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Help Centre

Whether you're fundraising, backing or referring, we answer all your questions here.
  • What is FUNDH3R?
    FUNDH3R is a rewards and equity crowdfunding platform, exclusively for women. You can contribute money to an idea or startup you believe in, or invest money in return for equity in a business, and entrepreneurs can secure funding directly from their biggest supporters - you. We started this journey on a mission to close the funding gap for women, with than less than 2% of venture capital funding being awarded to women and a lack of alternative options to support female growth. Inspired by an unshakeable belief in female entrepreneurs that dream big, and a desire to help them raise money to bring their ideas to life – and we wanted everyone to share in the opportunity. So we’re here to make supporting and investing in female-founded businesses accessible, and entrepreneurs can harness the belief they get from their customers, investors, friends and fans. Why invest with us? Simple. Contribute or buy shares from just £10. Secure. We keep your data safe and shareholdings secure. Regulated. We’re authorised by regulators in the UK. Tax perks. Reduce risk by claiming up to 50% of your investment back through government tax relief schemes. Community. Join our female investor community, a driven and ambitious group of women who who invest in each other's success.
  • What is Rewards-Based Crowdfunding?
    Rewards-based crowdfunding from FUNDH3R allows contributors to support female-led businesses by making financial contributions in exchange for unique rewards, rather than equity or ownership. Contributors can back campaigns at various levels, with each level offering specific perks such as early access to products, exclusive discounts, limited-edition items, or personaliSed experiences. This approach not only helps founders raise the capital they need but also builds a community of supporters who believe in their vision and want to be part of their journey.
  • What is Private Equity Investing?
    If you invest in a business on FUNDH3R, you become an investor in the company – you have a share of ownership, or equity, in that business. Most investments are for Ordinary Shares, giving you voting and pre-emption rights on those shares, but you should check the share class on the pitch as this can vary. In most cases, your shares will be held for you by The Female Network TFN Nominees Ltd. If the business is a success and is eventually bought by another company or goes public at a higher value than it was when you first invested, you’ll get a return on your investment. However, the opposite is also true. If the company fails, you may lose some, or all, of your investment. Investing in startups and early-stage businesses is long term and high risk. The majority of startups fail or do not deliver shareholders a return on their investment. Liquidity, or the ability to cash in your investment, is limited as it typically relies on the company being sold or going public. In addition, dividend payments are rare and the likelihood of your percentage shareholding being diluted by future fundraising is high. So it’s important to diversify your investment portfolio by spreading your money across multiple investments and asset types. While you cannot eliminate all types of risk, this will help cushion your losses if some of your investments fail.
  • Am I Eligible to Invest on FUNDH3R?
    To invest on FUNDH3R, you need to be over 18 years old and legally entitled to invest. You’ll also need to be a resident of the UK. When creating your account, make sure you create it in your own name, as we can’t accept joint investments. You’ll also be asked to choose an investor category and complete a quick questionnaire. This is to ensure you understand the high-risk nature of investing in startups and early-stage businesses. If you receive independent advice, you don’t have to fill out the questionnaire. These investor types won’t apply to all other platforms.
  • How to Equity Invest on FUNDH3R
    Step one: Join our community Joining FUNDH3R is free and carries no obligation to invest. You will be required to verify your email, self-categorise your investor type, and complete a short assessment to show you understand the risks of investing. You will not be able to invest in the first 24 hours of creating your account as we're legally required to ask new members to wait. Step two: Find your inspiration You’ll be able to view the full pitch, including the video and discussions. You will also be able to request access to the company's Restricted Documents. You can also ask for further information or interact directly with entrepreneurs using our discussion boards. Step three: Invest from just £10 When you find a business you like you can invest directly through the pitch page. You’ll have the option to invest a multiple of £10. You can then click ‘Invest now’ and that’s it you’ve made an investment! Payment won’t be taken until after the pitch has successfully closed the funding round. You will be notified no less than 24 hours before payment is taken. Step four: We’ll sort the paperwork Once the pitch funds and is closed to further investment, we will be working in the background to complete the round. At this stage, you’ll receive a copy of the company’s proposed Articles of Association, you will also be notified of a 4-day cooling off period so you can review the Articles and consider your investment. After the cooling off period, your investment will become legally binding and we will capture the payment for your investment. Step five: You’ll receive your share documentation We will work with the company to finalise share numbers. Once complete, we will email you with a link for you to download your ownership statement. You will also be able to download your statement via the Portfolio Section of your FUNDH3R account. Once shares have been issued, the company will contact investors directly regarding any rewards offered.
