Equity crowdfunding platforms are the best ways to invest like Peter Thiel, whether you're accredited or not.
Updated Oct 25, 2022
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Startups
Under $500
Non Accredited
In the past, you generally had to be an accredited investor, or at least a wealthy and well-connected individual, to invest directly in startups. Whether you're interested in angel investing, venture capital, or private equity, the minimum investment can be high—particularly if you want to lower your risk by spreading your investment across 10+ different startups.
Now, though, there are plenty of crowdfunding websites and platforms that pool money from dozens or hundreds of different investors who want to invest directly in pre-IPO companies and startups. The best startup investment sites have low investment minimums, so you can spread your money out over a number of different startups, and many of them don't even require you to be an accredited investor.
That's why just about anyone can invest directly in startups nowadays.
Below you'll find the best startup investment sites for both accredited and non-accredited investors. Some have higher minimum investment requirements than others, so make sure to pay attention to that. There are also some sites that focus on specific startup industries, and choosing industries you have interest or knowledge in can help you pick winning startups
Republic
Republic is open to all investors and gives you the opportunity to invest in a wide variety of startups, real estate companies, emerging video games, and exciting crypto projects with as little as $100. Their investment team vets all the startup deals on their website, and deals range from $10 to $100,000 (though you must invest at least $100), so there's something for everyone. Fees are charged to the startups raising funds through Republic, so as an investor, you don't have to pay to participate.
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Wefunder is one of the most accessible equity crowdfunding platforms because it enables non-accredited investors to add startups and small business projects to their portfolios for as little as $100. These include everything from a Bitcoin mining operation to a university housing project to a startup developing revolutionary prosthetic limb technology. When you invest, you hold private equity in that startup, and if they perform well, the value of your investment can go up. So far, the platform has funded nearly 1,800 founders, with $5+ billion invested.
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MicroVentures is one of the best equity crowdfunding sites for investing in early-stage startups, including some pretty big names. The MicroVentures portfolio has included Airbnb, Uber, Slack, Lyft, and more, and over the course of raising funds for 900+ startups, the platform has transacted $450+ million. In addition to allowing all investors to invest in startups through equity crowdfunding with just $100, MicroVentures also has bigger institutional investment deals for accredited investors.
Startups
If you're interested in space, Spaced Ventures is the place to be. This equity crowdfunding platform has opened up access to investing in technology startups focused on the aerospace industry to anyone with at least $100 to invest. In addition to taking part in the future of space exploration, you'll own shares in a startup that could potentially appreciate in value over time via either convertible notes or equity securities.
Startups
AngelList is probably the most well-known platform for startup investing. It's where angel investors and venture capitalists connect with founders in need of funding and also where talent can search for jobs at startups. AngelList houses a massive variety of deals that accredited investors can access starting at $1,000 per deal, or you can invest in a diversified portfolio of AngelList startups for $50,000.
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Startups
NextSeed enables you to invest in your favorite neighborhood coffee shop or that promising new microbrewery. With a long list of small businesses up for equity crowdfunding, it's easy to find an opportunity to support a company both financially and emotionally. As a branch of Republic (another startup platform mentioned above), each investment opportunity is properly researched and vetted by Republic's team.
If you're an accredited investor looking for projects that are making world-changing differences, then Propel(x) is the platform for you. These startups are developing breakthrough technologies in the aerospace, life sciences, energy, IT, industrial, and agricultural fields, and Propel(x) provides you and other angel investors with personalized guidance to help you select the right startup investment for your needs.
Startups