Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: NCFA Blog
Amar Nijjar, CEO R2Crowd, Joins National Crowdfunding Association of Canada’s Advisory Board
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | Jan 9, 2017
Amar Nijjar, Advisor, Commercial Real Estate
TORONTO, JAN 9, 2017 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA) today announced that Amar Nijjar, Chief Executive Officer of R2Crowd, a leading real estate crowdfinance and investment platform, has joined the Association’s Advisory Board as Advisor, Commercial Real Estate.
Amar is the Founder of Real Crowd Capital. He is responsible for strategic direction, business development, operations, and sits on R2CROWD’s Board of Directors and Investment Committee. Amar has funded over $7 billion and underwritten over $20 billion of real estate during his career. Amar is also an Executive Vice President at JLL (formerly Jones Lang LaSalle), where he leads the Debt Capital Markets group. Amar is licensed to trade in mortgages and real estate, and holds an MBA York University and an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
“Amar is a highly capable professional and active in pursuing the vision of bringing fintech to Canadian commercial property markets. He brings a vast network of experienced commercial real estate capital market stakeholders to the table and understands the value that financial innovation can generate when paired with vetted, high quality investment opportunities and the appropriate levels of technology and risk mitigation strategies”, said Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of NCFA Canada.
Private Capital Markets are hugely inefficient with intermediary cost of capital often times exceeding 10% of every dollar invested. This simply isn’t sustainable in the long run. While the role of an advisor can never be completely eliminated especially in a financial sale, it certainly is ripe for some disruption. However, as an industry all of the participants need to do a better job of building credibility. We need to fully engage in industry events, conferences and other ways of educating the retail investor. In this regard, NCFA is doing a great job and we all need to support them for our collective success in the industry. Amar Nijjar, CEO, R2Crowd
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About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
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 1500+ 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. For more information please visit: ncfacanada.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Craig Asano
casano@ncfacanada.org
416 618 0254
Alaa Guidara, Ph.D and Professor, Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
About NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | December 16, 2016
TORONTO, Dec 16, 2016 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Alaa Guidara, Ph.D and Professor at Sheridan College, has joined the Association’s Crowdfunding Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Canada Crowdfunding Ambassadors
Crowdfunding Ambassadors (CFAs) are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of an inclusive and broad-based crowdfunding industry in communities across Canada. They are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for small businesses, organizations and investors to connect with, share and learn about crowdfunding via locally hosted events and initiatives. CFAs are specialists and plugged into an international network of shared resources, thought leadership, and industry professionals striving to cultivate and shape the future of crowdfunding in Canada and beyond.
Alaa Guidara, Ph.D and Professor, Pilon School of Business, Sheridan College
Alaa is a professor of finance at the Pilon School of Business at Sheridan College. He is the inaugural professor of a crowdfunding course he designed in a workshop form for a hands-on learning experience. Alaa combines backgrounds from both professional and academic field gained from experience in private, community and public sector. Alaa provided consulting services to a number of organizations and firms throughout North America, Asia Pacific and Africa. He is also serving as an advisor or board member of multiple start-ups and institutions across Quebec and Ontario.
Alaa taught at different academic levels including graduate, undergraduate and executive level and currently serve as finance coach for Pilon School of Business’ team in ICBC Business Competition. He is also active in research and serves as a reviewer for a number of academic journals and conferences. Alaa received a Ph.D in finance and insurance from Laval University and holds the Canadian risk management (CRM) designation from the Global Risk Management Institute. Over the last 10 years he was recipients of different grants and awards recognizing his endeavors in the professional and academic field.
“Alaa is a strong supporter of the NCFA mission and is committed to advocating for a vibrant and resilient crowdfunding industry. Alaa’s background and experience accompanied by his professional and educational credentials provide him with the scope and skills to act as a great NCFA ambassador and we welcome him to the organization", said Craig Asano, Executive Director, NCFA Canada.
"While there are few attempts for educating and using crowdfunding in the education sphere, Colleges and Universities should step up to move crowdfunding education to the next level. They should move at a faster pace to reflect the evolving trend of crowdfunding and uphold the sustainability and resilience of the industry," said Alaa Guidara, NCFA Ambassador
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About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
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 1500+ 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.
