EarlyShares

EarlyShares emerged in 2011 as a crowdfunding platform focused on connecting accredited investors with opportunities in real estate and small businesses. The Miami-based company was founded by Steve Temes, Heather Schwarz Lopes, and Maurice Lopes with the mission to provide capital-raising solutions for entrepreneurs and developers. Stephen Temes, who served as Chairman, brought over 25 years of experience in finance, including founding a venture capital fund and a hedge fund. His co-founders and the executive team were motivated by the potential of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act to transform early-stage financing.

The firm operated as an online marketplace where real estate developers and business owners could present their projects to a pool of investors. EarlyShares provided a platform for both equity and debt crowdfunding, initially accessible only to accredited investors, with plans to open up to non-accredited investors following changes in SEC regulations. The company offered a diverse range of investment opportunities, from growth-stage private companies to commercial real estate projects and real estate investment funds. The business model involved using an "all or nothing" funding mechanism, where investor funds, held in escrow, were only disbursed if the fundraising target was met. EarlyShares would charge a percentage fee, typically between 6% and 9%, on successful campaigns.

All projects underwent a pre-vetting and qualification screening process before being listed on the platform to ensure regulatory compliance and a certain standard of quality. Over its active years, EarlyShares raised a total of $8.64 million in funding over four rounds, with its first round in August 2012 and its final debt financing round in March 2015. The company also made a couple of strategic investments and one acquisition, purchasing HelpersUnite in 2012. According to industry data, the platform has since ceased operations and is considered a deadpooled company.

Keywords: real estate crowdfunding, equity crowdfunding, accredited investors, small business financing, debt crowdfunding, online investment platform, JOBS Act, capital raising, real estate development, private investments, startup funding, investment marketplace, real estate funds, commercial real estate, peer-to-peer lending, venture capital, angel investing, investment opportunities, financial technology