# Equity Crowdfunding > Equity crowdfunding is a financial mechanism that enables broad groups of investors to fund startup companies and small businesses in return for equity. It is primarily governed in the United States by the JOBS Act and managed through SEC-registered funding portals. - URL: https://optimly.ai/brand/equity-crowdfunding - Slug: equity-crowdfunding - BAI Score: 15/100 - Archetype: Phantom - Category: Financial Services - Last Analyzed: April 11, 2026 ## AI-Suggested Alternatives - Bootstrapping (https://optimly.ai/brand/bootstrapping) ## Also Referenced By - Angel Investing (https://optimly.ai/brand/angel-investing)