Building a crowdfunding platform like Fundrise can be a daunting task, but it is also a rewarding and exciting opportunity to create a platform that connects investors with exciting projects and opportunities. Here are some steps to consider when building a crowdfunding platform like Fundrise:
The History of Fundrise
Fundrise is a leading online real estate investment platform that was founded in 2010 by Ben Miller and Dan Miller. The company’s mission is to democratize access to real estate investing and provide a simpler and more transparent way for people to invest in commercial real estate.
Prior to starting Fundrise, the Miller brothers had already established themselves as leaders in the real estate industry. Ben had co-founded the real estate development firm Property Group Partners, while Dan had worked as an attorney in the real estate practice at a top law firm.
The idea for Fundrise came about as the brothers recognized the potential for online technology to revolutionize the way people invest in real estate. They saw an opportunity to create a platform that would allow individuals to easily invest in commercial real estate projects, something that had previously been reserved for only the most wealthy and well-connected investors.
Since its inception, Fundrise has grown significantly and has helped thousands of investors access opportunities in the commercial real estate market. The company has raised over $355 million in funding and has invested in over $2.8 billion in real estate projects.
Today, Fundrise is known as a pioneer in the world of online real estate investing and continues to innovate and expand its offerings to provide more opportunities for investors. The company has also played a key role in the development of the regulation crowdfunding industry, which allows for the sale of securities through online platforms.
Overall, the history of Fundrise is a testament to the power of technology and innovation to democratize access to investment opportunities and change the way people invest in real estate.
How to build a Crowdfunding Platform From Scratch
It’s not easy- but it is absolutely doable, largely as a result of the 2012 TCJA, or Tax and Jobs Act, which revolutionized how real estate developers and sponsors raise capital.
Research and understand the legal and regulatory landscape.
Crowdfunding is regulated at both the state and federal level, so it’s important to understand the laws and regulations that apply to your platform. This includes understanding the different types of crowdfunding, such as equity crowdfunding, reward-based crowdfunding, and debt-based crowdfunding, and the requirements and limitations associated with each.
Develop a clear business model.
Decide on the type of crowdfunding you want to offer and how you will generate revenue. Will you charge a fee to investors or project creators, or will you take a percentage of the funds raised?
Build a strong team.
As with any startup, building a strong team is crucial to success. Look for people with expertise in areas such as finance, legal, marketing, and technology.
Design and develop the platform.
This is the technical aspect of building a crowdfunding platform. You’ll need to decide on the technology and infrastructure to support your platform, including the user experience, security, and scalability.
Create a marketing and outreach strategy.
A strong marketing and outreach strategy is essential for attracting both investors and project creators to your platform. Consider how you will promote your platform and what channels you will use to reach your target audience.
Establish partnerships and relationships
Building relationships with other organizations and individuals in the crowdfunding industry can help you tap into new networks and opportunities. Consider partnering with incubators, accelerators, and other organizations that can help you reach a wider audience.
Ensure compliance
As mentioned earlier, compliance is a crucial aspect of operating a crowdfunding platform. Make sure you have the necessary systems and processes in place to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Building a crowdfunding platform like Fundrise requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but the rewards can be tremendous. By following these steps and being diligent about compliance, you can create a platform that helps connect investors with exciting projects and opportunities.
-Kurt Burton
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