Equity crowdfunding took a while to be seen as a credible way to raise capital, although in 2022 it is undoubtedly the future of financing.
Because of this, capital seekers, start-ups, and entrepreneurs looking to generate funding now have a lot of choice when it comes to equity crowdfunding platforms.
Of the growing list – more than 55 at the last count – some of the best-known platforms include Wefunder, Republic, and SeedInvest. In this article, we take a brief look at each, allowing you to determine whether or not they are worth exploring for your upcoming funding round. For a more comprehensive comparison that includes additional platforms like StartEngine, Dalmore Group, Issuance.com, and DealMaker, see our in-depth guide on Wefunder vs Republic vs StartEngine vs Dalmore vs Issuance.com vs DealMaker. For understanding which regulatory framework is right for your raise, see our Reg CF vs Reg D vs Reg A+ vs Reg S comparison.
Platform #1: Wefunder
Wefunder is the titan of equity crowdfunding platforms and is seen as the one to beat. It has connected startups to investors since its arrival on the scene in 2012, and has attracted close to 1.4 million investors over the past decade, raising more than $70.9 million in 2020 (according to Kingscrowd 2019-2020 Reg CF raise data).
Founders and startups can raise between $50,000 and $5 million on Wefunder. You can get started for free, although when your campaign is over, you will have to pay 7.5% of the funds you raised. However, if you are able to convince an angel investor to invest $25,000 or more to your campaign, then all fees are waived.
There is less scrutiny when applying to Wefunder than to other platforms, meaning smaller companies are often able to successfully find a home for their campaign.
Wefunder Key Stats
- Founded: 2012
- Investor network: ~1.4 million investors
- Capital raised (2020): $70.9 million
- Raise range: $50,000 – $5 million
- Fees: 7.5% of funds raised (waived if an angel invests $25K+)
- Average raised per campaign: $313,647
- Application difficulty: Less stringent, accessible to smaller startups
Pro Tip: Wefunder’s lower barriers to entry make it an excellent choice for early-stage startups running their first equity crowdfunding campaign. However, getting listed is only the first step — success depends on driving qualified investors to your campaign page. Companies that combine a Wefunder listing with a data-driven marketing strategy and targeted investor acquisition campaign consistently outperform those relying solely on organic platform traffic.
Platform #2: Republic
Republic is another main player in the equity crowdfunding sphere and attracts people from across the entrepreneurial landscape. Having been in operation since 2016, Republic is one of the fastest-growing platforms and saw users raise a total of $37.7 million in capital in 2020.
Companies pay fees of 6% of the total capital raised and 2% equity, only if you successfully reach your funding goal.
The extra due diligence requirements to launch a campaign can make Republic a frustrating platform for some companies. In fact, less than 3% of those applying for a place on Republic will be successful.
Republic Key Stats
- Founded: 2016
- Capital raised (2020): $37.7 million
- Fees: 6% of capital raised + 2% equity (success-based only)
- Acceptance rate: Less than 3%
- Funding success rate: Over 90%
- Application difficulty: Strict due diligence requirements
Republic’s strict vetting process means the companies that do get listed tend to be stronger, which contributes to the platform’s high funding success rate. This selectivity also builds investor confidence, as Republic’s investor community knows that every listed company has undergone thorough due diligence. For companies exploring Republic, strong branding and a compelling pitch are essential to clearing the application process.
Planning an Equity Crowdfunding Campaign?
Choosing the right platform is critical to your fundraising success. Growth Turbine has supported 200+ campaigns across Wefunder, Republic, StartEngine, and other leading platforms. We can help you select the right platform and build a campaign that delivers results.
Schedule a Free ConsultationPlatform #3: SeedInvest
Arriving in the same year as Wefunder, SeedInvest is another leading equity crowdfunding platform, and can boast a network of more than 575,000 investors.
When it comes to capital raised in 2020, the platform sits at $5.1 million – considerably lower than Wefunder and Republic. However, this may be because SeedInvest takes a more curated approach to the companies featured on the site.
