AQi Logo

EDUCATION CENTER

Investor Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any fees for investing?

Read full answerCollapse answer

AQi charges a $1.00 platform service fee on each transaction. These fees cover the cost of payment processing and are clearly disclosed before you complete your investment.


Payment options and payment processing fees:


Credit Card* (CC): $0.70 + 3.15% per transaction


ACH Transfer: $1.80 + 0.15% per transaction


AQi does not permit issuers to charge investors separate or additional investment fees beyond those disclosed above. All fees associated with an offering will be clearly identified on the campaign page and in the Form C filing before you invest.

*There is a $5000 limit of Credit Card transactions.

Can I cancel my investment once I’ve made a commitment?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Yes—but there are important time limits set by SEC Regulation Crowdfunding Rule 304 that govern when and how you can cancel an investment commitment.


Here’s how it works:


- You can cancel for any reason until 48 hours before the offering deadline. If you change your mind at any point before that 48-hour window, you may cancel directly through your AQi account.


- Within the final 48 hours before the deadline, you generally cannot cancel—unless there’s a material change to the offering (for example, a major update to financial information, terms, or the issuer’s business).


- If a material change occurs, you’ll receive a notice and must reconfirm your investment within 5 business days. If you do not reconfirm, your investment will be automatically cancelled and refunded.


If the issuer decides to close the offering early, they must:


- Keep the offering open for at least 21 days,


- Provide at least 5 business days’ notice of the new closing date, and


- Allow investors to cancel up to 48 hours before the new deadline.


If the issuer does not complete the offering, all investors will be notified and their funds will be promptly refunded.


You’ll always receive an electronic notice through the AQi platform confirming any changes, deadlines, or cancellations.

Can I communicate with the founders of the businesses I invest in?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Yes! AQi encourages founder-investor interaction. Each listing includes a Q&A section where you can ask questions directly. Founders are also encouraged to host webinars and AMAs to keep investors informed and engaged.

Can I sell my investment later?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Securities sold through Regulation Crowdfunding are generally illiquid. In most cases, you cannot sell or transfer your investment for at least one year after it is issued.

Under SEC rules, you may transfer your securities during that one-year period only in the following cases:

  • To the issuer of the securities;
  • To an accredited investor;
  • As part of an offering registered with the SEC; or
  • To a family member or equivalent, a trust controlled by you or created for a family member, or in connection with your death, divorce, or similar circumstances.

After the one-year restriction period, there may or may not be any market or platform available for you to resell your investment. Some issuers or intermediaries may explore secondary transfer options, but there is no guarantee of liquidity, and investors should be prepared to hold these securities for an indefinite period of time.

Does AQi offer any investor protection features?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Yes, AQi employs strong data security measures, escrow services, and third-party payment processors to ensure your funds and personal information are protected. We also offer educational and non-advisory tools to help users better understand general crowdfunding risks. These tools do not provide investment advice or recommendations.

How are businesses reviewed before appearing on AQi?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Before an issuer's offering is listed on AQi, the company undergoes a review to confirm it meets the regulatory and disclosure requirements under Regulation Crowdfunding.

This includes verifying eligibility, reviewing required documentation, and confirming that the issuer has provided all information necessary for investors to make their own informed decisions.

AQi does not evaluate or endorse the business merits, investment potential, or quality of any offering.

How do I get returns on my investment?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Investments made through Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) are typically in early-stage or private companies. These investments are illiquid, meaning they can't easily be sold or transferred.

Investors may receive a return only if the company experiences a liquidity event—such as being acquired, going public, or buying back its securities. There is no guarantee that any of these events will occur.

Securities purchased under Reg CF generally cannot be resold for one year after purchase, except in limited circumstances allowed by law (for example, to the issuer, to an accredited investor, or to a family member).

Because most startups do not pay dividends and may not achieve an exit, investors should be prepared to hold their investment for an indefinite period and to risk losing the entire amount invested.

How do I get started?

Read full answerCollapse answer

To start investing, simply create an account on our platform, browse available offerings, and complete the necessary steps to make an investment. Once you’ve decided on a business, follow the instructions to fund your investment securely.

How do I know if investing in a crowdfunding offering is right for me?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Investing in securities offered under Regulation Crowdfunding (Section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act) differs from investing in publicly traded companies. These investments are typically illiquid, high-risk, and long-term.

Each investor must determine whether participating in Regulation Crowdfunding offerings is appropriate for their own financial situation and investment objectives. It is possible to lose some or all of the money you invest.

AQi does not provide investment advice or recommendations. Educational materials and issuer filings (such as Form C) are available on the platform to help investors understand the risks and requirements of these offerings.

How do I know which businesses to invest in?

Read full answerCollapse answer

AQi does not endorse or recommend any issuer or offering.

Each business that lists on AQi is required to provide detailed disclosures about its operations, financial condition, risks, and other material information in accordance with Regulation Crowdfunding.

This information is provided for your consideration on each issuer’s offering page.

