
Meet the Investors Who Keep Coming Back for Our Pre-IPO Offerings
Investing in venture-backed private companies used to be the kind of thing reserved for folks ready to commit seven figure checks and exclusive private circles. Not anymore.
StartEngine Private has flipped the script. We provide accredited investors with exposure to some of the most popular pre-IPO companies, like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Databricks.¹
We believed there was a market for exposure to some of the most popular private venture-backed businesses. A growing group of repeat investors suggests we were right. So, what’s drawing them in, and keeping them coming back?
We asked. They answered. Here’s what we learned.²
The following content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to invest in any securities. Private investments are speculative, illiquid, and involve a high degree of risk, including the potential loss of your entire investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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StartEngine Private is our investing portal exclusively for accredited investors. We provide exposure to well-known pre-IPO companies backed by established VCs and enterprises. Think offerings for companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, Databricks, and more:¹
Investing in private securities carries significant risks, including but not limited to illiquidity, lack of dividends, dilution, and potential loss of principal. These investments are not suitable for all investors. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.
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A lot of roads lead to StartEngine Private, but a common one is our roots in equity crowdfunding. One investor noted that they “heard about the Private offerings once I became a regular investor on StartEngine.”
“I have an acquaintance who opened up a brewery that was doing a crowdfunding campaign through StartEngine, and I invested,” said one investor. Another noted that they were interested in investing in a local aerospace startup, which led them to the company’s campaign on StartEngine.
And yes, some investors were impressed by our strategic advisor: Kevin O’Leary, aka “Mr. Wonderful.”³
“I watch Shark Tank, and when I heard that he was doing this program, I was quick to jump on board as soon as possible,” said one investor.
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A common response was our accessible minimums, which can be as low as $15,000 — not the seven-figure minimums often required to buy into many venture-backed deals.
For their first investment in Series Anthropic, one investor notes that “The minimum amount was close to the range of where I like to invest.”
For many, it was also about portfolio diversification. One investor noted that they invested in Series for both Liquid Death and Databricks — offerings for exposure to a popular beverage brand and a leading AI data firm, available on the same platform.
And finally, there’s the simple appeal of investing in innovative products and industries. One investor invested in a Series for Knightscope because they “love their concept and I’m very interested in robotics.”
Robotics is one of many industries represented on StartEngine Private, including AI/ML, blockchain and crypto, fintech, food and beverage, gaming, SaaS, and more.
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Spoiler: It’s going pretty well. But we’ll let our investors speak for themselves.
“My experience has been very professional and informative. I’ve appreciated the personal updates and service,” said one investor.
Another echoed that sentiment: “I like having access to a private rep. He has been very helpful and responsive.” That references our Private Equity Associates, who help investors navigate every aspect of the investment process.
Many highlighted the ease of use and simplicity: “Very hands off investments,” one investor wrote. Another added, “Easy to use. Variety of opportunities.”
And of course, there’s the fun of it all: “It gave me a great hobby and an upside.”
Maybe our favorite quote of all: “Overall, the experience has been excellent. The private funds are a game-changer.”
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StartEngine Private wasn’t built for old-school, high-barrier investing norms. It was built for a new kind of investor — one who’s curious, strategic, and not afraid to invest in the future.
The growing community of repeat investors suggest that we’re onto something, and we’re just getting started. StartEngine Private is here to make private market investing more accessible, more exciting, and more worthwhile.
To learn more about how these offerings are structured — and to review full risk disclosures and other important information — please visit startengine.com/private.
DISCLAIMERS
1. The underlying companies held by StartEngine Private Funds LLC, and StartEngine Private LLC (together, “StartEngine Private”) are not participating or involved in the offering. The availability of company information does not indicate that the company has endorsed, supports or otherwise participates with StartEngine Private or any of its affiliates. StartEngine Crowdfunding LLC purchases shares from current and former employees, early investors, and advisors of the companies and sells the shares to StartEngine Private for each offering. When you make an investment in a company on StartEngine Private, you are purchasing an interest in a series of StartEngine Private Funds LLC or StartEngine Private LLC, each a Delaware limited liability company (together the “Series LLCs”), which were created to hold shares of privately held companies. An investor will not directly own or hold shares of the private company but instead will own member interests in a series of the Series LLCs, which either directly or indirectly, will hold shares in the company. There may not be a one-to-one economic parity on the value of the Series LLCs interests and the underlying shares.
2. These testimonials/endorsements were provided by the participants without compensation, but each participant has a relationship with StartEngine from which they benefit. All views expressed are the individual’s own and do not represent the experience of all StartEngine investors. Please note that testimonials are no guarantee of future performance or success. Providers of testimonials or endorsements were not chosen at random or according to any objective basis, but rather on the basis of their relationship with StartEngine.
3. Kevin O’Leary is a paid spokesperson for StartEngine. See his 17(b) disclosure here.
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Get the latest Equity Crowdfunding & StartEngine news straight to your inbox
Get the latest Equity Crowdfunding & StartEngine news straight to your inbox