Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Fintech and Networking Events
UC Berkeley 2nd Annual Crowdfunding Symposium
UC Berkeley | Program for Innovation in Entrepreneurial and Social Finance | Aug 11, 2014
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE - SEPT 11/12 @ UC BERKELEY
Shortly after President Obama signed the JOBS Act into law, we co-founded the Center for Crowdfunding Research at UC Berkeley. Now the program is hosting its second annual Academic Symposium on Crowdfunding Research and Policy. The event will be held on September 11/12 at UC Berkeley.
This symposium will take a global look at the developing phenomena of social finance for SMEs and Innovation - whether strictly “crowdfunding” or more broadly the application of social finance mechanisms including Peer-to-Peer lending, Peer-to-Business lending, and all other forms of crowdfunding and crowdfund investing. Since our 2013 conference, the number of platforms has more than doubled, and despite significant delays in enacting rules to allow equity crowdfunding in the United States, many nations have adopted laws and rules to allow crowdfunding.
This is the only event of its kind in the world, where we and others present the latest information on how the industry is developing and where top thought leaders interact to discuss global issues. Can you think of top thought leaders in crowdfunding, public policy, angel/venture capital, alternative finance, economic development, innovation, entrepreneurship research, foundations and philanthropy - who would benefit by being part of the discussion?
We have faculty from Asia, US, UK, and Europe presenting some excellent research. The event's model is to invite policy makers, top academics, government officials, and leaders in major foundations/philanthropies to have a chance to interact and learn from each other. This field is moving too fast to wait for journal articles. The selection committee at Berkeley had to turn away over 30 papers and is very excited by the interest and level of research.
If you know of people who would be interested, please share and encourage them to contact the organizers.
Register for this event --> Now
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more About Us | About Crowdfunding or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Why These Cause, Product and Community-based Crowdfunding Campaigns are Successful
NCFA Canada (About Us) | Gabe Nasr | August 7, 2014
Crowdfunding takes many forms, and in this video we take a closer look at why three current crowdfunding campaigns (cause, product and community) are finding funding success.
Why These Cause, Product and Community-based Crowdfunding Campaigns are Successful
Category : Campaigns
Hits : 34207
NCFA Canada hosts a video presentation that is recorded/published in August 2014. The video takes a closer look at 3 currently funding reward-based crowdfunding campaigns (cause, product and community building) to find out why they are on the road to success.
Hosting portals include FundRazr, FuelLocal and Indiegogo. Campaigns reviewed include Riverblue, Help Us Keep Rural NL Alive! and Leo.
For more information, please visit:
https://ncfacanada.org/
Case Study 1: Riverblue is a documentary exposing the horrors of the textile industry
Name = RiverBlue
Type = Cause-based
Portal = FuelLocal; Currently funding (105 days and counting)
Funding = 104% of $45K target; $46K+ (keep it all)
An effective and clear pitch video is imperative to the success of any campaign. An effective pitch video must cater to the unique goal or offering of the campaign. Cause-based campaigns like Riverblue must have a clear description of what the problem they are addressing is, and why the documentary has been made. This must be presented in a compelling, riveting manner in order to encourage a call to action. Riverblue has received nearly ⅘ of their contribution total with no claimed rewards from backers. This is because of the belief the donors have in Riverblue’s cause. Backers in cause-based campaigns often contribute dollars without accepting rewards, as rewards are often seen as devaluing their contribution level (adding expenses to the budget).
Case Study 2: LEO is a wearable tech band for keeping track of workout info
Name = LEO
Type = Innovative product
Portal = Indiegogo; Currently funding (19 days remaining)
Funding = 241% of $50K target; $120K+ (keep it all)
The pitch for LEO must be inherently focused on the ways in which the product enhances the consumer’s life. This is done through attractive graphics in the video that show the benefits, and through getting the viewer excited about the innovative technology. This is not the case for product-driven campaigns. Backers of LEO are interested in having the product, and almost all of LEOs contributions have been through rewards options that include the very product they are developing. LEOs team knows they have an innovative product, and so their campaign is designed around people pre-buying it.