AQi also provides general educational materials to help investors understand the crowdfunding process and associated risks. These materials are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment, legal, or tax advice.

How do I track my investments?

Read full answerCollapse answer

You can track the performance of your investments directly on our platform. We provide regular updates on each business’s financial health, milestones, and key developments to keep you informed. Additionally, our entrepreneurs are committed to providing quarterly updates. We aim for a surprise-free zone!

How does AQi make money?

Read full answerCollapse answer

AQi earns revenue through success fees paid by issuers that successfully raise capital on the platform and through platform service fees from referral or partner businesses that may advertise general products or services on AQi’s platform.

All applicable fees are clearly disclosed before an investor makes a commitment and are detailed in each issuer’s Form C.

AQi does not receive compensation for providing investment advice, recommendations, or for promoting any specific securities or issuers.

How long do investment campaigns stay open on AQi?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Campaign durations vary by issuer but typically last between 45 and 180 days.

Each offering page displays the specific closing date. AQi may send notifications to users who choose to follow a campaign to help them stay informed of updates and key dates.

How much can I invest?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Each offering on AQi sets its own minimum and maximum investment amounts, which are listed on each campaign page. In addition, federal law limits how much you may invest across all Regulation Crowdfunding offerings during any 12-month period, based on your income and net worth.

Under SEC Regulation Crowdfunding Rule 100(a)(2) and Rule 302(b)(1)(v):

- If your annual income or net worth is less than $124,000, you may invest the greater of $2,500 or 5% of the greater of your annual income or net worth.

- If your annual income and net worth are both $124,000 or more, you may invest up to 10% of the greater of your annual income or net worth, not to exceed $124,000 in total across all Reg CF investments in a 12-month period.

- If you are an accredited investor (as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D), these limits do not apply.

You may calculate income and net worth individually or jointly with a spouse, but the combined total investment cannot exceed the individual limit described above.

AQi’s investment process is designed to help you calculate your personal investment limit in accordance with SEC rules before making a commitment.

For more information, you can review:

SEC Regulation Crowdfunding Overview: https://www.sec.gov/smallbusiness/exemptofferings/regcrowdfunding

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-17/part-227

Investors can review each offering’s terms and consider their overall financial situation and risk tolerance before deciding how much to invest.

Is investing through Regulation Crowdfunding right for me?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Before investing, you should carefully consider whether this type of investment is appropriate for you.

Securities offered under Section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act—also called “Regulation Crowdfunding” or “Reg CF” investments—are very different from public-market stocks or savings accounts.

Here are a few key points to think about before you invest:

- You could lose your entire investment. Startups and small businesses often fail, and there may be no secondary market to sell your shares.

- These investments are illiquid. You generally can’t resell your securities for at least one year.

- There may be limited financial information. Unlike public companies, issuers disclose only what’s required under Reg CF.

- Diversify wisely. Don’t invest more than you can afford to lose, and consider how each investment fits within your broader financial goals and risk tolerance.

- Do your own research. Review the issuer’s Form C and offering materials carefully before committing.

If you’re unsure whether this type of investment is suitable for you, consult a financial or investment professional who can help you evaluate the risks in light of your personal situation.

Is my investment safe?

Read full answerCollapse answer

No investment is risk-free, and investing in startups can involve significant risk — including losing your entire investment.

Each business is required to disclose information about its operations, financials, and risks as part of the crowdfunding process. AQi does not guarantee the accuracy of this information or the success of any business.

Investors may lose the entire amount invested; disclosures are available for review on each offering page.

What happens after an offering is completed on AQi?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Once a Regulation Crowdfunding offering is completed, the issuer—not AQi—becomes responsible for providing any required ongoing information to investors, such as annual reports filed with the SEC (Form C-AR).

AQi’s role as a funding portal intermediary generally ends when the offering closes. Following completion of an offering, there may or may not be any ongoing relationship between the issuer and AQi. Any future communications, updates, or reporting obligations come directly from the issuer.

Although not required by SEC rules, AQi encourages founders to share progress updates with their investors approximately every three months to promote transparency and community engagement. These updates are voluntary and not part of AQi’s regulatory responsibilities.

What happens after I make an investment?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Once you invest, you’ll receive a confirmation and a digital copy of your investment agreement via AQi. You’ll then be added to the company’s investor updates and begin receiving performance communications.

What happens if a campaign doesn’t reach its funding goal?

Read full answerCollapse answer

If a business does not meet its minimum funding goal, your investment will be canceled, and no funds will be collected. AQi will notify you and return any held funds to your account.

What happens if the business I invest in fails?

Read full answerCollapse answer

If a company does not succeed, you could lose your entire investment.

Crowdfunding investments are high-risk and not guaranteed.

Each business provides required disclosures about its financials and risks so you can understand the potential outcomes before deciding whether to invest.

