Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Equity Crowdfunding, Alternative Funding
The backing of the crowd – What has crowdfunding done for great British businesses?
Business Advice by Darren Westlake | November 9, 2015
We see a lot of column inches about crowdfunding, and why many companies are turning to the crowd as a preferred route to raising finance. But we seldom hear about what happens to those businesses post funding and, more importantly, what that investment has helped each to achieve.
As I’ve discussed in a previous article, around 85 per cent of businesses that apply to Crowdcube do not meet our stringent requirements to make it onto the platform. For those that do, over half go on to reach the investment target after successfully inspiring investment from our crowd of over 220,000 people.
And with nearly 60 per cent of the amount raised on Crowdcube coming from high-net worth and sophisticated investors, with a keen interest in the businesses they help fund, each company really has to make the money work to ensure plans and ambitions for growth are delivered.
View: Crowdcube Founder Claims An Industry Tipping Point
We’ve completed over 315 successful raises on Crowdcube, with more than £115m having been invested through the site. We’ve seen businesses go on to do amazing things with that investment, which is all thanks to the backing of the crowd.
The first business that comes to mind is E-Car Club, which delivered the first complete exit for crowd investors earlier this year, following its sale to Europcar in July. E-Car Club – the UK’s first entirely electric car sharing club for businesses and communities – became a milestone in crowdfunding history as the first crowdfunded exit after raising £112,000 from 63 investors on Crowdcube. The business was able to leverage the social proof of their crowdfunding efforts to raise yet more money.
The founder of E-Car Club, Andrew Wordsworth, is still part of the business and his plans include having hundreds of vehicles deployed over the next 3-5 years. But he is also MD of Sustainable Ventures Development Partners, a UK accelerator for low carbon and sustainable businesses, which also recently raised money on Crowdcube for Powervault, a domestic electricity storage device.
Related: Equity Crowdfunding Platform Crowdcube Enters Canada
It’s interesting that while Wordsworth is proud that the E-Car Club exit was a watershed moment for crowdfunding, he feels more pleasure from just being able to repay his investors’ trust by investing in the business in the first place!
Over the last few years, we’ve seen some fantastic success stories that will hopefully inspire businesses and investors alike. One is Gem Misa, who successfully crowdfunded two of her businesses on Crowdcube – Righteous and Cauli Rice. Today, Righteous has been valued at more than £3.5m and is stocked in more than 1,000 stores in the UK and overseas. Cauli Rice is no less impressive, making it to the finals of Richard Branson’s Pitch to Rich 2015 campaign.
Another inspiration is Pippa Murray, who raised £120,000 on Crowdcube last year for her startup, Pip & Nut. Like many young entrepreneurs, Murray had to cut costs in the early days and spent three months living in a shed in order to save money and get her nut butters off the ground. Following investment from the crowd, Pip & Nut is now stocked in leading retailers, including Selfridges, As Nature Intended and Booths.
The founder of SilkFred, Emma Watkinson funded the ecommerce platform for independent fashion designers in 2013. Since then, she has been invited to Vogue Fashion Experience in Dubai, sailed past the £1m mark for 2014 sales, and been nominated for UKBAA Best Female Led Investment.
Related: Why Equity Crowdfunding Is Good News For Women
Others have used their investment to focus on expanding overseas. One such business is East End Manufacturing. The company champions clothing that is “Made in Britain”, and was the first clothes factory to open in London’s East End for many years. It initially raised £150,000 in 2013, via Crowdcube, to fund a move to new premises. Founder Barry Laden then returned to crowdfunding to finance the company’s international expansion, raising a further £250,000. Today, the business sells its own brand fashions in 240 countries through Asos.com.
Righteous’ Misa recognised the international opportunities for her “all natural” salad dressing brand, so, having raised an initial £75,000 in 2012 to grow the business, she pitched for a second round of funding in 2013 to meet demand from overseas customers. This second pitch attracted £150,000 investment. Products are now stocked by major retailers in the US, including Costco, Whole Foods, Winn Dixie, Albertsons and Jewel Osco and business turnover has grown by over 3,000 per cent in four years.
Misa herself has admitted that crowdfunding is a great way to fund growth and that nothing else is really filling the gap at the moment.
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
New Capital Raising Rules for Canadians
Crowd Capital by Sandi Gilbert | November 14, 2015
It has been a few weeks now since our securities regulators announced a myriad of capital raising regulations for private companies in Canada. For my friends south of the border, we don’t have one regulator that issues national regulations (the SEC); we have 13 different regulators that implement regulations they feel best suit the business and investor environment in their province. When possible, they harmonize these regulations with other jurisdictions, but in many cases, small jurisdictional differences become exceptions in their regulations. It is a bit cumbersome, but technologies like SeedUps and OfferingPoint help manage what investors can access and how much they can invest in particular capital offerings.
View:
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Regulators including OSC Publish Crowdfunding Exemption and Registration Framework for Funding Portals
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ASC and Nunavut Securities Office Publish Proposed Start-up Business Exemption for Comment
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New “Start-up” Crowdfunding Exemptions Adopted in Some Canadian Jurisdictions
Overall, the recent announcements will help lower the cost of raising capital and broaden the pool of investors companies can attract to invest in their business. That has been our goal from the outset, and although not perfect, these are significant steps to satisfying the funding gap companies face when seeking between $250K and $2 million in growth capital.
Download “Your Guide to Raising Capital Online“.
Until now, the only way private companies could raise capital from non-accredited investors was through the Offering Memorandum exemption requiring them to prepare a complex disclosure document complete with audited financial statements (note – Ontario has just published its intent to allow its constituents to participate in these capital offerings effective January 2016) . This exemption has worked well for companies raising north of $2 million in capital, as it is good corporate governance for companies of that size to audit their financials in any event (and they can actually afford it). It simply didn’t make practical sense for companies that were looking for the gap financing I refer to above. So now, companies can prepare a relatively simple disclosure document, present their offering on a public facing portal and attract investment from a wide array of investors – institutions, angels and individuals.
Many of our peers are concerned that companies raising capital through these new exemptions will be saddled with too many shareholders and a dysfunctional cap table that will be disruptive to future investment. I too, agree that too many shareholders may be challenging to manage. The new regulations have investor limits that range from $1,500 to $5,000 for non-accredited investors. In simple math, if a company raised $1.5 million from only those investors, they could be faced with managing over 600 investors. The reality is, no one would recommend that a company raise that much money $2,500 at a time. Capital raises, whether conducted offline or online most always involve different types or classes of investor.
Related: Despite new rules, equity crowdfunding is no picnic
The first investors are key to a successful capital raise. Everyone wants to see someone else lead the way and typically, those lead investors are close to the company and its management or are advocates or customers of the company and have watched the development of the business to this stage. Companies that want to raise $1.5 million through equity crowdfunding should secure this lead investor prior to launching their raise. The funding portal helps the company share that story with Business Angels and other sources of large capital, filling the middle portion of the raise. The Crowd is there to fill out the rest.
