Any informal arrangement still needs to be documented in writing, including the amount, terms, and whether it is a loan, gift, or equity contribution, before it can be treated as part of the qualifying investment.
Formalize informal family financing before relying on it
Ask family members involved to put the terms of any contribution in writing and identify the lawful source of those funds. An undocumented understanding among relatives does not provide the traceable record an E-2 review needs.
The signed purchase agreement, evidence that the funds have been transferred or placed in escrow with defined release terms, the lease or property deed, and the entity's organizational documents showing the buyer's ownership. Provide a subscription ledger by cohort, the deferred revenue balance at each month end, bank statements matching those receipts, and a schedule of service costs still to be incurred. Build a dated review file around bank statements, transfer trail, signed purchase terms, escrow conditions, invoices, ownership agreements, and operating projections. Equipment need not already be in production before filing; credible prelaunch commitments such as signed leases, purchase orders and deposits can support readiness, subject to review of the actual terms.