Ark7 vs InvestBay

American investors seeking fractional real estate opportunities face a clear reality: while European platforms like InvestBay offer innovative approaches to property ownership, they explicitly exclude U.S. citizens from participation. Ark7 stands as the accessible, SEC-compliant solution for Americans wanting to build wealth through rental property shares, offering monthly dividends, industry-leading low minimums starting at just $20, and a proven track record with over 220,000 investors. Understanding this fundamental market difference—between unavailable European platforms and accessible American alternatives—helps U.S. investors make the right choice for their real estate investment journey.

Key Takeaways

• Ark7 is the only option for U.S. investors – InvestBay does not explicitly document U.S. investor restrictions from their platform, making Ark7 the sole accessible choice for Americans seeking fractional real estate exposure
• Proven performance with actual dividends – Ark7 has distributed over $3.5 million in verified dividends to investors, compared to InvestBay’s projected returns that remain unverified for U.S. participants
• Industry-leading accessibility – Ark7’s $20 minimum investment enables maximum portfolio diversification, significantly lower than InvestBay’s €100-500 ($107-535) minimum that Americans cannot access anyway
• Monthly income streams – Ark7 provides consistent monthly dividend distributions (paid on the 3rd of each month), offering superior cash flow management compared to InvestBay’s annual or unspecified distribution schedule
• SEC-regulated security – Ark7 operates under U.S. SEC Regulation A+ with familiar legal frameworks and IRA eligibility, providing stronger investor protections than emerging European blockchain platforms

Understanding the Fundamental Market Reality

The comparison between Ark7 and InvestBay reveals a critical market distinction that defines everything for American investors. While both platforms offer fractional real estate ownership, InvestBay explicitly excludes U.S. citizens and residents from their investment opportunities. According to their official FAQ, “USA is included on the exclusion list” for investors who cannot access the platform.

This geographic restriction transforms what appears to be a competitive comparison into a simple market reality: American investors can only choose Ark7. Ark7 operates exclusively in the U.S. market, offering SEC-qualified fractional ownership in rental properties across 10+ American markets including Texas, California, Florida, and Georgia. The platform has built its reputation on making real estate investment accessible to everyone, with a mission that aligns perfectly with American investors’ needs for transparency, compliance, and wealth-building opportunities.

InvestBay, founded in 2022-2023 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, serves European investors with vacation properties in Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. While their blockchain-based tokenization approach offers innovative features like voting rights and stay discounts, these benefits remain completely unavailable to the American market. This fundamental availability difference makes Ark7 not just a better choice, but the only viable option for U.S. investors seeking fractional real estate exposure.

Investment Accessibility and Minimum Requirements

The accessibility gap between these platforms further emphasizes why Ark7 is the superior choice for American investors, even beyond the basic availability issue.

Ark7’s accessibility advantages include:

• $20 minimum investment – Industry-leading low barrier to entry enabling maximum portfolio diversification
• Open to all U.S. investors – No accreditation requirements, welcoming both accredited and non-accredited investors
• Multiple investment vehicles – Available through standard accounts, Ark7 IRA accounts, and the intuitive Ark7 Mobile App
• 10+ U.S. markets – Diversification across multiple American metropolitan areas with strong rental demand

InvestBay’s limitations for Americans:

• €100-500 minimum investment (approximately $107-535 USD) – Significantly higher barrier to entry
• Explicit U.S. investor exclusion – Americans cannot legally invest regardless of minimum requirements
• European vacation focus – Properties concentrated in tourist destinations rather than stable residential markets
• Limited platform availability – iOS app only, with no Android support

The minimum investment difference is particularly significant for building diversified portfolios. Ark7’s $20 minimum allows investors to spread their capital across multiple properties in different markets, reducing risk through geographic diversification. For example, an investor with $500 could purchase shares in 25 different Ark7 properties, while the same amount would barely meet InvestBay’s minimum requirement for a single property—if Americans were even allowed to invest, which they are not.

This accessibility extends to Ark7’s user experience, with the Ark7 Mobile App that simplifies property discovery, investment management, and dividend tracking. The platform’s commitment to making real estate investment “as easy as a stock investment” resonates with American investors seeking familiar, accessible investment experiences.

Returns, Dividends, and Income Generation

When comparing actual performance versus projected returns, Ark7’s verified track record provides American investors with confidence that projected yields cannot match.

