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Interestingly enough, as of 2016ish you technically can invest - but only in companies with active Reg CF (https://www.sec.gov/smallbusiness/exemptofferings/reg
by sudosteph 5y ago
Interestingly enough, as of 2016ish you technically can invest - but only in companies with active Reg CF (https://www.sec.gov/smallbusiness/exemptofferings/regcrowdfunding https://www.sec.gov/smallbusiness/exemptofferings/regcrowdfu...) offerings. Think sites like StartEngine and Wefunder.
Of course, Reg CF has a host of its own challenges for founders (which I can attest to firsthand..). Also most accredited investors aren't necessarily onboard with it (they prefer private financing where they get more say in the terms). Still, it's a step in the right direction because it gives normal people the opportunity to invest, while also requiring companies to provide actual due diligence documents and comply with SEC laws before accepting money.
- JamesBarney 5y agoMost of the companies I've seen on crowd funding sites were not good investments. Their valuations seemed high, they made crazy promises and and then investors were pretty upset. Companies with 100k in revenue, 800k in debt raising at a 9 mil valuation cap.
- sudosteph 5y agoYeah, it varies pretty wildly. Most early startups that have good options for VC or angels don't really benefit from Reg CF, since they don't necessarily have a "crowd" to invest from in the first place. So you end up seeing struggling companies with at least some fan base doing it as a last ditch attempt, which doesn't always work out. However, I do know some of the platforms are lot more selective than others for exactly that reason. But all said, at least the opportunity is there and the financials are legally vetted.