How Can I Confirm and Prove Ownership of My Securities in DealMaker?
When investing through DealMaker, understanding how your ownership is recorded and how to access proof of ownership is essential. This article explains the official records of ownership, how to access them, and the transition from physical certificates to electronic records.
This article also discusses the legal validity of book-entry statements, providing a comprehensive understanding of their role in confirming ownership.
Overview of Investment Ownership Records
Ownership of securities in DealMaker is recorded electronically as a book-entry. This book-entry serves as the official record of your securities and confirms your shareholder status. Once your securities are issued for companies managed by DealMaker Shareholder Services (the transfer agent), you will receive a notification via email, and they will be available for viewing in your investor portal under the "Investments" tab.
This Book-Entry Statement serves as a virtual share certificate, providing a digital proof of ownership for your securities.
What Are Book-Entry Records?
A book-entry is an electronic method of recording ownership of securities. Unlike traditional physical share certificates, book-entry records are maintained digitally, providing a secure and efficient way to track ownership. This method has become the standard for most offerings, replacing the need for physical documentation. It is legally binding and confirms that your shares are registered in your name on the company’s official shareholder registry. No physical certificates are issued.
Legal Validity of Book-Entry Statements
Book-entry statements are legally recognized as proof of ownership. They reflect your registration details and can be updated to correct any errors. However, other documents, such as the original investment agreement, will retain the name as originally recorded at the time of investment.
Accessing Proof of Ownership via the Investor Portal
Depending on which stage you are at with your investment, you would be able to obtain a copy of the signed/countersigned version of your Subscription Agreement.
Payment details related to your investment are also accessible in your DealMaker account.
Once your investment is "accepted", you can expect your securities to be issued to you by the company's SEC-registered Transfer Agent in the form of Book-Entry Statement through the investor portal.
Additionally, you will receive a notification in your DealMaker account and via email once your securities are available.
To locate these documents:
Log in to your DealMaker account (https://app.dealmaker.tech/users/sign_in) to access your Dashboard. If you haven’t set a password yet, use the email invitation link located in any of the DealMaker emails to enter be redirected to the portal.
From your Dashboard, scroll down to the “My Companies” section. Click on the company for which you wish to obtain a copy of the signed agreement (or the book-entry statement) > Navigate to "Investments" tab to access your proof of ownership documents. Alternatively, if you haven’t set a password, use your email to initiate a password reset. Check your inbox (including spam/junk folders) for the reset email and follow the instructions to set a new password.
Please note that if your investment has not yet been accepted, the company you're investing in must first accept your investment into the offering before securities are issued.
Transition from Physical Certificates to Electronic Records
In the past, physical share certificates were issued as proof of ownership. However, we exclusively offer digital certificates and do not issue physical ones. As an SEC-registered transfer agent, we electronically record book-entry shares, eliminating the need for paper certificates. This modern method provides enhanced convenience, significantly reduces loss or theft risks, and facilitates easier management and faster transactions compared to physical certificates.
If you have further questions or need assistance, please contact DealMaker's support team for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I haven’t received a physical share certificate?
Offerings on DealMaker use electronic records instead of physical certificates. Your book-entry statement serves as your official proof of ownership.
Can I update my registration details?
Yes, your book-entry statement can be updated to reflect corrected registration details. However, other areas of the platform, such as the original investment agreement, will not change.
What should I do if I can’t access my account?
If you’re unable to access your DealMaker account, use the password reset option on the login page. Follow the instructions sent to your email to regain access.
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