Ark7’s verified performance includes:

• $3.5+ million in cumulative dividends paid to investors since inception
• 4.3-4.7% annualized returns based on actual verified performance (December 2025)
• Monthly dividend distributions paid on the 3rd of each month for consistent cash flow
• $75,538.20 in actual dividends distributed in November 2025 alone
• Portfolio annualized return of 3.96% 

InvestBay’s projected performance:

• 7-9% annual returns (projected/expected, not verified actual performance)
• Annual or unspecified distribution frequency – less frequent than Ark7’s monthly schedule
• Limited operational history – Only 2-3 years operating versus Ark7’s 6-7 years
• No verified dividend track record available for American investors to evaluate

The critical distinction lies in verified versus projected performance. Ark7’s 4.3-4.7% returns represent actual, documented performance that American investors can verify and rely upon. InvestBay’s higher projected returns of 7-9% remain just that—projections without the benefit of years of verified performance data.

Moreover, Ark7’s monthly distribution schedule provides superior cash flow management for American investors. Receiving rental income monthly rather than annually allows for better budgeting, faster compounding through reinvestment, and more responsive portfolio adjustments. This frequent distribution aligns with American investors’ preference for regular income streams and provides tangible evidence of investment performance on a monthly basis.

The platform’s diversified property portfolio across multiple U.S. markets also contributes to stable returns. Properties like the Dallas-S9 shares in Mesquite, TX, and Tampa-S10 shares in Land O Lakes, FL, provide exposure to Sunbelt markets with strong job growth, population trends, and rental demand, contributing to consistent income generation.

Regulatory Framework and Investor Protection

The regulatory environment represents another critical advantage for Ark7, providing American investors with familiar legal frameworks and stronger investor protections.

Ark7’s U.S. regulatory advantages:

• SEC Regulation A+ compliance – Operating under established U.S. securities regulations
• FINRA/SIPC registered broker-dealer – Dalmore Group LLC provides additional investor safeguards
• IRA eligibility – Investments qualify for tax-advantaged retirement accounts through Ark7 IRA
• Familiar legal jurisdiction – U.S. courts and regulatory oversight provide clear investor recourse
• Transparent offering materials – Complete financial and legal disclosure accessible 24/7

InvestBay’s European regulatory framework:

• Czech law jurisdiction – Unfamiliar legal framework for American investors
• Blockchain token structure – IBUNIT tokens operate under emerging regulatory frameworks
• No U.S. tax advantages – Cannot be held in IRA or other U.S. tax-advantaged accounts
• Limited investor protection – Collateral agent protection under Czech legal system
• Regulatory uncertainty – Blockchain-based securities face evolving regulatory landscapes

For American investors, Ark7’s SEC compliance provides peace of mind that comes from operating within familiar regulatory frameworks. The platform’s adherence to U.S. securities laws, combined with oversight from established regulatory bodies like FINRA and the SEC, creates a level of investor protection that European platforms cannot match for the American market.

The IRA eligibility feature is particularly valuable for long-term wealth building. Through Ark7 IRA accounts, American investors can use retirement funds to purchase property shares, potentially benefiting from tax-deferred or tax-free growth depending on their account type. This tax-advantaged investing option is completely unavailable through European platforms like InvestBay, further emphasizing Ark7’s superior position for American investors.

Liquidity and Secondary Market Trading

Liquidity considerations further demonstrate Ark7’s advantages for American investors seeking flexible investment options.

Ark7’s liquidity features:

• 12-month minimum holding period – Relatively short lock-up period before trading eligibility
• $0 trading fees on the secondary market – No additional costs for buying or selling shares
• $61,662 in trading volume (November 2025) – Demonstrated market activity and liquidity
• 27 properties actively trading – 70% of portfolio available on secondary market
• PPEX ATS trading platform – SEC-registered Alternative Trading System for share resale

InvestBay’s liquidity limitations:

• Unspecified holding periods – Appears to have longer typical holding periods (3+ years)
• Blockchain wallet transfers – Peer-to-peer trading requiring technical blockchain knowledge
• Undisclosed trading volume – No transparent data on actual trading activity
• Limited trading infrastructure – Less developed secondary market compared to established U.S. platforms

Ark7’s secondary market provides American investors with a practical exit strategy and portfolio flexibility that European platforms cannot match. The 12-month minimum holding period strikes a balance between encouraging long-term investment and providing reasonable liquidity options. Combined with $0 trading fees, this structure minimizes costs for investors who need to adjust their portfolios or access capital.

