At StartEngine, we're committed to expanding access to investment opportunities — and that includes helping you put your retirement savings to work in startups. 

With a StartEngine IRA, you can now invest in offerings on our platform using funds from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA), thanks to our integration with Equity Trust Company, a leading self-directed IRA custodian.

As with any investment, there are risks. Private securities are typically illiquid and may lose value. Be sure to consider your personal financial situation and consult a professional if needed.

What Is a Self-Directed IRA?

A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) is a type of retirement account that gives you more flexibility in how your retirement funds are invested. While traditional IRAs typically limit investments to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a self-directed IRA lets you invest in a broader range of assets — including early-stage startups.

With a StartEngine IRA, you can use a self-directed Traditional or Roth IRA to invest in offerings on our platform. That means the same tax-advantaged retirement dollars can now support the startups you believe in.

Note: Tax advantages depend on your specific account type and individual tax situation.

Why StartEngine IRA?

When you choose to invest through a StartEngine IRA, you're unlocking the ability to:

• Diversify Your Retirement Portfolio: Go beyond public markets and gain exposure to private startup investments.
   
• Grow Investments Tax-Deferred or Tax-Free: Depending on your IRA type (Traditional or Roth), gains may be tax-deferred or tax-free.
   
• Support Innovation and Founders: Use your retirement funds to back early-stage companies that seek to shape the future.
   
• Simplify the Process: Our integration with Equity Trust makes opening, funding, and using your IRA straightforward and secure.

Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss. Tax treatment is subject to IRS rules and may change; consult a tax advisor to confirm your eligibility. Early-stage investments carry a high risk of loss and limited liquidity. StartEngine does not provide custodial or fiduciary services.

How to Get Started

1. Open a StartEngine IRA
   You can create your IRA account directly through StartEngine. We work with Equity Trust to manage the custodial process behind the scenes.
    
2. Fund Your IRA
   Transfer funds from an existing IRA, 401(k) rollover, or annual contribution.
    
3. Invest in Startups
   Once your account is funded, you can invest directly in offerings on StartEngine — just like any other investor on the platform.
   Investments in private companies are speculative and should only be made as part of a diversified portfolio.

Backed by Equity Trust

We've partnered with Equity Trust Company, a custodian with over 50 years of experience managing self-directed retirement accounts. Equity Trust currently oversees more than $71 billion in assets across 415,000+ accounts. Their infrastructure powers the StartEngine IRA, ensuring a secure and compliant experience. 

Equity Trust does not endorse or recommend any specific investments, and StartEngine does not act as an advisor or fiduciary.

Is a StartEngine IRA Right for You?

StartEngine IRAs are ideal for investors who:

• Want to diversify beyond traditional assets
• Are already investing through an IRA or have qualified funds sitting unused
• Believe in the potential of startups and want exposure to early-stage growth
• Are looking to grow their investments tax-advantaged over the long term

Investments in startups are speculative and carry the risk of total loss. Self-directed IRAs are not suitable for everyone. You should speak with a qualified financial or tax advisor before making any investment decisions.

Start Building Your Future

If you're ready to explore how your retirement funds could support private startups, visit startengine.com/ira-account to learn more and open your StartEngine IRA today.

Disclaimer

Be sure to fully understand the risks and restrictions involved in using retirement assets for alternative investments. Self-directed IRAs are not suitable for everyone. Please consult with a qualified financial or tax advisor before making any investment decision. Investments in early-stage startups carry risk, including loss of capital. Equity Trust Company is a third-party custodian and is not affiliated with StartEngine Capital LLC or StartEngine Primary LLC. StartEngine does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice. All investments are made at your own risk.