Raleigh crowdfunding firm helps 9 startups raise $185K

Raleigh-based Malartu Funds, a crowdfunding company, has helped nine technology startups graduated from the Charlotte-based QC Fintech accelerator raise $185,000 via its online platform.

The Raleigh News and Observer reports the funding is Malartu’s first since launching its website in April. The nine startups will share equally in the funding, which came from 13 investors, 12 from NC, who put at least $10,000 each in the deal.

QC Fintech’s startups largely focus on financial services technology. The companies within the fund include Phyrefly, Traderion, Verifreight, Collegester, Cathedral Leasing, Beltowr, FlyInStyle, Vulletin and Dyme.

To facilitate investment in QC Fintech accelerator companies, Malartu created a fund designed to invest equally in the nine ventures participating in the current QC Fintech class. Malartu’s platform allows investors to learn about each startup venture and assists in deciding whether to invest.

Model proving successful

Malartu gets 10 percent of any profits investors may make if a company exits via IPO or acquisition, and also charges administrative fees to cover expenses.

The multi-company fund model, through the Malartu platform, has proven extremely successful, and is appreciated by investors and startups alike,” Dan Roselli, co-founder and managing director of QC Fintech, said in a statement in August.

“The ability to direct interested investors to a tangible resource, like the Malartu platform, has been incredibly beneficial as we raise funds for Dyme,” said Joseph Prather, founder at Dyme.co, a startup that allows millennials to start a savings habit through text messaging, in an August statement. “For young companies, there are many unknowns, so having the QC Fintech team as a resource, and the Malartu platform to facilitate fundraising, has been very valuable.”

The Malartu fund is possible because of a federal JOBS Act provision that lets startups solicit funds from accredited investors online. The part of the Act permitting non-accredited investors to put money in startups online is not active yet.

On the web: https://malartufunds.us