Equity crowdfunding is no longer the new kid on the block; by 2024, it has cemented itself as a powerful method for startups to raise capital from both retail and accredited investors. While dozens of platforms exist, not all are built the same. Knowing the nuances behind each platform — like their fee structures, investor reach, and, crucially, how they fit your specific fundraising goals — can be the difference between a successful raise and one that struggles.
In this comparison, we'll move beyond the surface-level features of Wefunder, Republic, StartEngine, Dalmore Group, Issuance, and DealMaker, exploring insider knowledge and data points often overlooked by first-time founders. Whether you're raising under Reg CF, Reg A+, or Reg D, choosing the right platform is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
Platform #1: Wefunder
Wefunder is often dubbed the "Kickstarter for startups," but it's more than that. While the platform's simplicity attracts early-stage founders, its secret sauce lies in its ability to rapidly build momentum for a campaign. Wefunder's recommendation engine favors campaigns that generate interest quickly, meaning you need to line up your initial investors ahead of time for an early push. This "pre-launch warm-up" is a tactic many successful campaigns use to climb the platform's leaderboard, which increases visibility among their 1.5 million-strong investor base.
Insider Tip: Wefunder's investors skew toward industries they understand — think consumer products, food & beverage, and tech. Founders who weave relatable narratives that resonate with the average retail investor tend to perform better. Be transparent about the risks, but also highlight personal stories behind your business. It's not just about numbers; Wefunder campaigns that connect on a personal level tend to surpass their goals.
Key Features
- Investor Network: Over 1.5 million investors
- Total Capital Raised: Over $700 million
- Average Raise per Campaign: Approximately $350,000
- Success Rate: About 75% of campaigns meet their minimum funding goal
- Regulation CF Focus: Wefunder allows companies to raise up to $5 million under Reg CF, making it ideal for early-stage startups looking for quick capital. For a deeper dive into Reg CF, see our Reg CF equity crowdfunding service page.
- Support Services: Offers guidance on campaign creation and marketing strategies
Fees
- Success Fee: 7.5% of the total amount raised
- No Upfront Costs: Startups can launch campaigns without upfront fees
- Fee Waiver: Fees are waived if you bring an investor contributing $25,000 or more
Suitable Industries
Wefunder supports a broad range of industries, including tech, consumer products, food & beverage, and entertainment, making it versatile for businesses appealing to retail investors. See our breakdown of the 25 biggest Wefunder success stories for real examples.
Platform #2: Republic
Republic's reputation for due diligence isn't just marketing fluff. Their vetting process is among the most stringent in the crowdfunding space. Only about 5% of applicants are accepted, which makes the platform appealing for investors looking for high-quality deals. However, once you're in, Republic's community-driven nature plays a big role in campaign success. Investors on Republic don't just invest passively — they often become vocal advocates.
Insider Tip: Republic investors tend to be repeat investors, particularly in the tech, blockchain, and AI sectors. Leverage this by encouraging initial backers to share their investment decision publicly through Republic's integrated social features. Founders who understand the power of community-driven momentum and align their campaign's tone to attract tech-savvy investors often outperform others. Republic's investor base is smart — don't underestimate their desire for both financial return and impact investing narratives.
Key Features
- Investor Network: Over 2 million members
- Total Capital Raised: More than $1 billion
- Average Raise per Campaign: Around $500,000
- Success Rate: Approximately 90% for accepted campaigns
- Diverse Offerings: Republic supports Reg CF, Reg A+, and private placements, attracting both retail and accredited investors
- Marketing Support: Robust marketing and promotional support for successful campaigns
Fees
- Success Fee: 6% of funds raised in cash and 2% in Crowd SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
- No Upfront Fees: Fees are only charged upon successful fundraising
- Additional Costs: Possible legal and compliance expenses during due diligence
Suitable Industries
Republic is ideal for tech-focused startups and companies in emerging industries such as biotech, AI, and blockchain, seeking larger funding amounts. For a comparison with other platforms, see our Wefunder vs Republic vs SeedInvest comparison.
Platform #3: StartEngine
StartEngine's secret weapon is its secondary market. Liquidity in crowdfunding has always been a pain point for investors, but StartEngine's secondary market has changed the game by allowing investors to buy and sell shares post-campaign. This adds an element of tradability that's not available on most other platforms. If you're considering a Reg A+ raise, this liquidity option can be a compelling selling point to attract larger investors looking for a quicker exit.
Insider Tip: StartEngine has a large base of retail investors, but the platform also caters well to companies interested in green energy and sustainability projects. If your startup operates in this sector, emphasizing your ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) metrics can be a powerful way to tap into the platform's growing group of socially-conscious investors. Additionally, StartEngine's optional (but expensive) marketing packages can help your campaign stand out — especially if you're targeting a larger raise.
