Retail investors just raised way more money than you’d expect. $447M in the first half of 2025, which is 60% higher than last year and the highest volume since the 2021 peak.

Getting Serious

Retail investors are getting serious and average check sizes are climbing. Due diligence is getting easier and better. Retail investors are not just rolling the dice anymore.

Reg A+ Growth

Reg A+ exploded with 157% recent growth, with some larger deals bypassing traditional VCs entirely.

Companies are raising millions from thousands of retail investors and popping them all onto one SPV on their cap table.

The VC Question

Some founders are asking:

Why give up 20% to a single VC when you can raise from retail investors with less dilution and a single accountable person for the whole group?

Conclusion

The numbers show retail investors are getting serious about startup funding. With better due diligence tools and higher check sizes, they’re becoming a real alternative to traditional venture capital. The Reg A+ explosion proves companies can successfully raise millions from thousands of retail investors while keeping their cap table organized.

The old gatekeepers might be losing relevance as founders discover they can get funding with less dilution and simpler management.

Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn or check out my Patron View for more content like this.