StartEngine

I like the variety of offerings, especially the relatively new one's involving more advanced companies via an intermediate LLC. But once things get funded, there are few follow-up reports regarding how the funded company is doing and what an exit might look like at some point. This applies also to the Start Engine offering itself. I have no idea what the business plan is and when there might be an orderly exit. The potential of selling into a secondary market at a deep discount is not a substitute for a periodic progress report about funded companies. For these reasons I have slowed down my investments considerably and have no idea how I will ever get out of most of the ones I am in.

Good points:
- Customer service timing is quite good. They go straight to the point and solve your issues. They are very kind, respectful, and responsive. Very good customer service.
- Company referral program rewards are awesome.
- Investing in companies is easy and straightforward.
- The verification process is easy and straightforward.
- Transparency with fees and costs.
- Issuance of the subscription agreement is a fast and reliable process.
- Most momentum companies and listings' details are useful.

Not so good:
- I'm an international trader/investor. It was easy to purchase StartEngine shares, but trading is disallowed on the marketplace for international traders. Please support international investors because it's not easy to sell outside the marketplace.
- Company referral acceptance is complicated. Not every company is a good fit to raise money on StartEngine, which makes the prospecting process difficult.
- It could be great to show the current share value on the dashboard.

I've seen enough of these to notice a pattern: a small company crowdfunding capital so they can secure additional financing. Then... nothing. Even those opportunities that turn public, or are taken over, will be no more than a breakeven proposition. If that. Save your cash for the real stock/bond markets.

Business owner with a successful 2 year old start up looking to augment its funding. After providing a highly detailed business overview and summary, which they solicited but never read, scheduled call which they were not prepared for, talked in circles reading a script the entire call. It felt like a joke as the call was so ridiculous. When he realized he had a knowledgeable business asking real questions, his scripting went to "not good fit" mode. Don't waste your time here. Next!

I've invested in 23 and growing start engine companies. I keep close tabs on progress, updates from each company. A few high potential companies on start engine were worth my time and money to invest in first, second, third round fundraising efforts.

I find it very easy to use, quite organized. Rather than issuing all my portfolio funds to wealth manager, I enjoy the hobby of reading about smaller start ups on my own.

That exclamation point in their logo should be looked at as a flashing WARNING alert. Horrible communication. Limited ability to access. Unclear process. After hearing many positives, Start Engine sadly is an example of the precarious modern "tech company" that states "we are here to help" and then does the complete opposite in their process and interactions. From multiple sources, along with my own experience, this disorganization is the current norm within the last year at Start Engine. BE WARY and ensure they have their plan, customer response, and business model in better shape before investing your time and money on this risky venture of a company. "Mr Wonderful" has some work to do whipping them into shape.

You can be subjected to 3-4% in transaction fees, then another 5% once you sell anything your investing in. Naturally you'll be taxed 15-20 percent on any gains depending on your taxable income. Just go to Fidelity.com get into a medium/ medium high investment and feel more satisfaction that your not getting hosed over by these scam artists taking advantage of those trying to do good.

I invested in Mr O'Leary core hold account Start Engines to see if this was something that I would make me small return of 6 to 8% After one year I lost 67% I am. not sure I can get the remaining 34% back. I was hoping that the holding company that charges large fees would be a safer risk. Thank God I invested $1,000. According to the value of my 89 stocks it is worth $325. I do even know if there are any takers at that amount. Looks like a scam to me. My other $700 has no value. Stay away unless you have money to burn

I've been investing into StartEngine related opportunities for the last 2 years or so. I read through all of the reviews on here and I am completely astounded at how wrong the negative reviews are. I have had no problems investing, and every investment I've made in these startups has had great communication from both the startup and StartEngine itself. As long as you understand what you're getting into (high risk, high reward) by investing with them, you can adjust your expectations on a return based on that. I have a feeling most of the low ratings on here did not completely understand what StartEngine does, as this type of investing was not available until very recently.

They have some interesting offerings but they are just horrible to deal with. First, no responses to phone calls. Then, they would no longer accept phone messages and you would need to email them. Five days later, three emails and no response on a specific issue of payment. There are many other platforms and if customer service means anything to you, especially if you are a company making an offering on their site, I would look elsewhere.