Key Features
- Investor Network: Over 2 million members
- Total Capital Raised: $1 billion+ raised
- Average Raise per Campaign: Around $500,000
- Success Rate: Approximately 85%
- Secondary Market: Offers StartEngine Secondary, a platform for investors to trade securities post-campaign, enhancing liquidity for investors
- Marketing Support: StartEngine provides optional marketing packages to boost campaign visibility
Fees
- Success Fee: 7% of funds raised plus 2% of securities sold
- Upfront Fees: $10,000 for compliance and due diligence services
- Optional Services: Additional marketing packages are available at extra cost
Suitable Industries
StartEngine is suitable for companies across various sectors, particularly those interested in larger raises and secondary market trading. Check out our 25 biggest StartEngine success stories for inspiration.
Not Sure Which Platform Is Right for You?
Growth Turbine has helped 200+ campaigns raise capital across Wefunder, Republic, StartEngine, and more. Get a free platform recommendation based on your industry, stage, and goals.
Schedule Your Free Strategy CallPlatform #4: Dalmore Group
Dalmore Group is in a different league compared to traditional crowdfunding platforms. Specializing in Reg A+ raises, they are ideal for companies looking for substantial capital — $10 million and above. But here's the kicker: Dalmore does not bring investors to you. That's up to you. However, what they excel at is ensuring your campaign remains in strict compliance with SEC regulations — an often overlooked, yet critical component when dealing with large sums.
Insider Tip: Dalmore operates more like a high-end consultancy than a crowdfunding platform. If you're going this route, don't expect to pay a simple 1% success fee — be prepared for upfront retainers and additional legal costs. That said, Dalmore is a strong fit if you already have access to a large pool of investors but need the backend compliance and legal structure in place to execute a flawless raise. Real estate companies often thrive here due to the platform's experience with asset-backed offerings.
Key Features
- Offerings Facilitated: Over 200 Regulation A+ offerings
- Total Capital Raised: More than $4 billion
- Success Rate: High, given their selective client acceptance
- Expertise in Regulation A+: Ideal for mature companies seeking to raise up to $75 million
- No Investor Network: Companies using Dalmore must source their own investors, though the platform provides compliance and regulatory support
Fees
- Success Fee: Typically 1% of funds raised
- Upfront Fees: May include a retainer fee and other service charges
- Additional Costs: Issuers are responsible for marketing and legal expenses
Suitable Industries
Dalmore is best suited for companies in real estate, fintech, and manufacturing that are looking for substantial capital. For real estate fund strategies, see our real estate fund marketing service.
Platform #5: Issuance
Overview
Issuance operates in a niche market — Reg D and Reg A+ offerings targeting accredited investors. Their platform is highly customizable, allowing issuers to essentially "build their own" crowdfunding experience. If you have a highly specialized offering and want to attract accredited investors, this is a strong choice. However, their fees are negotiable, meaning the platform is best suited for companies that can afford the extra spend on customization.
Insider Tip: Issuance is highly tech-enabled, which means you can automate a lot of the investor relations and onboarding processes. But that also means the platform works best for issuers who already have a robust marketing strategy in place to attract accredited investors. It's not the platform for beginners; it's for companies who want to raise significant capital with precision and control.
Key Features
- Investor Network: Extensive network of accredited and institutional investors
- Tech-Enabled: Issuance provides a robust platform for online investment processing and investor management
- Marketing Services: The platform offers strategic marketing to attract accredited investors
Fees
- Custom Pricing: Fees vary depending on the services provided
- Upfront Costs: May include setup and marketing expenses
- Success Fees: Negotiable based on campaign success
Suitable Industries
Issuance is ideal for companies in real estate, healthcare, and tech that need access to accredited investors. For more on raising from accredited investors specifically, read our guide on Reg D 506(c) crowdfunding.
Platform #6: DealMaker
Overview
DealMaker's strength is in its technology. Unlike the other platforms that centralize campaigns, DealMaker offers companies a white-label solution, meaning you can host your fundraising campaign directly on your own website. This gives you more control over branding and the user experience, but also shifts the responsibility of driving traffic to your campaign entirely onto your shoulders.
Insider Tip: DealMaker shines when used by companies with existing large communities, such as real estate firms or consumer brands with dedicated followings. The platform is often used by issuers who want to bypass traditional intermediaries and directly engage with their investor base. This approach works best if your marketing team has the bandwidth to manage a full campaign.
