Burford Capital vs LexShares
Side-by-side comparison to help you decide which platform is right for your portfolio.
| Feature | Burford Capital | LexShares |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 2.8 | 3.0✓ |
| Min. Investment | N/A | $5K✓ |
| Fee Rating | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Liquidity | Liquid✓ | Illiquid |
| Accreditation | Open to All | Required |
| Ease of Use | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Transparency | 3.5 | 3.8✓ |
| Secondary Market | No | No |
| Mobile App | No | No |
LexShares Overview
LexShares is best suited for investors who want accredited investors seeking high-return, illiquid investments with substantial risk tolerance who want portfolio diversification through litigation finance and can accept 15+ month lockup periods with binary profit-or-loss outcomes.. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York, NY, LexShares manages Not disclosed in assets.
With a minimum investment of $5K, LexShares requires accredited investor status. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and requires manual investment selection.
Key Strengths:
- High historical returns: 40-52% median IRR net of fees with strong track record since 2014
- Low minimum investment entry point: $5,000 for individual cases (some as low as $2,500)
- Non-recourse structure: Investors only owe nothing if lawsuit loses; limited downside
- Rapid capital turnaround: 15-month median duration from investment to case resolution
Key Drawbacks:
- Accreditation requirement limits access to high-net-worth investors only
- Highly illiquid: Capital locked until case resolution (typically 15 months but can vary)
- Binary outcome risk: Returns are either very strong (50%+) or total loss - no middle ground
Burford Capital Overview
Burford Capital is an alternative investment platform focused on litigation finance. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in {"primary":"New York, USA","offices":["New York","London","Chicago","Washington","Singapore","Sydney"]}, Burford Capital has built a growing investor base.
Burford Capital is open to all investors regardless of accreditation status. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and requires manual investment selection.
Key Strengths:
Key Drawbacks:
Head-to-Head Comparison
Fees & Costs
LexShares carries a fee rating of 2.5/5, with fees structured as: 2.5% annual (LMFII); Administration fee and prepaid operating fee; Performance: 25% carried interest. Burford Capital scores 2.5/5 on fees, charging: Not disclosed.
Edge: Tie. Both platforms offer comparable fee structures.
Minimum Investment
LexShares requires $5K to get started, while Burford Capital requires N/A. LexShares's lower minimum makes it more accessible for new investors.
Edge: LexShares. Lower barrier to entry.
Accreditation Requirements
LexShares requires accreditation. Burford Capital does not require accreditation.
Edge: Burford Capital. Open to all investors.
Liquidity
LexShares offers illiquid investments. Burford Capital provides liquid investments.
Edge: Burford Capital. Better liquidity options.
Ease of Use
LexShares scores 3.5/5 for ease of use. Burford Capital scores 3.5/5.
Edge: Tie. Both platforms offer solid user experiences.
Transparency
LexShares earns a 3.8/5 transparency rating. Burford Capital scores 3.5/5.
Edge: LexShares. More transparent reporting and disclosures.
Who Should Choose LexShares?
LexShares is the better choice if you:
- Are comfortable with a $5K minimum investment
- Meet accredited investor requirements and want premium deal flow
- Are interested in litigation finance as an asset class
- Prefer to hand-pick your investments
Who Should Choose Burford Capital?
Burford Capital is the better choice if you:
- Are comfortable with a N/A minimum investment
- Are a non-accredited investor looking for access to alternatives
- Are interested in litigation finance as an asset class
- Prefer to hand-pick your investments
Verdict
Winner: LexShares. With 3.0/5 overall rating versus Burford Capital's 2.8/5, LexShares edges ahead with a stronger overall package. That said, Burford Capital may be the better fit if you specifically need litigation finance.
For most investors exploring alternatives, we recommend starting with LexShares — but consider your specific goals before committing.
FAQ
Is LexShares or Burford Capital better for beginners?
Both platforms have similar entry points. Additionally, Burford Capital doesn't require accreditation, making it accessible to more new investors.
Can I use both LexShares and Burford Capital?
Yes. Many alternative investment portfolios benefit from diversification across platforms. LexShares and Burford Capital overlap in some asset classes but may offer different deal structures, fee models, and investment approaches.
Which platform has better returns?
Historical returns vary by specific investment and time period. LexShares has a higher overall rating, but past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Both platforms provide different risk-return profiles depending on the specific offerings you choose.
Are LexShares and Burford Capital safe?
Both platforms are legitimate, regulated investment services. LexShares is regulated by SEC (Regulation D Rule 506(c) exemption), FINRA (through WealthForge Securities broker-dealer). As with all alternative investments, there is inherent risk — these are generally illiquid, long-term investments and not FDIC insured.
Burford Capital Asset Classes
LexShares Asset Classes
Burford Capital
LexShares
Pros
- +High historical returns: 40-52% median IRR net of fees with strong track record since 2014
- +Low minimum investment entry point: $5,000 for individual cases (some as low as $2,500)
- +Non-recourse structure: Investors only owe nothing if lawsuit loses; limited downside
- +Rapid capital turnaround: 15-month median duration from investment to case resolution
Cons
- −Accreditation requirement limits access to high-net-worth investors only
- −Highly illiquid: Capital locked until case resolution (typically 15 months but can vary)
- −Binary outcome risk: Returns are either very strong (50%+) or total loss - no middle ground
- −SEC exemption status means limited disclosure requirements and investor protections
Disclaimer: ModernAlts is an independent research platform. We may receive compensation from platforms we review. Nothing on this site constitutes investment, legal, or tax advice. Alternative investments involve risk including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.