The event – Crowdfunding – The Myth & the Reality - is designed to help start-ups and entrepreneurs better understand the opportunities and risks associated with Crowd Funding, and provide tips on running a successful campaign, from choosing the right platform to what’s needed before, during and after.
Crowd Funding is set to overtake venture capital this year, as funds raised through the platform exceeded $34.4 billion across the globe in 2015 and show no signs of slowing. Entrepreneurs and investors alike are taking advantage of this new, flexible funding style, and the range of platforms around vary in set-up, aims and function.
This event is being hosted by Allia Future Business Centre, who provide workspace and enterprise support to ventures who make a positive impact on people and the planet in Cambridge and also in Peterborough. Supported by Crowdcube it presents a unique opportunity to find out how crowdfunding could work for your business, and to understand the finer points of distinction between platforms.
Paul Hughes, Head of Venture Development, Allia Future Business Centre Cambridge said: "Whether you are an early stage start up or a fast growing proven success, the alternative finance landscape is worth exploring to see what is relevant to you at your stage of growth. We’ve seen the success of ventures that have worked with our Cambridge centre, such as Renovagen and Pavegen, who have between them raised over £3,000,000 through Crowdcube."
Crowdcube, a start-up oriented, equity crowdfunding platform, gives members of the public the chance to invest in the businesses listed on the site. The first investment crowdfunding platform in the world, it has now expanded this offering to two different types of investment opportunity: equity (stake in a company) and mini-bonds (lending money). FCA approved, they still focus on early-stage businesses and work as an alternative to banks, Angels or venture capital funding.
Speaking at the event will be Michael Royston, Senior Business Development Manager at Crowdcube and Ivan Hoo, Investment Analyst at Crowdcube. Michael is an avid supporter of crowdfunding and has been following its impact on the start-up scene globally. His particular areas of interest lie in social enterprise and all forms of 'collaborative consumption'.
From Allia Future Business Centre both Paul Hughes, Head of Venture Development and Neil Prem, Head of Enterprise Engagement will be presenting also.
The event is free, but you must register to attend. Find out more and sign up here.
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