When done properly, a $1.5 million capital raise might have 75 investors from different classes. A lead investor for $500,000, sophisticated investors averaging $75,000 each and the Crowd averaging $7,500 each. That may still sound like a lot of shareholders, but structured properly and managed with technology solutions, those 75 investors can be the company’s sales and marketing arm. When out to dinner with friends, they’ll be talking about their latest investment and encouraging the success of the company.
Hey – have you heard about the XYZ app? It’s awesome – you should download it now! Did I tell you I was a shareholder?
Anyone remember a little company called WestJet? They built their company with the “average investor” advocate. In their day, they did it in the public markets, but today, companies can start with private investors, then go public when they are ready.
Related: Equity crowdfunding market no longer the preserve of start-ups
Here’s why these regulations are important and what they will mean to the Canadian economy. The potential investment dollars in the hands of the Crowd is enormous. If just a very small percentage of the “not-yet-accredited” investor put a suitable proportion of their investment portfolio into early stage companies, Canadian businesses could access over $1 billion in untapped capital. Imagine what companies could do with that capital. They will grow their businesses, add jobs and contribute to the innovation and diversification of the Canadian economy. Seriously – shouldn’t we give them a chance?
View the original blog post --> here
Hear Sandi Gilbert of SeedUps Canada at the Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp (Dec. 3)
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Entrepreneurs turning to equity crowdfunding as provinces loosen rules
The Province by Peter Henderson | November 13, 2015
When long-time ad agency executive Jillian Bowman needed capital to start a small business, she didn't find an angel investor — she found a crowd.
Inspired by the challenge of packing lunches for her four kids, Bowman used equity crowdfunding platform SeedUp to raise $50,000 by selling an equity in Epicured Market, an online grocery and meal-planning service for Canadians with dietary restrictions.
Bowman said the crowdfunding process was more flexible than a bank loan. She said it allowed her to raise smaller amounts while giving her the option of returning to investors if she wants more.
Raising money from people she didn't know was also a testament to their belief in her idea, she said.
Related: 6 Ways to Use Crowdfunding for Product Development
"It made more sense for the business," she said. "It gave me the confidence that this business is going to work."
Epicured Market has just entered the pilot phase with a small number of families.
While some early-stage entrepreneurs take out consumer loans or run up their credit cards to support their initial expansion, Bowman said she couldn't afford that option with one of her children in university and another enrolling next year.
Bowman is one of a growing number of entrepreneurs using equity crowdfunding to jump-start their work, and five provinces have just made it easier for the average Joe or Jane to buy equity in a business.
Unlike websites such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Patreon, Bowman's backers get a stake in her business.
Last week, Ontario said it would join five other provinces in a co-ordinated effort to loosen the rules for companies looking to raise money through online crowdfunding platforms and open up equity crowdfunding to all investors, with limits based on net worth.
View:
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Regulators including OSC Publish Crowdfunding Exemption and Registration Framework for Funding Portals
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ASC and Nunavut Securities Office Publish Proposed Start-up Business Exemption for Comment
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New “Start-up” Crowdfunding Exemptions Adopted in Some Canadian Jurisdictions
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have also implemented that policy.
Craig Asano, founder of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada, said the new policy could help the many Canadian companies that fail at an early stage because of a lack of financing.
"This is about strengthening the feeder systems of small businesses and the culture of entrepreneurship in Canada, which is linked to our innovation economy," he said.
While the sums involved are still small, he said, equity crowdfunding is poised to grow exponentially. First-time investors can also use it as a way to get their feet wet, he added, making it attractive to millennials looking for more control and connection to their portfolio.
Related: SeedUps Canada is Self-Crowdfunding as Market Heats Up Around the World
Sandi Gilbert, founder and CEO of SeedUp, said equity crowdfunding is a more efficient way of matching investors with companies looking for support.
"Companies can present their deal and get broad exposure to investors that have never been able to invest in those deals before because they weren't sitting in the boardroom when the company was pitching itself," she said.
Gilbert said crowdfunding is best suited for companies that are beyond the idea stage but far from going public, and that it can serve as a bridge while entrepreneurs seek to tap the deeper pockets of professional investors.
"This is really about companies that have a good business plan and have good traction and need to take their company to the next level and can't find that next million," she said.
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
NexusCrowd Announces Partnership with Downing Street Realty Partners for a $12 Million Industrial Real Estate Redevelopment Project
Marketwired | November 12, 2015
Online Investment Platform provides investors exclusive access to alternative, commercial real estate investments
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 12, 2015) - NexusCrowd Inc. ("NexusCrowd") today announced the launch of a new real estate redevelopment project on its online investment platform, and has partnered with Downing Street Realty Partners ("Downing Street"), a Toronto-based real estate investment manager and merchant bank. Downing Street is the lead investor for the $12 million project, which includes three industrial properties in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The partnership will allow NexusCrowd to post exclusive investment opportunities that Downing Street is leading onto the NexusCrowd platform. NexusCrowd is the first investment platform in Canada to provide accredited investors with exclusive access to co-invest alongside institutional investors in deals that have reached at least 50% of their funding target. It also provides private equity firms with a "frictionless" way to raise new capital.
Related: NexusCrowd Closes Online Investment Offering for Canadian Real Estate Project
"We are extremely pleased to welcome Downing Street as a partner," stated Hitesh Rathod, CEO of NexusCrowd. "Downing Street has a long history of successful investment and management in the real estate development and redevelopment sectors. This partnership broadens our ability to offer high-quality investment opportunities to accredited investors with a reputable sponsor."
Real estate crowdfunding is experiencing explosive levels of growth. According to crowdfunding firm, Massolution, the market for real estate crowdfunding is expected to increase by 150 percent, equaling $2.57 billion in 2015, making it one of the fastest-growing industry segments of crowd capitalism.
View: Get the 2015 Crowdfunding for Real Estate Industry Report
"Partnering with NexusCrowd enables us to efficiently raise additional sources of capital, while leveraging the power of crowdfunding," said Marc Canale, a Partner at Downing Street Realty Partners. "Downing Street has an extensive track-record with redevelopment projects of this nature, and is pleased to partner with NexusCrowd to offer investors this latest opportunity."
About the Transaction
The redevelopment project includes three industrial properties; one in Mississauga, and two in Toronto, totaling 110,000 square feet. The properties have already been purchased by Downing Street, and redevelopment began over a year ago. The two Toronto properties with environmental contamination are currently being remediated. The expected completion date of the project is September 2016. The total cost of the project is $12 million, with NexusCrowd raising $500,000.
About NexusCrowd Inc.
NexusCrowd is the first investment platform in Canada that provides accredited investors with exclusive access to co-invest alongside institutional investors in deals that have reached at least 50% of the funding target.
NexusCrowd is led by a team with expertise in financial services, technology and institutional finance. It's the only investment platform in Canada with an exempt market dealer license that uniquely partners with institutions on equity and debt investments. Combined with proprietary investment and fundraising technology, NexusCrowd provides a simple, transparent process for accredited investors, and a frictionless way for private equity partners to raise new capital. For further information, visit www.nexuscrowd.com.