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contacts:
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
Bundeep Singh Rangar, CEO Fineqia, Joins National Crowdfunding Association of Canada’s Advisory Board
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | December 14, 2016
Bundeep Singh Rangar, Advisor, Global Debt Markets
TORONTO, DEC 14, 2016 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA) today announced that Bundeep Singh Rangar, CEO of Fineqia International Inc., a UK regulated platform and associated services to support and administer debt and equity security issuances such as corporate mini-bonds, has joined the Association’s Advisory Board as Advisor, Global Debt Markets .
Bundeep Singh Rangar has more than 20 years' combined experience in finance, banking, consultancy, technology and media. He has incubated and is the CEO of Fineqia Limited, an international platform for financing debt securities, PremFina Limited, a financier of UK insurance premiums and CEO of IXL Holdings, a European company that has secured more than £200 million in debt financing for UK lending companies from European banks. He previously founded IndusView, an India-focused advisory firm based in London and Delhi. He has been a senior advisor to high-growth technology start-ups such as Skype SA, and multinationals such as India's largest IT services co. Tata Consultancy Services, the world's No.2 mobile operator T-Mobile (UK), U.K.'s top telecom BT Plc and Europe's top carmaker Volkswagen AG.
“We're very excited to have Bundeep's finance and banking experience join the Association to facilitate strategic partnerships and provide further insight into market developments in private debt placement markets globally. As a public company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), Fineqia International (FNQ) offers investors unique access to participate in international fintech propelled venture funding markets", said Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of NCFA Canada.
Crowdfunding is here to stay. Its transformational effect is already being felt by small businesses and fast-growing start-ups across the world. The consequences of accepting or thwarting it are incredibly consequential for the economy, particularly small businesses that are the engine of growth and employment in countries such as Canada, the US and the UK. A Canada-wide harmonisation of innovation friendly laws and regulations is now needed to make crowdfunding a valuable part of the country's financial ecosystem. – Bundeep Singh Rangar, CEO, Fineqia
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About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
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 1500+ 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. For more information please visit: ncfacanada.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Craig Asano
casano@ncfacanada.org
416 618 0254
Canadian Alternative Finance Crowdfunding Market Grows 48% from 2013-2015 and is Predicted to Reach $190 million in 2016
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | December 13, 2016
Fresh Research Just Released
TORONTO, ON December 13, 2016 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) and partners are pleased to release this ground-breaking report on the state of the alternative finance crowdfunding industry in Canada. Crowdfunding is on its way to being an integral part of the capital raising ecosystem in Canada and around the globe. With innovative and emerging fintech infrastructure, a growing number of funding portals and licensed dealer-brokers on both buy and sell sides can service a steady flow of start-ups and scale-ups interested in raising up to $5M of capital online to launch, grow, and commercialize ventures.
The 2016 Alternative Finance Crowdfunding in Canada is the inaugural report of NCFA’s annual exercise in providing Canadian benchmarks for market size, platform characteristics and funding transactions, as well as an overview of legal considerations, the regulatory environment and emerging market trends and developments in what is arguably one of the most innovative financing tools of our generation. Crowdfunding combines technology, the internet and the power of the ‘crowd’ to streamline the process of raising capital from a full spectrum of investors while filling an under-serviced funding gap in venture markets.
Market volume: Crowdfunding volumes in Canada grew 48% from 2013 to 2015 and reached $133 million in 2015 confirming that it is a genuine source of seed and growth capital for companies seeking funding with the market predicted to reach $190 million in 2016. Canadian markets are growing much slower than leading international comparators such as the U.S. and U.K. where online alternative financing volumes are reported at USD 36 billion and GBP 3.2 billion, respectively.
Market formation trends based on survey response data indicate that the industry is evolving with larger platforms emerging and an increasing number of issuers and backers entering the market. Industry niches such as real estate are growing rapidly in the U.S. ($3 billion in 2015) and are beginning to gain attention here in Canada. There was an increase in the percentage of platforms having more than 2,500 investors per year with 60% of the portals reporting between 1001-5000 investors on their platform in 2015.
Emerging Trends and Developments: The industry is diverse, encompassing many positive trends and emerging developments such as the growth of P2P / marketplace lenders, mainstream adoption of crowdsourced platforms (eg., Airbnb) and increasing popularity of blockchain powered 'Crowdsales' (or Initial Coin Offerings), as well as the launch of OSCs Fintech Launchpad initiative.