This is beneficial for investors, although – like Republic – can result in frustration for some companies. Less than 2% of startups applying will successfully make it past the strict vetting stage. As for fees, SeedInvest takes 7.5% of total funds raised and a 5.0% equity fee.
SeedInvest Key Stats
- Founded: 2012
- Investor network: 575,000+ investors
- Capital raised (2020): $5.1 million
- Fees: 7.5% of funds raised + 5.0% equity
- Average raised per campaign: $435,780
- Acceptance rate: Less than 2%
- Application difficulty: Most stringent vetting process
- Bonus: Marketing support for accepted companies
Pro Tip: SeedInvest’s higher average raise per campaign ($435,780 vs Wefunder’s $313,647) suggests that quality over quantity pays off. If your company can clear SeedInvest’s strict vetting, you’ll benefit from built-in marketing support and a curated investor community. For companies that don’t clear the application, Wefunder offers a more accessible alternative, and combining either platform with professional investor acquisition services can significantly boost your results.
Which Is the Better Platform for You?
Three platforms, all worthy of your time as a capital seeker. But which is the best?
If you want to get up and running quickly, Wefunder is a smart choice as it proves easier to launch your campaign – there is less scrutiny in the application stage and no initial fee, so you can begin crowdfunding almost immediately. Smaller startups will usually find more success with Wefunder.
Republic is another solid choice, although the stricter application stage makes it tougher to launch a campaign on the platform. Still, with a funding success rate of over 90%, Republic will appeal to many capital seekers, especially bigger and more established companies.
On SeedInvest, you will be more heavily vetted and fees are higher. However, if you get the golden ticket, then you will receive marketing support to help promote your business to the platform’s 500,000+ investors. Also note that SeedInvest leads the way in the average amount raised per campaign ($435,780, compared to Wefunder’s $313,647).
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Good luck!
Platform Comparison Summary
| Feature | Wefunder | Republic | SeedInvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 | 2016 | 2012 |
| Investor Network | ~1.4M | N/A | 575K+ |
| Capital Raised (2020) | $70.9M | $37.7M | $5.1M |
| Avg per Campaign | $313,647 | N/A | $435,780 |
| Fees | 7.5% | 6% + 2% equity | 7.5% + 5% equity |
| Acceptance Rate | More open | <3% | <2% |
| Best For | Early-stage, smaller startups | Established companies | Curated, higher raises |
Pro Tip: The platform you choose is just one part of the equation — how you drive investors to your campaign matters even more. Most successful equity crowdfunding campaigns generate the majority of their investments through external marketing (social media ads, email campaigns, PR, content marketing), not from organic platform traffic alone. Consider working with a specialized crowdfunding marketing agency that can build a custom investor acquisition strategy across multiple channels.
Beyond Wefunder, Republic, and SeedInvest
While Wefunder, Republic, and SeedInvest are three of the most recognized names in Reg CF equity crowdfunding, they are far from the only options. The equity crowdfunding ecosystem has expanded significantly, with platforms now catering to specific niches and regulatory frameworks:
- StartEngine: Another major Reg CF platform with a large investor community and self-serve campaign tools.
- Dalmore Group: A broker-dealer that works with companies across Reg A+ and Reg CF.
- DealMaker: Specializes in providing white-label fundraising technology for larger raises.
- Issuance.com: Supports multi-regulation campaigns across Reg CF, Reg D, and Reg A+.
For a detailed analysis of all these platforms, read our comprehensive platform comparison guide. And if you are raising capital specifically in real estate, see our top 10 real estate crowdfunding platforms comparison.
At Growth Turbine, we help startups and growth-stage companies select the right platform and build successful investor acquisition campaigns. With over 200+ campaigns supported across all major platforms and $490M+ in capital raise assisted, our team brings the expertise to help you maximize your equity crowdfunding raise.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to a single platform or regulation. Many successful companies use a stacked approach — raising under Reg CF on a platform like Wefunder to build community, then adding a Reg D 506(c) campaign for accredited investors, and potentially a token sale for international reach. This multi-platform, multi-regulation strategy can dramatically increase your total addressable investor pool and overall capital raised.
