LexShares vs Yieldstreet
Side-by-side comparison to help you decide which platform is right for your portfolio.
| Feature | LexShares | Yieldstreet |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.0 | 3.9✓ |
| Min. Investment | $5K | $2.5K✓ |
| Fee Rating | 2.5 | 3.0✓ |
| Liquidity | Illiquid | Illiquid |
| Accreditation | Required | Partial |
| Ease of Use | 3.5 | 4.0✓ |
| Transparency | 3.8✓ | 3.5 |
| Secondary Market | No | No |
| Mobile App | No | Yes |
Yieldstreet Overview
Yieldstreet is best suited for investors who want accredited investors seeking diversified alternative asset exposure with moderate to high risk tolerance; non-accredited investors interested in passive alternative income through the Prism Fund. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in New York, NY, Yieldstreet has built a growing investor base.
With a minimum investment of $2.5K, Yieldstreet offers some investments open to non-accredited investors. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and supports auto-invest features.
Key Strengths:
- Offers 10+ alternative asset classes including art, real estate, venture capital, and private credit on single platform
- Prism Fund available to non-accredited investors with lower $2,500 minimum investment
- Historical net annualized return of 7.4% since 2015 outperforms traditional stock/bond portfolios
- Willow 360 automated investing solution provides diversified portfolio management across three professional fund managers
Key Drawbacks:
- Not accredited by Better Business Bureau and receives lackluster reviews with positive feedback primarily from 2022 and earlier
- Individual offerings require accredited investor status with net worth exceeding $1 million
- Management fees range from 0% to 2.5% annually plus additional originator and administrative fees
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
Head-to-Head Comparison
Fees & Costs
Yieldstreet carries a fee rating of 3.0/5, with fees structured as: 0% to 2.5% annually depending on offering; 1.25% for Yieldstreet 360 managed portfolios; Performance: varies by offering. LexShares scores 2.5/5 on fees, charging: 2.5% annual (LMFII); Administration fee and prepaid operating fee; Performance: 25% carried interest.
Edge: Yieldstreet. Lower cost structure gives investors more of their returns.
Minimum Investment
Yieldstreet requires $2.5K to get started, while LexShares requires $5K. Yieldstreet's lower minimum makes it more accessible for new investors.
Edge: Yieldstreet. Lower barrier to entry.
Accreditation Requirements
Yieldstreet partially requires accreditation. LexShares requires accreditation.
Edge: Tie. Similar accreditation requirements.
Liquidity
Yieldstreet offers illiquid investments. LexShares provides illiquid investments.
Edge: Tie. Similar liquidity profiles.
Ease of Use
Yieldstreet scores 4.0/5 for ease of use and offers a mobile app. LexShares scores 3.5/5.
Edge: Yieldstreet. Better overall user experience.
Transparency
Yieldstreet earns a 3.5/5 transparency rating. LexShares scores 3.8/5.
Edge: LexShares. More transparent reporting and disclosures.
Who Should Choose Yieldstreet?
Yieldstreet is the better choice if you:
- Are comfortable with a $2.5K minimum investment
- Meet accredited investor requirements and want premium deal flow
- Want exposure to diversified real estate portfolios
- Prefer a hands-off, auto-invest approach
Who Should Choose LexShares?
LexShares is the better choice if you:
- Are comfortable with a $5K minimum investment
- Meet accredited investor requirements and want institutional-quality deals
- Are interested in litigation finance as an asset class
- Prefer to hand-pick your investments
Verdict
Winner: Yieldstreet. With 3.9/5 overall rating versus LexShares's 3.0/5, Yieldstreet edges ahead with a lower minimum investment and better fees. That said, LexShares may be the better fit if you specifically need accredited investors seeking high-return.
For most investors exploring alternatives, we recommend starting with Yieldstreet — but consider your specific goals before committing.
FAQ
Is Yieldstreet or LexShares better for beginners?
Yieldstreet is generally more beginner-friendly with its $2.5K minimum investment compared to LexShares's $5K.
Can I use both Yieldstreet and LexShares?
Yes. Many alternative investment portfolios benefit from diversification across platforms. Yieldstreet and LexShares focus on different asset classes, making them complementary choices for a diversified portfolio.
Which platform has better returns?
Historical returns vary by specific investment and time period. Yieldstreet 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 Yieldstreet and LexShares safe?
Both platforms are legitimate, regulated investment services. Yieldstreet is regulated by SEC. 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.
LexShares Asset Classes
Yieldstreet Asset Classes
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
Yieldstreet
Pros
- +Offers 10+ alternative asset classes including art, real estate, venture capital, and private credit on single platform
- +Prism Fund available to non-accredited investors with lower $2,500 minimum investment
- +Historical net annualized return of 7.4% since 2015 outperforms traditional stock/bond portfolios
- +Willow 360 automated investing solution provides diversified portfolio management across three professional fund managers
Cons
- −Not accredited by Better Business Bureau and receives lackluster reviews with positive feedback primarily from 2022 and earlier
- −Individual offerings require accredited investor status with net worth exceeding $1 million
- −Management fees range from 0% to 2.5% annually plus additional originator and administrative fees
- −Most investments are illiquid with limited secondary market for early exits
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.