Invest in startups in exchange for equity or debt
Invest in startups and venture funds
Investments
$250
The minimum investment on StartEngine typically starts from $250, with the average being around $500.
Investments
$10,000
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.
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.
High Risk
4/5
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.
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.
Minimum Liquidity
1/5
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.
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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.
Not Predictable Return
N/P
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.
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
5+ years
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.
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
International
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.
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 OurCrowd, being early-stage and privately-held companies, are highly volatile. Their valuations can fluctuate significantly due to market dynamics, competition, and operational risks.
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
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.
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
No
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.
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
No Recurring Payouts
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.
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 on OurCrowd can get their money back during a liquidity event such as an IPO, acquisition, or sale of the company.
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
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.
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
Annual Statement
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.