Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in startups in exchange for equity
Invest in startups and venture funds
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 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.
Investing in startups on Wefunder is highly risky, and there's a real possibility of losing your entire investment.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Investments on Wefunder are long-term, with an average return period of around seven years, particularly for convertible notes or SAFEs.
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.
Individuals 18 and older can invest on Wefunder, regardless of whether they are accredited or non-accredited investors. Additionally, Wefunder allows investments through entities.
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.
The assets on Wefunder, primarily startups and small businesses, are highly volatile due to the uncertain success of these ventures and fluctuating market conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wefunder investments typically do not offer dividends, as they are often in early-stage startups focusing on growth.
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.
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 OurCrowd can get their money back during a liquidity event such as an IPO, acquisition, or sale of the company.
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.
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.
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.
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.