Explore the fundamentals of capital raising with the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. What pathways are available to raise capital from investors? What is the role of accredited investors? What is general solicitation? How do private funds provide capital to early-stage companies? How do I know when I am ready to raise capital from investors? What different types of securities are issued to startup investors? What are the differences in friends and family, angel investors, and venture capital funds? What happens if a startup does not comply with securities laws? How do startups “exit” or provide liquidity to investors? What are the differences in an IPO, a SPAC, and a direct listing? Have ideas, suggestions, or questions we should answer? Email smallbusiness@sec.gov.