Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in real estate loans
Invest in startups and venture funds
Groundfloor enables individuals to begin investing in real estate with a minimal initial requirement of only $10.
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.
Investing on Groundfloor involves credit risk from borrower default, market risk due to real estate market fluctuations, liquidity risk as investments are tied up until loan maturity without a secondary market for early exit, regulatory risk from changes in laws affecting real estate and crowdfunding, and platform risk related to operational disruptions or cybersecurity threats.
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.
On Groundfloor, liquidity is tied to the term of the real estate loans, which range from 6 to 18 months. Investors' funds are committed until the loan matures and the borrower repays.
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.
Groundfloor's loans are graded from A to G, with interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 25.5% annually, based on risk. A diversified portfolio across all repaid loans to date would have earned a 10.72% annualized net return.
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.
Groundfloor investments have loan terms ranging from 6 to 18 months.
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.
Groundfloor is accessible to investors both in the US and internationally. However, for non-US investors, a minimum transfer-in amount of $5,000 is required.
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.
The assets on Groundfloor, which are short-term real estate loans, generally exhibit lower volatility compared to stocks, as their value is more closely tied to specific real estate projects and less to daily market swings.
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.
Groundfloor offers securities under Regulation A of the Securities Act of 1933, allowing it to sell securities to residents in states where it's qualified or announced its intent under Regulation A's Tier 1 or Tier 2.
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.
Investments on Groundfloor are not insured by any government agency such as the FDIC or SIPC, nor are they guaranteed by Groundfloor. This means investors fully assume the risk of borrower default or project failure, without any insurance safety net.
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.
Groundfloor pays interest on funded loans. Interest accrues from the investment date until the loan is repaid. Loans may have monthly or deferred payment terms, with monthly interest payments processed once a month and lump sum repayments for deferred loans.
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.
Investors on Groundfloor get their money back, including principal and accrued interest, once the borrower repays the loan, typically within 6 to 18 months. Repayments are processed within 7 days, with funds made available in the investor's dashboard for withdrawal or reinvestment.
Investors on OurCrowd can get their money back during a liquidity event such as an IPO, acquisition, or sale of the company.
Investors on Groundfloor pay no fees. Instead, borrowers are charged an underwriting fee by Groundfloor, ranging from 2% to 4.5% of the loan's principal amount.
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.
Groundfloor provides tax support by issuing a 1099-INT form for interest income over $10, a 1099-B for principal losses, and a 1099-MISC for promotional credits over $600.
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.