Equity

If you own equity in a company, you become a shareholder of the company and own a small part of the business. Whether or not you have a vote in the direction of the company depends on what sort of shares the company is offering. Crowdfunding investors, unlike venture capitalists or angel investors who make large investments, are unlikely to have any say in the company's direction. Until the company "goes public" and does an IPO, the only way to get any of your money back is through the private markets, e.g. by finding an accredited investor to buy your shares, selling the shares back to the company (if the company wants to buy them), or selling the shares to an Angel Investor or venture capitalist who is interested in the company. It is not as easy as selling shares on the public markets. Equity can also be subject to dilution.