StartEngine vs Ark7 Comparison

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

Invest in startups in exchange for equity or debt

Invest in rental homes

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Investments
$250

The minimum investment on StartEngine typically starts from $250, with the average being around $500.

Investments
$20

The minimum investment amount required on Ark7 is $20 per share.


High Risk
4/5

Investing on StartEngine carries risks including market volatility, liquidity challenges, regulatory changes, the high likelihood of company failure, dilution of shares, limited company information, and the absence of guaranteed returns.

Moderate Risk
3/5

Investing on Ark7 carries risks such as market volatility, property value fluctuations, economic impacts, and potential liquidity challenges in the secondary market.


Minimum Liquidity
1/5

Liquidity on StartEngine Secondary varies due to its nature as a peer-to-peer trading platform with specific eligibility criteria and trading hours. Initially limited to companies that have raised on StartEngine, the platform's liquidity is influenced by the availability of securities and the matching of buy and sell orders within designated market hours.

Moderate Liquidity
2/5

Ark7 allows investors to sell their shares on a secondary market after a minimum holding period of one year, providing liquidity.

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Not Predictable Return
N/P

Potential returns on investments are uncertain and vary. StartEngine's role ends after a company's capital raising concludes, leaving it without control or insight into post-offering investment activities.

Low Return
3.22-6.96 %

Ark7 offers annualized cash return rates between 3.22% to 6.96%, or $0.1 to $0.58 per share, based on past performance or estimates for newer properties.


Long-term Investment
5+ years

Investments through StartEngine typically have a long-term horizon, often requiring several years to potentially yield returns due to the early-stage nature of the companies.

Long-term Investment
1+ year

Ark7 targets long-term investments in real estate for appreciation but allows selling shares after a minimum holding period for flexibility.


Who can invest
International

StartEngine allows anyone over 18 to invest. However, due to regulatory concerns, StartEngine does not currently accept investments from residents of the UK or Canada.

Who can invest
United States

Ark7 is open to U.S. citizens or residents over 18 with an SSN or ITIN and a U.S. bank account. Select offerings are for accredited investors only.


Moderate Volatility
3/5

Assets on StartEngine, mainly shares in startups and early-stage companies, exhibit high volatility due to uncertain revenues, evolving business models, and market sensitivity.

Moderate Volatility
3/5

Assets on Ark7 exhibit volatility influenced by real estate market shifts, economic conditions, and demand fluctuations. While real estate is generally stable, values and rental incomes can vary. Additionally, liquidity and market demand on the secondary market may affect share prices and selling ease.


Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated

StartEngine operates under strict regulatory oversight by the SEC and FINRA, ensuring adherence to investor protection and market integrity rules.

Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated

Ark7 complies with SEC regulations, making necessary filings for transparency and undergoes regular independent audits for financial accuracy and operational compliance.


Insurance
Yes

StartEngine's memberships with FINRA and SIPC signify its commitment to investor protection, with SIPC offering insurance against the loss of cash and securities if a broker-dealer goes bankrupt. However, it doesn't cover market loss.

Insurance
Yes

Ark7 secures comprehensive insurance for all properties, covering natural disasters, property damage, and liability, to protect investors' returns and mitigate financial risks.


Payouts
No Recurring Payouts

Dividends on StartEngine depend on the individual company's policy and investment terms, with startups often reinvesting profits to fuel growth rather than distributing dividends.

Payouts
Dividends

Ark7 offers returns through monthly cash distributions from rental income, after deducting operating expenses, and long-term property appreciation. Distributions are prorated based on shares owned and deposited monthly. Property appreciation potential comes from home value gains, with shares sellable on the secondary market after a holding period. Monthly distribution amounts may vary due to operational factors.


Withdrawals

Investors can withdraw available funds from their StartEngine Investment Account after a 10-day waiting period from the initial transfer, subject to providing additional information for security if needed.

Withdrawals

Investors can get their money back by selling their shares on Ark7's secondary market after a minimum one-year holding period or through property appreciation when they sell their shares.


Extra Fees
Yes

Investors may encounter a 3.5% processing fee on investments, depending on the company's choice. Wire transfers could have additional bank fees, while ACH and credit card investments don't have extra fees beyond the 3.5% if applicable. Trading on StartEngine Secondary is free for buying, but selling shares includes a 5% transaction fee.

Extra Fees
Yes

Ark7 charges a one-time 3% sourcing fee of the property market cap for acquiring and listing properties, and a monthly asset management fee of 8-15% of rental income for property and tenant management.


Taxes
Annual Statement

Investors must procure the necessary tax documents directly from the entities in which they have invested, since StartEngine does not distribute tax forms.

Taxes
Tax Form

Ark7 issues Schedule K-1 forms for properties taxed as partnerships and plans to issue 1099-DIV for properties treated as REITs, aiming to transition as they open to the public. Tax documents are sent before March 15th, considering depreciation and expenses to potentially reduce taxable income for investors.

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