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I've been thinking exactly the same thing, but giving investors the option to get shares. Something like micro-angels, offer a pool of 1000 shares valued at 5% of your startup and sell them for say $10 each, or something like that.

Easy for people to invest in ideas they like and still being able to own something from the startup.

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Aren't there SEC issues with this in the USA? It seems like I heard something about non accredited investors that limits this type of system. But I may be wrong.

I don't know how are the legal aspects, but I think that give the ability to customers to pre-buy the product, or as kickstarter, do a simbolyc investment. Eg. $10 for thank in the honor page and a t-shirt.

I think those legal issues are the reason that Kickstarter doesn't allow you to give shares as a 'thank you' for donating.

Of course the startup might not be registered yet, so the legal aspects must be studied with care. But having a list of 'donors' and honoring that list when the startup grows is the right thing to do.

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