# Getting Started

Joining PAID gives you access to high-quality token raises and private equity deals in a transparent and structured investment environment. Whether you're interested in Web3 projects or tech companies, getting started is simple.

This guide walks you through account setup, staking process, and participation in both token raises and equity deals on PAID.

### Step 1: Create account & complete KYC

To participate in investment opportunities on PAID, all users must register and complete KYC verification.

**How to register**

1. [Sign up here ](https://www.paidnetwork.com/register?utm_source=giutbook\&utm_medium=community)using an email and secure password
2. Connect your wallet (MetaMask, Rabby, WalletConnect, or others)
3. Complete KYC verification to ensure compliance and platform security

{% hint style="success" %}
**Note:** KYC is mandatory for all users to prevent fraud, comply with regulations, and maintain a safe investment environment.
{% endhint %}

**Geographic access**

* **US accredited investors:** Welcome to equity raises with accreditation verification
* **Global retail investors:** Open to most jurisdictions

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Restricted regions:** Belarus, Burma, Côte D'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk.
{% endhint %}

### Step 2: Choose your investment path

PAID offers two distinct investment opportunities:

* **Token raises** - Participate in vetted Web3 projects through LowFDV Community Offerings and other token launch formats
* **Equity deals** - Access private company investments with $500 minimums, targeting AI, robotics, fintech, and other high-growth sectors

You can participate in both types of opportunities from the same account, with staking benefits applying across both asset classes.

### Step 3: Stake $PAID for enhanced benefits (optional but recommended)

PAID operates on a [tiered staking model](staking-and-tier-system) where higher staking levels grant better access, reduced fees, and guaranteed allocations for token raises.

**How to stake**

1. Buy $PAID on [Uniswap](https://app.uniswap.org) or [MEXC](https://www.mexc.com)
2. Go to your PAID profile and mark desired participation wallet as 'Primary Wallet'
3. Transfer $PAID to your Primary Wallet on Base network
4. Go to PAID [Membership page](https://www.paidnetwork.com/membership?utm_source=gitbook\&utm_medium=direct)
5. Choose your staking amount and confirm the transaction
6. Receive $sPAID (staked PAID) tokens as proof of your staked position

**$sPAID Contract Address (Base):** `0x767001D99103C9589c339Ff0dd323ebE354B6b0c`

**Staking benefits:**

* **Token raises:** Enhanced allocations, reduced protocol fees, access to high-demand raises
* **Equity deals:** Lower management fees and carry rates based on your tier, zero carry fees for Diamond tier
* **Platform access:** Inner Circle Discord for top tiers

### Step 4: Participate in opportunities

#### For token raises

**Register interest (stakers only)**

1. Visit the PAID website and browse upcoming projects
2. Select an upcoming token raise to visit its project page
3. Click the Register Interest button before deadline

{% hint style="info" %}
**Important:** Stakers must register interest before the snapshot deadline to be eligible for allocations.
{% endhint %}

**Participate in the raise**

1. Ensure your wallet is funded with USDC and ETH for gas
2. Join during your tier's pool access window (EarlyPool, PriorityPool, or OpenPool)
3. Your final allocation depends on your tier and the specific raise mechanics

{% hint style="info" %}
**Fee note:** Protocol fees are deducted from your allocation. If you contribute $1,000 as Gold tier (5% protocol fee), you receive $950 in tokens per the release schedule.
{% endhint %}

#### For equity deals

**Browse and invest**

1. Review available equity opportunities on the dashboard
2. Complete any additional compliance requirements for private securities
3. Whitelist for deals of interest and digitally sign term sheets
4. Send USDC/USDT payment directly from your wallet
5. PAID handles all legal filings and ongoing management

### Step 5: Track and manage your portfolio

After participating in raises or equity deals, track everything through your PAID profile.

→ [Create PAID account & complete KYC ](https://www.paidnetwork.com/register?utm_source=giutbook\&utm_medium=community)