About Downing Street Realty Partners
Downing Street Realty Partners is focused on a range of real estate investment management and real estate merchant banking activities. Downing Street acts as both principals and independent advisors to its clients and offers investment, transaction and management expertise stemming from significant expertise in the real estate market as owners, intermediaries and asset managers. Downing Street strategically identifies and executes private market transactions, adding value to its clients across their real estate and investment needs while enhancing their risk adjusted returns.
Since its founding in 1986, Downing Street has acquired, repositioned and developed over 3 million square feet of residential, office, commercial and industrial properties in Ontario, as well as other provinces in Canada. Further information can be found at www.downingstreet.com.
Disclaimer:
This communication is not an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy, securities. Offers to sell, or the solicitations of offers to buy, any security can only be made through official offering documents that contain important information about risks, fees and expenses. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and should consult with a financial advisor, lawyer, accountant, and any other professional that can assist with understanding and assessing the risks associated with any investment opportunity.
NexusCrowd Inc. is a registered Exempt Market Dealer in the Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. NexusCrowd Inc. operates an online investment platform intended for Canadian investors who qualify under available exemptions pursuant to Canadian National Instrument 45-106. All offerings presented on the site are considered to be highly speculative and, as such, are suitable only for purchasers who are prepared to risk the loss of their entire investment.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp: Learn Everything (Dec. 3, 2015)
Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp: Learn Everything
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Essential Education Series (View Photos)
Equity | Debt | Rewards | Fintech | Networking
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WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Date: Thursday December 3, 2015
Venue: Dentons (Calgary)
850 - 2nd Street SW 15th Floor, Bankers Court, Calgary, AB T2P 0R8 (map)
Time: 1:00pm – 6:30pm
Registration: $25 members / $35 non-members / At Door $40+
Light refreshments included. Add 5% GST.
SOLD OUT! (Limited tickets available at the Door)
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- ESSENTIAL EDUCATION SERIES -
"The regulation of crowdfunding in Canada, the US and globally is dynamic and forever evolving. Dentons is poised to guide the global market in this area." -Jason Saltzman, Partner, Dentons
Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp
This is an immersive half day workshop + networking event that covers essential crowdfunding education for companies seeking to raise capital from alternative finance crowdfunding markets, investors, and all other parties interested in understanding innovation trends, opportunities and risks, regulations, best practices and expert perspectives for all crowdfunding models including equity, debt/p2p, rewards and fintech markets and transactions. Learn from and interact with active practitioners in crowdfunding markets including platforms (funding portals and dealer-brokers), investors, attorneys, accountants, marketing experts, and hear pitches from new and successful issuers. This workshop is designed for those interested in or actively engaged in the process of raising capital online.
Agenda (Half-day + Networking)
| TIME | EVENT PROGRAMMING |
|---|---|
| 1:00 — 1:20 PM |
Registration and Networking |
| 1:20 — 1:30 PM |
Welcome, Market Overview and MC
|
| 1:30 — 2:00 PM |
The Potential and Impact of Crowdfunding on the Innovation Economy
|
| 2:00 — 2:30 PM |
Crowdfunding for Startups: Success Stories and Insights
|
| 2:30 - 3:00 PM |
Compliance with Equity Crowdfunding Regulations in Canada and the US
|
| 3:00 - 3:15 PM |
Networking Break (15mins) |
| 3:15 - 3:45 PM |
Equity Crowdfunding Platforms and Best Practices
|
| 3:45 - 4:15 PM |
Lending Marketplaces/P2P and Community Banking
|
| 4:15 - 4:45 PM |
Accounting, Taxes, and Financial Planning Considerations
|
| 4:45 - 5:15 PM |
Q & A and Discussion on ASCs Proposed Startup Exemption
|
| 5:15 - 5:30 PM |
Closing Pitch
|
| 5:30 PM |
Networking Until Close |
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Why attend this workshop?
1. Learn Market Insights and Opportunities from Industry Experts: Global crowdfunding, fintech and alternative finance markets continue to grow rapidly playing a significant role in mobilizing capital and resources to help launch and scale new ventures, social enterprises, small businesses and high growth SMEs. Has crowdfunding reached an industry tipping point (read UK Crowdcube founder's perspective here)?
- Global crowdfunding markets grew 167% from $6.1 billion in 2013 to $16.2 billion in 2014 due to heightened market activity, increased infrastructure and better integration and support from traditional capital market ecosystems.
- Get the leading research...2015 Global Crowdfunding Industry Report here.
- Learn why financial firms are joining the crowd and how to leverage technology to improve financial transactions. More deals, wider networks and distribution, automated IR, integrated capital stack, marketing automation/CRM and analytics.
- Find out why private angel investors, VC groups, fund managers and corporate investors are seeking to work with emerging crowdfunding companies, affiliates and partners.
2. Discuss Regulatory Changes that Impact How Small Businesses Raise Capital: The Canadian crowdfunding industry is poised for growth with several provinces recently adopting new prospectus exemptions that will enable start-ups to raise capital online (subject to certain constraints and compliance):
- On May 14, 2015, six Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia adopted multilateral CSA notice 45-316, Startup Crowdfunding and Registration exemption that enables up to $500K to be raised per year over two $250K distributions – this financing tool is active in the market today.
- On Oct 19, 2015, the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) and the Nunavut Securities Office published for 60 day comment Proposed Multilateral Instrument 45-109 Prospectus Exemption for Start-up Businesses, which sets out a proposed prospectus exemption to facilitate capital raising by start-up and early stage companies. While the proposal is largely similar to the adopted multilateral CSA notice 45-316 (above), this exemption would allow a start-up or early stage business to raise up to $1,000,000 (lifetime cap) using a streamlined offering document together with a bluntly worded risk warning. Investors would be permitted to invest up to $1,500 in a business or $5,000 with the advice of a registered dealer.
- On Nov 5, 2015, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia adopted Multilateral Instrument 45-108 Crowdfunding, which introduces a crowdfunding prospectus exemption for issuers raising up to $1.5M in a twelve month period as well as a registration framework for funding portals.
3. Essential Education and Networking: Learn best practices including 'what not to do' from current case studies and expert practitioners. Discuss your questions with experts and peers. Connect with peers that can assist your company to tap into emerging capital raising, marketing, financial/business planning and infrastructure services and opportunities.
Who should attend the workshop?
- Start-ups and SMEs seeking to raise seed/growth capital and expand their networks
- Private angel investors, VC groups, fund managers, corporate and retail investors
- Entrepreneurial and innovation networks seeking to raise capital and commercialize ventures including incubator/accelerators, entrepreneurs, start-ups, high impact SMEs
- All other parties interested in new venture development opportunities, small business growth, financial technology and equity financing including government, media journalists, industry and funding specialists
- Those interested in networking with emerging market channels and high growth sectors
Have issues buying tickets in this widget? Go to Eventbrite directly to register.