The demonstrated trading volume of $61,662 in December 2025 shows that Ark7’s secondary market has actual liquidity, not just theoretical availability. This active trading environment provides confidence that investors can realistically buy and sell shares when needed, subject to market conditions and platform availability.

While InvestBay’s blockchain-based approach offers cutting-edge technology, it also adds complexity that may deter mainstream American investors. The requirement to manage blockchain wallets and navigate peer-to-peer transfers creates barriers that Ark7’s traditional securities platform avoids, making real estate investment more accessible to everyday investors.

Platform Scale and Operational Track Record

Ark7’s established track record and scale provide American investors with confidence that emerging European platforms cannot match.

Ark7’s proven scale includes:

• 220,000+ active investors – Demonstrated market validation and user trust
• $23+ million in total property value funded – Significant capital deployment across multiple properties
• 6-7 years of operational history (founded 2018-2019) – Proven reliability through market cycles
• 30+ properties funded – Extensive portfolio demonstrating consistent deal flow
• 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating based on 243 reviews – Third-party validation of user experience

InvestBay’s emerging status:

• 4,000+ registered investors – Significantly smaller user base
• €1.5 million total invested (approximately $1.6 million USD) – Much smaller capital base
• 2-3 years of operational history (founded 2022-2023) – Limited track record through market conditions
• 6 finished projects – Smaller portfolio with less diversification
• €800,000 Series A funding – Smaller capital base for platform development

The scale difference is dramatic: Ark7 has 55 times more investors and has deployed 14 times more capital than InvestBay. This established scale provides American investors with confidence in Ark7’s operational reliability, consistent deal flow, and long-term viability.

Ark7’s longer operational history—2-3 times longer than InvestBay—demonstrates the platform’s ability to navigate various market conditions and maintain consistent performance. This track record through different economic environments provides valuable reassurance for American investors making long-term real estate commitments.

The platform’s consistent property acquisition and funding also demonstrates operational maturity. With 30+ properties funded across multiple U.S. markets, Ark7 has proven its ability to source, underwrite, and manage rental properties at scale, providing investors with ongoing opportunities for portfolio expansion and diversification.

Fees and Cost Structure Transparency

Fee transparency and cost efficiency represent another area where Ark7 excels for American investors.

Ark7’s transparent fee structure:

• $0 annual management fees – No asset-under-management (AUM) fees that erode long-term returns
• 3% one-time sourcing/acquisition fee – Transparent upfront cost for property acquisition
• 8-15% property management fee – Standard industry rate from rental income, not principal
• $0 secondary market trading fees – No additional costs for portfolio adjustments
• $100/property annual IRA custodial fee (capped at $400, waived for balances >$100,000)

InvestBay’s fee limitations:

• Undisclosed specific fee percentages – Limited transparency in fee structure
• Included management costs – Fees bundled into overall structure without clear breakdown
• No fee comparison data available – Insufficient information for American investors to evaluate

Ark7’s $0 annual management fees provide significant long-term cost savings compared to platforms that charge ongoing AUM fees. This fee structure aligns Ark7’s interests with investors—Ark7 earns its fees through property-level management rather than percentage-of-assets fees that can accumulate over time.

The platform’s commitment to “no hidden fees, no surprise ever” extends to complete transparency about all costs. Investors know exactly what they’re paying upfront, with no unexpected charges eroding their returns over time. This transparency aligns with Ark7’s mission of making real estate investment accessible and understandable for everyone.

For retirement investors, the Ark7 IRA fee structure provides additional value with reasonable custodial fees that are capped annually and waived for larger account balances. This cost-conscious approach to retirement investing further demonstrates Ark7’s commitment to maximizing investor returns through efficient fee structures.

Why Ark7 Delivers Superior Value for American Investors

American investors face a simple reality when considering fractional real estate platforms: InvestBay is simply not an option due to explicit geographic restrictions. This fundamental availability difference makes Ark7 not just the better choice, but the only viable option for Americans seeking fractional real estate exposure.

