Consequently, it's challenging to define a standard return rate for EquityZen investments.
The investment time horizon at Fundhomes is typically 5 to 10 years, focusing on long-term gains from rental income and property appreciation.
Typically, companies on EquityZen have received late-stage funding, suggesting an expected investment horizon of 2-5 years, but outcomes can vary widely.
To invest in Fundhomes, one must be a U.S. Citizen or a resident of the U.S. with a valid Social Security Number.
Fundhomes' vacation rental properties face real estate market volatility, with valuations influenced by economic shifts, interest rates, and regulatory changes.
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.
Fundhomes utilizes Regulation A for public offerings, enabling investors to buy shares in Series LLCs that each own a vacation rental property. This approach grants investors partial ownership in a property, with all details outlined in SEC-filed offering circulars.
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.
Fundhomes insures its properties against physical damage, but this doesn't cover market risks or regulatory changes affecting property values. Insurance limits may also not match property market values.
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.
Investors in Fundhomes receive quarterly dividends derived from the net rental income of vacation rental properties, after deducting operational expenses. These dividends reflect a portion of the property's profitability but are not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on occupancy rates and market conditions.
Investors in private companies on EquityZen typically do not receive dividends, as these companies often reinvest profits to fuel growth.
Investors in Fundhomes can receive their investment back when the property is sold, usually within 5-10 years, or by selling their shares earlier on a secondary market, depending on demand.
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.
Fundhomes earns through fees for property and asset management. This includes handling vacation rental operations like maintenance and guest services, as well as overseeing investment strategies and performance.
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.
Fundhomes provides K-1 Tax Forms for each investment property, detailing investors' share of income, deductions, and credits. Typically, these forms are issued by March 15th each year, with an IRS extension deadline of September 15th if needed.
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.