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
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[restab title="Agenda + Speakers"]
| TIME | EVENT PROGRAMMING |
|---|---|
| 1:00 — 1:20 PM |
Registration and Networking |
| 1:20 — 1:30 PM |
Welcome, Market Overview and MC
|
| 1:30 — 2:00 PM |
The Potential and Impact of Crowdfunding on the Innovation Economy
|
| 2:00 — 2:30 PM |
Crowdfunding for Startups: Success Stories and Insights
|
| 2:30 - 3:00 PM |
Compliance with Equity Crowdfunding Regulations in Canada and the US
|
| 3:00 - 3:15 PM |
Networking Break (15mins) |
| 3:15 - 3:45 PM |
Equity Crowdfunding Platforms and Best Practices
|
| 3:45 - 4:15 PM |
Lending Marketplaces/P2P and Community Banking
|
| 4:15 - 4:45 PM |
Accounting, Taxes, and Financial Planning Considerations
|
| 4:45 - 5:15 PM |
Q & A and Discussion on ASCs Proposed Startup Exemption
|
| 5:15 - 5:30 PM |
Closing Pitch
|
| 5:30 PM |
Networking Until Close |
Speakers:
Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director, NCFA Canada
Craig has amassed over 15+ years of experience as a marketing strategist, software technologist and start-up entrepreneur in technology, finance, manufacturing and real estate sectors. He is a leader, advocate and development professional of interactive web, data, CRM, campaign management, BI and marketing automation and new venture development projects. He is actively involved in developing the Canadian Crowdfunding industry and works with crowdfunding leaders and key stakeholders across the country to develop a vibrant marketplace. He has has spearheaded multiple programs and initiatives such as the inaugural 2015 Canadian Crowdfunding Summit, National Ambassadors outreach program, and NCFA Canada’s advocacy efforts to advance equity-based Crowdfunding regulations in Canada.
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Richard Stadlwieser, Executive Director, Access to Capital, Economic Development and SMEs Division, Economic Development and Trade, Government of Alberta
As Executive Director in the Government of Alberta, Richard leads staff and teams in providing excellence in policy, program, and industry partnership development expertise. In the private sector, he has over 15 years domestic and international executive/senior leadership experience developing enterprises in Canada, Southeast Asia and China. Currently, as Acting, Executive Director, Access to Capital, Economic Development and SMEs Division, his efforts focus on enhancing Alberta's research, innovation, commercialization and venture capital ecosystem to create new opportunities for growth of knowledge based companies and employment in Alberta.
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Jason Saltzman, Partner, Dentons
Jason Saltzman practices corporate finance and securities law, with an emphasis on securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, as well as all other aspects of corporate and securities law.Jason works with both established and emerging companies world-wide, primarily in the mining, technology, life science, cleantech (including renewable energy, water tech and ag tech), industrial, mid-tech and digital media and entertainment sectors. He assists issuers, investment dealers, and institutional and private investors on complex equity and debt financing transactions, ranging from start-up investments, venture capital and private equity investments, to larger public offerings and project finance.f
Samuel Schlessinger, Partner Dentons
Sam focuses his practice on the areas of buyouts and recapitalizations, securities transactions, mergers and acquisitions and private equity/emerging companies. His public company transactional experience includes public equity and debt offerings, exchange offers and initial public offerings.
Sebastian Elawny, Partner, Dentons
Sebastian received his Bachelor of Law degree in 2006 from the University of Manitoba and is currently a member of the Tax Group in the Calgary office. Sebastian’s practice covers a wide range of areas including international tax planning, domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, public and private corporate reorganizations, public offerings for both issuers and underwriters, and dispute resolution between clients and the Canada Revenue Agency.
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Sean Ballard, Director of Innovation, ATB Financial
Sean is a change junkie who always thinks something should be easier than it probably is. After a short career in public affairs, Sean went into business. He eventually started and sold his own small business, and went to work helping a national media company grow its digital product offerings in the online and mobile space. Sean is particularly passionate about innovation that helps small business in Alberta, having volunteered with the CYBF and local chambers of commerce, and is currently on the Board of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. When he grows up, Sean wants to play in the NHL and own his own restaurant.
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Neetu Sidhu, Manager, Alberta BoostR
Neetu Sidhu has a diverse background in marketing, social entrepreneurship and startups. She is passionate about design, innovation and making a positive impact. In addition to starting her own company, she has worked with various startups across North America, spanning tech, education and design. She currently leads Alberta BoostR, a rewards-based crowdfunding platform from ATB Financial, designed for both emerging and established Alberta entrepreneurs. Beyond providing an online channel for entrepreneurs to raise funds, get marketing/exposure, insights/feedback and build a crowd, Alberta BoostR also provides crowdfunding coaching, promotes businesses through ATB channels and holds live pitch events.
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Bret Conkin, CEO/Founder, Crowdfund Suite
Bret is Chief Evangelist of CrowdfundSuite, a Consultancy for Alternative Finance Services. Crowdfundsuite helps platforms, funders, broker/dealers, real estate developers, service providers and entrepreneurs profit from the Crowd Economy via strategy, platform development, partnerships, capital raising, marketing and distribution. A visionary in alternative funding, Bret has helped raised over $40M for clients, started Canada’s first crowdfunding platform in 2008 and then helped FundRazr become a top 10 global platform. Bret is an Ambassador to NCFA Canada and blogger for Investopedia, Techvibes, IT Business and CrowdfundInsider.
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Tabitha Creighton, CEO/Co-founder InvestNextDoor
Tabitha Creighton is CEO and co-founder of InvestNextDoor, a Crowdlending marketplace for small business; where crowdfunding creates returns for local investors supporting local businesses. She brings 18 years of experience to the role, much of it working with small businesses and financial technology. Crowdfunding and alternative finance models for small business are areas that Tabitha has focused much of her recent career, as she sees these as creating a new model of capital access that is sorely needed. Tabitha’s focus has been on developing models of business growth for firms of all sizes, utilizing technology to eliminate barriers and create new ways of solving old problems. In these roles she spent several years at Microsoft advising large and small corporations on how to make technology a strategic part of their business model.r
Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, CEO/Co-founder, FrontFundr
Peter-Paul is Founder and CEO of Silver Maple Ventures Inc., a financial & social media company based in Vancouver BC focused on supporting start-ups and young ventures in Canada with access to capital through innovative online investment-based crowdfunding solutions. Peter-Paul has over 15 years of experience in finance, investment management and business consultancy. He worked in Vancouver as director business development with a finance & investment company in the renewable energy space and as finance director of a real estate investment fund. Prior to that Peter-Paul held a number of positions with several global banks in the areas of corporate strategy, corporate & investment banking and he worked as a senior management consultant in The Netherlands. Peter-Paul is a director of the National Board of the Private Capital Markets Association, PCMA (Canada).
