Real-world examples of 3 crowdfunding investment platforms (and more you should know)

The best examples of 3 crowdfunding investment platforms investors actually use

Most articles stay theoretical. Let’s skip that and go straight to real examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms that investors actually put money into today:

• StartEngine – equity crowdfunding for startups and early-stage companies
• Wefunder – a broad marketplace for startups and small businesses
• Fundrise – real estate crowdfunding focused on diversified property portfolios

These are not random picks. They represent three distinct models: startup equity, small-business funding, and fractional real estate. From there, we’ll branch into other platforms like Republic, SeedInvest, CrowdStreet, and Yieldstreet so you get more than just 3 examples.

StartEngine: a leading example of equity crowdfunding for startups

If you want an example of a platform that gives non-accredited investors access to startup equity, StartEngine is a textbook case. Founded in 2014 and backed by high-profile supporters like Kevin O’Leary, StartEngine lets everyday investors buy equity or convertible notes in early-stage companies under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) and Regulation A+.

How StartEngine works in practice
Investors can browse campaigns with minimums often in the \(100–\)500 range. You might see:

• Pre-revenue tech startups raising under Reg CF
• Consumer brands raising larger Reg A+ rounds
• Crypto or blockchain-related projects (depending on regulatory climate)

StartEngine is a strong example of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms because it shows how:

• Regulation shapes access – Reg CF caps how much companies can raise from the crowd (limits have increased over time), while Reg A+ allows larger offerings with more disclosure.
• Illiquidity is real – Most investments are long-term and may never list on any secondary market.
• Risk is concentrated – The majority of startups fail. Investors need a portfolio mindset, not a lottery-ticket mentality.

For background on how equity crowdfunding fits into U.S. securities law, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) maintains updated guidance on Regulation Crowdfunding and Regulation A offerings: https://www.sec.gov

Wefunder: real examples of community-backed startups and small businesses

If you want more community-driven examples, Wefunder is one of the best examples of platforms that blur the line between investing and local support. Wefunder lets investors put as little as around $100 into:

• Local restaurants and breweries
• Niche software startups
• Social enterprises and mission-driven businesses

Where StartEngine leans heavily into venture-style tech, Wefunder often showcases real-world businesses you might actually visit. This makes it one of the more relatable examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms, especially for investors who want to see a tangible impact.

What makes Wefunder stand out

• Wide range of deal structures – SAFEs, revenue-share agreements, preferred stock, and more.
• Community focus – Many campaigns lean on customers and fans as investors.
• High risk, high variance outcomes – Some companies might grow nicely; others will quietly shut down.

Wefunder is a reminder that equity crowdfunding is still investing, not charity. You’re buying a slice of a risky business, not getting guaranteed returns.

Fundrise: a mainstream example of real estate crowdfunding

Moving away from startups, Fundrise is one of the best-known examples of real estate crowdfunding platforms. Instead of picking individual properties, most investors buy into eREITs or eFunds that hold diversified portfolios of commercial and residential real estate.

This makes Fundrise a different kind of example of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms:

• Lower volatility vs. startups – Real estate values and rents typically move slower than startup valuations.
• Income potential – Many Fundrise products target a mix of income (via distributions) and long-term appreciation.
• Lower minimums – Investors can often start with as little as \(10–\)1,000, depending on the plan.

Fundrise has leaned into the “set it and forget it” marketing angle. In 2024–2025, they continue to emphasize diversified real estate strategies aimed at income and growth, while acknowledging that rising interest rates and changing office demand can impact returns.

For context on real estate as an asset class and its role in diversification, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor.gov site offers plain-language guidance on alternative investments and REITs: https://www.investor.gov

Beyond 3: more real examples of crowdfunding investment platforms

Focusing only on examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms would leave out a lot of the market. To round out the picture, here are several other platforms that serious investors keep an eye on.

Republic: tech, gaming, and crypto-friendly deals

Republic started with a strong focus on tech startups and has expanded into gaming, real estate, and occasionally tokenized or crypto-adjacent offerings (subject to regulation). Minimums are often low, making it accessible to smaller investors.

Republic is a good example of how platforms try to differentiate:

• Targeting specific niches like gaming studios or Web3 projects
• Offering both Reg CF and Reg D deals (the latter for accredited investors)
• Experimenting with secondary markets and liquidity options

If you’re comparing examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms, Republic is often mentioned alongside StartEngine and Wefunder as one of the best examples of equity-focused platforms.

SeedInvest: curated startup deals with higher filtering

SeedInvest, owned by Circle, tends to present a more curated set of startup opportunities. Historically, they’ve claimed to accept only a small percentage of applicants, which appeals to investors who prefer more screening.

Key traits:

• Fewer deals, more due diligence
• Higher minimums on some offerings
• Focus on higher-growth venture-style companies

SeedInvest is a useful counterpoint to Wefunder and StartEngine: it shows how some platforms try to compete on selectivity rather than sheer volume.

CrowdStreet: commercial real estate for accredited investors

On the real estate side, CrowdStreet is one of the best examples of a platform that targets accredited investors with individual commercial deals. Instead of diversified eREITs, you might be choosing a specific:

• Multifamily apartment development
• Industrial or logistics property
• Office repositioning project (though office has been under pressure post-COVID)

Minimums are usually higher (often $25,000+), and deals are typically illiquid for several years. CrowdStreet is a textbook example of how crowdfunding can intersect with institutional-style real estate projects.

For more detail on accredited investor definitions and private offerings, the SEC’s Investor.gov provides current rules and thresholds: https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins

Yieldstreet: debt-based alternatives and income focus

Yieldstreet offers another angle: instead of equity, it leans heavily into credit and income-producing deals. Offerings have included:

• Asset-backed loans
• Real estate debt
• Private credit funds

This is a strong example of how crowdfunding investment platforms can make investors feel more like lenders than owners. The pitch is usually about yield and income, but the risk is still real: loans can default, collateral can fall in value, and structures can be complex.

How to compare these examples of crowdfunding investment platforms

Now that you’ve seen examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms and several more, the real question is how to compare them in a disciplined way.

1. Asset type and risk profile

• Startup equity (StartEngine, Wefunder, Republic, SeedInvest)
  Highest risk, potentially highest upside. Expect long holding periods and a high failure rate.

• Real estate (Fundrise, CrowdStreet)
  Income plus appreciation, but sensitive to interest rates, regional demand, and leverage.

• Debt and income (Yieldstreet, some Wefunder revenue-share deals)
  Cash-flow focused, but credit risk and structure risk matter.

2. Investor eligibility and minimums

• Non-accredited friendly – StartEngine, Wefunder, Fundrise, Republic, many SeedInvest deals
• Accredited-focused – CrowdStreet, parts of Yieldstreet’s lineup

Minimums range from around \(10 at Fundrise to \)25,000+ on some CrowdStreet or Yieldstreet opportunities.

3. Fees and alignment

Each platform has its own fee structure, which might include:

• Annual management fees on funds or eREITs
• Carried interest or performance fees
• Upfront placement or origination fees

Always read the offering circular, Form C, or private placement memorandum. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides investor education material on private offerings and fee structures: https://www.finra.org/investors

4. Liquidity and time horizon

Most of these examples of crowdfunding investment platforms are not designed for quick exits:

• Startup equity: often 5–10+ years, if there’s an exit at all.
• Real estate: commonly 3–7 years.
• Debt offerings: depend on loan term, but secondary markets are limited.

If you might need the money in the near term, these platforms are a poor fit.

2024–2025 trends shaping crowdfunding investment platforms

Looking at real examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms in isolation misses the bigger picture. A few trends are reshaping the space:

More regulatory scrutiny and disclosure

As volumes have grown under Reg CF and Reg A+, regulators have paid more attention to:

• How risks are disclosed to non-accredited investors
• How platforms vet issuers
• Advertising and social media promotion practices

Staying within the rules is not optional; platforms that cut corners risk enforcement actions and reputational damage.

Higher interest rates and changing real estate math

Fundrise and CrowdStreet operate in a world where interest rates are higher than they were in the 2010s. That affects:

• Cap rates and property valuations
• Debt costs and refinancing risk
• Investor expectations for yield vs. public REITs and bonds

Real estate crowdfunding platforms now have to compete with relatively attractive yields in traditional fixed income.

Investor education and risk awareness

The best examples of crowdfunding investment platforms invest heavily in investor education. That’s not just marketing—it’s self-preservation. Unsophisticated investors who misunderstand the risks can create backlash when deals underperform.

For a grounding in general investing principles, diversification, and risk, the SEC’s Investor.gov and FINRA’s education pages are worth bookmarking:

• SEC Investor Education: https://www.investor.gov
• FINRA Investor Insights: https://www.finra.org/investors

Where these platforms fit in an alternative investment portfolio

Crowdfunding platforms can play a role in a diversified portfolio, but they belong firmly in the high-risk, illiquid bucket.

Many financial planners would say:

• Limit speculative alternatives (like startup equity) to a modest slice of your net worth.
• Treat real estate crowdfunding as a complement to, not a replacement for, publicly traded REITs.
• Match the time horizon of the investment to your own financial plan.

You’re not just picking between examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms; you’re deciding whether this entire category fits your risk tolerance and goals.

FAQ: examples of crowdfunding platforms, risks, and fit

Q1: What are some real examples of crowdfunding investment platforms for beginners?
For beginners, examples include Fundrise for diversified real estate, StartEngine and Wefunder for startup equity, and Republic for tech and gaming-focused deals. These platforms usually have relatively low minimums and accept non-accredited investors.

Q2: Which examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms are best for income-focused investors?
Income-focused investors often look at Fundrise for real estate distributions and Yieldstreet for debt-based offerings targeting regular interest payments. Some Wefunder or StartEngine deals use revenue-sharing structures, but those are highly specific and should be evaluated one by one.

Q3: What is an example of a higher-risk crowdfunding investment?
An example of a higher-risk crowdfunding investment would be an early-stage startup on StartEngine or Wefunder with limited revenue and an unproven business model. Equity in these companies can go to zero, and investors may wait years to know the outcome.

Q4: How do I decide between different examples of crowdfunding investment platforms?
Start by clarifying your goal: growth, income, or a mix. Then match that to the platform’s focus—startup equity (StartEngine, Wefunder, Republic, SeedInvest), real estate (Fundrise, CrowdStreet), or debt and income (Yieldstreet). Compare minimums, fees, historical performance, and how comfortable you are with illiquidity.

Q5: Are crowdfunding investment platforms regulated?
Yes. In the U.S., platforms offering securities must comply with regulations such as Regulation Crowdfunding, Regulation A, or Regulation D, and are overseen by the SEC and, in many cases, FINRA. Regulation doesn’t eliminate risk, but it does set standards for disclosures and investor limits.

Crowdfunding has moved from fringe experiment to a real part of the alternative investment landscape. By studying real examples of 3 examples of crowdfunding investment platforms—StartEngine, Wefunder, and Fundrise—and then comparing them with platforms like Republic, SeedInvest, CrowdStreet, and Yieldstreet, you can decide whether this corner of the market deserves a small, carefully measured slice of your portfolio.