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Frequently Asked Questions

Investing

How can I make changes to my profile or account?

Once you are logged in, click the profile icon at the top right hand corner of the web page. This will give you a list of options to make changes to your account.


What does EquitySpark do about conflicts of interest?

We will review any possible conflicts of interest that could harm investors and manage or eliminate these conflicts if and when they arise.


What is the minimum investment size?

The minimum investment size is usually £500. Each campaign will be different and the minimums can range anywhere from £10 to £10,000.


What is the Appropriateness test?

If you self-certify as a Restricted investor, before you invest we require you to complete a short questionnaire designed to find out if investing is suitable for you, and that you understand all the risks involved. You must answer a variety of questions correctly in order to pass and be eligible to invest in opportunities listed on EquitySpark.


How do you decide what opportunities are listed on EquitySpark?

We have a multi-step application process for companies choosing to raise money with us. Firstly, companies must submit an in-depth application form which includes data such as financials, management team, and business plan. If successful, one of our analysts will perform a deep-dive assessment on the company to find out more information about the opportunity. Next, the company is presented in front of the whole EquitySpark investment committee where further scrutiny is given and a decision to list the company on our platform is made. We are highly selective of what businesses we take on.


Are investments in companies listed on EquitySpark safe?

No. Investing in early-stage businesses and start-ups is high risk. The majority of companies fail and do not deliver returns to their investors. The main reason people participate in this type of investing is the hope that one or more businesses will do so well that they will compensate for any losses made in other businesses that fail. There is no guarantee however that an investor will pick one of these successful companies.

Please visit our full Risk Warning here for more on the risks on investing.


What does EIS/SEIS mean?

From time to time we put opportunities on our platform that are EIS and SEIS eligible. This means they are part of a government scheme that encourages investors to invest in early stage companies through offering some attractive tax incentives. Please see our full article on EIS and SEIS tax relief here.


How do I choose what companies to invest in?

EquitySpark does not make any investment recommendations to you. No communications through this website or any other medium should be construed as an investment recommendation. In addition, nothing on the website or related EquitySpark mediums should be considered as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security to any person in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. EquitySpark does not provide legal, financial or tax advice of any kind. If you have any questions with respect to legal, financial or tax matters relevant to your interactions with EquitySpark, you should consult a professional advisor.


Can I sell my shares on EquitySpark

We have plans to open our Secondary Market later this year. This means you will be able to buy and sell shares with other investors and shareholders in the EquitySpark platform. More information to follow.


How much can I invest with EquitySpark?

For self-certified ‘Everyday’ or ‘Restricted’ investors, the maximum you can invest per campaign is £10,000. By self-certifying as an everyday investor, you also agree not to invest more than 10% of your net assets per year in shares, bonds, or other securities not listed on a stock exchange.

For Sophisticated and High Net Worth investors there is no limit other than the maximum funding limit presented within a particular campaign.


What is diversification?

Diversification is the process of building an investment portfolio that has your money spread across a variety of investments that differ on variables such as: industry sector, stage, type, and more. This strategy helps to reduce risk exposure and can be attuned with the statement of ‘not putting your eggs all in one basket’. It is important to know that diversification will not lessen all types of risk.


What is self-certification?

Before you invest you must self-certify what type of investor you are. There are three main types to choose from: Restricted Investor, Sophisticated Investor and High Net Worth Individuals. More information can be found here.


What are EquitySpark’s fees for investing?

For investors we only charge you when you successfully complete an investment. We charge a 5% commission fee on any investments made. For example, say you invest £10,000 in a company you will be charged £500.


What is EquitySpark?

EquitySpark is a crowdfunding platform that connects investors with investment opportunities.


How do I make an investment?

First of all you need to complete your investor profile. This includes self-certifying your investor type and uploading KYC details. Once you are approved as a EquitySpark investor you can explore opportunities and choose how much you want to invest in them. If you choose to invest in an opportunity, you will be asked to pay for your investment using funds held in your EquitySpark Wallet. You can add funds to your Wallet by debit card or through a bank transfer. After the round successfully closes, funds will be released to the company and shares will be issued. Please wait at least 2 weeks after a round closes to see and track your Shares in your investor dashboard.


Do you accept EUR or foreign currencies?

At this moment in time we only accept funds in GBP, however we are looking to accept currencies in the near future.


What is KYC?

Know Your Client/Customer (or KYC) is the important process of verifying your identity, making sure you are who you say you are, and assessing your suitability to invest or raise money with us. Our KYC checks are in line with standard procedures and UK laws. For more information on our process please contact compliance@equityspark.com.


How does Investing work?