Case Study 3: Help Us Keep Rural NL Alive! Community building in Burlington, Newfoundland
Name = Help Us Keep Rural NL Alive!
Type = Blend of Cause and Product
Portal = FundRazr; Currently funding (10 days running)
Funding = $5K+ (keep it all)
The Burlington community campaign uses a secret weapon- an engaging and animated pitch guy who is a TV personality. Shaun Majumder is from Burlington, and he passionately and comically engages the viewer in a way that gets them motivated to back the project. The community project of Burlington presents a unique benefit for the backer. Not only does this campaign offer awesome rewards- mostly involving fun, adventurous getaways- but there is also the added benefit of contributing to a cause-based campaign. In this case rather than raising awareness about polluted water, the cause is developing a sustainable and attractive community.
Final Word
Here at the NCFA we take an agnostic and holistic approach to crowdfunding and do not endorse any products/causes that these campaigns offer. In this video case study we wanted to examine a few current successful Canadian crowdfunding campaigns that represent different forms crowdfunding can take. There are countless other qualities that make these and other campaigns successful, but by highlighting a few key strengths these campaigns possess, we hope to provide members with an educational and entertaining video presentation. Not an NCFA member? Enjoy discounts and soon premium content, become a member today. Happy crowdfunding!
Watch the approx 11 mins video --> Now
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more About Us | About Crowdfunding or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Screening Toronto (Aug 8, 2014): DAY JOB Start-up Documentary Screening at MakeWorks
iC3 Media | Murray McKercher | Aug 7, 2014
NCFA Canada is a proud supporter of the following event:
Event Details:
What: Documentary film about the trials and tribulations of a 3 Startups in Toronto "DAY JOB DOC"
When: Friday, August 8, 2014 (7p - 10pm)
Where: MakeWorks, Toronto, ON
Join us for popcorn, drinks, and a screening followed by a Q&A session at a MakeWorks premiere screening of Day Job the Startup documentary film. Created, filmed, produced and financed in Toronto and New York, the documentary follows the challenging process of three startups who have survived the Extreme Startups Accelerator Program.
The film features three Toronto startups founders, Jeremy Potvin, (CEO of Shifthub), Jayesh Parmar (CEO of Picatic), and Nima Garidideh (CTO of Venio) and their stories of hardships, sacrifice, and perseverance as they realize that chasing their dream requires a 24/7 commitment.
Thanks to our Sponsors!
MakeWorks where Digital Meets Physical
NCFA Canada (The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada)
Silicon Drinkabout with support of 3 Beards
Register for this event --> Now
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more About Us | About Crowdfunding or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Crowdfunding Prezi: Igniting Entrepreneurship in Canada!
NCFA Canada (Become a member today, About Us) | Craig Asano | July 18, 2014
It was a pleasure for Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of NCFA Canada, to participate in a partner crowdfunding event hosted by the British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce in partnership with the Swedish Canadian Chamber, Canada-Finland Chamber, Danish Canadian Chamber held on July 17, 2014 from 8-10:30am at Miller Thompson. Also presenting at the event was Arseniy Nikulchenko, CEO/Founder, Ainova Robotics Inc. who provided a product demo of their AI engine and insights to their successful crowdfunding campaign.
More info on the event can be found here. Also covered on the BCCTC site here
Below is the deck that covers the following:
- A intro to NCFA Canada
- Crowdfunding 101:
- The Movement
- The Psychology
- The Potential
- Global Crowdfunding Markets
- Canadian Perspective
- Proposed Equity Crowdfunding Exemptions
Event Pic:
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more About Us or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Toronto Event (July 17, 2014): Crowdfunding – Igniting Entrepreneurship in Canada!
