What Documents You Need to Raise on GigaStar

Why Document Preparation Matters

The difference between a Creator who moves through the GigaStar application process in six weeks and one who takes twelve weeks almost always comes down to one thing: document preparation. Having the right documents organized and ready before you apply eliminates the most common source of delays during due diligence.

GigaStar Market is an SEC-registered funding portal and FINRA member. Every Channel Revenue Token (CRT) offering must comply with Regulation Crowdfunding requirements, which means GigaStar needs to verify specific information about your channel, your business, and your finances. This is not a formality — it is a regulatory obligation that protects both Creators and Investors.

This guide provides a comprehensive checklist of every document and data export you should prepare before submitting your application. Think of it as your pre-flight checklist. Going through it methodically before you apply ensures you are ready for each stage of the process and helps you move from application to offering launch as efficiently as possible.

Business Entity Documents

The most fundamental requirement is proof that you operate your YouTube channel through a formal US-based business entity. This is not a GigaStar-specific requirement — it is a structural necessity for any SEC-registered offering under Regulation Crowdfunding.

The specific documents you need include:

• Articles of Organization or Certificate of Incorporation. This is the founding document of your LLC or corporation, filed with your state. It establishes that your business entity legally exists.

• Employer Identification Number (EIN) confirmation. Your EIN is issued by the IRS and functions as your business's tax ID number. You will need the confirmation letter (IRS Letter 147C or CP 575) showing your EIN assignment.

• Operating Agreement or Bylaws. For LLCs, this is your operating agreement. For corporations, these are your bylaws. This document outlines how the business is governed, who the members or shareholders are, and how decisions are made.

• Certificate of Good Standing. This document from your state confirms that your business entity is active and in compliance with state filing requirements. Some states call this a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status. You can typically request one from your Secretary of State's office.

If you do not yet have a business entity, forming one should be your first step — before you even begin the GigaStar application. Forming an LLC is straightforward in most states and can often be completed online in a matter of days. The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $500 for filing fees.

For more on the business entity requirement and other eligibility criteria, see GigaStar Eligibility: Does Your Channel Qualify?.

YouTube Analytics and Revenue Data

Your YouTube channel data is the foundation of the entire CRT offering. GigaStar needs detailed, verifiable data about your channel's performance and revenue history to evaluate your application and structure the offering terms.

Prepare the following:

• YouTube Analytics export. Export your channel analytics data covering at least the past 12 months. This includes views, watch time, subscriber growth, audience demographics, and traffic sources. YouTube Studio allows you to download this data in various formats.

• YouTube Revenue reports. Export your revenue data from YouTube Studio, showing monthly ad revenue over the past 12 months at minimum. If you have 18 or 24 months of data, include it — a longer track record strengthens your application.

• AdSense or YouTube payment records. Bank statements or payment records showing actual deposits from YouTube/Google confirm that the revenue figures match real payments received.

• Channel URL and access. GigaStar may request view-only access to your YouTube Studio dashboard to independently verify your analytics. Be prepared to grant this access during due diligence.

The key thing GigaStar is looking for in this data is consistency. Steady or growing revenue over time is far more compelling than a spike followed by a decline. If your revenue history shows seasonal patterns (which is normal — Q4 ad rates are typically higher than Q1), that is expected and understood. What matters is the overall trend.

Financial and Tax Documents

Because a CRT offering is a regulated securities transaction, GigaStar needs to review your financial history. The specific level of financial documentation required depends on how much capital you plan to raise, as Regulation Crowdfunding has tiered disclosure requirements.

At minimum, prepare:

• Federal tax returns. Your business tax returns for the most recent two fiscal years. If your business entity is new, personal tax returns showing your YouTube income may be required instead.

• Profit and loss statement. A summary of your channel's revenue and expenses over the past 12 months. This does not need to be professionally prepared for the application stage, but it should be accurate and organized.

• Balance sheet. A snapshot of your business's assets, liabilities, and equity. For many Creator businesses, this is relatively simple — but it needs to exist in some form.

• Bank statements. Business bank statements for the past 6 to 12 months, showing deposits and expenses related to your channel operations.

Depending on your target raise amount, you may need financial statements that have been reviewed or compiled by a CPA. GigaStar will specify the exact requirement based on your offering size. For smaller raises, self-certified financial statements may be sufficient. For larger raises, a CPA review is typically required.

Personal Identification and Background

As the principal behind the offering entity, you will need to provide personal identification and undergo a background check. This is a standard regulatory requirement for all Regulation Crowdfunding offerings.

Prepare:

• Government-issued photo ID. A valid driver's license, passport, or state ID.

• Social Security Number. Required for the background check and for the Form C filing.

• Proof of address. A recent utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing your current address.

• Disclosure of legal history. You will need to disclose any relevant legal history, including prior securities violations, criminal convictions, or regulatory actions. This does not automatically disqualify you, but disclosure is mandatory.