  • What Happens When I Become a FUNDH3R Investor?
    If you invest in a business on FUNDH3R you will become a shareholder in that company. In most cases your shares will be held on for you by The Female Network TFN Nominees Ltd. The amount you invest, and the equity issued/number of shares bought will affect your percentage of ownership in the business. Once your investment has been processed by FUNDH3R and we have collected your payment you will be sent your share documentation. Most investments are for Ordinary Shares held by The Female Network TFN Nominees and you will have voting and pre-emption rights on those shares. However, you should check the share class on the pitch as this may vary from time to time. Investing in startup and early stage businesses is high risk. The majority of startups fail or do not deliver shareholders a return on their investment. Liquidity, or the ability to cash in your investment, is limited as it often relies on the company being sold. Such investments in start up and early stage companies are long-term investments. Dividend payments are rare and the likelihood of an investor's percentage shareholding being diluted by future fundraising is high. Investors should therefore implement a diversification strategy when building an investment portfolio. Diversification involves spreading your money across multiple investments and will give you, as an investor, greater peace of mind that your investments will be sustained in adverse market conditions, and losses will be cushioned. However, it will not lessen all types of risk. In recent months the FCA has been working to introduce a set of regulatory reforms with a focus on consumer protection, with the new Consumer Duty coming into force on 31 July 2023. As part of these changes, the FCA released an industry-wide clarification related to the ‘Restricted Documents’ section of pitch pages. As of November 2024, FUDNH3R implemented a change to comply with the FCA’s guidance, meaning that 'Restricted Investors' no longer have the ability to download the Investment Deck from companies raising funds through FUDNH3R. While the change impacts the way restricted investors access Investment Decks, we want to ensure that all investors still have access to essential information for making informed decisions. To address this, FUNDH3R will conduct a thorough review of all Investment Decks and ensure that any material information is prominently displayed on the Pitch Page or in the Summary of Key Information (SKI). This will provide investors with the necessary details they need to evaluate investment opportunities. Our goal is to create a fair and transparent investment environment for all investors, and these measures are designed to achieve just that. We continue to strive to improve the investment experience for everyone on FUNDH3R.
  • What qualifications and experience do the coaches and mentors have?
    Our coaches and mentors are highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields. They hold advanced degrees and certifications in areas such as psychology, coaching, business management, and personal development. Many of our team members have years of hands-on experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and lead more fulfilling lives. Rest assured, when you work with a Success Mapping coach or mentor, you're receiving guidance from experts who are dedicated to your success and well-being.
  • Are coaching sessions conducted in person or online?
    All our coaching sessions and workshops are conducted online to ensure accessibility and convenience for our clients. This approach allows us to reach as many women as possible, regardless of location or schedule constraints. Through our online platform, clients can connect with their coaches from the comfort of their own homes or businesses, making it easier than ever to access the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals.
  • What kind of support can I expect during the 12-week implementation period?
    During the 12-week implementation period, you can expect comprehensive support from our team, including: Expert advice, coaching and services to help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed. Access to resources and tools that facilitate your growth and development. Motivation and encouragement to keep you focused and on track.
  • What measures are in place to ensure the privacy and security of my personal information?
    At The Female Network, we take the privacy and security of your personal information very seriously. We have robust measures in place to safeguard your data and ensure confidentiality at every step of your journey with us. These measures include: Secure Data Encryption: We use industry-standard encryption protocols to protect your personal information when it is transmitted over the internet. Confidentiality Agreements: Our team members are bound by strict confidentiality agreements to ensure that your personal information remains confidential at all times. Limited Access: Only authorised personnel have access to your personal information, and access is restricted to only those individuals who require it to provide you with the services you have requested. Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities in our systems and processes. Compliance with Regulations: We adhere to all relevant privacy laws and regulations to ensure that your personal information is handled in accordance with the highest standards of data protection. With these measures in place, you can trust that your personal information is in safe hands. If you have any further questions about our security policies, please email: support@thefemalenetwork.com
  • What outcomes can I expect from the Success Mapping process?
    By signing up to Success Mapping, you can expect: A clearer understanding of your personal and professional goals. Practical strategies to overcome barriers and achieve your objectives. Enhanced self-awareness and confidence. Tangible progress towards your goals within the 12-week period. A sustainable action plan for continued growth and success beyond the program.
  • What is a Nominee?
