A Critical Analysis Of Crowdfunding As An Alternative Form Of Financing For Startups In Europe

Bachelorarbeit aus dem Jahr 2016 im Fachbereich BWL - Investition und Finanzierung, Note: 2,0, FOM Essen, Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management gemeinnützige GmbH, Hochschulleitung Essen früher Fachhochschule (FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management), Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: The aim of this paper is to evaluate whether crowdfunding is a realistic form of financing for startups in Europe. Therefore, theoretical principals of startup financing, as well as crowdfunding and its different dimensions, have to be scrutinized further. Moreover, a general overview of the European startup and crowdfunding market has to be provided. This paper focuses on commercial startups located in the member states of the European Union. This paper begins with an introduction of the theoretical principles of startup financing. After a brief definition of startups, the occasions for obtaining financing are pointed out in the context of the life cycle model of a venture. In this regard, traditional forms of startup financing and the related issues are analysed. A more detailed look is also taken on the issue of information asymmetry. Chapter 3 deals with crowdfunding as a source of financing. After an overview of the evolution of crowdfunding, this concept is examined in greater detail. Specifically, the definition and basics of crowdfunding, the main actors and the different forms of crowdfunding are presented. Next, this chapter deals with a typical process of establishing and running a crowdfunding campaign. The end of this chapter deals with the determinants of success of a crowdfunding campaign. In Chapter 4, the European startup and crowdfunding markets are evaluated. Besides facts on these markets, this chapter also deals with insights into the European legal framework in the field of crowdfunding. Moreover, relevant platforms in Europe are presented. The chapter ends with a practical example of a crowdfunding campaign in Europe. In Chapter 5, traditional forms of financing are compared to the relevant types of crowdfunding in Europe. After equity-based crowdfunding is compared to BAs and VCs, lending-based crowdfunding is compared to bank financing. The end of the chapter deals with the comparison of reward-based crowdfunding to financial boot-strapping. In the last chapter, the investigative results are summarized and the achievement of the objective is evaluated. The paper concludes with a prospect of the development of crowdfunding in Europe.

Crowdfunding is becoming an increasingly popular method to finance projects of every kind and scale. This contributed volume is one of the earliest books presenting scientific and research-based perspectives of crowdfunding, its development, and future. The European Crowdfunding Network (ECN) and its scientific work group, together with FGF e.V., invited both researchers and practitioners to contribute to this first state-of-the-art edited volume on crowdfunding in Europe. This book contributes to a better comprehension of crowdfunding, encourages further fundamental research and contributes to a systematization of this new field of research. The book also features expert contributions by practitioners to enhance and complement the scientific perspective. This book can be used as a guideline and shall advance classification in an emerging research field.

Seminar paper from the year 2015 in the subject Business economics - Investment and Finance, grade: 1,3, The FOM University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, language: English, abstract: In the past years the number of startups increased continuously. Often it is the case that a startup doesn’t have the financial power to realize a business and if an investor or a financial institute refuses to support the startup many good ideas can fail already at the beginning. Therefore it is necessary for startups to find new ways for financing the business ideas. Crowdfunding is one method for financing and investing which nowadays reaches a high popularity and growth among innovative people, groups and companies. To get a better understanding of the whole context this term paper investigates the different perspectives and actors of crowdfunding to give an answer to the actual aim. The aim is to analyze whether crowdfunding is an appropriate way of gaining funds for startups or not. In the first part the theoretical information is provided. This includes definitions and differentiations of used basic terms like crowdfunding and crowdinvesting as well as the different forms of crowdfunding. Also in the same part the functionality and the historical development of crowdfunding will be shown. In chapter 3 the actors of crowdfunding – the startups, the investors and the platforms – will be described. This part will focus on the different reasons, aims and other important aspects for each of the actors. An overview of advantages and risks for startups and investors will be given in the fourth chapter. To have a better impression about the different crowdfunding forms, levels and scales, the fifth chapter will show some examples of successful crowdfunding campaigns. Based on all researched and derived information, the last chapter will give a summary and conclusion to the aim of this term paper.

