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Independent Review of VentureCrowd: An Honest Assessment

VentureCrowd is an Australian-based investment platform that offers opportunities in startup equity, real estate, and venture capital. It promotes itself as a way for retail and sophisticated investors to participate in high-growth investments. However, user reviews suggest that the platform may not be as promising as it appears. Below, we provide an independent review based on customer experiences, investment risks, and overall performance.

VentureCrowd is a crowdfunding investment platform that allows individuals to invest in startups, property developments, and private equity deals. The company markets itself as a vehicle for investors to access opportunities that were traditionally limited to high-net-worth individuals and institutions. While the idea is appealing, many investors have reported significant concerns regarding the platform's execution and reliability.

Many investors have expressed dissatisfaction with VentureCrowd, citing several key issues

One of the biggest complaints from investors is the inability to access their funds when needed. For example, one investor reported that they initially invested $100,000 in 2017, expecting a 12-month term. However, they were later informed that they would have to wait until at least 2025 to recover only 80% of their capital.

Another investor who put in $100,000 in 2019 for a property project lost $85,000 due to poor management and investor tiering. These cases highlight the lack of transparency and control investors have over their money once it is committed.

Multiple reviews indicate that VentureCrowd's customer service is lacking. Many investors reported difficulty in reaching the company via phone or email. Calls are often routed to an IVR system, and messages frequently go unanswered. One user noted that despite leaving multiple messages, it took days to get a response, and even then, no real action was taken.

Several investors have reported losses rather than profits. Some real-life outcomes include:

• Investment 1 - $46.2K loss – a 92% total loss

• Investment 2 - $6.3K loss – a 25% total loss

• Investment 3 - A $20K loan with a 12-month period has remained unpaid for over 3.5 years

These numbers suggest that VentureCrowd's projects frequently underperform and fail to meet investor expectations.

Real estate projects appear to be one of the most problematic areas for VentureCrowd. Investors reported delays extending years beyond the original projected timeframes. One investor stated they were promised a 24-month turnaround but have been waiting over 60 months without receiving any distribution.

In some cases, property developments failed entirely. For instance, an investor who put $20,000 into two separate projects lost all of their money when builders went bankrupt. Another investor shared a similar experience, stating that they invested in a project for a fixed term of 12 months, only to find themselves unable to retrieve their money even years after the term ended.

A significant issue investors face is the lack of clear communication from VentureCrowd. Many have reported receiving vague or misleading updates, while others claim they were outright lied to about the status of their investments. Some investors even stated that VentureCrowd failed to provide the necessary financial statements required for their tax filings, causing further complications.

While the concept of a crowdfunding investment platform is promising, VentureCrowd appears to have serious flaws that make it a risky choice for investors. The overwhelming number of negative reviews, reports of losses, poor communication, and liquidity issues all suggest that potential investors should proceed with extreme caution.

• Access to venture capital and real estate investments

• Potential for high returns (if projects succeed)

• Open to retail investors

• High risk of capital loss

• Extremely poor customer service

• Long delays in accessing invested funds

• Many projects fail to meet promised returns

• Lack of transparency and investor control

Given the significant number of investor complaints and financial losses reported, VentureCrowd does not appear to be a reliable investment platform. While it may work for a small number of investors, the overall risks far outweigh the potential benefits. Those considering investing with VentureCrowd should conduct thorough due diligence and consider alternative platforms with better track records and customer satisfaction.

Investor Warning: Before committing funds to any investment platform, always read the fine print, ask questions, and ensure you understand the risks involved. For those who have already invested, it may be worth consulting a financial advisor on possible exit strategies.