Risks to market formation: Canada has a complex web of regulatory prospectus exemptions that are available for raising capital online. For regulated crowdfunding markets to efficiently develop, regulators are encouraged to adopt uniform and competitive regulations while avoiding stifling the market. There is need for more education and awareness, transparency, standards and market confidence.
Call to Action:
Action needs to be taken now to address the risks of any non-competitive market stifling regulations and a much more active approach should be taken by all stakeholders to increase the awareness and financial literacy of the funding opportunities that exist for small to medium-sized businesses and participation opportunities that exist for investors. While alternative finance crowdfunding markets are quickly becoming a genuine source for early stage capital and are growing in Canada, they are not achieving their full potential and growing at a much slower rate than Canada’s international comparators in the United States and United Kingdom. Competing jurisdictions are moving forward and further ahead of Canada. Activity is being pulled south of the 49th parallel in a tale that is all too familiar to Canadians.
Free Download Canada's first comprehensive report benchmarking platform and market activity:
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CLICK LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE REPORT NOW - Thanks!
Hi-res Download: NCFA 2016 Alternative Finance Crowdfunding in Canada (PDF 41.4MB)
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Low-res Download: NCFA 2016 Alternative Finance Crowdfunding in Canada (PDF 11.7MB)
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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 1500+ 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 at ncfacanada.org.
Crowdfunding proponents blame regulators for slow growth
The Globe and Mail | Brenda Bouw | December 12, 2016
Canada’s crowdfunding industry is “punching below its weight” compared to international markets, says a new industry report, which blames in part the country’s varied regulations for the alternative investing model.
While the crowdfunding market is growing, it’s “noticeably smaller” compared to the U.S. and the U.K. and expanding at a slower rate, says the inaugural industry report being released on Tuesday by the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA).
It shows Canadian crowdfunding volume reached $133-million in 2015 and is expected to grow to $190-million in 2016, “confirming that it is a genuine source of seed and growth capital for companies seeking funding.”
Still, the report says the industry is behind and growing “much slower than Canada’s leading international comparators.”
The report, titled 2016 Alternative Finance Crowdfunding in Canada, cites studies pegging the U.S. industry at $47.3-billion Canadian and the U.K. industry at $5.3-billion Canadian.
It’s the first major report on the crowdfunding industry in Canada, highlighting the state of the alternative finance model and looking at the various types of crowdfunding, including donations/rewards, equity and debt.
It’s the equity crowdfunding market – when investors buy a stake in a private company in hopes of receiving a financial return – that’s being closely watched after new rules were put in place by various provinces about a year ago.
The new regulations are intended to control the market as it opens up to everyday investors. Before the rules were made, only accredited investors, such as institutions and high-net-worth individuals, were able to get in on the ground floor of a young company.
Investors and startups argue the new equity crowdfunding regulations increase access to capital for entrepreneurs, while at the same time giving investors more options. Regulators say the rules are in place to protect investors from putting too much money into young, high-risk companies.
See: Join us at 3rd Annual Canadian Crowdfinance Summit & Expo (March 1-2, 2017)
The report says equity crowdfunding is expected to grow by about 275 per cent this year to $30-million, up from $8-million in 2015. While that’s impressive growth, it’s still lagging compared to international jurisdictions. In the U.K., for example, equity crowdfunding deals reached about £332-million (around $553-million Canadian) in 2015, up from £84 million in 2014.
“We have fragmented, non-uniform and probably non-competitive crowdfunding regulations,” says Craig Asano, NCFA of Canada’s founder and executive director.
Canada has been slower to adopt online alternative finance models, has a smaller population and fewer investors. However, the report says it’s the country multi-provincial regulatory environment that’s stagnating growth.
Some provinces across Canada have different sets of crowdfunding regulations with limits on how much individual companies can raise each year and a cap on annual investments for individuals. In some provinces, the regulations overlap. In others, such as B.C. and Ontario, different rules apply.
The report calls on policymakers to “remove unnecessary burdens and harmonize confusing regulations” that will enable funding portals to grow and profit. It also wants a more level playing field between portals, citing the Ontario Securities Commission’s recent decision to provide Silicon Valley funding giant AngelList special exemptions from registration requirements. It also says more education and awareness is needed for companies and investors to help grow the sector.
Without changes, Mr. Asano said some investors and companies will continue to raise and spend capital outside of Canada where rules are considered more favourable.
“This isn’t just a regulatory issue, but a Canadian innovation and economic development problem,” Mr. Asano says.
