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While the JOBS Act of 2012 opened up debt & equity private placements to the general public via crowdfunding portals, many companies still choose to bypass crowdfunding and target Accredited Investors. ("SEC Bulletin: What Does It Mean To Be An Accredited Investor?")

We see, work with, and pass-through to our Accredited Network many deals from companies seeking to raise capital from Accredited Investors.

By joining the Accredited Network, you can see those deals too, engage with entrepreneurs, learn from other values-based investors, and hopefully earn decent returns.

Benefits of Joining
It is fast and easy to join the FI Accredited Network. As a member, you'll:
  • See quality food and ag deals;
  • Have the opportunity to meet and maybe help entrepreneurs in your area;
  • Leverage due diligence amongst other members of the Accredited Network via FI's secure online DD Dataroom software;
  • Get ACH payment servicing from FI for deals with structured payments;
  • Learn how to become an investor - and a better one;
  • Diversify your investments by adding local private companies as an asset class;
  • Get invitations to social events with like-minded values-based people;
  • Support and promote local economies and build local jobs;
  • Maybe even make some money;
  • Have a direct impact on climate change, soil restoration, and social justice! 

How it Works
  1. Join by clicking the button below, completing the short form, and paying the fee.
  2. As companies become "funding ready", we'll send you an "investor interest" with pertinent info about the deal.
  3. Simply click the "I'm Interested" or "No Thanks" button for each deal.

If the deal has come through FI's Funding Readiness program:
  • We'll invite you to our secure online DD Dataroom for that company. The DD Dataroom includes a full investor package and due diligence items, and allows you to ask questions, collaborate with other potential investors, and generally dive deeply into the deal.
  • We'll coordinate investor roundtables with other potential investors and the entrepreneurs. We really don't believe in pitch-fests, preferring intimate question and answer sessions allowing personal relationships to develop.
  • You may decide to step into a "Lead Investor" role. If you've done that before, great. If not, we can help define the role and provide assistance along the way.

If the deal has come to FI already "funding ready" (through here), we'll connect you directly with the entrepreneurs, and they'll take it from there.

In addition to "accredited" deals, members of the FI Accredited Network will receive all the benefits and services members of the FI Everyone Network receive.

Fees
Like most angel groups, we charge fees to offset the costs of deal acquisition, review, and communication; due diligence; investor coordination and education; and our unpaid work in foodshed ecosystem development.

See our FAQ entry on Accredited Investor fees.