Prime Highlights
- AQi launched a crowdfunding portal focused on funding women-owned businesses.
- The SEC-certified platform allows everyday investors to buy equity in private companies.
Key Facts
- AeQuitas Investments is an Omaha-based company founded to support female entrepreneurs.
- Businesses using Reg CF can raise up to $5 million annually.
Background
An Omaha-based company has launched a crowdfunding portal designed to help women-owned businesses raise money more easily for startup plans and expansion. AeQuitas Investments, also known as AQi, said the platform aims to improve access to funding for female entrepreneurs who often receive less investment support than men.
Founder Molly Huyck said the idea developed while mentoring women entrepreneurs in other countries. She said many women face limited access to capital when starting or growing businesses, which encouraged her to create a platform focused on solving that gap.
The portal launched in the second week of May and is certified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) platform. This approval allows everyday investors to invest in private companies through the site. Traditional venture capital and angel investing usually limit participation to wealthy or financially experienced investors.
The company said the model works like public investing, where investors receive equity in return for their money. They may earn returns through dividends, a company sale or a future public listing.
One business, Blockchain Homes, has already started a campaign on the platform. Several other companies are in the approval process. AQi said it is targeting businesses with regional or national growth potential across industries.
The company added that some interested businesses are linked to medical technology and artificial intelligence. To qualify for fundraising, companies must be at least 50 % women-owned.
Under Reg CF rules, businesses can raise to $5 million each year. Data from the U.S. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, in 2025, the number of firms having raised $207.3 million via Reg CF financing stood at 434.
This will provide additional opportunities for women entrepreneurs to raise funds through non-traditional means.
