The short answer is: No, you cannot host a “Regulation Crowdfunding” (Reg CF) offering on your own website.
Under SEC and FINRA rules, all Reg CF transactions must be conducted exclusively through a single, registered intermediary—either a registered Broker-Dealer or a registered Funding Portal.
Here is the breakdown of why this is required and the one major exception where you can host your own site.
1. The Reg CF Restriction (The $5M Rule)
If your goal is to raise up to $5 million from the general public (including non-accredited investors), the law requires an “arm’s length” distance between the company and the platform.
- The Intermediary Rule: The SEC requires a third party to act as a “gatekeeper.” This intermediary is responsible for conducting background checks on your company, ensuring investors don’t exceed their legal investment limits, and providing educational materials.
- Exclusivity: You are only allowed to use one intermediary for your offering. You can link to that platform from your website, but the actual “Invest” button and the handling of money must happen on the intermediary’s site.
2. The Regulation A+ Exception (The “DIY” Route)
If you are determined to host the crowdfunding site on your own domain (e.g., invest.g1nbc.com), you generally have to use Regulation A+.
- How it works: Reg A+ allows you to raise up to $75 million. Unlike Reg CF, it does not strictly require you to use a third-party funding portal.
- The Catch: It is significantly more expensive. You must file a “Form 1-A” with the SEC, which is essentially a “mini-IPO.” It requires audited financials and extensive legal review that can cost $50,000–$100,000+ before you even launch.
3. “White Label” Solutions (The Middle Ground)
Many companies that appear to host their own crowdfunding site are actually using a White Label Funding Portal.
- Services like FlashFunders, Katipult, or Envestry provide the technology for you to “skin” a platform so it looks like your website, but in the background, a registered broker-dealer is still processing the transaction to stay SEC-compliant.
Comparison: Reg CF vs. Reg A+
| Feature | Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) | Regulation A+ |
|---|---|---|
| Max Raise | $5 Million | $75 Million |
| Can host on your site? | No (Must use a portal) | Yes (Directly on your site) |
| SEC Review | Minimal (Notice filing) | High (Full Qualification) |
| Upfront Cost | Low ($2k–$5k) | High ($50k–$100k+) |
| Audited Financials | Only if raising >$124k* | Mandatory |
Note: For first-time Reg CF issuers, the audit threshold is currently higher, but generally, a “Review” by a CPA is required for raises over $124k.