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While everyone has likely heard of crowdfunding at this point, equity
crowdfunding differs from more traditional models. So, what is equity
crowdfunding? And how does it work in comparison to other crowdfunding
methods?
In this article, we’ll define equity crowdfunding and explore some of the
essential facts you need to know about this innovative way to finance new
businesses.
While popular crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter allow the public to
invest in apps and products, equity crowdfunding allows the crowd to invest in
companies. Let’s say you’re investing in a crowdfunding campaign for the iPhone
(before it became the iPhone, of course). Once a campaign has been funded,
instead of receiving an iPhone–you’d share ownership in the iPhone
company–Apple.
Essentially, equity crowdfunding is a type of online offering which allows
members of the crowd to own a piece–or two–of a startup or private company.
With any luck, that company will turn out to be as successful as Apple.
Understanding the definition of equity crowdfunding, let’s explore this topic a
little deeper.
Equity crowdfunding is relatively new to the United States. However, in other
areas of the world, this model of financing is not new.
In Europe, an Esports job platform was recently reported to have raised 250% of
its target amount in just under one week through equity crowdfunding.1 The
company launched its campaign on Crowdcube, which is amongst the most
popular crowdfunding platforms in Europe.
In other words, this market is not just limited to tech and millennials. In learning
to understand equity crowdfunding, an important fact to keep in mind: it spans
multiple sectors across the globe. Equity crowdfunding campaigns exist in
areas of healthcare, real estate, travel and tourism, and beyond.
At the same time, crowdfunding ordinarily is associated with more youthful
generations of entrepreneurs.A 2019 study determined that recent campaigns
tend to be launched by older, more established companies who can more easily
access outside funding.
Although the experienced, veteran companies are getting skin in the equity
crowdfunding game, age matters when it comes to predicting the success of a
campaign. Data suggests that companies with younger high-ranking members
are more likely to launch and complete successful equity crowdfunding
offerings. If you do your research to evaluate an equity crowdfunding investment
opportunity, do not underestimate the value of a few young members in top
management.
Equity crowdfunding still requires entrepreneurs to put in all the effort of a
traditionally-financed company. These businesses are responsible for launching
their own marketing campaigns to educate the public about their idea and
At the same time, government regulations have been put in place to protect
investors, particularly those “non-accredited” individuals from the crowd.
Businesses seeking capital through equity crowdfunding have to be extra careful
about misleading the public or making claims about potential earnings or returns.
The best startups are willing to put in the extra energy.
Regulations can protect crowd investors, making it more difficult for them to be
deceived. While these are in place to protect investors, they do not relieve them
of responsibilities to execute due diligence. Before investing in an equity
crowdfunding campaign, be sure to get the facts about the humans behind the
business plan.
As is often the case, the higher the potential reward, the greater the risk. An
important fact to know about equity crowdfunding is that the potential for return
is often long-term. If you’re looking for a way to pay next month’s rent, investing
in an equity crowdfunding campaign will disappoint you.
Understanding the possibility a campaign may fail to acquire the target funding,
investors should assess personal risk tolerance along with the policies of
potential investments. Many equity crowdfunding campaigns will protect initial
investments, holding them in escrow until the funding goal has been reached.
Become familiar with these policies before handing over your hard-earned cash.
While anyone can start a business, not everyone has access to the money they
need to launch one successfully. In the past, new companies had to depend on
financial intermediaries to acquire startup funding.
Today, online crowdfunding platforms allow new companies to open up
financing to the public. This digital form of investing provides large amounts of
individuals an opportunity to invest in businesses at a much lower price. If
everyone from the crowd can participate, research suggests equity crowdfunding
could efficiently distribute capital to new companies and improve welfare.
Source: h
ttps://www.hotelierco.com/equity-crowdfunding-facts/
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