Get All Access for $5/mo

Letting Investors Know About Your New Venture Our expert explains how to publicly reach out to investors within the parameters of the JOBS Act.

By Jay Turo Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I have a business idea and I am ready to start talking with investors. Is it legal to publicly solicit possible investors to my business via different print or digital media, such as email newsletters and social media?

As of this year, yes, but with an important caveat. Last year, the Security and Exchange Commission lifted the 80-year ban on "general solicitation," which had prohibited entrepreneurs from publicly discussing private investment offerings. A key caveat is that the only investors allowed into a funding round are accredited investors, with their income or their net worth verified by a specified third party.  

Related: Fundraising 101: The First Timer's Guide to Pitching Investors

Jay Turo

CEO of Growthink

Jay Turo is CEO of Growthink, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm that has helped more than 500,000 entrepreneurs and business owners develop business plans, raise funding and grow their businesses. His column appears on the Growthink blog on Mondays.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Growing a Business

The Best Way to Run a Business Meeting

All too often, meetings run longer than they should and fail to keep attendees engaged. Here's how to run a meeting the right way.

Fundraising

Working Remote? These Are the Biggest Dos and Don'ts of Video Conferencing

As more and more businesses go remote, these are ways to be more effective and efficient on conference calls.

Business News

Taylor Swift Just Trolled Ryan Reynolds With a Hilarious Post That Gives a Masterclass in Social Media Promotion

The pop icon endorsed "Deadpool & Wolverine" with a post that provided a great lesson in connection.

Travel

Save Big on Business Travel with Matt's Flights Premium Plan

Access savings and custom travel support with lifetime access to Matt's Flights Premium Plan for Just $79.97.

Franchise

7-Eleven Stores in the U.S. Will Introduce Some Japanese-Inspired Changes. Here's What to Expect.

You'll soon be able to pick up some fresh sushi or a new type of snack at your local 7-Eleven — but the Big Gulp isn't going away.