Ready for SEC

The main ways a company raises money from investors under SEC rules, and what to prepare before you start. Terms and limits change — always confirm current details on sec.gov.

General information only — not legal, tax, financial or investment advice. Selling shares is regulated; work with a licensed securities attorney. Beware of anyone promising guaranteed funding. Disclaimer

Capital-raising paths

Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF)

Raise money from the general public through an SEC-registered funding portal.

Suits: Early companies with a community or customer base ready to invest small amounts.

Read on sec.gov

Regulation D (Rule 506(b) and 506(c))

Private offerings, mostly to accredited investors, without full SEC registration.

Suits: Founders raising from angels, investor networks or venture funds.

Read on sec.gov

Regulation A (Tier 1 and Tier 2)

A lighter 'mini-IPO' path that lets companies offer shares to the public with SEC review.

Suits: Growing companies ready for audited financials and ongoing reporting.

Read on sec.gov

Going public (IPO)

Full SEC registration and listing on a stock exchange.

Suits: Mature companies with audited history, a strong team and legal and banking advisers.

Read on sec.gov

Get your company ready

  • Form a corporation or LLC with clean ownership records
  • Keep business and personal money fully separate
  • Produce financial statements (reviewed or audited as your path requires)
  • Write a business plan, executive summary and pitch deck
  • Document your cap table — who owns what
  • Line up a securities attorney and an accountant

Build your plan, summary and pitch deck in Corporate Offices.

SBA, SEC and Nasdaq

SBA — Small Business Administration

A government agency that backs business loans — 7(a) loans, microloans and 504 loans — and matches owners with approved lenders.

Suits: Businesses looking for loans rather than investors. Many programs ask for two years of operation.

Read on sba.gov

SEC — Securities and Exchange Commission

The federal regulator for raising money from investors. Its small-business hub explains each exemption and the rules you must follow.

Suits: Any company planning to sell shares or take outside investment.

Read on sec.gov

Nasdaq

The stock exchange where growing companies list their shares to go public. Its listing center publishes the requirements — financials, market value and shareholder counts — and the process.

Suits: Companies preparing for an IPO, the step after private fundraising.

Read on nasdaq.com

Programs, rules and listing requirements change — confirm current details on the official sites.

Mentor classes: preparing for unicorn growth

Classes from a mentor who teaches founders how to prepare for high-growth fundraising.

Class link coming soon.