R. Stewart Thompson, Founder/CEO, VA Angels
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R Stewart Thompson (Randy) is a builder of companies, angel investor and leader of one of Canada’s most active angel group. He is currently invested in twenty two companies and has been working in the startup venture space for 20+ years. Randy is the Founder and CEO of VA Angels, which has led him to be named Angel of the Year in Canada by Startup Canada 2014. VA Angels recently celebrated their 125thth company funded for over $38M in total investments which includes deals in the US, UK and Africa. Randy has also launched two funds, which included Acheson Mobile Investments a 38% IRR in Year 1. As an entrepreneur he has been the founder or founding partner in four entities, and is currently building GenerUS Marketing Solutions, a platform for not-for-profits to raise money. Early in his career he founded Alberta SuperNet and worked as a venture capital advisor to the Province of Alberta. Randy currently works internationally with companies in Puerto Rico and the UK.
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Arti Modi, CEO, Lending Arch
Arti Modi is the visionary CEO of LendingArch, a disruptive FinTech lending platform produced with proprietary algorithms and future-ready technology. Based in Calgary and with offices in Los Angeles and Stockholm, Arti created LendingArch after feeling frustrated with the current financial eco-system and seeing financially savvy borrowers being marginalized and overlooked by traditional banks. She leads a team of global entrepreneurs, data scientists, credit managers, investment leaders, millennials FinTexperts, creatives and developers who together built a platform that is so streetwise, it limits the banks involvement and accomplishes results for the consumer in a fraction of the time. Recently listed as one of Alberta's Need to Know people, Arti is also Co-Founder of OmniArch, a contemporary investment firm managing over 5000 Canadian investors and over $400 million in portfolio assets. Arti is passionate about fostering financial health management for younger generations and has a dedicated innovation team creating tools and resources that will help facilitate education, and at the same time, make finance fun for younger generations and their parents.
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Rubsun Ho, CEO/Founder, Crowdmatrix
Rubsun Ho is Chief Crowdpleaser at Crowdmatrix Inc., an equity crowdfunding platform that will bring efficiency and transparency to the capital raising process for Canadian growth companies. A portfolio company of Extreme Venture Partners, Crowdmatrix plans to launch in late spring, 2015. Rubsun is also a co-founder and partner of Cognition LLP, a virtual law firm that was created to address the rising costs and inefficiencies of corporate legal services from traditional law firms. Cognition now has over 50 lawyers operating in Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary, and its clients range from growing startups through to some of Canada’s largest companies. Rubsun began his career as a securities lawyer in the Toronto and New York offices of Stikeman Elliott, one of Canada’s leading business law firms. He left Bay Street to join Wysdom Inc. as VP of Business Development in 1999, where he helped raise US$57 million in financing for the wireless Internet startup. Rubsun has a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto.
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Beverley DeSantis, Director, Calgary & Southern Alberta, Business Link
Bev’s role at Business Link is to create awareness, build strategic alliances and ensure entrepreneurs have access to the resources necessary to kick start their new business venture. Drawing upon her experience in her own business, government and education, she’s our key connection for Calgary and all of southern Alberta. When Bev is away from the office, she can be found on her Harley, hanging out at the family cabin and spoiling her grandson.
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Marty Gunderson, Board Member, NCFA Canada; Owner/CEO, Quidni Estate Winery
Marty is the president of Quidni Estate Winery and chief consultant for Gunderson and Associations, where he provides advisory services in the exempt market finance industry in Canada. The emphasis of his practice is providing guidance on creating marketable investment structures, securing distribution and ongoing investor relations. With numerous successful financings to his credit, Marty has and continues to work with excellent companies interested in raising capital. Mr. Gunderson has been in the financial services industry for 17 years, and has successful facilitated numerous of large financings in real estate, oil / gas service companies, apartment buildings, and mining He has built a robust network of exempt market dealers, representatives and professional services in the exempt market.
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Sandi Gilbert, CEO/Founder, SeedUps Canada; COO, Offering Point
Sandi is strategic, visionary entrepreneur focused on developing and deploying technology solutions for the private capital markets. She is the Founder of SeedUps Canada, Canada's first crowdfund investing platform that brings ordinary and sophisticated investors together to invest in early stage companies. Investors can browse deals and execute their investment on-line. She calls it Dragons' Den and e*Trade combined. She is also the COO of OfferingPoint, a technology platform that streamlines the capital raising process for all participants. Investors access an "invitation only" dealroom where they can review deal terms, verify their qualification to invest and execute share purchase agreements. The technology is used by issuers, lawyers, angels and brokers who can monitor the progress of the private placement in real time.
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Charity Callahan, Partner, C4SkunkWorks
Charity Callahan has over 25 years of experience, with the last 10 years in senior roles as a seasoned entrepreneur and business systems professional. She has lead business development, marketing, product management, operations, distribution, technology, supply chain, new product introduction and quality management functional areas. As a partner in C4Skunkworks, she works with entrepreneurs from concept to exit to get ready to raise capital and use the proceeds to optimize growth. She has worked in the following industries: Technology, Oil & Gas, Food, Distribution, Beverage, Chemical, Laboratory, Electronics, Information Systems, Graphics, Paper and Paper Packaging, Lumber, Co-Manufacturing, Co-packing, Services, and Aviation – Private and Durable Consumer Products.
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Iain Montgomery, Senior Innovation & Strategy Consultant, Market Gravity
Prior to joining Market Gravity, Iain spent nearly a year travelling in Latin America and making a start on learning Spanish. Before then he was a consultant working on Commercial Due Diligence for Private Equity deals across multiple sectors including construction, energy and education as well as major strategy projects in the travel and support services spaces.
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Darren Speake, CA, Tax Partner, PwC
Darren provides a broad range of tax services and has worked with multinational and private companies for more than 14 years. He has experience in Canadian corporate and cross-border tax issues, including general Canadian corporate income tax advice, corporate reorganizations, structuring and financing inbound and outbound investments, international tax planning, tax compliance, tax accounting, and advising on Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits and other tax credit claims. Darren has also provided a broad range of tax services to corporations in the technology industry, with an emphasis on software companies. He has supported many emerging Canadian technology companies navigate through tax issues specific to emerging companies including SR&ED tax credits, Ontario interactive digital media tax credits, tax issues arising out of online commerce and structuring the ownership of intellectual property. Darren's also has experience dealing with the international and cross border issues of expanding outside of Canada, Canadian and international tax planning, estate planning for shareholders and income tax accounting.
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Bruce Swan, CGA, Senior Manager, SR&ED, PwC
Bruce has over 24 years of SR&ED experience both with CRA and in public practice. Bruce provides tax planning, structuring and innovative SR&ED solutions to a wide range of client. Bruce has worked with hundreds of small private companies helping them maximize their potential SR&ED refunds through his innovative solutions. Bruce has authored papers for the Canadian Tax Foundation as well as has presented at the Canadian Petroleum Tax Society, the World Heavy Oil Congress and the Canadian Prairie Tax Conference.
