Crowdfunding PlatformsEquity CrowdfundingCrowdfunding Platforms for Accredited Investors in 2023

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Each country has its own definition when it comes to an accredited investor, but in the main governments attempt to shield small-time, everyday investors from the risks of investing in a startup. So, non-accredited individual investors can invest in a limited selection of investment opportunities, along with restrictions on how much can be invested.

On the other hand, accredited investors – individuals with high incomes, or a high net worth that meets local criteria – can invest their money as they wish. In the US, the SEC sets criteria for accredited investors. A natural US person is considered an accredited investor when having a yearly income above $200k (or $300K together with a spouse), or a net worth above $1M (jointly with a spouse, excluding the value of one’s primary residence), but some additional regulations apply (see here). Recently the SEC has eased some of the accreditation criteria to include certain financial professionals as accredited investors.

Your country’s criteria for an accredited investor may differ – or there may be no restrictions whatsoever.
That said, equity crowdfunding platforms will often require participating investors to self-certify that they are acting as an accredited investor. In reality, this means that while the JOBS Act has opened up equity crowdfunding to the common (also known as “retail”) investor, many platforms remain restricted to accredited investors.

Moreover, to complete an investment in a startup or platform that only accepts accredited investors, you will usually have to verify your financial status with a third-party provider. Not to worry, nowadays such verification can be completed online fairly easily (for a small fee).

 

Top Equity Crowdfunding Platforms for Accredited Investors

Propelx

Propel(x)
Year Founded: 2014Minimum Investment: $5,000
Primary Location: San Francisco, CA, USFees: 2% platform fee
(for syndicated opportunities a 7.5% fee)
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: Varied
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: 5 to 7 years

Propel(x) is an online investment platform that connects science and technology startups with investors. Their mission is to “unleash innovations, grow great businesses, and have an impact on the way people live.” Founded by Swati Chaturvedi and Lisheng Wang, MIT classmates, Propel(x) offers to introduce its users to potentially groundbreaking startups that are commercializing all kinds of deep technologies, including new forms of clean energy, life-saving drugs, new methods of space exploration, and innovative new materials, among other things. By facilitating private funding for startups based on scientific and technological breakthroughs, Propel(x) seeks to build the next generation of great companies.

Investors need to register and sign-in to review most of the opportunities on the platform.

Pros

  • Specialization in Deep Tech Startups: This specialization allows investors to access unique and potentially high-growth investment opportunities.
  • Due Diligence.
  • Provides educational resources to its investors.
  • Diverse Investment Opportunities: Offers a range of investment opportunities, from seed-stage startups to later-stage companies.

Cons

  • High Minimum Investment: The minimum investment for most of the opportunities on Propel(x) is $5,000
  • Limited Investment Opportunities: Propel(x) focuses solely on deep tech startups.
  • Limited Track Record.
  • Limited Investor Protection: does not offer any guarantees or investor protections.

Propel(x) Review

 
angel investment network

Angel Investment Network
Year Founded: 2004Minimum Investment: $1,000
Primary Location:Twickenham, UKFees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: Varied (avg. 20% – 30%)
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: Varied

Angel Investment Network is a worldwide platform, where startups can add their listing to let accredited angel investors know about their capital raise. They boast an angel investor community larger than any other worldwide. Investors do not have to pay to access the Angel Investment Network, but rather fill out a form and are asked to declare their accredited status. Angel Investment Network does not curate their campaigns. This means that any entrepreneur or startup company can post a crowdfunding campaign here. They accept ventures in a wide variety of industries. There are fixed monthly fees for startups to add their listings, with special features to help connect directly with accredited investors. They do offer a free month for startups getting started on their platform. All in all, it is an inexpensive way for startups to get exposed to accredited investors from around the globe.

Pros

  • Global Network: Angel Investment Network has a vast network of investors, entrepreneurs, and startups worldwide.
  • Variety of Funding Options: The platform offers various funding options, including equity crowdfunding, business loans, and venture capital funding.
  • User-Friendly Interface.

Cons

  • Limited Free Services.
  • No Guarantee of Funding: While Angel Investment Network provides access to a vast pool of investors, there is no guarantee that a startup will secure funding through the platform.
  • Limited Investor Verification.

 

Private Wealth Global

   Private Wealth Global
Year Founded: 2019Minimum Investment: $50,000
Primary Location: United KingdomFees: 2% upfront fee
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: Varied
Country Available: Worldwide (excluding US and Canada)Term of Investment: Varied

Private Wealth Global gives accredited investors worldwide (excluding investors from the USA and Canada) access to exclusive, curated off-shore real-estate investment opportunities, from $50,000 USD.

Their online wallet system was designed with the aim of removing all hassle from investors, and to allow them to withdraw funds easily or re-invest to take advantage of compounding returns.

