Lightning Ventures, a VC firm in the Bitcoin space, recently unveiled Thunder Funder, a Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) portal, during the Bitcoin 2024 conference. This platform is designed to democratize early-stage investing in Bitcoin and open-source startups, allowing both accredited and non-accredited investors to participate.
Opening Up Investment Opportunities
Thunder Funder operates within the Reg CF framework, enabling companies to raise up to $5 million annually from the public. This move marks a significant shift as it provides retail investors with access to startup investment opportunities that were previously out of reach. It particularly targets individuals interested in the thriving Bitcoin and open-source sectors.
Empowering Retail Investors
Having already invested over $6.8 million in almost 40 Bitcoin companies, Lightning Ventures is now broadening its reach. According to Mike Jarmuz, CEO of Thunder Funder, the platform is set to attract a new wave of retail investors who were previously on the sidelines.
A Strong Founding Team
The team behind Thunder Funder includes CTO Uncle Rockstar, a key contributor to BTCPay Server, and COO Vivek Patel, who brings valuable experience from his time at PrimeTrust. Additionally, notable figures such as Max Keiser, Swan Bitcoin CEO Cory Klippsten's El Zonte Capital, Brad Mills, and Chris Hunter have already shown support by investing in Lightning Ventures' $500,000 pre-seed round to kickstart the platform.
Direct Funding for Innovation
With Thunder Funder, regular investors now have the opportunity to directly support groundbreaking Bitcoin projects that were traditionally reserved for accredited and institutional investors. This shift in accessibility could potentially drive faster development and advancements within the Bitcoin and open-source ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Open a Precious Metal IRA?
It is important to decide if you would like an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If you do, you must open the account by completing Form 8606. Next, fill out Form 5204. This will determine the type of IRA that you are eligible for. This form should be filled within 60 calendar days of opening the account. Once you have completed this form, it is possible to begin investing. You can also choose to pay your salary directly by making a payroll deduction.
For a Roth IRA you will need to complete Form 8903. Otherwise, the process is identical to an ordinary IRA.
To be eligible for a precious metals IRA, you will need to meet certain requirements. The IRS requires that you are at least 18 years old and have earned an income. For any tax year, your earnings must not exceed $110,000 ($220,000 for married filing jointly). You must also contribute regularly. These rules are applicable whether you contribute through your employer or directly from the paychecks.
An IRA for precious metals allows you to invest in gold and silver as well as platinum, rhodium, and even platinum. However, you won't be able purchase physical bullion. You won't have the ability to trade stocks or bonds.
To invest directly in precious metals companies, you can also use precious metals IRA. This option is offered by some IRA providers.
However, there are two significant drawbacks to investing in precious metals via an IRA. First, they don't have the same liquidity as stocks or bonds. It is therefore harder to sell them when required. They don't yield dividends like bonds and stocks. So, you'll lose money over time rather than gain it.
What are the fees associated with an IRA for gold?
$6 per month is the Individual Retirement Account Fee (IRA). This fee includes account maintenance fees as well as any investment costs related to your selected investments.
If you want to diversify, you may be required to pay extra fees. The type of IRA you choose will determine the fees. Some companies offer checking accounts for free, while others charge monthly fees for IRA account.
Many providers also charge annual management fees. These fees vary from 0% to 11%. The average rate for a year is.25%. These rates are often waived if a broker like TD Ameritrade is used.
Should You Invest in gold for Retirement?
How much money you have saved, and whether or not gold was an option when you first started saving will determine the answer. If you are unsure which option to choose, consider investing in both options.
Not only is it a safe investment but gold can also provide potential returns. Retirement investors will find gold a worthy investment.
Most investments have fixed returns, but gold's volatility is what makes it unique. This causes its value to fluctuate over time.
But this doesn't mean you shouldn't invest in gold. It is important to consider the fluctuations when planning your portfolio.
Another advantage of gold is its tangible nature. Gold is more convenient than bonds or stocks because it can be stored easily. It is also easily portable.
You can always access gold as long your place it safe. You don't have to pay storage fees for physical gold.
Investing in gold can help protect against inflation. Because gold prices tend to rise along with other commodities, it's a good way to hedge against rising costs.
A portion of your savings can be invested in something that doesn't go down in value. When the stock market drops, gold usually rises instead.
Another benefit to investing in gold? You can always sell it. Just like stocks, you can liquidate your position whenever you need cash. You don't even have to wait until you retire.
If you do decide to invest in gold, make sure to diversify your holdings. Do not put all your eggs in one basket.
Don't buy too many at once. Start with a few ounces. Add more as you're able.
It's not about getting rich fast. Instead, the goal here is to build enough wealth to not need to rely upon Social Security benefits.
And while gold might not be the best investment for everyone, it could be a great supplement to any retirement plan.
Statistics
- You can only purchase gold bars at least 99.5% purity. (forbes.com)
- Indeed, several financial advisers interviewed for this article suggest you invest 5 to 15 percent of your portfolio in gold, just in case. (aarp.org)
- This is a 15% margin that has shown no stable direction of growth but fluctuates seemingly at random. (smartasset.com)
- If you accidentally make an improper transaction, the IRS will disallow it and count it as a withdrawal, so you would owe income tax on the item's value and, if you are younger than 59 ½, an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty. (forbes.com)
- The price of gold jumped 131 percent from late 2007 to September 2011, when it hit a high of $1,921 an ounce, according to the World Gold Council. (aarp.org)
