What it is

Fundrise is a direct-to-investor private markets manager headquartered in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, DC. According to its about page, it was founded in 2012, the same year it launched its first offering, and its stated mission is to build a better financial system by empowering the individual. Ben Miller is listed as co-founder and CEO.

What it offers

Fundrise lets individuals invest in asset classes that have traditionally been limited to institutions. Its homepage describes three main areas:

  • Real estate: mainly residential units and industrial assets tied to e-commerce.
  • Private credit: lending-focused investments offered through the platform.
  • Venture capital: VCX, a public venture fund listed on the NYSE that holds stakes in private technology companies.

Investors can use a personal account, a Traditional or Roth IRA, or invest through a registered investment adviser. The site mentions flexible minimums and describes its fees as low, with no promote or carried interest, but it does not publish specific percentages on the homepage. The company also builds its own software, naming tools such as RealAI, Basis and Cornice.

Scale and track record

The about page says Fundrise manages more than $2.87 billion of equity for more than 385,000 individual investors, and that it has invested in real estate valued at over $7 billion across the country since its first offering. Fundrise is investor-owned, so investors in its real estate portfolios can also become shareholders of the company. It cites recognition as a Washington Post Top Workplace and three appearances on the Forbes Fintech 50.

Why it matters for DMV founders

Fundrise is one of the larger fintech companies that has grown up in Washington, DC, and it is a useful reference point for founders building in regulated financial services. Its venture product, VCX, also gives individuals a public-market route into private technology companies. For founders, the company is most relevant as a potential employer, a peer in the DC fintech community, and an example of a consumer financial product built and scaled from the District.

How to engage

Prospective investors can review offerings and open an account on the Fundrise website, and the help center covers account types and common questions. Background on the company and leadership is on the about page, and open roles are listed on the jobs page. As with any investment, read the offering documents carefully, since private market investments can be illiquid and carry risk.