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Denise Weeres, Manager, Legal, Corporate Finance, Alberta Securities Commission
Denise’s background includes acting as General Counsel to an oil sands company which engaged in a series of small private placements, a venture capitalist financing and the creation of a partnership with a Chinese national oil company which was then followed by a $60 million private placement and a $325 million IPO and listing on the TSX. Denise has also worked as General Counsel at the ASC and prior to that as Manager, Corporate Finance Policy and Listings Officer at CDNX, the predecessor to the TSX Venture Exchange, where she both reviewed business plans, financial statements and other required disclosure of junior companies seeking to list on the exchange and was responsible for developing the comprehensive corporate finance rules applicable to both listed companies and those seeking to list. Prior to that, Denise practised corporate and securities law in Calgary and Vancouver, acting for both senior and junior companies and their underwriters in connection with various public and private financings, mergers and acquisitions.
Jessie Gill, Manager, Legal Counsel, Corporate Finance, Alberta Securities Commission
Jessie is responsible for leading the ASC’s development of the Start-up Business exemption and, in that regard, has reviewed and considered both the Start-up Crowdfunding exemption adopted in certain other jurisdictions and proposed MI 45-108 Crowdfunding, proposed in certain other jurisdictions. In addition, Jessie handles various applications for exemptive relief and is the ASC lead on a committee comprising staff from securities regulators across Canada, charged with expanding the “passport” system, a system under which market participants can obtain a decision from one securities regulator and have it automatically apply in all other jurisdictions of Canada. Before joining the ASC, Jessie practised corporate and securities law with an international oil and gas company as well as with a Calgary law firm.
Thomas Mo, Founder & President, Alberta Apparel
Thomas Mo has been in sales for almost his entire life. While being very successful in some ventures, and mediocre in others, he’s always knew that running his own show would be the end goal. Having worked in retail, fundraising, Xerox, print services, SAAS environments and Autodesk resellers, Thomas has a diverse background and network to integrate with when it comes to business advise, entrepreneurs, and investing. The idea behind Alberta Apparel was to fulfill a need and idea that didn’t exist in the market yet within Alberta. Thomas has recently been working hard setting up Alberta Apparel and learning on the way through other people, trial and failure, and research. Check out Alberta Apparel's crowdfunding campaign here.
Paige Boudreau, Co-Founder, Escape Capers YYC
Paige K Boudreau is a writer / producer / director with Memento Pimento Pictures and a co-owner at Escape Capers YYC, Alberta’s only hosted escape room experience. She and her husband (Escape Capers founder, Eric Boudreau) have combined their backgrounds in the film industry with a lifetime of gaming, to create a real life adventure where groups of people have to escape a mysterious locked room. Paige enjoys exploring abandoned places and writes in her spare time. She is originally from Calgary, Alberta. Check out Escape Capers YYC's crowdfunding campaign here.
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Andrew Browne, Co-Founder, TikTiks
Andrew is a co-founder and currently CEO of TikTiks, an app based market place where sports fans can Buy and Sell hockey tickets with each other securely from their phone. He previously held the positions of VP Operations and Development Director for Startup Calgary. While completing the BBA at Mount Royal University, he ran a successful student painting franchise and held the Entrepreneur in Residence Position at the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Andrew is passionately curious and always looking for opportunities to create value in the communities he belongs to. Check out TikTiks' crowdfunding campaign here.
More speakers coming soon....!
Have issues buying tickets in this widget? Go to Eventbrite directly to register.
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
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The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
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How to Register
Tickets to the Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp may be purchased by registering your tickets directly below. 5% GST will be added at checkout and you will receive an email confirmation with your ticket(s)
Haven't been to an NCFA Canada event before?
Click to view our previous events: here
Early bird registration for CCS2016 Now Open (save 37%)!
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
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Win a FREE ticket to the Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp!
Here's your chance to attend the Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp: Learn Everything on Dec. 3 for free! We're giving away a limited number of free tickets to qualifying entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses.
This event is an immersive half day workshop + networking event that covers essential crowdfunding education for companies seeking to raise capital from alternative finance crowdfunding markets (covers all models including equity, debt/p2p, rewards, fintech markets and transactions), and includes topics such as:
- innovation trends;
- opportunities and risks;
- regulations;
- best practices and expert perspectives
- active lending marketplaces, funding portals and dealer-brokers
- startup pictures and success stories from Albertan entrepreneurs
How to enter:
- Tweet OR post on Instagram, tagging @NCFACanada (or simply click the Tweet button below, and customize your tweet)
- Tell us why you want to attend the bootcamp, your (crowd)funding story, or (crowd)funding needs (i.e. We want to learn everything at @NCFACanada's Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp so we can launch & grow our business!)
- Be sure to tag @NCFACanada in your post!
Win a Free Ticket Details:
- All entries posted before 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 1 will be considered
- Winners will be selected by NCFA Canada based on merit and at our discretion
- Winners will be announced and contacted directly
- Winners will receive a free pass to the bootcamp (half day + networking)
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Please send any questions to info@ncfacanada.org.
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
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Despite new rules, equity crowdfunding is no picnic
The Globe and Mail | Brenda Bouw | Nov 12, 2015
New equity crowdfunding rules are being hailed by proponents as good news for small businesses looking to expand. However, some experts are warning crowdfunded businesses will face a big challenge in managing a broad base of retail investors.
Unlike regular crowdfunding, where people donate cash to help get a project off the ground, equity crowdfunding allows investors to buy a stake in the venture and cross their fingers for a financial return. Until recently, only accredited investors could get in on these private deals in Canada.
The changes, which are slated to come into effect on Jan. 25, are being adopted in Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The new rules will allow companies in these provinces to raise up to $1.5-million annually, with a $2,500 ceiling for individual investors per deal. Investors in Ontario will face an annual cap of $10,000 a year for total crowdfunding investments.
Accredited investors – those who are wealthier and have more investment holdings – will be able to invest up to $25,000 per investment, although Ontario will also impose a total annual crowdfunding limit of $50,000 for individuals.
There will be no investment limit for so-called “permitted” clients in Ontario who have net financial assets above $5-million.
But despite the new rules that create a larger pool of investors, equity crowdfunding will come will its own set of headaches for a company.
“Having that many individual investors would be very difficult for a startup to manage, especially if many of the investors are inexperienced with this type of investing,” says Michael Mahon, director, strategic investments and partnerships at BDC Capital.
To achieve the maximum $1.5-million investment, Mr. Mahon notes that a startup would have to crowdfund from a minimum of 60 individual accredited investors, or up to 600 retail investors.
For investors looking for future growth, that many investors documented in the company’s investment ownership record or “cap table” could also be off-putting to angel investors or venture capitalists looking for a more simple capital base. It could also be challenging for companies to round up investors’ approvals on the future direction of the company.
“It’s a viable funding alternative, but I would encourage founders to consider where they see their growth path taking them,” said Mr. Mahon, noting that equity crowdfunding should be considered one part of a startup’s broader fundraising strategy.
The new rules are a “nice to have,” according to Chad Bayne, a partner and co-chairman of the emerging companies practice group at Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. However, he expects few companies will use it, especially in the technology space he deals in.
