Investor Business Plans

Understanding Investor Financing Through Equity

Investor financing through equity can be a complex and difficult subject to understand to those just jumping into the business world. However, like many of the other topics business owners must brush up on when they set out to start or manage a company, understanding equity financing is worth the effort.

The most basic definition of equity financing actually lines up with what most of us think of when we hear the word “investor” — someone purchases “equity,” or partial ownership, in your company by buying shares. Through the sale of those shares, capital is raised, and the operation and growth of the business is funded. The amounts involved can range from a few hundred dollars provided by a helpful family member to millions or even billions of dollars raised in a public offering (IPO).

That, of course, is just the most basic explanation, but it should offer a simple and easy-to-understand picture of what equity funding involves. To really begin delving deeper into the equity-funding model, it helps to start with the rules and regulations the U.S. government has put in place to define different kinds of methods for selling equity.

Let’s go over common regulations, review what’s required for them, and see what kinds of companies might be the best fit for each category.

REGULATION D (REG D)

Regulation D applies to private placement exemptions, allowing some companies (typically small businesses) to raise capital by selling equity without having to register their securities with the SEC. The documentation involved is typically much less than what’s required for an IPO, and funds can be raised more quickly using this method. However, this kind of transaction, known as a direct public offering (or DPO), lacks the visibility of a public offering. Reg D is great for small businesses and family enterprises looking to raise funds from family, friends and local investors. It’s not intended for larger, established companies looking to raise vast amounts of money.

Reg D is split into three subcategories (Rules):

Rule 504

— This is a “seed” capital exemption that allows business owners to raise up to $5 million in a 12 month period.

Rule 506 — 
This rule allows for unlimited fund raising, but some regulations about advertising apply. Learn more at the IRS website: sec.gov/smallbusiness#regd

NOTE: The two common Rule 506 filings are 506(b) and 506(c). With a 506(b) offering, companies must not advertise the offering, instead only personally approaching those with whom the company already has an existing relationship. With a 506(c) offering, an existing relationship is not required, and companies are free to advertise the offering both on and offline. A 506(b) offering is open to up to 35 non-accredited investors, in addition to as many accredited investors as the company wishes to approach. A 506(c) offering is only open to accredited investors. An accredited investor is defined as someone who meets income and net worth requirements established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As of 2018, the SEC defines an accredited investor as someone who “earned income that exceeded $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the prior two years and reasonably expects the same for the current year or has a net worth over $1 million, either alone or together with a spouse (excluding the value of the person’s primary residence).

Funding Limits: $5 million in some cases, unlimited in others. See the rules above.

Needed Forms: Companies must file a Form D, showing the names and addresses of executives and directors, with the SEC.

Cost: This method of raising capital allows business owners to avoid the high underwriting fees and many other costs associated with an IPO.

REGULATION A (REG A+)

Reg A+ is also sometimes called a “mini IPO.” This regulation helps businesses keep up with new economic trends, like crowd-funding, by making it possible for the public to invest in private companies. In effect since 2015, Reg A+ allows businesses to appeal to those most likely to offer strong support — loyal customers — and allows the public to hav a hand in truly supporting brands and ideas they care about. Like Reg D, Reg A+ has less involved paperwork and lower fees associated with it when compared to a traditional IPO. However, creating “buzz” among potential customers and getting the word out about a funding campaign will fall squarely on the business owner’s shoulders, which can be made more difficult simply because the investors involved are regular people who may wish to “invest” very small amounts. The good news is that these granular investments can add up, and a successful Reg A+ crowd-funding campaign can get your business off the ground with a built-in customer base and strong word-of-mouth advertising.

Funding Limits: $50 million

Needed Forms: The business must file an offering statement on SEC Form 1-A.

Cost: 
While the costs of a Reg A+ offering are less than those associated with an IPO, there are still marketing costs, escrow fees and audits to be done. Experts typically say to expect a cash cost of anywhere from 6% to 10% of the total amount raised.

REGULATION CF (REG CF)

At first glance, Reg CF seems very similar to Reg A+. However, there are a few key differences, and knowing those can help business owners choose the right regulation to file under. For one thing, the funding limits for Reg CF are much lower. But those filing under Reg CF are able to utilize popular crowd-funding platforms to spread the word about their investments, making it more likely that they’ll reach their goals with lower marketing costs. Reg CF was creating to help fledgling businesses get off the ground, and it is best for small start-ups looking to gain a toehold in the business world.

Funding Limits: $1,070,000

Needed Forms: The business is required to file a Form-C. Companies with successful crowdfunding offerings are required to file a Form C-AR annual report providing certain updated information 120 days from the end of their fiscal year.

Cost: While the costs of a Reg CF offering are much less than those associated with an IPO, there are still marketing costs, escrow fees and audits to be done. Experts typically say to expect a cash cost of anywhere from 6% to 15% of the total amount raised.