    What is a nominee? When you invest in a company on FUNDH3R, your shares in that company will usually be held by a nominee. In short, this means that we hold and manage your shareholding, but you still get all the benefits of being a shareholder: Stay in control with votes on key decisions. Access pre-emption and follow-on rounds. Keep updated on key developments. Fully managed service when your shares are acquired or pay a dividend. How does the nominee structure work? Rather than issuing the shares to you directly, the shares are instead issued to a nominee company: The Female Network TFN Nominees Ltd. The nominee is named in the company’s register of investors and will be the legal holder of the shares. The company will communicate directly with the nominee, but may also send you updates directly. The nominee will hold the shares on trust for you – the beneficial owner – and FUNDH3R will administer the holding by the terms set out in the Investor Terms to safeguard your rights and entitlements. You should read the legal review which will be attached to the email you are sent after the pitch closes to investment and the Investor Terms, which apply to every investment. How does voting work? If we need to get your vote on a matter, we’ll poll all FUNDH3R investors in that company electronically, and instruct the nominee to vote in accordance with the wishes of the majority of investors who respond. We work out the majority according to how many shares the responding investors hold. For example, if: the nominee holds 100,000 shares on behalf of FUNDH3R investors; the beneficial holders of 60,000 shares respond; and of these, the holders of 54,000 shares (94% of the shares held by the respondents) indicate that they want to vote for the resolution, then the nominee would vote in favour of the resolution with all 100,000 of its shares (including those held on behalf of investors who did not vote or who voted against). Will I get pre-emption rights? Where the company offers its investors the opportunity to exercise pre-emption rights – ie investors are given the opportunity to buy additional shares before the shares are made available to other investors – FUNDH3R will make the nominee’s allocation of shares available to you and the other investors via a private pitch on FUNDH3R. What happens if the company is sold or pays a dividend? Returns on your shares (for example, dividends or the proceeds of any sale) are transferred to you by the nominee. If this happens, you will be asked to confirm your bank details so we can issue any return to you. Will my investment still be eligible for EIS/SEIS? Provided the company, the shares being offered and you meet all of the requirements to qualify for EIS, your investment will still be eligible for EIS and the tax relief the schemes offer. How do I know if my shares will be held by a nominee? If the shares are being offered via a nominee, this will be noted in the “Share Types” section of the pitch page and the legal review/explanatory note attached to the pitch. Once share certificates are issued to your portfolio when viewed you will see 'Beneficial Ownership' meaning the shares are held under nominee. Can I transfer my shares? In most cases, you can transfer the beneficial title to your shares to another FUNDH3R member without any restriction. You just need to get in touch with the support team and they will assist you with transferring the shares into the name of the buyer. However, we currently can’t help you find a buyer – you need to find them yourself. We also do not get involved in the transfer of funds, but we can recommend a secure transfer payment agent if you would prefer that security. We typically find that the most common transfers are to family and friends. We can usually arrange this pretty quickly and at minimal cost. There are some exceptions to the above. If you hold shares in Monzo, for example, you should refer to the Monzo Community Forum, which gives details about transfers of shares in Monzo.
  • What are the Fees for Investing on FUNDH3R?
    There is a £25 per year fee for becoming a member of FUNDH3R’s investor community. The investment fee per investment is 2.50%, for all investments made in pitches. The investment fee, which is now subject to a minimum of £250 and remains capped at a maximum of £250, is collected when the payment for your investment is processed by The Female Network. We also charge a 5% success fee if you make a profit on your investment. This is to service the ongoing support we provide to represent your interests as a shareholder. Investment Fee When making an investment, a fee of 2.50% of the amount invested is applied to each investment. The investment fee, including the exact amount being applied to your investment, is outlined in the investment process before your investment is pledged. This fee, which is subject to a minimum of £2.50 and is capped at a maximum of £250, is collected when the payment for your investment is processed by FUNDH3R. The investment fee covers some of our costs associated with providing access to investment opportunities on the platform. This includes: The running and optimisation of the FUNDH3R platform, which enables investors to access some of the most exciting and ambitious businesses from the UK 24/7. Our compliance and legal team, which undertakes the due diligence outlined in our Charter to ensure a pitch is ‘fair, clear and not misleading’ for investors. Managing the completion of an investment including payment capture, anti-money laundering checks and issuing of share certificates. Providing support to investors, both during and after a campaign. Investors can contact us down the road and we will always be available to help. For example: Your investment £10 FUNDH3R's investment fee £2.50 Total amount collected £12.50 Success Fee The success fee aligns our long-term success to yours, so is only payable if you make a profit on your investment; there are no annual fees for the ongoing support we provide once you’ve made an investment. If you make a return on your investment, you’ll keep 95% of any profit, and we’ll take a 5% fee for managing your investment over the years. If your investment doesn’t make a profit, then there is no charge. For example if you invest £10,000 and receive a return of £100,000, you’ll receive your £10,000 investment back, as well as 95% of the £90,000 profit, which equates to £95,500. FUNDH3R’s success fee would be £4,500, which equates to 5% of the £90,000 profit. The success fee, which is sometimes also known as ‘carry’, covers all the work we undertake to manage your investment. This includes: Liaising with companies to ensure you are kept up to date with key business updates, and where relevant, managing investor votes to ensure you have your say on important business decisions. Managing pre-emption and follow-on rounds to ensure you can maintain your stake in the company and continue to fuel its growth. Taking care of all the admin needed to receive a return on your investment when a business you have invested in exits, pays a dividend or sells shares via a secondary share sale. FUNDH3R’s success fee only applies to profits made on investments in businesses that opened to investment on or after the 1st of April 2021.
