Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in startups in exchange for equity
Invest in trading cards
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.
Investing in startups on Wefunder is highly risky, and there's a real possibility of losing your entire investment.
Investing in trading cards on Alt involves market risk, liquidity risk, uncertainties in authentication and grading, regulatory changes, operational risks including cybersecurity threats, and risks related to the physical storage and insurance of assets.
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.
Alt enhances the liquidity of trading cards through the Alt Exchange and Alt Liquid Auctions, enabling quick and efficient buying and selling of authenticated, graded cards stored in the Alt Vault. Bi-weekly auctions provide regular opportunities for transactions, while Alt Lending allows users to access cash without selling their assets.
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.
Returns on trading card investments via Alt are influenced by the rarity, condition, and market demand for specific cards, making them highly variable. While some cards may see substantial appreciation, others might not perform as well, reflecting the speculative nature of alternative investments. Investors should adopt a long-term view and be prepared for fluctuations, as significant returns are possible but not guaranteed.
Investments on Wefunder are long-term, with an average return period of around seven years, particularly for convertible notes or SAFEs.
The investment time horizon for trading cards on Alt is typically long-term.
Individuals 18 and older can invest on Wefunder, regardless of whether they are accredited or non-accredited investors. Additionally, Wefunder allows investments through entities.
To invest on Alt, individuals must be at least 18 years old, provide a current address, a Social Security number for U.S. residents, and a valid government-issued photo ID for both U.S. and international users. Alt is inclusive of international investors, accepting payments from 76 additional countries.
The assets on Wefunder, primarily startups and small businesses, are highly volatile due to the uncertain success of these ventures and fluctuating market conditions.
Trading cards on Alt are subject to volatility due to factors like changing market demand, the rarity and condition of the cards, and broader economic trends. This niche market's limited buyer and seller base can lead to significant price fluctuations, making the value of these assets potentially change rapidly and unpredictably.
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.
Alt adheres to regulatory requirements by verifying the identity of all users, a step that aligns with legal standards for financial technology platforms. Although specific audit details aren't provided, such platforms typically undergo periodic audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations and cybersecurity standards.
Alt offers insurance for trading cards stored in its vault, safeguarding investors' assets against theft, damage, and loss.
Wefunder investments typically do not offer dividends, as they are often in early-stage startups focusing on growth.
Trading cards on Alt do not offer dividends. Instead, the potential financial benefit for investors lies in the appreciation of the asset's value over time, with returns realized through capital gains upon sale.
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.
To get their money back, investors on Alt can sell their trading cards through the Alt Exchange or Alt Liquid Auctions. Once a sale is processed, the funds are credited to the seller's account, from which they can be withdrawn. The time and price at which cards sell may vary based on market demand and card rarity.
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.
Alt charges no fees for vaulting services for cards graded by supported companies, while charging $5 for each unsupported graded and ungraded card. Sales transactions on Alt's marketplace incur a tiered selling fee based on the card's final sale price: 10% for sales up to $7,499, 8% for sales between $7,500 and $9,999, and 5% for sales of $10,000 or more.
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.
Alt supports tax reporting for investors by issuing 1099-K forms to those who meet specific criteria: being a verified Alt customer, filing taxes in the US, and receiving payments over $600 in a calendar year. This ensures compliance with tax obligations by reporting to the IRS and relevant state tax authorities.