Category: Finders

JOBS Act Broker-Dealer Registration Exemption

Broker-Dealers, Crowdfunding, Financing Your Business, Finders, Investors, Securities, Stock, Venture Capital

The JOBS Act contained many provisions which were aimed at making the capital raising process easier, simpler and quicker from a host of angles.  Many things promised in the JOBS Act will not come to fruition until the SEC promulgates the regulations on the specific topic.  Some of these are equity crowdfunding, and the ability for issuers to use general solicitation in Rule 506 offerings.

One of the things contained in the JOBS Act which went into effect immediately, was an exemption for broker-dealer registration for persons or entities acting as brokers in certain 506 offerings.  The SEC just confirmed this in a recent FAQ available here.  I’ll give a quick overview below. Read more

To Register or Not to Register?: Broker-Dealers and Finders

Accredited Investors, Broker-Dealers, Financing Your Business, Finders, Investors, Private Placements, Securities, Stock, Venture Capital

If you are involved in a startup you undoubtedly have heard about the company’s need to raise money. If you’ve gone the regular route you may be funded by institutional investors, like an angel or VC fund. The company may also have raised money through a private placement by selling equity to investors directly or through brokers.

You may have heard of another type of person involved in the capital raising process called a “finder”.   Everyone has heard of the term a “finder’s fee” which is known to be about 10% of the overall transaction.   The concept is the same with startup financing or M&A activities, although who can qualify as a finder and how they can be compensated has been a big deal with the SEC in the last couple years.  The real issue is when anyone can act as a finder, and if they really should be registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer. Read more