StartEngine

On 4/17/25 I sent $6000 to StartEngine for 5240 shares in StartEngine. As of today 5/1/26, I am still receiving communications from them that my investment is incomplete even though they've acknowledged receiving the funds. I AM COMPLETELY LOSING MY MIND! I requested my money back and it was denied with the argument that a refund request must be made within 48hours and mine was not. I didn't know that my money wasn't invested on 4/17/25 when I sent it. They acknowledged receipt of the funds and told me that my status had been updated then informed me on 4/21/25 that my funds were in escrow. I have no use of my money and nothing to show for it.

I like the variety of offerings, especially the relatively new one's involving more advanced companies via an intermediate LLC. But once things get funded, there are few follow-up reports regarding how the funded company is doing and what an exit might look like at some point. This applies also to the Start Engine offering itself. I have no idea what the business plan is and when there might be an orderly exit. The potential of selling into a secondary market at a deep discount is not a substitute for a periodic progress report about funded companies. For these reasons I have slowed down my investments considerably and have no idea how I will ever get out of most of the ones I am in.

Good points:
- Customer service timing is quite good. They go straight to the point and solve your issues. They are very kind, respectful, and responsive. Very good customer service.
- Company referral program rewards are awesome.
- Investing in companies is easy and straightforward.
- The verification process is easy and straightforward.
- Transparency with fees and costs.
- Issuance of the subscription agreement is a fast and reliable process.
- Most momentum companies and listings' details are useful.

Not so good:
- I'm an international trader/investor. It was easy to purchase StartEngine shares, but trading is disallowed on the marketplace for international traders. Please support international investors because it's not easy to sell outside the marketplace.
- Company referral acceptance is complicated. Not every company is a good fit to raise money on StartEngine, which makes the prospecting process difficult.
- It could be great to show the current share value on the dashboard.

I've seen enough of these to notice a pattern: a small company crowdfunding capital so they can secure additional financing. Then... nothing. Even those opportunities that turn public, or are taken over, will be no more than a breakeven proposition. If that. Save your cash for the real stock/bond markets.

Business owner with a successful 2 year old start up looking to augment its funding. After providing a highly detailed business overview and summary, which they solicited but never read, scheduled call which they were not prepared for, talked in circles reading a script the entire call. It felt like a joke as the call was so ridiculous. When he realized he had a knowledgeable business asking real questions, his scripting went to "not good fit" mode. Don't waste your time here. Next!

That exclamation point in their logo should be looked at as a flashing WARNING alert. Horrible communication. Limited ability to access. Unclear process. After hearing many positives, Start Engine sadly is an example of the precarious modern "tech company" that states "we are here to help" and then does the complete opposite in their process and interactions. From multiple sources, along with my own experience, this disorganization is the current norm within the last year at Start Engine. BE WARY and ensure they have their plan, customer response, and business model in better shape before investing your time and money on this risky venture of a company. "Mr Wonderful" has some work to do whipping them into shape.

When reading your purchase agreement you're screwed. The contract says its for long-term investors. Who knows what long-term means? Start Engine says I can sell them myself but you never know the value good luck. Who would buy something useless? You will go around in circles trying to see the progress I give up. I have seven certificates This is my interpretation. Any good help would be appreciated that is not confusing.

You can be subjected to 3-4% in transaction fees, then another 5% once you sell anything your investing in. Naturally you'll be taxed 15-20 percent on any gains depending on your taxable income. Just go to Fidelity.com get into a medium/ medium high investment and feel more satisfaction that your not getting hosed over by these scam artists taking advantage of those trying to do good.

I invested in Mr O'Leary core hold account Start Engines to see if this was something that I would make me small return of 6 to 8% After one year I lost 67% I am. not sure I can get the remaining 34% back. I was hoping that the holding company that charges large fees would be a safer risk. Thank God I invested $1,000. According to the value of my 89 stocks it is worth $325. I do even know if there are any takers at that amount. Looks like a scam to me. My other $700 has no value. Stay away unless you have money to burn

They have some interesting offerings but they are just horrible to deal with. First, no responses to phone calls. Then, they would no longer accept phone messages and you would need to email them. Five days later, three emails and no response on a specific issue of payment. There are many other platforms and if customer service means anything to you, especially if you are a company making an offering on their site, I would look elsewhere.

Hello My name is del and i would like to send a big thank you! Out to Start Eng. For every thing you have done in getting this platform up and going so smoothly WOW you guys are amazing! I started out a couple years ago investing in start ups with three other companys. They all three were not very good at communicating and to be honest i did not feel comfortable investing with them but i did a little until i found Start Eng. Since that day ive deleted every email from all the other guys and have only used St Eng. I really do believe in this concept can you just imagine with me for one min. What your bank roll would like if you could have invested even 500.00 in amazon or tesla when they first started! And ill bet my last dollar that St. Eng. Will find us more than just a few good ones just like them!