Need More Capital for Your Business?
Whether you choose Wefunder, Republic, SeedInvest, or another platform, Growth Turbine builds custom investor acquisition strategies that drive results. With an 87% success rate across 200+ campaigns, we know what works.
Get Started TodayFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Wefunder, Republic, and SeedInvest?
All three are Reg CF equity crowdfunding platforms, but they differ in fees, acceptance rates, and approach. Wefunder (founded 2012) charges 7.5% with the lowest barriers to entry. Republic (founded 2016) charges 6% + 2% equity with less than 3% acceptance rate but over 90% funding success rate. SeedInvest (founded 2012) charges 7.5% + 5% equity with less than 2% acceptance rate but the highest average raise per campaign ($435,780 vs Wefunder’s $313,647).
Which platform raised the most capital in 2020?
Wefunder led with $70.9 million raised in 2020 (according to Kingscrowd 2019-2020 Reg CF raise data), followed by Republic at $37.7 million, and SeedInvest at $5.1 million. Wefunder’s higher volume reflects its larger investor network (~1.4 million investors) and lower barriers to entry for campaign operators.
What are the fees for each platform?
Wefunder charges 7.5% of funds raised, with fees waived if an angel investor contributes $25,000 or more. Republic charges 6% of capital raised plus 2% equity, only on successfully funded campaigns. SeedInvest charges 7.5% of funds raised plus 5.0% equity. SeedInvest has the highest total fee structure, but accepted companies receive marketing support.
How hard is it to get accepted on each platform?
Wefunder has the most accessible application process, making it suitable for smaller and early-stage startups. Republic accepts less than 3% of applicants, requiring significant due diligence. SeedInvest has the strictest vetting, accepting less than 2% of startups that apply. The trade-off is that stricter platforms tend to have higher quality deal flow and more confident investors.
Which platform has the highest average raise per campaign?
SeedInvest leads with an average of $435,780 per campaign, compared to Wefunder’s average of $313,647. SeedInvest’s higher average reflects its curated approach — fewer but better-vetted companies tend to attract more investor capital. Republic’s 90%+ funding success rate also indicates strong performance for accepted companies.
Which platform is best for early-stage startups?
Wefunder is generally the best choice for early-stage startups because it has lower barriers to entry, no upfront fees, and a larger investor network. Companies can raise between $50,000 and $5 million. For more established companies, Republic’s stricter vetting may be worth the effort, as its 90%+ funding success rate demonstrates strong investor engagement on the platform.
Are there other equity crowdfunding platforms besides these three?
Yes, there are more than 55 equity crowdfunding platforms. Other major platforms include StartEngine, Dalmore Group, DealMaker, and Issuance.com. Each has different strengths, fee structures, and regulatory capabilities. For a comprehensive comparison, see our guide on Wefunder vs Republic vs StartEngine vs Dalmore vs Issuance.com vs DealMaker.
What regulation do these platforms operate under?
These platforms primarily operate under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), which allows companies to raise up to $5 million from both accredited and non-accredited investors. Some platforms also support Reg A+ (up to $75 million) and Reg D 506(c) (unlimited, accredited investors only). For a full comparison of regulations, see our regulation comparison guide.
Do I need a marketing strategy for equity crowdfunding?
Absolutely. Most successful campaigns generate the majority of their investments through external marketing — social media ads, email campaigns, PR, and content marketing — not from organic platform traffic alone. Working with a specialized crowdfunding marketing agency that builds data-driven investor acquisition strategies can significantly increase the amount of capital raised.
Can I use multiple platforms or regulations at the same time?
Yes. Many companies use a stacked approach, combining Reg CF on one platform with Reg D 506(c) for accredited investors and even token sales for international reach. This multi-platform, multi-regulation strategy can dramatically expand your total addressable investor pool. Consult with our team to discuss the best approach for your company.
