Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in startups in exchange for equity or debt
Invest in collectible assets
The minimum investment on StartEngine typically starts from $250, with the average being around $500.
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.
Investing on Rally carries risks, including fluctuating investment values and no guaranteed selling price. The unique nature of collectible assets also introduces specific risks. Detailed risk factors are outlined in each asset's Offering Circular or Private Placement Memorandum, available in the asset's "Legal" section for investor review.
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.
Rally's platform offers liquidity through Live Trading, allowing investors to buy and sell shares in real-time during market hours via the PPEX ATS, after a 90-day lock-up period. Shares must be held for 5 business days before resale, with brokerage services provided by Dalmore Group, LLC, a FINRA and SIPC member.
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.
Rally's historical returns on collectible assets range from 1.35% to 84% over holding periods of 2 to 6 years. These all-time returns reflect the varied performance of different assets within this timeframe.
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.
Investments on Rally typically have a 2 to 6-year horizon, suited for medium to long-term growth. A 90-day lock-up period post-Initial Offering restricts immediate trading, emphasizing a strategic, longer-term investment approach.
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.
Rally is open to U.S. residents over 18 with a Social Security number, bank account, ID, and address in the contiguous United States, who pass KYC and AML checks.
Assets on StartEngine, mainly shares in startups and early-stage companies, exhibit high volatility due to uncertain revenues, evolving business models, and market sensitivity.
The collectible assets on Rally, such as collector cars and memorabilia, exhibit volatility due to factors like consumer preferences, rarity, and market demand. Unlike traditional investments, their values can fluctuate unpredictably, reflecting the speculative nature of the collectibles market.
StartEngine operates under strict regulatory oversight by the SEC and FINRA, ensuring adherence to investor protection and market integrity rules.
Rally operates under strict regulatory oversight, offering securities regulated by the SEC and partnering with FINRA and SIPC-member broker-dealers, ensuring investor protection. Its operations and assets are regularly audited for compliance, financial accuracy, and asset authenticity.
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.
Rally protects its collectible assets with comprehensive insurance to cover damages or losses, ensuring investor interests are safeguarded against unforeseen circumstances.
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.
Rally primarily offers returns through capital appreciation rather than dividends, with investors benefiting from selling shares at a higher price than the purchase price, based on the asset's value increase over time.
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.
Investors can get their money back by selling shares on Rally after the 90-day lock-up period, during market hours, via the app. Success in selling depends on market demand. Shares must be held for at least 5 business days before they can be resold.
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.
Rally charges no commissions or management fees on investments. Initial offerings include a sourcing fee detailed in each asset's offering circular. Instant Cash transfers incur a 1.5% fee with a $0.25 minimum, added to the transfer amount, but new users enjoy a 14-day fee waiver.
Investors must procure the necessary tax documents directly from the entities in which they have invested, since StartEngine does not distribute tax forms.
Rally issues 1099 tax documents to investors who sell shares or receive dividends, available in their Portfolio by March of the following year. Investors with active investments receive monthly statements, typically updated by the first week of each month, with new investments reflected within two months.