“Do you really want to have hundreds of shareholders you don’t even know?” Mr. Bayne says, noting that it can be a distraction, not to mention a huge administrative burden for small companies with limited resources.
See:
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NCFAs Open Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau
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Nominee structure is vital to equity crowdfunding, Seedrs in the UK
“I would look at all other options before you go down this path because this is going to be an expensive way to raise capital.”
Marcus Daniels, co-founder and chief executive officer of the venture-capitalist-backed accelerator Highline, said equity crowdfunding will likely be more attractive to smaller businesses not looking for massive scale, or those seeking to fill smaller financing needs.
“It allows them to collect some financing that maybe typical VCs or angel investors wouldn’t touch,” says Mr. Daniels.
The new crowdfunding exemption follows a similar but separate “startup exemption” that was adopted in May in B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Under the startup exemption, companies in those provinces can raise up to $500,000 per year – but no more than $250,000 in one offering. Individual investments are capped at $1,500 per deal.
Vancouver-based investment platform FrontFundr has already started supporting companies in places like B.C., but founder and CEO Peter-Paul Van Hoeken says adding Ontario to the mix will allow him ramp up the business, given the economic might of the country’s most populous province.
“Not being able to raise capital [in Ontario] has been challenging for us,” said Mr. Van Hoeken. “There are a lot of startups and investors in Ontario who have been locked out of this type of investing, until now … it fits very well with our expansion plans.”
Craig Asano, executive director of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada, said the changes will “energize the emerging crowd economy,” in Canada, and make it more competitive.
For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently approved new crowdfunding rules for startups south of the border as part of its Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, enacted in 2012 to help spur small-business growth.
“It about time that Ontario, which is a juggernaut in Canada in terms of a financial centre, had a position [on equity crowdfunding] and supported it,” says Mr. Asano. “We don’t want to fall behind other leading countries in this space.”
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp: Learn Everything (Dec. 3, 2015)
NCFA Canada (past events) | November 11, 2015
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Date: Thursday December 3, 2015
Venue: Dentons Canada LLP
850 - 2nd Street SW 15th Floor, Bankers Court, Calgary, AB T2P 0R8 (map)
Time: 1:00pm – 6:30pm
Registration: $20 Early Bird / $25 members / $35 non-members
Light refreshments included. Add 5% GST.
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- ESSENTIAL EDUCATION SERIES -
"The regulation of crowdfunding in Canada, the US and globally is dynamic and forever evolving. Dentons is poised to guide the global market in this area." -Jason Saltzman, Partner, Dentons Canada LLP
Calgary Crowdfunding Bootcamp
This is a half day workshop + networking event that covers essential crowdfunding education for issuers, investors and all other parties interested in understanding debt and equity crowdfunding rules, transactions, international best practices and investment perspectives. Learn from and interact with active practitioners in crowdfunding markets including platforms (dealers), investors, attorneys, accountants, marketing experts, and hear pitches from new and successful issuers. This workshop is designed for those interested in or actively engaged in the process of raising capital online through the issuance of securities.
Agenda (Half-day + Networking)
1:00 PM - Registration, Light Refreshments and Networking
1:20 PM - Welcome and Market Overview
1:30 PM - The Potential and Impact of Crowdfunding on the Innovation Economy
2:00 PM - Crowdfunding for Startups: Success Stories and Insights
2:30 PM - Compliance with Equity Crowdfunding Regulations in Canada and the US
3:00 PM - Networking Break (15mins)
3:15 PM - Equity Crowdfunding Platforms and Best Practices
3:45 PM - Lending Marketplaces/P2P and Community Banking
4:15 PM - Accounting, Taxes, and Financial Planning Considerations
4:45 PM - Q & A and Discussion on ASCs Proposed Startup Exemption
5:15 PM - Closing Pitch
5:30 PM - Networking Until Close
Some questions you can expect to be answered:
The Impact of Crowdfunding on the Innovation Economy
- What is the role of crowdfunding in the 'venture funding continuum'?
- Is Crowdfunding right for our business? Funding options for small businesses
- Innovation and Investor perspectives on crowdfunding trends, potential impact and challenges
Current Status of Equity Crowdfunding Regulations in Alberta and the rest of Canada
- What is equity crowdfunding and what are the different regulations in Alberta and the rest of Canada?
- What funding options are available for those seeking to raise equity capital? Is equity crowdfunding right for you?
- We’ve already raised capital via product/reward-based crowdfunding; what do we need to do to get ready to raise equity?
- What is the due diligence and on-boarding process for a typical equity crowdfunding platform?
Equity Crowdfunding Overview
- What do the newly adopted Start-up Exemption and Crowdfunding Exemption mean for issuers and investors?
- Can Canadian issuers participate in a cross-border equity crowdfunding raise from a U.S. or international platform?
- Is equity crowdfunding really a new asset class? How should investors evaluate these new markets and investment opportunities?
Crowdlending / P2P Marketplace Overview and Investment Considerations
- What is crowdlending/P2P and what is the current status of the market in Canada?
- What crowdlending options are available for those seeking to raise capital?
- How can individuals benefit from crowdlending investment opportunities?
Accounting, Tax and Financial Planning
- What are the risks involved with a crowdfunding raise and how to avoid them?
- What are the best practices for planning and budgeting for an online capital raise?
- What are the key financial, legal, and tax considerations when planning for an equity crowdfunding raise?
Q&A and Discussion on ASCs Proposed Startup Business Exemption
- Opportunity to ask questions to crowdfunding experts in Canada
- Share your voice and feedback on the ASC proposed Startup Business Exemption (more here)
Speakers:
Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director, NCFA Canada
Craig has amassed over 15+ years of experience as a marketing strategist, software technologist and start-up entrepreneur in technology, finance, manufacturing and real estate sectors. He is a leader, advocate and development professional of interactive web, data, CRM, campaign management, BI and marketing automation and new venture development projects. He is actively involved in developing the Canadian Crowdfunding industry and works with crowdfunding leaders and key stakeholders across the country to develop a vibrant marketplace. He has has spearheaded multiple programs and initiatives such as the inaugural 2015 Canadian Crowdfunding Summit, National Ambassadors outreach program, and NCFA Canada’s advocacy efforts to advance equity-based Crowdfunding regulations in Canada.
Jason Saltzman, Partner, Dentons Canada LLP
Jason Saltzman practices corporate finance and securities law, with an emphasis on securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, as well as all other aspects of corporate and securities law.Jason works with both established and emerging companies world-wide, primarily in the mining, technology, life science, cleantech (including renewable energy, water tech and ag tech), industrial, mid-tech and digital media and entertainment sectors. He assists issuers, investment dealers, and institutional and private investors on complex equity and debt financing transactions, ranging from start-up investments, venture capital and private equity investments, to larger public offerings and project finance.f
Marc H. Mandel, Senior Managing Associate, Dentons LLP
Marc Mandel is a transactional lawyer and a member of Dentons' Corporate practice and its Intellectual Property and Technology practice. He represents domestic and international enterprises at all stages of growth in financing transactions, joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures, and in protecting and leveraging intellectual property. In all areas of practice, he focuses on providing practical advice and distilling complex areas of law into actionable strategies.
