KNOW MORE BEFORE YOU INVEST
Interested in pre-IPO investing? Learn what to check, who to verify, and which questions to ask before your money moves.
Links to independent resources. No affiliation or endorsement.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Work through seven checks and leave with a practical question list.
Check the offerUnderstand structures, fees and risks before discussing opportunities.
Get the free toolkitFind immediate steps and direct links to official reporting channels.
See what to doRECOGNIZE THE PATTERN
Illustrative phrases to question—not findings about any particular person or company.
A real broker’s identity or a copied registration page can be used by someone else.
What to checkA confident timeline does not establish an IPO, allocation or a future selling price.
What to checkThe business may be real while the seller’s claim to shares is unsupported.
What to checkAn embedded price markup can still materially change what you pay.
What to check
THE PRE-IPO DUE DILIGENCE TOOLKIT
A useful framework for the documents, people and numbers behind an offer. Free to use, print and bring to your next conversation.
VERIFY AT THE SOURCE
Check people, firms, filings and reporting options. Each source answers a different question.
Federal securities regulatorFind offering and company filings in EDGAR. Match the legal entity, filing date and document type.
Search company filingsA filing is not SEC approval of an investment.
Report suspected securities fraud
Broker-dealer self-regulatory organizationResearch a broker or firm by name or CRD number. Read current registrations and disclosure details.
Open BrokerCheckA real registration can be impersonated. Verify contact details independently.
File an investor complaintSEC and state adviser recordsLook up advisory firms and representatives. Review Form ADV, services, fees and reported conflicts.
Research an investment adviserRegistration is not an endorsement or a guarantee of performance.
How to check registrationTHE INVESTOR’S READING LIST
5 MIN READVerify the seller
Separate the identity of a real professional from the identity of the person contacting you.
Read the guide6 MIN READUnderstand the structure
The name in the pitch may be different from the legal entity on your subscription agreement.
Read the guide4 MIN READProtect the payment
Use a deliberate pause between receiving payment instructions and authorizing a transfer.
Read the guideFIND THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Explore advisor directories and learn how to compare credentials, fees and conflicts before choosing someone to help.
Search CFP® professionals by location and planning needs.
Explore the CFP Board directory
Use NAPFA’s directory to find professionals to research and compare.
Search the NAPFA directorySTART WITH YOUR QUESTIONS
Tell us what you are evaluating and where you need clarity. The team can discuss resources and possible next steps.
Get help evaluating an offerDirectories are research starting points, not guarantees. Verify every professional’s registration, disclosures, services and compensation. These organizations do not endorse this site.
INTERESTED, BUT WANT TO BE CAREFUL?
Tell us what you are exploring. The site team can respond to your questions and discuss next steps, including whether a professional introduction would be helpful.
Get help evaluating an offer No investment commitment. Optional phone contact.
No. Our tools organize your answers and identify questions to pursue. They do not authenticate documents, query regulator databases on your behalf, certify sellers or determine whether an investment suits you.
No. Some securities offerings rely on lawful exemptions from registration. The offering and the people selling it raise separate questions. Ask which rules apply and verify the explanation with qualified professionals or the relevant regulator.
No. A Form D is a notice of an exempt offering. Its existence is not a regulator’s endorsement, verification of the seller’s shares or guarantee against fraud.
Eligibility depends on the offering and the applicable exemption. Many private offerings limit participation. Do not assume an open website, a minimum investment amount or a questionnaire establishes your eligibility.
Your inquiry is received by the site and its authorized network team, including its CRM for follow-up. Any proposed introduction or professional engagement should be explained separately. Phone contact and educational updates are optional. Read our privacy notice for details.
Contact your bank or brokerage immediately and ask about a fraud escalation and possible recall. Preserve the evidence and use the official reporting links. Do not wait for a response to our inquiry form.
Contact your bank promptly. Keep your records. Use official reporting channels.