The background check is a regulatory requirement — GigaStar does not have discretion to waive it. The process is handled confidentially, and the information is used solely for compliance purposes.

Contracts and Legal Agreements

GigaStar needs to understand any existing legal obligations that could affect your channel's revenue or operations. Gather any of the following that apply to your situation:

• Multi-Channel Network (MCN) agreements. If you are currently signed with an MCN, GigaStar needs to review the terms to understand how they affect your revenue and channel control.

• Brand deal or sponsorship contracts. Active or pending sponsorship agreements should be disclosed, particularly any that involve exclusivity clauses or revenue-sharing arrangements.

• Manager or agent agreements. If you work with a talent manager or agent, their agreement should be reviewed to ensure there are no conflicts with the CRT offering.

• Existing loan or financing agreements. Any outstanding loans, advances, or financing arrangements tied to your channel or channel revenue should be disclosed.

• Intellectual property agreements. If you license music, footage, or other content in your videos, having documentation of those licenses available is helpful during due diligence.

If you do not have any of these agreements, that is perfectly fine — many Creators operate independently without these arrangements. The point is to disclose what exists, not to have any particular agreements in place.

Organizing Your Document Package

Having the right documents is important. Having them organized is almost as important. A well-organized submission saves the GigaStar team time during due diligence and projects the kind of professionalism that strengthens your application.

Here is a practical approach to organizing your documents:

• Create a single digital folder with clearly labeled subfolders: Business Entity, YouTube Data, Financial, Personal ID, and Contracts.

• Name files descriptively. "LLC_Articles_of_Organization_2024.pdf" is far more useful than "Document_scan_3.pdf."

• Use PDF format for documents whenever possible. It is universally readable and preserves formatting.

• Keep originals accessible. GigaStar may request original documents or additional copies during the process.

• Note any gaps. If you know you are missing a document, note it and start the process of obtaining it immediately. Common gaps include a missing Certificate of Good Standing, an expired ID, or incomplete tax filings.

The goal is to be able to hand over a complete, organized package when GigaStar asks for it. Creators who do this move through due diligence in two to three weeks. Creators who scramble to find documents after being asked can spend four weeks or more in this phase alone.

To understand how document readiness affects the overall timeline, see Creator Application Timeline: How Long Does It Take?.

For a broader view of how to position your channel for success, read the parent guide: How to Prepare Your Channel for Crowdfunding.

Key Takeaways

• Business entity documents are the foundation. You need articles of organization, EIN confirmation, an operating agreement, and a certificate of good standing for your US-based LLC or corporation.

• YouTube analytics and revenue data are essential. Export at least 12 months of channel analytics and revenue reports from YouTube Studio.

• Financial records must cover recent history. Tax returns, profit and loss statements, bank statements, and a balance sheet are standard requirements.

• Personal identification and background check are mandatory. A government-issued ID, Social Security Number, and address verification are required for regulatory compliance.

• Disclose all existing contracts. MCN agreements, brand deals, management contracts, and any existing financing should be shared during due diligence.

• Organization accelerates the process. A clearly labeled, complete digital folder of documents can save weeks during due diligence.

• Start gathering documents before you apply. Apply at https://apply.gigastarmarket.io/ once your document package is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an LLC to apply to GigaStar?

You need a formal US-based business entity to participate in an SEC-registered offering under Regulation Crowdfunding. This can be an LLC, corporation, or another recognized business structure — the specific type is up to you. If you do not have one yet, you should form one before applying, as it is a prerequisite for the offering. GigaStar can provide guidance on this step during the application process, and forming an LLC is typically straightforward and inexpensive in most states.

How many months of YouTube revenue data does GigaStar require?

GigaStar typically wants to see at least 12 months of YouTube revenue data to evaluate the consistency and sustainability of your channel's income. A longer track record — 18 or 24 months — provides more data points and strengthens your application. If your channel has been generating meaningful revenue for less than 12 months, you may want to wait until you have built a longer history before applying. Seasonal fluctuations in ad revenue are expected and understood; what matters is the overall trend.

Do I need audited financial statements for a GigaStar offering?

For most Regulation Crowdfunding offerings, fully audited financial statements are not required. The level of financial review depends on the amount being raised — offerings below certain thresholds may only require reviewed or compiled financial statements, while larger raises may require a CPA review. GigaStar will clarify the specific requirements based on your target funding amount during the application process. Having your basic financial records organized (tax returns, profit and loss, bank statements) is a good starting point regardless of the raise amount.

What happens if I am missing a required document?

Missing documents will delay the due diligence process, which is the most common cause of extended timelines. GigaStar's team will notify you of any gaps and provide guidance on how to obtain the missing items. Common issues include not having a formal business entity, missing tax filings, or incomplete revenue data exports. Addressing these gaps before applying is the most effective way to keep the process on schedule. If you know a document will take time to obtain — such as a Certificate of Good Standing from your state — start the request early.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Channel Revenue Token investments involve significant risk, including potential total loss of invested capital. Past performance does not predict future results.