As reported in Reuters this morning, the SEC has released the new crowd funding rules in light of the “Jumpstart our Business Startups Act” of 2012. The news report indicates that:
“The Securities and Exchange Commission's crowd funding plan is a requirement in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, a 2012 law enacted with wide bipartisan support that relaxes federal regulations to help spur small business growth. Equity crowd funding lets small companies raise money by pooling together tiny investments from people around the country in exchange for a potential financial return. If adopted by the five-member SEC, the rule would be a major shift in how small U.S. companies can raise money in the private securities market. Private companies are now only allowed to solicit investors deemed to be “accredited,” meaning they have a net worth of $1 million, excluding the value of their homes, or an individual annual income of more than $200,000. The crowd funding rule would let small businesses raise more than $1 million a year by tapping unaccredited investors. Companies could sell stakes to mom-and-pop investors without registering the securities with the SEC, a move designed to make it cheaper and less cumbersome for struggling startups trying to get their businesses off the ground. They would still be required to raise the money through regulated broker-dealers such as CircleUp or through crowd funding portals. How many entities might register as crowd funding portals is still unknown, as many are holding off making any decisions until they see how the SEC's rules shape up.”
“Under the proposal, crowd funding portals would be required to provide investors with educational materials and take certain steps to reduce the risk of fraud. Companies using crowd funding would also have to make some disclosures about their businesses, such as information about officers and directors, how proceeds from the offering will be used, and financial statements. In addition, the proposal limits how much money each year an unaccredited investor can contribute, based on certain income thresholds. The prospect of opening up capital-raising to a wider swath of investors has excited many startups. But the SEC has struggled with how to craft a workable rule that strikes a balance between helping to knock down barriers for startups while also protecting investors from fraud. Prior to Congress passing the law, a raft of measures were added to the bill that investor advocates say will help protect consumers. One provision requires companies raising more than $500,000 through crowd funding to provide audited financial statements. The measure is designed to give investors more information. But critics say it is simply too expensive, noting many startups don't have the money to hire lawyers or accountants to help them. Another area that advocates of crowd funding will be watching carefully is how the SEC ensures investors don't exceed the limits on how much they can contribute. The law says investors with a net worth or income of less than $100,000 can contribute only $2,000, or 5 percent of their income. Those with a net worth or income over $100,000 can contribute more.”
If you and your startup wish to explore crowd funding to see how it could work for you, please contact one of the professionals at Dalton & Tomich plc. Our experienced team provides trusted advice to entrepenaurs in technology and other new business ventures.
