Ignite Social Impact is a platform that enables almost anyone to invest in private securities under Regulation CF (crowdfunding). While many Reg CF and Reg A platforms focus on financial returns, the company seeks out companies developing breakthrough technologies that address the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Let's take a closer look at who's behind the organization, how it works, and whether you should consider investing.

Ignite Social Impact was cofounded by Rosemarie Truman, Jerome Di Giovanni, Ph.D., and Cody J. Locke, Ph.D.

Rosemarie Truman helped create IBM's Innovation & R&D Strategy PRactice, where she worked on a global scale with companies like Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and PepsiCo to identify and drive growth breakthroughs. Later, she founded the Center for Advancing Innovation (CAI), bringing life-saving interventions to market.

Mr. Di Giovanni and Mr. Lock are both scientists and impact entrepreneurs. Di Giovanni has a background in strategic business development and fundraising in biotech and green tech, whereas Mr. Locke has relationships across academia, industry, investment groups, non-profits, and government.

Ignite Social Impact is a platform that enables almost anyone to invest in private securities under Regulation CF (crowdfunding). If you have an annual income of less than $107,000, you may invest either $2,200 or 5% of the greater of your net worth or annual income. And, if you make over $107,000, you can invest 10% of your income or net worth.

The platform's offerings may involve several types of securities:

On the crowdfunding platform, you can view the offer details, website, video, documents, updates, and a question-and-answer section. The documents section typically contains the most pertinent information for due diligence, including the business plan, pitch decks, offering statements, and Form C (outlining the deal terms).

If you decide to fund an opportunity, you can create an account, sign the necessary paperwork, and connect a funding source to complete the transactions. Many offerings will then send ongoing updates to investors over the course of the investment term.

Ignite Social Impact seeks companies developing breakthrough technologies that address the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. At the same time, the company's due diligence looks at the representation of women and minorities in leadership roles, helping advance gender equality and minority representation.

While private securities offer diversification and other unique benefits, investors should keep in mind that these securities are less liquid than publicly-traded stocks or bonds. You may have to hold equities until a liquidation event (e.g., an IPO or capital raise) or hold bonds until maturity. As a result, they're not ideal for all investors.

At the same time, many of these companies are less established than blue-chip companies. The greater risk of loss means you should only invest money you can afford to lose.

Ignite Social Impact's focus on companies developing breakthrough technologies that address the UN's Sustainable Development Goals sets it apart from many other crowdfunding platforms. As a result, investors interested in diversifying their portfolio into private companies may want to take a closer look at their offerings.