Masterworks vs Wefunder Comparison

Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms

Invest in fractionalized multimillion-dollar paintings

Invest in startups in exchange for equity

444,000 visits/month 9,700 search keywords
799,000 visits/month 88,000 search keywords

Investments
$15,000

The minimum investment required is $15,000, which can be used to buy one or more assets.

Investments
$100

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.


Moderate Risk
3/5

Investing in art through Masterworks has risks, including concentration in a single artwork, limited insurance coverage, market volatility, and uncertainty in the secondary market.

High Risk
4/5

Investing in startups on Wefunder is highly risky, and there's a real possibility of losing your entire investment.


Moderate Liquidity
2/5

You have the option to trade shares on the platform's secondary market, but there are certain restrictions on what and how you can trade.

Minimum Liquidity
1/5

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.

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Moderate Return
12.6 %

Profits come from selling the painting or when investors sell their shares.

Not Predictable Return
N/P

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.


Long-term Investment
3-7 years

Masterworks keeps the artwork for 3 to 10 years.

Long-term Investment
7 years

Investments on Wefunder are long-term, with an average return period of around seven years, particularly for convertible notes or SAFEs.


Who can invest
International

Masterworks welcomes individuals, corporations, or entities from any location, including the United States.

Who can invest
International

Individuals 18 and older can invest on Wefunder, regardless of whether they are accredited or non-accredited investors. Additionally, Wefunder allows investments through entities.


Moderate Volatility
3/5

Art market fluctuations can lead to rapid price increases and declines, posing risks for short-term investors who may lose a significant portion of their capital.

Moderate Volatility
3/5

The assets on Wefunder, primarily startups and small businesses, are highly volatile due to the uncertain success of these ventures and fluctuating market conditions.


Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated

Masterworks provides SEC-approved offering circulars for each artwork, allowing public investment. AGD Legal reviews art investments annually.

Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated

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.


Insurance
Yes

Artworks are insured for up to $500 million by Lloyd's of London, but coverage may not fully match the artwork's value.

Insurance
No

Wefunder does not provide insurance for investments.


Payouts
No Recurring Payouts

The company doesn't generate revenue.

Payouts
No Recurring Payouts

Wefunder investments typically do not offer dividends, as they are often in early-stage startups focusing on growth.


Withdrawals

Investors should wait for the company to sell the painting to receive their share of the proceeds, after deducting fees.

Withdrawals

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.


Extra Fees
Yes

Masterworks charges a 1.5% yearly fee in equity, takes a 20% cut on art sales profits, and has a one-time sourcing fee per investment.

Extra Fees
Yes

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.


Taxes
Tax Form

US taxpayers: subject to collectible gains rate (capped at 28%), unless owning 10%+ of a single painting. Masterworks provides a free Consolidated Tax Statement. Foreign investors: no US taxes or tax withholding.

Taxes
Tax Form

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.

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