Pros

  • Grants access to investment opportunities that are usually exclusive to institutional or high-net-worth investors.
  • With a global reach, the platform offers investment options in multiple countries across the globe.
  • The platform offers an automated investment process and equips investors with tools to effectively manage their portfolios.

Cons

  • For smaller investors, accessibility to some investments may be restricted due to high minimum investment amounts.
  • There may be a lack of transparency for certain investments, such as the underlying assets or projects.
  • Investors’ returns may be reduced due to the platform’s high annual management fee.

Private Wealth Global Review

 

equitynet

EquityNet
Year Founded: 2005Minimum Investment: $1,000
Primary Location: New York, NY, USFees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: 10% – 30%
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: 1+ year

Operating as a funding platform since 2005, EquityNet claims to offer one of the largest funding venues. One aspect of EquityNet you’ll note straight away is the large funding goals. Companies listed on EquityNet seek funding in the tens of millions of dollars, not hundreds of thousands.
Only accredited investors can invest in EquityNet. Foreign investors can invest too as long as they comply with local laws. Interested investors need to set up an investor profile, the platform’s software uses the completed profile to find appropriate investment opportunities.

Investments are made directly with the entrepreneur and EquityNet does not charge fees to investors. Companies listing on EquityNet pay a subscription fee but pay no charges on the amount raised.
EquityNet appears to be a broad church, with companies of all shapes and sizes looking for investment via the platform. You don’t need access to the platform to view current opportunities. At the time of writing, companies listed on EquityNet included CBD businesses, a range of tech companies and property and hotel investments.

Pros

  • Business Plan Analysis: The platform offers a detailed analysis of business plans to help entrepreneurs improve their proposals and increase their chances of success.
  • Investor Verification.
  • Wide Range of Funding Options.

Cons

  • Limited Investor Pool.
  • Unclear Fee Structure.
  • Limited Customer Support.

EquityNet Review

 

angelco

AngelList (is now Wellfound)
Year Founded: 2010Minimum Investment: $1,000
Primary Location: New York, USFees: 2% annual fee
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: Varied (avg. annual 18.75%)
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: Varied

Possibly one of the most well-known names on the US startup scene, AngelList acts as a broad platform for thousands of startups – offering talent acquisition, a community for startups as well as a prominent funding platform – AngelList Venture.
In line with its size and reputation, the company’s venture platform claims to have successfully funded 5,000 start-ups. Investors have several options ranging from a single-deal investment with a minimum of USD 1,000 through to a diversified fund, as well as a professional investment platform with an investment minimum of USD 500,000 per year.

Investment fees are a little more complex on AngelList Venture due to the syndicated nature of startup investments. However, investors have access to an incredibly broad range of startups, all tech-focused – ranging from B2B outfits to unique gadgets and healthcare solutions.

Pros

  • Wide Range of Funding Options.
  • Free to Use: The platform is free for startups to use, with no fees for listing or promoting their fundraising campaigns.
  • Focus on Diversity and Inclusion.

Cons

  • Focus on Early-Stage Startups: Angel.co primarily focuses on early-stage startups, which could limit the accessibility of funding for more established businesses.
  • Limited Availability of Investors.
crowdchayne

CrowdChayne
Year Founded: 2020Minimum Investment: $2,000
Primary Location: New York, USFees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: 8% – 10%
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: 12+ months

CrowdChayne is a funding portal that connects investors to companies seeking capital. CrowdChayne’s founding team has years of banking experience, and they believe their network in the investment community gives them the necessary advantage in bringing companies with high potential for an exit to their investors.

Pros

  • Focus on Equity Crowdfunding.
  • User-Friendly Website.
  • Opportunities for Smaller Investors.

Cons

  • Limited Information Available.
  • Small Network of Investors.
fundable

Fundable
Year Founded: 2011Minimum Investment: $1,000
Primary Location: Powell, OH, USFees: $179/month fee for its Pro plan
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: Varied
Country Available: US OnlyTerm of Investment: 6+ months

With over USD 500m in successful investment rounds, Fundable is clearly a serious player in the equity crowdfunding field. There’s a real high-tech feel to the startups listed on Fundable – think AI, data, and automation. As well as a range of tech hardware startups. The platform accepts listings from foreign companies as long as there is a US-registered presence.
Investors must self-certify as accredited when registering on Fundable. Sign-up requires a LinkedIn account, you also need to complete an investor profile.

Current opportunities are not visible unless you’re registered, but the site displays several recently funded companies. Fundable does not publish any fees for investors. Companies seeking investment pay a monthly listing fee, but there are no fees on funds raised.
In return for the monthly subscription fee, Fundable acts as a central hub for fundraising – with a strong social media aspect. Companies with an existing product or a product close to fruition can also opt for “reward” crowdfunding – instead of equity, investors receive a product or special edition in return for their investment.