Key Features
- Total Capital Raised: Over $1.7 billion
- Global Reach: Supports issuers across multiple countries
- White-Label Solution: Allows companies to host investment processes on their own websites, giving full control over branding
- Compliance Tools: Provides automated regulatory filings and investor accreditation verification
Fees
- Subscription Model: Based on tiered pricing
- Transaction Fees: May charge per-investor fees
- Additional Costs: Companies must manage their own marketing and legal expenses
Suitable Industries
DealMaker is suited for companies across a range of industries seeking full control over their fundraising campaigns, from technology to consumer products.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Platform
When choosing a platform, don't just focus on surface-level metrics like success rates or total capital raised. Dig deeper:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your platform of choice aligns with your fundraising goals under Reg CF, Reg A+, or Reg D. For a complete regulatory comparison, see our Reg CF vs Reg D vs Reg A vs Reg S guide.
- Investor Audience: Decide whether your campaign is better suited for retail investors, accredited investors, or both.
- Funding Goals: Choose a platform that can support your desired capital raise.
- Fees and Costs: Assess both upfront fees and success fees to understand the true cost of raising funds.
- Industry Focus: Select a platform with proven experience in your industry.
- Marketing Support: Some platforms offer robust marketing services to help promote your campaign, while others leave marketing up to you.
- Success Rates: Consider the success rates of platforms to increase your campaign's likelihood of success.
Comparison Table
Here's a detailed comparison table including success stories, success rates, and suitable industries.
| Features | Wefunder | Republic | StartEngine | Dalmore Group | Issuance | DealMaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 | 2016 | 2014 | 2005 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Investor Network | 1.5M+ | 2M+ | 2M+ | N/A | Accredited Investors | N/A |
| Total Capital Raised | $700M+ | $1B+ | $650M+ | $4B+ | N/A | $1.7B+ |
| Success Fee | 7.50% | 6% + 2% securities | 7% + 2% securities | 1% | Negotiable | Varies |
| Upfront Fees | None | None | $10,000 | Retainer Fees | Custom Pricing | Subscription Model |
| Offerings Supported | Reg CF | Reg CF, A+, D | Reg CF, A+, D | Reg A+, D, CF | Reg D, A+ | Reg CF, A+, D, S |
| Marketing Support | Limited | Yes | Optional Packages | No | Yes | No |
| Vetting Process | Moderate | Rigorous | Moderate | N/A | Custom | N/A |
| Investor Types | Retail | Retail & Accredited | Retail & Accredited | Must source own | Accredited & Institutional | Must source own |
| Success Rate | ~75% | ~90% | ~85% | High (Selective) | High (Targeted) | Varies |
| Success Stories | Zenefits; Meow Wolf | NowRX; Miso Robotics | Breathometer | Boxabl; NeuroOne | tZERO; Blockstack | Legion M; Winc |
| Suitable Industries | Tech, F&B, Entertainment | Tech, Biotech, AI, Blockchain | Consumer Products, Tech, Green Energy | Real Estate, Fintech, Manufacturing | Tech, Blockchain, Real Estate | All (Customizable) |
Which Platform Is Right for You?
For Quick and Accessible Funding
Wefunder is ideal for early-stage startups seeking quick access to capital with minimal barriers, especially in consumer-facing industries.
For High-Quality Offerings and Tech Startups
Republic suits tech-focused companies that meet higher standards and are looking for robust marketing support and access to a diverse investor base.
For Larger Raises and Secondary Market Access
StartEngine is appropriate for companies aiming for substantial raises and interested in offering investors liquidity through a secondary market.
For Significant Capital Raises in Mature Industries
Dalmore Group is best for mature companies in industries like real estate and manufacturing seeking substantial capital and willing to manage their own marketing.
For Accredited Investor Campaigns in Tech and Real Estate
Issuance is suitable for companies focusing on accredited investors in sectors like tech and real estate, requiring customized marketing and technology solutions.
For Full Control Over Fundraising Across Industries
DealMaker offers companies the ability to manage their own campaigns with advanced technology, ideal for those wanting full control across various industries.
Key Considerations for Founders
When choosing a platform, don't just focus on surface-level metrics like success rates or total capital raised. Dig deeper:
- Pre-Launch Strategy: Platforms like Wefunder and Republic reward early momentum. Plan a soft launch to engage friends, family, and existing customers before going public.
- Investor Sophistication: Republic and Issuance investors tend to be more sophisticated and expect detailed due diligence reports. Make sure your campaign materials speak to a higher level of investor understanding.
- Post-Raise Liquidity: If investor liquidity is a priority, StartEngine's secondary market may be the game-changer you need.
- Cost Efficiency: Dalmore's upfront costs make it less suitable for early-stage companies, while Wefunder's fee-waiver options make it ideal for startups without significant upfront capital.
