Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in startups in exchange for equity
Invest in multimillion-dollar art shares
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.
The minimum investment required on Mintus for art investment opportunities is $3,000, with investment amounts typically ranging from $15,000 to $100,000.
Investing in startups on Wefunder is highly risky, and there's a real possibility of losing your entire investment.
Investing in Mintus carries risks such as market volatility affecting art values, limited liquidity options until the secondary market launches, potential regulatory changes impacting investment practices, operational challenges, and the subjective nature of art valuation.
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.
Mintus plans to introduce a secondary market feature, which is currently marked as "coming soon". This future addition aims to enhance liquidity by allowing investors to sell their shares in artworks to other users, although it's not yet available.
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.
Mintus targets an 8.9% annual growth rate for investments, though actual returns may vary due to market conditions and art performance.
Investments on Wefunder are long-term, with an average return period of around seven years, particularly for convertible notes or SAFEs.
Investments through Mintus generally have a long-term horizon, often spanning several years, due to the nature of art appreciation and market trends. Exact duration may vary based on specific artworks and market conditions, with potential for earlier liquidity once the secondary market is introduced.
Individuals 18 and older can invest on Wefunder, regardless of whether they are accredited or non-accredited investors. Additionally, Wefunder allows investments through entities.
Mintus allows both individual investors and institutions to invest in artworks. Individual investors need to qualify as "high net worth individuals", "sophisticated investors", or "accredited investors" and pass an appropriateness assessment. Institutions like wealth managers and family offices should contact Mintus directly for specific investment options.
The assets on Wefunder, primarily startups and small businesses, are highly volatile due to the uncertain success of these ventures and fluctuating market conditions.
The volatility of assets on Mintus, consisting of high-value artworks, is influenced by art market dynamics, economic factors, and the unique characteristics of each piece, such as rarity and provenance. These elements can cause fluctuations in art valuations, making them inherently volatile investments that require careful consideration.
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.
Mintus is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. This regulatory oversight ensures Mintus meets strict standards for investor protection, transparency, and market integrity, although specific audit details are not mentioned.
Details on insurance for artworks on Mintus are not explicitly mentioned. Typically, art investment platforms secure artworks against risks like damage or theft through insurance.
Wefunder investments typically do not offer dividends, as they are often in early-stage startups focusing on growth.
Mintus does not offer traditional dividends. Instead, investors gain returns through the appreciation and eventual sale of the artworks, receiving profits based on their share ownership.
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.
Investors on Mintus receive their returns after the sale of an artwork, with profits made available in their wallet. They can then choose to withdraw these funds to a bank account or reinvest in other artworks on the platform.
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.
Fees on Mintus vary by artwork and investment structure, with all fees shown in advance in the Memorandum document available for each opportunity.
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.
Mintus notes that artworks don't generate income while held, so tax implications mainly stem from capital gains upon sale.