European Union Chamber of Commerce | Marie Larsson | July 3, 2014
Speaker:
Executive Director & Founder
National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada)
Crowdfunding is an innovative way to access start up funds for new projects and companies. It shifts the capital-raising landscape for smaller operations and enables them the to by-pass traditional money-lenders in favor of making direct connections with potential investors
Breakfast seminar on Thursday, July 17, 2014, 8 am - 10 am
at Miller Thomson LLP, 40 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 3S1
Tickets (include breakfast & HST): $25 members, $35 non-members
Register for this event --> Now
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more About Us or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Event Wrap-up (Jun 17, 2014): Toronto Crowd Neworking Session
NCFA Canada | Sunny Shao | June 18, 2014
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more About Us or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Event Halifax (June 19, 2014): Business Over Breakfast: Crowdfunding for Start-Ups
Innovacorp and NCFA | June 16, 2014
A lot of people can’t stand crowds, but most folks are a little more welcoming when the crowd is gathered to provide their start-up with the financing it needs to launch or to reach its next milestone.
Our Business Over Breakfast on June 19 at the Technology Innovation Centre in Dartmouth will focus on equity crowdfunding in Nova Scotia. We’ll cover the various types of crowdfunding, how to determine whether it’s right for your start-up, pitfalls for the funders and the funded, the future of equity crowdfunding in Canada and Nova Scotia, and some crowdfunding stories from the region.
Andy Osburn, Founder and CEO, Equals6 (www.equals6.com) | Atlantic Director, National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (ncfacanada.org) – Andy is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in software engineering and start-up technology ventures. His latest start-up, Equals6.com, is the market-leading student social recruiting platform, connecting students with the three things they need most: funding, career opportunities and mentoring. Prior to co-founding Equals6, Andy was CEO and CTO at Diaphonics, a voice biometric technology company. He previously held various technical and operational roles with the Royal Canadian Navy, primarily in the area of combat control systems. He is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and a Certified Information Systems Auditor and is certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT.
Christene H. Hirschfeld, Partner, BOYNECLARKE (www.boyneclarke.com) – Christene’s practice focuses on business and intellectual property law. She is often invited to speak on intellectual property as well as business-related issues such as financing and privacy. Christene's name has been included in the The Best Lawyers in Canada publication since its first edition in 2006 and she has been given Distinguished Attorney rating from Martindale-Hubbell. In 2013, she was named the Best Lawyers’ 2014 Halifax Information Technology Law - Lawyer of the Year, and was also a recipient of a 2013 Lexpert Zenith Award - Celebrating Women Leaders in the Legal Profession.
Abel Lazarus, Securities Analyst, Nova Scotia Securities Commission (NSSC) (www.nssc.gov.ns.ca) – In his role with NSSC’s corporate finance branch, Abel conducts reviews of offering materials and continuous disclosure filings. Previously, he was an investigator with NSSC’s enforcement branch, reviewing and investigating complaints relating to violations of Nova Scotia’s securities laws. Prior to joining NSSC, Abel’s experience included conducting various internal reviews for the Halifax Regional Municipality; working with PwC’s financial advisory services group to conduct forensic accounting, due diligence, valuation and insolvency engagements across various industries in Canada, the Caribbean and the U.S.; working in private industry to perform due diligence reviews and various accounting and corporate finance functions.
Greg Phipps, Manag
ing Director of Investment, Innovacorp (www.innovacorp.ca) – Greg is an investment, finance, and operations professional with extensive start-up and business building experience. He has over a decade of venture investment management, 17 start-ups and 50 equity investment transactions under his belt. At Innovacorp, he is responsible for sourcing investment opportunities, due diligence, and deal structure, closing and governance. He also provides hands-on business guidance to Innovacorp’s investment portfolio companies. For 11 years prior to joining Innovacorp, Greg served as the Atlantic region’s director of venture capital for BDC Venture Capital.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
9:00 am – 10:00 am (light breakfast from 8:30 am – 9:00 am)
Technology Innovation Centre
1 Research Drive, Dartmouth
Note: There's ample – and free – parking at this location!
We're expecting a crowd (baha!) for this hot topic. Make sure you RSVP to Charmaine at ccoke@innovacorp.ca or 424.8674 x 1502 by Monday, June 16.
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more About Us or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
