If you’re fund manager looking to launch your first fund, you’ve likely heard of rule 506(b) and rule 506(c).
But just what do they mean, exactly?
Rules 506(b) and 506(c) allow GPs of such funds to bypass stringent regulations that public offerings typically involve, ultimately providing two easy avenues for raising capital more quickly. These rules are put in place by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and they are meant to protect non-accredited investors.
In this post, we’ll break down rules 506b vs 506c, and we’ll provide you with what you need to know to stay compliant during your fundraise.
📖 To learn more about other terms commonly used in venture capital, check out our complete VC Glossary.
Rule 506(b) is a rule under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933 that allows accredited investors to purchase securities from private companies, including equity and debt securities such as stocks, bonds, and notes.
With rule 506(b), companies are allowed to sell securities to accredited investors, but cannot solicit investors by advertising their securities offering publicly.
Additionally, the company is only allowed to accept investments from up to 35 non-accredited investors in any particular round of financing. These non-accredited investors must be sophisticated, meaning they must have ample knowledge and experience in financial and business matters of investing to make them capable of evaluating the investment’s economic risk.
This means that the accredited investor pool must be carefully managed and monitored to stay compliant with the regulations outlined in the rule.
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Rule 506(b) securities offerings are available for accredited investors only (and a maximum of 35 non-accredited investors, who are considered sophisticated investors).
To be accredited, backers must have a net worth of at least $1 million, excluding the value of their primary residence, or have earned an annual income of at least $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the past two years and have a reasonable expectation of achieving the same level of income in the current year.
Read more: What is an Accredited Investor?
Rule 506(b) has certain limitations, which can be challenging for companies trying to raise funds.
Rule 506(c) is also an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 which was introduced in 2013.
It allows issuers of private securities – including general partners (GPs) of private funds – to advertise their offering to accredited investors and generally accept investments from unlimited accredited investors.
Accredited investors are eligible to invest in 506(c) offerings. However, unlike with the 506(b) exemption, the fund’s GP must take “reasonable steps to verify” that purchasers are accredited investors.
The GP of a private fund must take reasonable steps to verify the accredited investor status for 506(c) investors.
Companies that heed the regulations of Rule 506(b) and (c) may sidestep SEC registration for their securities offering but are required to submit a “Form D” notification electronically afterward.
This document contains pertinent and basic information such as promoters’ identities, executive officers’ & directors’ addresses plus some essential details about the sale – although it doesn’t provide in-depth insight into the company itself.
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If you’re a fund manager who is looking to raise capital for your company, you may want to consider using regulation 506(b) or 506(c).
These regulations can help you raise the money that needed to get your business off the ground. Keep in mind that some requirements must be met for these regulations to apply. Be sure to consult with a legal professional before moving forward with this process.