What information will I receive from companies I invest in, and how often?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Companies that raise capital under Regulation Crowdfunding must file certain reports with the SEC and make them available to investors:

- Form C: Filed before the offering launches, describing the company, its business, financials, and the terms of the offering.

- Form C-U: Filed to report progress toward the funding target.

- Form C-AR (Annual Report): Filed within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, providing updated financial statements and business information. This report must also be posted on the company’s website.

An issuer’s obligation to provide annual reports may end if certain conditions are met — for example, if the company:

- Has filed at least two annual reports and has fewer than 300 investors,

- Becomes a public reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act, or

- Dissolves or ceases operations.

If an issuer ends its reporting obligations by filing Form C-TR (Termination of Reporting), investors may no longer receive financial updates or ongoing information about the company.

What is an "Accredited Investor?"

Read full answerCollapse answer

An “accredited investor” is someone the SEC considers financially sophisticated enough to take on higher-risk, private investments without the usual protections. You qualify if you meet any one of these:

Individuals

Income: $200,000+ each of the last two years (or $300,000+ combined with a spouse or spousal equivalent) and a reasonable expectation of the same this year.

Net worth: Over $1,000,000 (alone or with spouse/spousal equivalent), excluding your primary residence.

Professional credentials: Hold certain FINRA licenses (e.g., Series 7, 65, or 82) and are in good standing.

Entities

Assets: Any entity (LLC, trust, nonprofit, etc.) with over $5,000,000 in assets or investments, not formed just to buy a specific security.

Professionals: Registered investment advisers (SEC or state), family offices with at least $5,000,000 in assets under management (and their family clients), certain banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, RBICs, etc.

Quick context for Reg CF (crowdfunding): both accredited and non-accredited investors may participate. The investment limits apply to non-accredited investors; accredited investors aren’t subject to those Reg CF dollar caps.

What is crowdfunding, and how does it work?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Crowdfunding is the process of raising capital for a business by collecting small investments from a large number of people. On our platform, investors can browse investment offerings in startups and growing businesses, review their financials, and choose which ones to support. Once you invest, you'll receive equity or revenue shares in exchange for your funding.

What tax considerations should I be aware of?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Investments made through AQi may have tax consequences — including potential capital gains or losses, dividends, or other income — depending on the nature of the investment and each investor’s individual circumstances.

AQi does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice and does not determine how investments will be treated for tax purposes. A qualified tax professional can help investors understand their specific obligations.

When applicable, issuers or AQi may provide required tax forms, such as Form 1099 or Schedule K-1, in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Important disclosures and risk factors are available on each issuer’s offering page for your careful review before making any investment decision.

What types of investments can I make?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Through AQi’s Regulation Crowdfunding platform, you can invest in equity or revenue-based offerings.

Equity investments give you ownership in a company, often through shares or units. If the business grows, the value of your investment could increase. However, equity investing also carries significant risks: you may have limited or no voting rights, uncertain valuations, and there may be no active market to sell your shares. You could also experience dilution if the company issues additional shares in the future.

Revenue-based investments allow you to receive payments tied to a percentage of a company’s ongoing revenue. These payments can fluctuate based on business performance and may stop entirely if revenue declines. Revenue-sharing agreements are generally subordinated to secured debt and other creditors, meaning investors are paid only after the company’s debts are satisfied.

Every investment involves risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. Before investing, consider your financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

Who can invest on AQi?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Most individuals residing in the U.S. and over 18 years old can invest on AQi. U.S. investors must comply with SEC rules. AQi provides information about investor eligibility and investment limits as defined by the SEC, including tools to help you understand how those limits may apply to you.

Why do I have to agree to electronic delivery before investing?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Federal regulations require us to confirm that every investor agrees to receive offering materials, disclosures, and confirmations electronically before making an investment. Under SEC Regulation Crowdfunding Rule 302(b)(1)(ii), a funding portal may not accept an investment commitment until the investor has consented to electronic delivery of all materials.

When you check the consent box during account setup, you’re giving AQi permission to provide documents (like Form C filings, updates, and confirmations) securely through our online platform instead of by mail. This ensures you receive information quickly and in a format you can easily access and download.

If you ever wish to revoke your consent or need paper copies, you can contact us at contact@aequitasinvest.com. Your consent will remain in effect unless and until you withdraw it by notifying us in writing or by email.

Will I continue to receive financial information from the companies I invest in?

Read full answerCollapse answer

Companies that raise money through Regulation Crowdfunding must file an annual report (Form C-AR) with the SEC and post it publicly—usually within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year. This report provides updated financial statements and basic information about the business.

However, an issuer’s reporting obligation can end under certain circumstances. A company may file a Form C-TR (Termination of Reporting) and stop publishing annual reports if, for example:

- It has filed at least two annual reports and has fewer than 300 investors,

- It becomes a public reporting company, or

- It dissolves or ceases operations.

If an issuer terminates its reporting obligation, investors may no longer receive current financial information or updates about the company’s performance.

Contact us

If you have more queries, then Contact Us.