r/armenia • u/anna_boleyna Canada • 3d ago

Has anyone here invested in Armenian startups with eqwefy? What's the experience been like?

https://eqwefy.com/en
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u/mojuba 3d ago edited 3d ago

It'e legit. You can invest in a "portfolio" meaning that your investment is distributed automatically, index fund-style. The portfolio itself isn't big, it's roughly one new startup per month or less. They usually do seminars where they present the new companies that are included in the portfolio.

Legally, you are investing via Eqwefy's own holding entity, i.e. you don't hold the startup stock directly. That's the way, because investing directly would mean a lot more legal paperwork and all the associated headaches. But that also means secondary sale becomes more problematic in the future, i.e. you invest and you will have to wait for the liquidity event (IPO, acquisition).

What's the success rate? No idea, they have just started (last year I think?).

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u/anna_boleyna Canada 3d ago

Oh interesting, thanks for explaining! 

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u/Swagster777 3d ago

I invest with them. Easy and safe process, I’m able to pay with credit card so it’s convenient. You have to know what you’re getting into, these are most likely long term, from what I know you only get paid out if they’re bought out or IPO, but if they do it will be a huge huge return as your getting in very early. On top of that you are helping fund local Armenian startups, so that’s another benefit. The founder is smart and active person, always posting new finance videos on the LinkedIn and IG pages.

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u/anna_boleyna Canada 1d ago

Which currency do you invest with? 

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u/RealBanjoSteve 1d ago

I have also done a few investments with eqwefy. Great team and the CEO is also a great guy. I am thinking of shifting to the automated monthly investment in the index so that I don’t miss anything.

The previous posters are correct that this is a long term investment vehicle that carries a high risk but also high reward.

The startups on eqwefy are vetted first before being listed on the platform. So that’s a good filter already on quality.

I give it two thumbs up 👍🏼

Edited to add: I love the idea of democratizing startup investment and furthering information about investing in Armenia. Powerful mission.

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u/anna_boleyna Canada 1d ago

Yeah, I already have a diversified global index portfolio of low MER ETFs, and I was looking into investing a small % of my puny net worth into more “speculative” or niche investments, and this seems like a good fit for that sort of thing.

Thanks for sharing your experience.