Pros

  • Support and resources for campaign creation.
  • No minimum funding goal: Fundable allows startups to keep all funds raised during their campaign, even if they don’t reach their funding goal, which can be beneficial for smaller campaigns.
  • Large investor network.

Cons

  • High fees.
  • Limited flexibility for equity crowdfunding.
  • Limited international reach: Fundable is primarily focused on startups in the United States, which may limit its potential for startups based in other countries.
fundersclub

FundersClub
Year Founded: 2012Minimum Investment: $3,000
Primary Location: San Francisco, California, USFees: Varied (1% – 30% carry fee)
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: Varied
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: Varied (generally 1-3 years)

Looking to invest in cutting edge tech? FundersClub has more than 251 active companies in its portfolio, and listings are resolutely tech-first. Think SaaS, B2B solutions, and AI. Even the consumer goods companies on FundersClub are web or app-based. The full listing of FundersClub companies is available to view by the public.
The company acts as an investment fund. Accredited investors sign up, complete a profile and discuss their investment goals on a phone call. FundersClub offers a range of funds – some single-company, some containing several companies.
Fees are two-fold. A 1% to 30% carry fee plus annual management fees of 0.25% to 3%, depending on the fund. International investors can participate. The platform says it behaves like a typical venture capital firm in terms of fees for startups. With no percentage fees on funds raised, but the platform takes a share of profits.

Pros

  • Accredited investor network.
  • Access to top-tier startups: offers access to top-tier startups and has invested in companies such as Coinbase, Instacart, and Flexport.
  • Robust due diligence process.

Cons

  • High fees.
  • Limited liquidity: Investments made through FundersClub are typically illiquid, meaning that investors may not be able to easily sell their shares in the company.
  • Limited investment options.
altaclub

AltaClub
Year Founded: 2015Minimum Investment: $50,000
Primary Location: Herzliya, IsraelFees: 10% initial fee, 20-30% carry fee
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: Varied
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: Varied

AltaClub markets itself as a co-investment platform. But it essentially comes down to equity crowdfunding as thousands of investors have already clubbed together to provide USD 150m in funding to over 200 startups.
Companies in the AltaClub fold include everything from logistics and mobility through to insurance and instant messaging platforms. Investors are charged an initial 10% fee on their investment to cover legal and administrative expenses, with a further 20% to 30% charged on any profits made.
The platform appears to accept international investors and has a base in Russia, Israel, and Austria. Investors have access to two portfolios: AltaIR Capital, with 180 startups, and AltaClub, which contains 30 startups.

Pros

  • Potential for a large pool of investors and exposure to a wide network of people.
  • User-friendly Website.

Cons

  • High Minimum Investment.
  • Small Community.
triodoscrowdfunding

Triodos Crowdfunding
Year Founded: 2018Minimum Investment: £50
Primary Location: Bristol City, UKFees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: 5% – 8%
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: 6+ months

For many investors, investing is not just about making returns – it’s about doing good as well. The crowdfunding platform from Triodos Bank is focused on listings that can deliver change for the better. Think community platforms, renewable energy investments, and charity trusts. It’s clearly a specialist platform with less in terms of listing volume, but Triodos does display a clear track record.
The platform is open to investors in the UK who can self-certify as either high net worth or as a sophisticated investor. UK investors will be glad to know that Triodos offers investments via the innovative finance ISA, which holds tax benefits for many investors. Furthermore, Triodos does not charge fees to investors – all fees are charged to the fundraising organization.

Pros

  • Access to funding for projects that align with Triodos Bank’s sustainable and ethical mission.
  • Provides an alternative to traditional funding sources.
  • Offers a platform for investors who are interested in supporting socially responsible projects.

Cons

  • Limited reach as Triodos Crowdfunding only operates in the UK and focuses on specific types of projects.
  • Potentially more stringent criteria for projects to be accepted, as the platform is focused on sustainability and social impact.
iAngels

iAngels
Year Founded: 2013Minimum Investment: $10,000
Primary Location: Tel Aviv, IsraelFees: a 10% initial investment and
20% carried interest
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: 20% – 50%
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: 3+ years

Investors in iAngels can choose between directly investing in startups from as little as USD 10,000 per investment, or to opt for a managed and diversified investment account. You have to register to see available deals in iAngels, but it’s easy to do so. Just use your social media login, or register with your email address.
That said, previously funded companies are very much high tech in shape. Investors looking to invest in the latest technology trends are in the right place with iAngels. No food and beverage or property developers here. Instead, find everything from online marketplaces to FinTech, enterprise software, and the latest IoT applications.
To invest in Israel’s leading startups, investors pay a 10% initial investment, alongside a 20% fee on investment returns. International investors can participate. On the flip side, the startups listing on iAngels do not pay percentage fees.