- Customization vs. Hand-Holding: DealMaker and Issuance offer high customization, but if you need more hands-on guidance, platforms like Republic and StartEngine offer more support services.
Navigating the equity crowdfunding landscape is complex, but understanding the insider strategies behind each platform can help you maximize your campaign's success. Reach out if you're interested in exploring which platform is the right fit for your business model and fundraising goals.
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Schedule Your Free Strategy CallFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best equity crowdfunding platform for startups?
The best platform depends on your stage, industry, and fundraising goals. Wefunder is ideal for early-stage startups seeking quick, accessible funding with no upfront costs and a 75% success rate. Republic is better for tech-focused companies that can pass rigorous vetting (only 5% acceptance rate) but benefit from a 90% success rate and a 2M+ investor network. For a broader comparison of all regulation types, see our guide on Reg CF vs Reg D vs Reg A vs Reg S.
What are the fees for Wefunder, Republic, and StartEngine?
Wefunder charges a 7.5% success fee with no upfront costs (fees waived if you bring a $25K+ investor). Republic charges 6% in cash plus 2% in Crowd SAFE with no upfront fees. StartEngine charges 7% plus 2% in securities with a $10,000 upfront fee for compliance and due diligence. Dalmore Group has the lowest success fee at 1% but requires upfront retainers. Issuance has negotiable custom pricing, and DealMaker uses a subscription-based model.
Which crowdfunding platform supports Reg A+ raises?
Republic, StartEngine, Dalmore Group, Issuance, and DealMaker all support Reg A+ raises. Dalmore specializes in Reg A+ with over 200 offerings facilitated and $4 billion+ raised, making them the leader for companies seeking to raise up to $75 million. StartEngine adds a unique secondary market for post-campaign liquidity. Learn more about Reg A+ on our Reg A+ marketing service page.
Can I raise money from accredited investors on these platforms?
Yes, but not all platforms are designed for accredited investors. Issuance specializes in accredited and institutional investors through Reg D and Reg A+ offerings. Republic and StartEngine support both retail and accredited investors. Dalmore and DealMaker require companies to source their own investors. For dedicated accredited investor campaigns, consider our Reg D equity crowdfunding marketing services.
What is the difference between Reg CF, Reg A+, and Reg D?
Reg CF allows companies to raise up to $5 million from both retail and accredited investors with lighter compliance requirements. Reg A+ permits raises up to $75 million with SEC qualification and broader marketing freedom. Reg D (particularly 506(c)) allows unlimited raises from verified accredited investors with general solicitation permitted. Each regulation has different compliance, cost, and investor reach implications. For a complete breakdown, read our detailed comparison of all equity crowdfunding regulations.
Which platform has the highest success rate?
Republic leads with approximately a 90% success rate for accepted campaigns, though their rigorous vetting process means only about 5% of applicants are accepted. StartEngine follows at approximately 85%, and Wefunder at about 75%. Dalmore Group and Issuance report high success rates among their selective client base. Note that success rates should be considered alongside factors like average raise size, investor network quality, and platform fees.
Do I need a marketing agency for equity crowdfunding?
While not strictly required, a specialized marketing agency significantly increases your chances of a successful raise. Platforms like Dalmore and DealMaker provide no investor traffic — you must drive it yourself. Even platforms with marketing support (Republic, StartEngine) work better when paired with a dedicated campaign strategy. At Growth Turbine, we've supported 200+ campaigns across all major platforms, handling everything from Reg CF campaign strategy to investor acquisition and funnel optimization.
How long does a typical equity crowdfunding campaign take?
Campaign timelines vary by platform and regulation. Reg CF campaigns on Wefunder or Republic typically run 3–6 months. Reg A+ campaigns on StartEngine or Dalmore require SEC qualification (3–6 months) plus the fundraising period (6–12 months). Reg D campaigns on Issuance can close faster (8–12 weeks) since they target accredited investors. Pre-launch preparation (2–4 weeks) is critical on all platforms — both Wefunder and Republic reward early momentum with increased visibility.
Related Resources
- 25 Biggest Wefunder Success Stories (Updated 2025)
- 25 Biggest StartEngine Success Stories (Updated 2025)
- Wefunder vs Republic vs SeedInvest — A Comparison
- Reg CF vs Reg D 506(b) vs Reg D 506(c) vs Reg A vs Reg S
- Reg D 506(c) Crowdfunding: Unlocking Capital from Accredited Investors
- Top 10 Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms Comparison
- 5 Revolutionary Trends in Equity Crowdfunding to Watch
- Reg CF Equity Crowdfunding Marketing
- Reg A+ Equity Crowdfunding Marketing Agency
- Reg D Equity Crowdfunding Marketing Agency
- Contact Us — Schedule a Free Strategy Call
