Typical timeline of returns

## Here's the real timeline When you invest through Wefunder, you're betting on the long game. These aren't like stocks you can dump whenever you need cash—your money stays invested until something big happens with the company. It usually takes years, not months, before you see any returns. ## Why investments take so long Startups are risky plays. When you buy equity or a note in an early-stage company, you're taking a chance that they'll grow into something valuable. That value doesn't materialize overnight. The company needs time to build, scale, hit milestones, and eventually reach a point where they can pay you back or where someone else sees the value you saw. ## What needs to happen (liquidity events) You can actually cash out (or get paid) when one of these things happens: - **The company gets acquired** - Another company buys them, and equity holders get a cut - **They go public (IPO)** - The company lists on a stock exchange and you can sell your shares - **Share buybacks or tender offers** - Sometimes the company or an investor buys back your shares at a valuation Until one of these things happens, any gains in your investment stay on paper. They're "unrealized," which means they're not real money yet. The value can go up or down, but you can't cash out. ## What if you need money now? If you can't wait for a liquidity event, there's a possible option: you can try to sell your shares to another interested investor. If your investment is through an SPV or custodian agreement, Wefunder can help by providing the necessary transfer contracts to make it official, but we don't negotiate or handle the money—that's between you and the buyer. If your investment falls under the 'Direct' category, we will introduce you to a contact at the company to coordinate any transfers or opportunities to sell your shares. The bottom line? Wefunder investments are built for patient capital. If you need your money soon, this might not be the right investment for you.