You might think you’re new to equity crowdfunding. But chances are, you’re familiar with the concept – even if you don’t realise it.

The first part: crowdfunding. Think of platforms like Kickstarter, where entrepreneurs and smaller brands seek early investors. In return for support, they offer a range of goodies – anything from the first release of the product to branded merch or credits for future purchases.

The second bit: equity, as some shares in a company.

Combine them, and you get equity crowdfunding: lots of people invest small amounts of money in a (usually young) company, in exchange for shares.

And with the likes of Monzo and BrewDog raising money this way, many investors have managed to become early-stage backers of soon-to-be million-dollar companies – often from as little as $10.

1. Access to early-stage opportunities

You can use equity crowdfunding to access some of a startup’s earliest funding rounds, opportunities that were traditionally reserved for venture capitalists. That way, you could make significant returns if the company succeeds.

2. Portfolio diversification in a volatile market

A variety of crowdfunding opportunities could diversify your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds. Startups in different sectors – such as technology, healthcare, and consumer goods – offer varying risk and return profiles, helping to balance your overall investment risk. This is especially key this year: investors aren’t convinced that stocks (especially US ones) are the shoo-ins they once were, what with tariffs and wider geopolitical uncertainties shaking markets.

3. Engagement with innovative companies

Investing through equity crowdfunding allows you to support and engage with innovative startups that match your interests or values. Some platforms even offer investors perks like product discounts, early access to new offerings, or exclusive updates.

4. Regulatory support and transparency

Recent regulations have improved transparency in equity crowdfunding. Fundraisers and platforms are required to provide detailed disclosures about the startups, including financial statements and business plans, all of which can help you make informed investment decisions.

Here are two opportunities that either have been recently featured in our newsletter.

Timeplast has patented a water-soluble, time-programmable plastic that vanishes without harming the environment. (After all, the world produces 450 million tons of plastic waste each year – and now, microplastics are seeping into our oceans, food, and bodies.) That innovation has secured the company partnerships with major industry names – and the creator of patented plastic tech is looking for shareholders as it scales into this $1.3 trillion market.

ConsumerDirectis using AI to empower people to make smarter financial decisions – a mission Finimize shares – by improving their credit scores, lowering loan rates, and protecting their identity. It’s scaling fast: ConsumerDirect boasts a 44% compound annual growth rate since 2019… and now, the company’s offering early investors up to 11% bonus shares.