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For Investors Glossary Term

Crowdfunding

Definition

Raising capital from many individual Investors through an online platform. GigaStar uses SEC Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) for CRT offerings.

Understanding Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the practice of raising capital from a large number of individual Investors through an online platform, typically in smaller amounts per Investor. In the securities context, Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) is the SEC framework that allows companies to raise up to a specified maximum from both accredited and non-accredited Investors through registered intermediaries.

GigaStar utilizes Reg CF to facilitate Channel Revenue Token (CRT) offerings, enabling Creators to raise capital from their fan communities and other Investors. This approach democratizes access to Creator Economy investments, allowing participation at accessible minimum investment amounts rather than restricting opportunities to institutional or high-net-worth Investors.

The crowdfunding process on GigaStar Market begins when a Creator files a Form C with the SEC disclosing the terms of their CRT offering. Once approved, the offering is listed on GigaStar Market, where Investors can review the offering documents, assess the Creator's channel metrics and historical revenue, and make investment decisions.

Reg CF crowdfunding comes with important Investor protections. These include mandatory disclosure requirements through Form C filings, SEC-mandated investment limits for non-accredited Investors, a required cooling-off period during which Investors can cancel their commitments, and the requirement that offerings be conducted through a registered funding portal or broker-dealer.

It is important to distinguish securities crowdfunding from reward-based crowdfunding platforms. CRT offerings are regulated securities, and Investors receive a contractual right to a share of future YouTube revenue through Monthly distributions, not merchandise or early product access.

Key Points to Remember

  • Crowdfunding is regulated by the SEC under Regulation Crowdfunding
  • All investments carry risk — past performance doesn't guarantee future results
  • Review all offering documents carefully before investing

Related Terms

Channel Revenue Token (CRT)

A digital asset that represents a percentage of a YouTube channel’s future revenue. A CRT becomes tradable in the secondary market after a 12-month holding period from its initial purchase.

Form C

An SEC filing required for all Regulation Crowdfunding offerings. Contains offering details, financial statements, and risk factors for Investor review.

Funding Portal

An SEC-registered, FINRA-member entity that facilitates securities offerings under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF). GigaStar Market is a registered funding portal.

GigaStar Market

GigaStar Market is an SEC-registered funding portal and FINRA member where Investors can purchase Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs) in primary offerings from YouTube Creators.

Investment Limits

SEC-mandated annual caps on how much non-accredited Investors can invest under Regulation Crowdfunding, based on income and net worth.

Investor

An Investor is an individual who purchases Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs) through GigaStar's platform, receiving Monthly distributions from a YouTube Creator's revenue.

Minimum Investment

The smallest amount an Investor can invest in a single CRT offering on GigaStar Market. Offerings typically start at accessible minimums.

Offering

A CRT offering is when a YouTube Creator raises capital through GigaStar Market by selling Channel Revenue Tokens to Investors, with each offering backed by a Form C filed with the SEC.

SEC Regulation CF

SEC Regulation Crowdfunding (Regulation CF) is the federal securities framework that allows companies like GigaStar to offer CRTs to both accredited and non-accredited Investors, up to $5M annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone invest in CRTs?

Investors aged 18 and older can invest in CRTs through GigaStar Market. Under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), non-accredited Investors have annual investment limits based on their income and net worth. All Investors must complete identity verification (KYC) as part of the account creation process before making any investment.

How do I create a GigaStar account?

Visit https://app.gigastar.io/ to create your account. You will need to provide personal information, complete identity verification (KYC), and agree to the platform terms. The process typically takes just a few minutes, and once verified, you can browse Creator offerings and make investments in live offerings.

Can I sell my CRTs?

GigaStar's Secondary Market announced that live trading began on July 22, 2026, which allows CRT holders to potentially buy and sell their positions after completing a mandatory 12-month holding period. Until then, CRTs are illiquid and cannot be easily sold. Even after the Secondary Market launches, there is no guarantee of liquidity or that you will find a buyer at your desired price. The only current exceptions are transfers due to death, divorce, or to accredited family members.

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