Investing in a business with EquitySpark means that you will buy shares in that business in exchange for equity (a percentage of ownership in that business), making you a direct shareholder. Companies sell shares in order to raise money and hopefully grow in value. Shareholders can potentially receive returns in the form of dividends or when an company is sold.

It is crucially important to note that investing in early stage business or start-ups is high risk. The majority of business fail and do not deliver returns to shareholders on their investment. Please see our full risk warning here.


What is a nominee?

A nominee shareholder is a person or company holding shares on someone else's behalf. The main form of a nominee is a trustee holding shares on trust for beneficiaries or a company acting as a nominee for overseas investors.

EquitySpark plans to launch a nominee service, which makes the ongoing administration of shareholder communication and dividends much easier for the fundraiser and investor. 


Raising

What are EquitySpark’s fees?

Equity Spark charges 5% commission on any funds raised.


How does EquitySpark make money?

We have a fee structure for companies raising money with us and for investors when they make a profit on shares held within our nominee.


How can I raise money on EquitySpark?

If you are an entrepreneur looking to raise funds for your business on EquitySpark, please create an ‘Entrepreneur’ account and follow the steps to complete your application. If your application is successful we will work with you to create an investment campaign for your opportunity.


I have a business idea but need guidance on how to get it off the ground.

We have our very own Labs section where we regularly post content on how to help budding entrepreneurs make their idea a reality. Check it out here.


What is EquitySpark’s Due Diligence process?

EquitySpark Limited authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. As a result, all opportunities presented on the platform are reviewed and approved to make sure that the information provided is fair, clear and not misleading.

For every company that applies to raise with us we conduct due diligence on their directors, legal structure and company history using both our own resources and third party providers.

In addition, we ask that companies issue us with supporting evidence for any claim or statement made on information such as contracts, market size, monies raised etc, so that we can ensure that information provided is accurate.


What are the requirements for applying to raise money on EquitySpark?

You can apply to raise finance with us if your business matches the following conditions:

  • Your business is a UK limited company with a valid Companies House number.
  • Your business is not involved in the following sectors/industries: Multi-level Marketing (MLM), Adult and Pornographic content, Drugs & Pharmaceutical, Online Gambling, Prostitution, Tobacco or Arms Dealing/Weapons.

How much can I raise with EquitySpark?

The minimum amount you can raise is £20,000 per campaign, the maximum amount is unlimited. Our largest raise so far has been with Britannia’s Gold Limited which raised upwards of £8 million.


How can I make changes to my profile or account?

Once you are logged in, click the profile icon at the top right hand corner of the web page. This will give you a list of options to make changes to your account.


How can I make the most out of my raise on EquitySpark?

We offer a variety of learning materials and guides to help you raise the required funds for your campaign. If your application is successful, one of our campaign managers will have sent you a information pack with everything you need to know about making your campaign work. We also have EquitySpark Labs – our dedicated portal for learning about investing and building businesses which you can access here.


I need help with my application to raise money for my business.

Please see our full guide here for applying to raise money with us. If you still are struggling, please get in touch with us at help@equityspark.com. We aim to get back to you within five working days.


I’m an entrepreneur and want to pitch at one of your live investment events.

In order to pitch at one of our live events you must first create an entrepreneur account and apply to raise money with us. We consider each application very carefully and if successful we will work together on a number of marketing ways to make the most out of your campaign including live events and webinars. 


Risk Warning & Disclaimer

Equity Spark Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 665367).

The content of this promotion has not been approved by an authorised person within the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Reliance on this promotion for the purpose of engaging in any investment activity may expose an individual to a significant risk of losing all of the property or other assets invested.

Investing involves risks, including loss of capital, illiquidity, lack of dividends and dilution, and should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. Please read the Risk Warnings before investing. Investments should only be made by investors who understand these risks. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change in future.

The Webpage it is not intended to be a promotion of any individual investment opportunity and is not an offer to the public. The summary information provided about investment opportunities on this webpage is intended solely to demonstrate the types of investments available on the Equity Spark platform, and any investment decision should be made on the basis of the full campaign. Full campaigns are available to investors who have become authorised to invest on the Equity Spark platform. All investment activities take place within the United Kingdom, and any person resident outside the United Kingdom should ensure that they are not subject to any local regulations before investing.

Equity Spark does not make investment recommendations to you. No communications from Equity Spark, through this website or any other medium, should be construed as an investment recommendation. Further, nothing on this website shall be considered an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security to any person in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. Equity Spark does not provide legal, financial or tax advice of any kind. If you have any questions with respect to legal, financial or tax matters relevant to your interactions with Equity Spark, you should consult a professional adviser.