Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in private assets
Invest in startups in exchange for equity
Fundrise allows a minimum investment of $10 for taxable accounts and $1,000 for IRAs.
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 with Fundrise involves risks such as limited liquidity, potential modifications to the share repurchase program, market volatility affecting asset values, the possibility of total investment loss, and regulatory changes impacting operations.
Investing in startups on Wefunder is highly risky, and there's a real possibility of losing your entire investment.
Fundrise offers liquidity through its share repurchase program, allowing investors to redeem shares quarterly with no penalties or costs.
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.
Investors on Fundrise can expect returns through dividends and appreciation, with an average income return of 4.81% over 7 years.
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.
Fundrise is designed for long-term investments, ideally for a period of 5 or more years, due to its focus on strategies aimed at long-term return potential.
Investments on Wefunder are long-term, with an average return period of around seven years, particularly for convertible notes or SAFEs.
To be eligible to invest with Fundrise, individuals must meet several criteria: they must be at least 18 years old, have permanent residency in the United States, possess a valid U.S. tax ID, and file taxes in the U.S. The platform is open to both accredited and non-accredited investors.
Individuals 18 and older can invest on Wefunder, regardless of whether they are accredited or non-accredited investors. Additionally, Wefunder allows investments through entities.
Assets on the Fundrise platform, such as private real estate and venture capital, typically show lower volatility compared to public stocks and bonds, due to less frequent valuation updates and reduced exposure to daily market swings.
The assets on Wefunder, primarily startups and small businesses, are highly volatile due to the uncertain success of these ventures and fluctuating market conditions.
Fundrise is regulated by the SEC and must comply with strict reporting, disclosure, and operational standards. It undergoes regular independent audits to verify financial accuracy, legal compliance, and the effectiveness of its internal controls, ensuring transparency and integrity in its operations for investor protection.
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.
Investments on Fundrise, including real estate and alternative assets, are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency, exposing investors to the risk of loss without insurance protection.
Dividends are paid quarterly, based on income from portfolio projects, and can be either reinvested or cashed out. Appreciation comes from increases in the value of the investment, reflected in the net asset value (NAV) of shares. Returns start accruing after investment settlement, typically within 5 business days, and can be tracked on the Investor Dashboard.
Wefunder investments typically do not offer dividends, as they are often in early-stage startups focusing on growth.
To withdraw funds from Fundrise, investors must submit a liquidation request. Liquidations are reviewed quarterly for most funds, with a waiting period for the eFund. No penalty is charged for liquidating shares from the Flagship, Income, or Innovation Funds, but eREIT and eFund shares held for less than five years may incur a penalty. Liquidations are processed on a "First in, first out" basis.
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.
Fundrise charges a 0.15% annual advisory fee, a 0.85% management fee for real estate funds, and a 1.85% management fee for the Innovation Fund. Early liquidation of eREIT or eFund shares before 5 years incurs a 1% penalty.
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.
Fundrise investors can expect Form 1099-DIV for eREITs or interval funds with distributions over $10, Schedule K-1 for eFund shares, and Form 1099-B for liquidated shares. Tax documents are issued at the end of January for 1099-DIVs and mid-March for K-1s, available on the investor dashboard. Multiple funds in a portfolio may result in receiving multiple tax forms.
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.