General FAQs

What is equity crowdfunding and how is it different from traditional crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people via the Internet. There are essentially two types of crowdfunding platforms. The first type of crowdfunding platform offers products or rewards in exchange for your funding commitment. Typical sites include: Kickstarter and IndieGogo. The second type, which is one that runs, allows individuals to invest in a startup company in exchange for a percentage share (or equity) in that company. This fundraising method was legalized by the JOBS Act in 2012 and it's subsequent revision with Title III in 2015.

How does the Wunderfund Platform work?

We look for companies that have a chance of building a business that we believe in. Once a startup company launches a fundraising campaign, investors are given an opportunity to back the startup with an investment commitment. Ultimately, the crowd decides whether the campaign will reach their target goal. If that target goal is not met by the campaign deadline (usually 90-120 days), then the project goes unfunded, and your commitment is released.

How is equity crowdfunding different from typical venture financing?

In short, we see equity crowdfunding as a step in deregulating the venture capital industry. Prior to May 2016, only wealthy accredited investors (i.e. individuals who earned >$200K a year or whose net worth was >$1M) were allowed to invest in startups. Even the early equity crowdfunding sites were only dedicated to serving wealthy indviduals. But with the recent change of Title III of the Jobs Act, now everyday investors like you can invest in a startup using equity crowdfunding sites like

How much money do I need to start investing?

You can invest as little as $100 in a startup company and up to a maximum limit that's based on the SEC's Regulation Crowdfunding guidelines. will automatically calculate the limit you can invest based on your annual income and net worth you provide. Legally, we cannot allow you to invest more than the guidelines set by the SEC for every 12 month period: All investors can invest a least $2,000 If either your income or net worth are less than $100K, you may invest up to 5% of the smaller number. If both your income or net worth is >$100K, you can invest up to 10% of the smaller number. $100K is the maximum amount accredited investors can invest (i.e. people who earn $200K in annually or $300K jointly) or those have over $1M in assets. Regardless, we'll automatically calculate your maximum limit for you and you'll be able to see how much you are allowed to invest in your investor profile page.

Why did you create the Wunderfund Platform?

People in Cincinnati are excited about the fast growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in their backyard. It's transforming neighborhoods, creating jobs, and revitalizing the economy. In fact, the Cincinnati region is considered the fastest growing midwest economy, and includes incubators, accelerators, and universities creating thousands of new startups. The problem is that many of these new startups are looking for capital, but it's getting increasingly harder to raise capital. The bottom line is there is a greater demand for capital than there is available capital from institutional VCs and angels. That's why we want to democratize venture capital for the general public, and enable everyday people who are excited about the city's growth, but don't yet know how to engage. Now they can with