Invest in franchises
Buy pre-IPO stock in private companies
Investments
$10,000
The minimum investment on EquityZen is $10,000, though this may vary by offering.
High Risk
4/5
Investing in FranShares involves risks such as market volatility, economic changes, and franchise-specific challenges. Despite efforts to mitigate risks, there's no guarantee of returns, and FranShares' financial health could impact investments.
High Risk
4/5
Investing in private companies via EquityZen involves risks such as limited liquidity, market volatility, company performance uncertainties, regulatory changes, less available information, and potential lack of diversification, which could impact investment returns.
Minimum Liquidity
1/5
While liquidity isn't guaranteed, the platform is developing a secondary market for potential future liquidity opportunities.
Minimum Liquidity
1/5
EquityZen offers liquidity for vested shares only. It does not provide liquidity for unvested shares, unvested RSUs, or options directly.
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Moderate Return
20 %
FranShares' TNT Franchise Fund Inc., with 55 locations across major U.S. metros, historically generates returns of 20 to 28% EBITDA per location after 16-18 months.
Not Predictable Return
N/P
Unlike public market investments, private investments carry higher risks and unpredictability. Consequently, it's challenging to define a standard return rate for EquityZen investments.
Long-term Investment
5-15 years
Income portfolios target a 10-15 year hold; growth funds aim for a 5-7 year period before selling.
Long-term Investment
2-5 years
Typically, companies on EquityZen have received late-stage funding, suggesting an expected investment horizon of 2-5 years, but outcomes can vary widely.
Who can invest
International
FranShares welcomes both accredited and non-accredited investors, focusing mainly on opportunities for non-accredited individuals. The platform also accepts international investors from many countries, depending on the specifics of each offering.
Moderate Volatility
3/5
Franchise investments are subject to volatility due to economic shifts, industry trends, and franchise performance. While some franchises may be more resilient, values can fluctuate, posing a risk to investment value in adverse conditions.
Moderate Volatility
3/5
Assets on EquityZen, which are shares in private companies, can be highly volatile due to limited public information, sensitivity to market conditions, low liquidity, and company-specific events, leading to significant price fluctuations.
Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated
FranShares employs SEC regulations A+, D, and CF for its investment offerings, creating structures with a main investment vehicle and subsidiaries for each franchise brand, possibly including locations or groups of locations.
Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated
EquityZen Securities is registered with the SEC and is a member of FINRA/SIPC, ensuring it adheres to regulatory standards and practices for investor protection and undergoes regular audits.
Insurance
Yes
FranShares' insurance covers physical damages or losses to franchises but does not protect against market fluctuations, economic downturns, or fraud. Coverage limits may not fully reflect market values, meaning insurance does not eliminate all investment risks.
Insurance
No
EquityZen is a FINRA/SIPC member firm, offering account protection up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash claims) through SIPC in case of brokerage failure, not covering market value losses.
Payouts
Dividends
FranShares plans to distribute excess cash flow to investors 12 to 18 months after each offering closes, with distributions expected quarterly. The frequency can vary (quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) based on the specific offering.
Payouts
No Recurring Payouts
Investors in private companies on EquityZen typically do not receive dividends, as these companies often reinvest profits to fuel growth.
Withdrawals
Investors in FranShares can receive their investment back through the sale of franchises, targeted within 5-15 years depending on the fund type. Upon sale, net proceeds are distributed to investors based on their fund ownership share.
Withdrawals
Investors can get their money back from investments on EquityZen mainly through an IPO, acquisition of the company, or secondary market sales on the platform. However, returns depend on market demand and timing of these liquidity events, with no guaranteed timeline.
Extra Fees
Yes
FranShares charges a 1% to 3% annual management fee and possibly a performance fee, detailed in each offering's documents. No management fees are charged for the "TNT Franchise Inc." offering.
Extra Fees
Yes
EquityZen charges a 5% fee to sellers upon transaction closure. For investors, a one-time sales fee applies: 5% for investments up to $500,000, 4% for $500,000 to $1 million, and 3% for over $1 million.
Taxes
Annual Statement
FranShares investors may owe capital gains taxes on profits from share sales and pay taxes on dividends, classified as ordinary or qualified based on holding periods and individual tax situations.
Taxes
Tax Form
EquityZen issues a Schedule K-1 for taxable events and provides vetted tax documentation to investors. Upon investment, individuals complete necessary tax forms (W-9 or W8-BEN) and receive annual tax updates.