Sebastian Elawny, Partner, Dentons Canada LLP
Sebastian received his Bachelor of Law degree in 2006 from the University of Manitoba and is currently a member of the Tax Group in the Calgary office. Sebastian’s practice covers a wide range of areas including international tax planning, domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, public and private corporate reorganizations, public offerings for both issuers and underwriters, and dispute resolution between clients and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Sean Ballard, Director of Innovation, ATB Financial
Sean is a change junkie who always thinks something should be easier than it probably is. After a short career in public affairs, Sean went into business. He eventually started and sold his own small business, and went to work helping a national media company grow its digital product offerings in the online and mobile space. Sean is particularly passionate about innovation that helps small business in Alberta, having volunteered with the CYBF and local chambers of commerce, and is currently on the Board of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. When he grows up, Sean wants to play in the NHL and own his own restaurant.
Tabitha Creighton, CEO/Co-founder InvestNextDoor
Tabitha Creighton is CEO and co-founder of InvestNextDoor, a Crowdlending marketplace for small business; where crowdfunding creates returns for local investors supporting local businesses. She brings 18 years of experience to the role, much of it working with small businesses and financial technology. Crowdfunding and alternative finance models for small business are areas that Tabitha has focused much of her recent career, as she sees these as creating a new model of capital access that is sorely needed. Tabitha’s focus has been on developing models of business growth for firms of all sizes, utilizing technology to eliminate barriers and create new ways of solving old problems. In these roles she spent several years at Microsoft advising large and small corporations on how to make technology a strategic part of their business model.
Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, CEO/Co-founder, FrontFundr
Peter-Paul is Founder and CEO of Silver Maple Ventures Inc., a financial & social media company based in Vancouver BC focused on supporting start-ups and young ventures in Canada with access to capital through innovative online investment-based crowdfunding solutions. Peter-Paul has over 15 years of experience in finance, investment management and business consultancy. He worked in Vancouver as director business development with a finance & investment company in the renewable energy space and as finance director of a real estate investment fund. Prior to that Peter-Paul held a number of positions with several global banks in the areas of corporate strategy, corporate & investment banking and he worked as a senior management consultant in The Netherlands. Peter-Paul is a director of the National Board of the Private Capital Markets Association, PCMA (Canada).
Rubsun Ho, CEO/Founder, Crowdmatrix
Rubsun Ho is Chief Crowdpleaser at Crowdmatrix Inc., an equity crowdfunding platform that will bring efficiency and transparency to the capital raising process for Canadian growth companies. A portfolio company of Extreme Venture Partners, Crowdmatrix plans to launch in late spring, 2015. Rubsun is also a co-founder and partner of Cognition LLP, a virtual law firm that was created to address the rising costs and inefficiencies of corporate legal services from traditional law firms. Cognition now has over 50 lawyers operating in Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary, and its clients range from growing startups through to some of Canada’s largest companies. Rubsun began his career as a securities lawyer in the Toronto and New York offices of Stikeman Elliott, one of Canada’s leading business law firms. He left Bay Street to join Wysdom Inc. as VP of Business Development in 1999, where he helped raise US$57 million in financing for the wireless Internet startup. Rubsun has a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto.
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Marty Gunderson, Board Member, NCFA Canada; Owner/CEO, Quidni Estate Winery
Marty is the president of Quidni Estate Winery and chief consultant for Gunderson and Associations, where he provides advisory services in the exempt market finance industry in Canada. The emphasis of his practice is providing guidance on creating marketable investment structures, securing distribution and ongoing investor relations. With numerous successful financings to his credit, Marty has and continues to work with excellent companies interested in raising capital. Mr. Gunderson has been in the financial services industry for 17 years, and has successful facilitated numerous of large financings in real estate, oil / gas service companies, apartment buildings, and mining He has built a robust network of exempt market dealers, representatives and professional services in the exempt market.
More speakers coming soon....!
Why attend this workshop?
1. Learn Market Insights and Opportunities from Industry Experts: Global crowdfunding, fintech and alternative finance markets continue to grow rapidly playing a significant role in mobilizing capital and resources to help launch and scale new ventures, social enterprises, small businesses and high growth SMEs. Has crowdfunding reached an industry tipping point (read UK Crowdcube founder's perspective here)?
- Global crowdfunding markets grew 167% from $6.1 billion in 2013 to $16.2 billion in 2014 due to heightened market activity, increased infrastructure and better integration and support from traditional capital market ecosystems.
- Get the leading research...2015 Global Crowdfunding Industry Report here.
- Learn why financial firms are joining the crowd and how to leverage technology to improve financial transactions. More deals, wider networks and distribution, automated IR, integrated capital stack, marketing automation/CRM and analytics.
- Find out why private angel investors, VC groups, fund managers and corporate investors are seeking to work with emerging crowdfunding companies, affiliates and partners.
2. Discuss Regulatory Changes that Impact How Small Businesses Raise Capital: The Canadian crowdfunding industry is poised for growth with several provinces recently adopting new prospectus exemptions that will enable start-ups to raise capital online (subject to certain constraints and compliance):
- On May 14, 2015, six Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia adopted multilateral CSA notice 45-316, Startup Crowdfunding and Registration exemption that enables up to $500K to be raised per year over two $250K distributions – this financing tool is active in the market today.
- On Oct 19, 2015, the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) and the Nunavut Securities Office published for 60 day comment Proposed Multilateral Instrument 45-109 Prospectus Exemption for Start-up Businesses, which sets out a proposed prospectus exemption to facilitate capital raising by start-up and early stage companies. While the proposal is largely similar to the adopted multilateral CSA notice 45-316 (above), this exemption would allow a start-up or early stage business to raise up to $1,000,000 (lifetime cap) using a streamlined offering document together with a bluntly worded risk warning. Investors would be permitted to invest up to $1,500 in a business or $5,000 with the advice of a registered dealer.
- On Nov 5, 2015, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia adopted Multilateral Instrument 45-108 Crowdfunding, which introduces a crowdfunding prospectus exemption for issuers raising up to $1.5M in a twelve month period as well as a registration framework for funding portals.
3. Essential Education and Networking: Learn best practices including 'what not to do' from current case studies and expert practitioners. Discuss your questions with experts and peers. Connect with peers that can assist your company to tap into emerging capital raising, marketing, financial/business planning and infrastructure services and opportunities.
Who should attend the workshop?
- Start-ups and SMEs seeking to raise seed/growth capital and expand their networks
- Private angel investors, VC groups, fund managers, corporate and retail investors
- Entrepreneurial and innovation networks seeking to raise capital and commercialize ventures including incubator/accelerators, entrepreneurs, start-ups, high impact SMEs
- All other parties interested in new venture development opportunities, small business growth, financial technology and equity financing including government, media journalists, industry and funding specialists
- Those interested in networking with emerging market channels and high growth sectors
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The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