  • What are the Risks of Investing in Equity Crowdfunding?
    As with any investment, there are risks associated with crowdfunding investments, particularly when investing in startups and early-stage businesses. The three main risks to consider when investing in equity are: 1. The business may fail or won’t grow enough to deliver a return to investors If this happens, you won’t receive any of your money back. 2. Even if the business succeeds your investment is likely to be illiquid This means your investment will be locked into the business for a long time – often several years – and you are unlikely to be able to sell your share or withdraw your investment quickly, should you need to. You also may not receive dividends on your investment as the business looks to reinvest any profits to facilitate further growth. 3. Your holding in the business may be diluted If the business raises more funds at a later date (which most startups and early-stage businesses do) the percentage of equity you hold in it may decrease relative to what you originally bought. Dilution in itself is not a bad thing, but it is something you need to be aware of. You can somewhat mitigate the risks attached to crowdfunding investments by investing in a diverse portfolio of business. Many startups don’t succeed, but having a diversified portfolio means that even if just a few of your investments are successful, they may deliver a large enough return to make up for any potential losses. To date, only 14% of businesses that have raised money on FUNDH3R have failed, demonstrating the sophistication of crowd investors. Learn more about the risks of equity crowdfunding investments in our full risk warning.
  • Am I Protected as an Investor?
    We're confident that entrepreneurs listed on FUNDH3R have the best intentions and will treat investors fairly and without prejudice. However, in the unlikely event things don't go to plan it is important that you're protected. Company Law already gives minority shareholders class rights and protects them against unfair prejudice from unscrupulous behaviour. You may also get full voting and pre-emption rights depending on the investment you make, which will give you even greater protection. That's why we verify key statements made on every pitch to ensure that its fair, clear and not misleading before putting it live. Your research and judgement is still vital but it's reassuring to know we're checking things too. Growth Capital Ventures Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. As such, investors are treated as customers of Growth Capital Ventures Limited and therefore have the potential to be compensated out of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme established and operated by the Financial Conduct Authority, in the event that Capital Ventures Limited should fail in the conduct of its FCA regulated activities. However, investors will not be able to claim under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme merely because a investee company FUNDH3R fails. Details of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme may be found at www.fscs.org.uk.
  • What is FUNDH3R's Equity Crowdfunding Due Diligence Process?
    We review and approve every pitch on the site to ensure that all the information is fair and clear. We conduct due diligence on the company, its legal structure and directors using leading third-party providers like Creditsafe, Experian and Trulioo. We also verify evidence supporting any claims being made by the business, such as market size, contracts and partnerships to ensure the information provided is accurate. This process can take between 3-4 weeks, and sometimes longer if the company or raise is complicated. To make this process as open and transparent as possible, we’ve set out everything we check before approving a business’s pitch in our Due Diligence Charter, which we update regularly. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend you do your own research before investing as your capital is at risk. Here are five tips for conducting your own due diligence on a company and its pitch: Value proposition. Why will customers or clients buy this product or service? It should be significantly better than current alternatives. Market. Generally, the larger the market the better – ideally global. If the sector is unfamiliar to you, get to know it before you invest. Barriers. What’s stopping competitors from doing the same thing? The company should have some sustainable competitive advantage. Management. Who’s running the company? Do they have knowledge and experience of their market? Are they passionate and committed? Financials. Is the valuation realistic? Is the business easily scalable? In other words, can it grow with a need for modest amounts of capital? Learn more about doing your own due diligence.
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