Getting Started as a Non-Accredited Investor. Although many private investment opportunities are restricted to accredited investors, there are a growing range of options available to non-accredited investors. Many of these are accessed through online platforms. Peer-to-peer platforms offer private debt investments, while crowdfunding sites often provide both private debt and private equity opportunities. If you are a non-accredited investor, familiarize yourself with the restrictions set by the 2021 JOBS Act before you start investing.

Finding individual investment opportunities outside of online platforms. This step is for accredited investors who want to move beyond peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding platforms. The goal is “deal flow”: finding a regular source of companies that meet specified investment goals. Seek companies that have strong business models, financials, and teams. Ensuring that the fundamentals of the business are in place helps mitigate risk and maximize potential financial return.

Investing in Private Impact Funds.  By and large, investing in private impact funds requires that you be an accredited investor and be brought into the fund through a financial advisor. Ask your financial advisor what they have available and what they would recommend. Minimums in many of these funds are in the $100,000 to $250,000 range or more, though there are exceptions (more often found in private debt than private equity).

Investing in Revenue-Based Funds. Revenue-based investments tend to have more flexible minimums than most private equity deals, with some entry points in the $10,000 to $25,000 range. As with private debt and private equity, participation is generally limited to accredited investors.

Joining a Female-Focused Angel Group. The DIG DEEPER sections in this part of the Activate Your Money website provide links to women-led angel groups and angel training.