This open access book presents a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of knowledge on the state of crowdfunding research and practice. It considers crowdfunding models and their different manifestations across a variety of geographies and sectors, and explores the perspectives of fundraisers, backers, platforms, and regulators. Gathering insights from a wide range of influential researchers in the field, the book balances concepts, theory, and case studies. Going beyond previous research on crowdfunding, the contributors also investigate issues of community, sustainability, education, and ethics. A vital resource for anyone researching crowdfunding, this book offers readers a deep understanding of the characteristics, business models, user-relations, and behavioural patterns of crowdfunding.

This book focuses on various types of crowdfunding and the lessons learned from academic research. Crowdfunding, a new and important source of financing for entrepreneurs, fills a funding gap that was traditionally difficult to close. Chapters from expert contributors define and carefully evaluate the various market segments: donation-based and reward-based crowdfunding, crowdinvesting and crowdlending. They further provide an assessment of startups, market structure, as well as backers and investors for each segment. Attention is given to the theoretical and empirical findings from the recent economics and finance literature. Furthermore, the authors evaluate relevant regulatory efforts in several jurisdictions. This book will appeal to finance, entrepreneurship and legal scholars as well as entrepreneurs and platform operators.

This book aims to take stock and systemize existing knowledge on crowdfunding while providing overview of the industry, its regulatory environment and advancing the insight into the role of crowdfunding in the startup lifecycle. It is adopting an exploratory and phenomenon-based approach which is deemed appropriate when investigating rather new phenomena. Furthermore, the research combines survey and interview methodologies to assess the opinion and real-world behavior of different stakeholders in crowdfunding marketplace and identify gaps requiring further academic consideration. Empirical data was gathered using multiple interactive web-based questionnaires distributed to different stakeholders and “informed general public” mainly through the social networks (Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter) and direct solicitation of entrepreneurial associations, networks and online communities. The study conducted relies on both qualitative and quantitative analysis in attempt to find data patterns useful in future research and establish some managerial and policymaker recommendations based on limited evidence collected. The work adds value to this field through a 3-fold contribution: Taking a look at crowdfunding through the prism of SWOT analysis of the practice itself and Porter’s 5 forces analysis of crowdfunding platforms industry. Providing evidence in favor of implementing various degrees of regulation based on different crowdfunding categories, using the Italian case of equity-based crowdfunding regulation as a model. Finally, it yields some interesting findings on relevance of crowdfunding in the venture startup while pointing out key motivators which make entrepreneurs consider this fundraising option. In addition, related policymaker/managerial implications are exposed and academic literature updated with reference to contemporary developments in this dynamic field.

In recent years, crowdfunding has become important and it has been enthusiastically used not only by commercial organizations but also by the public sector. This alternative source of financing in times of constrained government budgets enables citizens to vote with their dollars online to bring ideas into reality. This book sheds light on the developing concept of crowdfunding in the public sector, with an overview of current academic discussions and best practices on crowdfunding in the public sector. The volume approaches crowdfunding in the public sector from an integrated perspective, addressing the dearth of publications on the subject. The book gathers a wealth of theoretical information, ideas, best practices and lessons learned in the context of executing concrete crowdfunding projects, and assess methodological approaches to integrating the topic of crowdfunding in public organizations curricula. The book provides definitions, insights and examples of this managerial perspective resulting in a theoretical framework of crowdfunding in the public sector. The contributors also explore different crowdfunding applications in public sectors such as local government, higher education, schools, arts & culture organizations, healthcare, energy sector, and police services, which are presented in several case studies. This is a unique book in the field that points the way forward both for policymakers and for the research community in terms of thinking about crowdfunding in the public sector and the complex issues surrounding its development.

Michael Mödl examines the impact and signaling effects of crowd-based start-up financing on subsequent venture capital funding rounds. The digital era has substantially expanded the entrepreneurial financing landscape and crowdfunding is emerging as a novel way for young innovative firms to secure scarce early-stage funding. As the evaluations of venture capitalists and business angels remain to be consequential for securing critical resources in later stages, questions on the interactions between new and traditional forms of venture financing arise. Drawing on choice experimental research designs the author provides causal empirical evidence that while “the crowd” is generally seen as a negative signal, it can generate certain positive signals which increase the likelihood of professional venture investors to consider crowdfunded start-ups for investment. The presented findings yield important implications for capital-seeking entrepreneurs, investors and public policy. Dr. Michael Maximilian Mödl completed his dissertation under supervision of Prof. Dietmar Harhoff, Ph.D. at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition.