StartEngine: Pre-IPO Investing
doubtful ratingIt gives ordinary people access to investing in startups before they go public, which is a rare opportunity. But many people complain that money gets stuck, shares can't be sold, and support goes silent for years. The app regularly freezes and loses balance data.
41real score
4.8store star
6,597ratings
About the rating
The 4.8 storefront score doesn't match the review text averaging around 3.2. One user states outright that bad reviews are deleted to boost the rating. Many complaints about vanished money, an inability to sell shares and unresponsive support. This isn't about startup volatility but about blocked withdrawals and lost funds, which is a serious minus.
Strengths
What users love
- Opens private startup investing to everyone
- Not just a closed club. A chance to back companies with new technologies and potential upside. Many people like the idea of the platform itself.
Weak spots
What users hate
- Money gets stuck in the account or disappears
- Shares can't be sold
- Withdrawals drag on. Support ignores messages for months and years
- The app freezes and loses balance. Fees eat a meaningful chunk of the investment.
Who it is for
People ready to lock up money in risky startups for a long time and comfortable with weak support and low liquidity.