Pros

  • Provides investors with access to investment opportunities in Israel’s startup ecosystem.
  • Company has a team of experienced investment professionals.
  • Offers a diversified portfolio of investment opportunities across various industries and stages of development.

Cons

  • May not be suitable for investors seeking a more diversified investment portfolio.
  • Primarily focuses on early-stage investments, which can carry a higher risk compared to more mature companies.
  • The platform charges a fee for its services, which can reduce investors’ returns.

 

OurCrowd

OurCrowd
Year Founded: 2013Minimum Investment: $10,000
Primary Location: Jerusalem, Yerushalayim, IsraelFees: 2% – 4%
Non-Accredited Investors? NoTarget Return: 15% – 20%
Country Available: WorldwideTerm of Investment: Varied

The statistics appear staggering for an equity crowdfunding platform. OurCrowd claims it has USD 1.3bn in committed funds across over 200 portfolio companies while representing investors and companies in 183 countries. It’s clearly a sizeable platform, and visitors can get a taste of what’s on offer. Listings cover the high-tech remit, from novel healthcare solutions to cybersecurity, 3D printing, and mobility.

A full list of companies on OurCrowd is available to investors only. Accredited investors from anywhere on the globe can sign in via LinkedIn or by completing the website form. The platform offers startup equity investments via an SPV, but also multi-company funds for investors who prefer to diversify.
Investor funds are subject to three fees. A 4% once-off admin fee, and annual management fees of 2% for the first four years. A carry fee on profits of 20% (up to five times the amount invested). In return, the platform says it reviews over 3,000 companies every year – selecting just 1% to 2% for the platform.

Pros

  • Offers a wide range of investment opportunities in various industries and sectors.
  • The user-friendly platform with tools and resources to help investors manage their portfolio and track their investments.
  • Personalized customer service and support.

Cons

  • High minimum investment amount.
  • Charges high fees compared to other crowdfunding platforms, including management fees, transaction fees, and carried interest fees.

Accredited Investors Have Access to More Opportunities

While accredited investors have access to all the opportunities that everyday investors can access, they have a broader selection available. So the reality remains that accredited investors get the best access to startup investments. That is due to a mix of existing legislation and equity crowdfunding platforms’ interpretation of this legislation, alongside the sheer investment commitment required by the best opportunities.

Furthermore, accredited investors are not restricted in terms of how much they can invest. Non-accredited, everyday investors can quickly run into annual investment caps, but accredited investors who know their stuff can make unlimited investments – and reap the returns.
It’s often the complex legislation that enacts investor protections that simply mean that accredited investors have more options – investing in the special purpose vehicles (SPVs) used by some equity crowdfunding platforms, for example. Indeed, accredited investors can invest directly in startups – an important ability given that sometimes equity crowdfunding platforms do not act as investing or funding intermediary, simply working to connect investors and startups.

With Accreditation Comes Opportunity – and Responsibility

From one perspective, accreditation is about the ability of an investor to absorb investment losses. But accreditation is also about responsibility: in other words, accredited investors are expected to be more educated when it comes to investments, and are aware of the high risks involved in investing in early-stage startups. In other words, accredited investors can be expected to do their homework. In investment parlance, we may say that due diligence is a key part of the investment process for accredited investors.

When it comes to equity crowdfunding it means that accredited investors ought to examine the fundamentals of a startup, including its position in the market and its future prospects. Accredited investors would be wise to do this for a wide range of opportunities, too – selecting the best opportunity in the process, rather than plumping for the first available opportunity.
Of course, this means that accredited investors should take a broad approach when seeking out opportunities, including evaluating equity crowdfunding platforms that are restricted to accredited investors. Doing so ensures that accredited investors don’t miss out on the very best startup investments.

For that reason, we’ve compiled the handy list above of equity crowdfunding platforms that focus on accredited investors who have the capital to participate in more exclusive funding rounds.

 

Final Verdict:

Equity crowdfunding is one of the best ways to find opportunities to invest in exciting startups in relatively small investment amounts. However, some of the most attractive online startup investments remain restricted to what’s called an accredited investor, in spite of the JOBS Act of 2012.

Crowdfunding has revolutionized the way that businesses and startups can raise capital from a broad range of investors. Accredited investors have unique opportunities to participate in crowdfunding campaigns through dedicated platforms that cater to their specific needs. With the growing number of crowdfunding platforms for accredited investors, it’s becoming increasingly important for investors to research and compare platforms before investing carefully. As with any investment, risks are involved, so it’s crucial to understand the platform’s fees, investment minimums, and due diligence process to make informed investment decisions. Ultimately, crowdfunding platforms for accredited investors can be a valuable tool for diversifying investment portfolios and supporting emerging businesses and ideas.

 

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