In the case of equity crowdfunding on sites like StartEngine and Wefunder, there are not technically any requirements on what stage the business is in. So yes, it could still apply to companies that are in the prototype stage. Companies could be extremely early, pre-revenue (with only an idea) or they can be much later, perhaps generating profits or pre-IPO. The difference is the valuation that the company would raise at, and whether or not it would be attractive enough for investors.
Under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), only US companies are eligible for that exemption. For investors outside of the US, it varies by each crowdfunding portal whether or not certain countries are allowed to invest. Note that there are also equity crowdfunding regulations in most other countries.
Does crowdfunding also apply to businesses in the prototype stage?
In the case of equity crowdfunding on sites like StartEngine and Wefunder, there are not technically any requirements on what stage the business is in. So yes, it could still apply to companies that are in the prototype stage. Companies could be extremely early, pre-revenue (with only an idea) or they can be much later, perhaps generating profits or pre-IPO. The difference is the valuation that the company would raise at, and whether or not it would be attractive enough for investors.
Question, is there a US platform that funds start-ups in foreign countries? That would be risky
Under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), only US companies are eligible for that exemption. For investors outside of the US, it varies by each crowdfunding portal whether or not certain countries are allowed to invest.
Note that there are also equity crowdfunding regulations in most other countries.