At We Take Part, we receive a large number of applications each month from companies looking to raise funds from our community of investors. Yet only a small proportion make it through to the in-depth analysis stage, and an even smaller number ultimately proceed to a live fundraising round. In most cases, this is not due to a lack of quality, but rather a mismatch in maturity or suitability for equity financing and crowdfunding.

This intentionally selective approach is a key pillar of trust between investors, entrepreneurs, and our platform. Rejecting a large share of applications is not a barrier, it is a commitment to quality, transparency, and real impact.

1. Protecting Investors

In equity crowdfunding, investors do not always have the same level of information or expertise as professionals. It is therefore our responsibility to filter, verify, and challenge projects in order to present only those that are solid, transparent, and aligned with our mission.

2. Maintaining Ecosystem Credibility

A platform that accepts everything inevitably loses trust. Conversely, a selective platform gives its community the assurance that every published project meets high standards of solvency, maturity, and governance.

3. Fostering Real Impact

Impact cannot be a marketing veneer. We only select companies whose environmental or social impact is measurable, verifiable, and embedded at the core of their economic model. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many start-ups. In our fight against greenwashing, we cannot publish such projects.

Our process unfolds in several steps designed to balance efficiency with depth of analysis.

1. Pre-Qualification: The First Filter

This is where the vast majority of projects are filtered out. We assess:

• the project’s maturity (MVP, commercial traction, governance)

• the coherence of the funding need

• suitability for equity financing

• relevance in terms of impact / innovation

• minimum financial professionalism (forecasts, cost structure, roadmap)
  
  

A project may be interesting but not aligned with our DNA or with investor expectations.

2. In-Depth Analysis

The top 20% of projects enter a more detailed process, including:

• business model analysis

• financial audit

• coherence of commercial strategy

• strength of the founding team

• regulatory risks

• factual verification of impact

• understanding of the market and competitors
  
  

3. Editorial Selection and Community Fit

Even when a project is solid, it is not automatically published. We also evaluate:

• the ability to mobilise an investor community

• clarity and consistency of messaging

• transparency

• long-term commitment from founders
  
  

4. PSFP Regulatory Validation

As a licensed PSFP, we apply strict regulatory requirements:

• verification of financial documents

• transparency on risks

• mandatory pre-contractual information

• KYC compliance

When a project is not selected, we ensure that the rejection is constructive and useful. We provide concrete recommendations, improvement paths, or guidance on when to return at a more suitable stage. Our goal is not to be a closed door, but a demanding gateway.

This level of rigour creates an environment where:

• investors know their trust is respected

• entrepreneurs understand the importance of transparency and robustness

• the impact-funding ecosystem grows in credibility
  
  

A fundraising round on We Take Part becomes a strong signal of quality and impact alignment. Our aim is not to select few, but to select right. Because a successful raise is one that protects investors as much as it supports entrepreneurs.

Rejecting most applications is not a judgement on the entrepreneurs. It is the result of a commitment: to protect, clarify, and uphold the high standards that are essential in participatory finance.

At We Take Part, we believe in a responsible and rigorous investment model. This is how we build the trust needed for an ambitious and sustainable impact ecosystem.

Risk warning : Investing in startups involves a risk of total or partial loss of capital, as well as illiquidity. Only invest amounts you are prepared to lose.