Key advantages that make Ark7 the superior choice:

• Market exclusivity for Americans – Ark7 is available to U.S. investors while InvestBay explicitly excludes them, creating a clear choice for American investors seeking real estate opportunities
• Verified performance track record – $3.5+ million in actual dividends paid provides confidence that projected returns cannot match, with transparent monthly performance updates
• Unmatched accessibility – $20 minimum investment enables maximum portfolio diversification across multiple U.S. markets, significantly lower than competitors’ requirements
• Monthly income generation – Consistent monthly dividends provide superior cash flow management and compounding opportunities compared to annual or unspecified distributions
• SEC-regulated security – Familiar U.S. legal frameworks, FINRA oversight, and IRA eligibility provide stronger investor protections than emerging European platforms

For American investors seeking to build wealth through real estate, Ark7’s combination of accessibility, transparency, verified performance, and regulatory compliance creates compelling value that unavailable European platforms cannot match. The platform’s commitment to making real estate investment “accessible to everyone” resonates perfectly with American investors’ needs for straightforward, compliant, and profitable real estate opportunities.

Through properties in high-growth Sunbelt markets like Dallas, Atlanta, and Tampa, Ark7 provides exposure to America’s strongest rental markets with professional management, monthly dividends, and potential appreciation. The Ark7 Mobile App makes managing these investments as simple as checking a stock portfolio, while the secondary market provides flexibility for portfolio adjustments.

American investors don’t need to choose between Ark7 and InvestBay—they can only choose Ark7, and that’s exactly what they should do to build wealth through fractional real estate ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment required to start with Ark7?

Ark7 offers industry-leading accessibility with a minimum investment of just $20 per share for most properties. Some properties may have higher minimums starting at $100 per share, but the platform consistently maintains the lowest barrier to entry among major fractional real estate platforms. This low minimum enables maximum portfolio diversification, allowing investors to spread their capital across multiple properties in different U.S. markets to reduce risk through geographic diversification.

How does Ark7 ensure transparency for its investors?

Ark7 maintains complete operational transparency through 24/7 access to all legal and financial disclosure documents, regular monthly performance updates, and a commitment to “no hidden fees, no surprise ever.” Investors can access complete offering circulars filed with the SEC, detailed property financials, and monthly dividend reports. The platform also provides real-time portfolio tracking through the Ark7 Mobile App, allowing investors to monitor their investments and dividend income from anywhere. This transparency aligns with Ark7’s mission of making real estate investment accessible and understandable for everyone.

Can I sell my Ark7 property shares if I need to?

Yes, Ark7 provides liquidity options through a secondary trading market operated by PPEX ATS, an SEC-registered Alternative Trading System. After a 12-month minimum holding period, investors can sell their shares on this platform with $0 trading fees. However, investors should be aware that there can be no assurance that an active market will develop for any shares, and they must be prepared to hold their shares indefinitely. The secondary market provides flexibility for portfolio adjustments, but real estate investments should be considered long-term commitments.

What are the fees associated with investing in a real estate IRA through Ark7?

Ark7 charges $0 platform fees to open an IRA account. The IRA custodian, Inspira Financial Company, charges an annual fee of $100 per property invested, with a cap of $400 per year. This fee is waived if your account maintains an average balance greater than $100,000. These reasonable custodial fees provide access to tax-advantaged real estate investing through Ark7 IRA accounts, allowing investors to potentially benefit from tax-deferred or tax-free growth depending on their account type (Traditional or Roth IRA).

How does Ark7 select the properties available for investment?

Ark7 employs a technology and AI-driven property sourcing process combined with local market expertise to identify high-yield rental properties in markets with strong fundamentals. The platform focuses on 10+ U.S. markets, particularly in the Sunbelt region, where factors like job growth, population trends, and rental demand support stable income and appreciation potential. Properties undergo professional underwriting and due diligence before being offered to investors, with Ark7 maintaining minority ownership (1%-20%) in each property to align interests with investors.

Is Ark7 available internationally, or is it limited to the U.S.?

Ark7 operations are exclusive to the U.S., without international business engagements. The platform serves only U.S. residents and citizens, operating under U.S. SEC Regulation A+ with properties located exclusively in American markets. This U.S.-only focus allows Ark7 to maintain deep expertise in American real estate markets and regulatory compliance, providing American investors with familiar legal frameworks and market knowledge. International investors seeking fractional real estate opportunities would need to explore platforms available in their respective jurisdictions, as Ark7 does not accept non-U.S. investors.