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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 1500+ 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 at ncfacanada.org.
Event Wrap-up: 2nd Annual VanFUNDING 2016 Fintech Crowdfunding Conference (Vancouver)
Oct 18: VanFUNDING 2016 #MarketMaker Speaker shot @The Imperial Vancouver
Thanks to all partners, organizers, attendees and volunteers for making the 2nd Annual VanFUNDING 2016 Fintech Crowdfunding Conference a Success!
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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 at ncfacanada.org.
Presentation Deck: 2016 Small Business Forum Crowdfunding 101+ Workshop
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | Oct 26, 2016
Oct 25, 2016, NCFA Canada delivered an hour Crowdfunding 101+ workshop at the 2016 Small Business Forum at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. This is an annual trade show hosted by Enterprise Toronto that attracts thousands of small businesses each year looking for funding, mentorship, tools, products and services to help them launch and grow. The presentation provides an overview of Crowdfunding markets, both regulated and non-regulated, case studies, deal characteristics to help startups and scaleups understand if Crowdfinance is right for their business. The deck also provides some insight into practical keys to success with planning, executing and following up on a crowdfunding campaign or investment round.
2016 small business forum crowdfunding 101 workshop
1. CROWDFUNDING COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION 101+ Date: Oct 25, 2016 Prepared for: 2016 Small Business Forum, Enterprise Toronto Prepared by: National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
2. OUR AGENDA 2016 Small Business Forum: Enterprise Toronto PART 1: CROWDFUNDING OVERVIEW • What is Crowdfunding and why is it a game changer? • Crowdfunding examples and market growth • Is Crowdfunding right for me? Pros/cons for SMEs PART 2: PRACTICAL KEYS TO SUCCESS • Pre-Planning and Strategy • Executing a Campaign • Post-Campaign • Common mistakes PART 3: Q&A (15mins)
3. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum National Crowdfunding Association of Canada 1500 Subscribers 3200+ Followers 1300+ Members 90+ Platforms 20+ Providers 45 Portals 2016 2015 2014 2013 Oct 2012
4. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Part 1: CROWDFUNDING OVERVIEW 1. Seeking Capital • Online marketplaces that connect companies to investors • Consultants (social media, marketing, advisory services) 2. Funding Portal & Enablers 3. Investors Retail or Accredited Individuals or organizations seeking funding Definition Raising capital online to fund all sorts of projects and ventures such as startups and scaleups (using the internet, social media and technology)
5. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Crowdfunding Part of the Capital Stack Crowdfunding isn’t a stand alone funding source. Crowdfinance includes retail, angels and VC participation too One big difference…Crowdfunding platforms are evolving & can scale – Chance Barnett, CEO of Crowdfunder
6. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Crowdfunding Case Studies Source: Kickstarter Campaign page 1. Innovation and Economic Growth Pebble Smart Watch (Great Canadian success) • Goal was $100K; Viral success preselling 69,000 watches raising over $10 million on US portal Kickstarter • Owner and Waterloo Engineering student, Eric Migicovsky, started company in U.S. Oculus Rift – Potential for Equity • Raised $2.4 million (goal was $250K) • Crowdfunding as an economic generator and on-boarding ramp to follow-on investment • March 25th news report Oculus was just bought by Facebook for $2 billion
7. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Crowdfunding Case Studies 2. Community Development in Canada Invest YYC, Calgary, Alberta • Platform: InvestYYC (www.investyyc.com) • Launched Jan 2013 • Funds raised $650,000 across 47 projects • Average raise $13,892 3. New Product Development & Marketing “Coolest Cooler”, Portland, Oregon • Platform: Kickstarter • Launched Jan 2014 • Goal was $50K; raised over $13 million from over 62,000 backers
8. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Global Growth in 2014 ($13.2 billion) Past Prediction
9. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum $36 Billion USD Source: Cambridge University and Nesta UK • World Bank Forecasts worldwide $96 billion annually by 2025
10. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum • Growing market but small compared to the US • Impact of Canadian banking oligopoly $200 Million USD Source: Cambridge University and Nesta UK
11. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum NCFA Canadian Crowdfunding Directory Reward/Donation: Equity-based via Dealer: • Steady growth in portals • Equity and Debt emerging • Fintech is all the rage • Real estate crowdfunding emerging Consumer and Small Business Loans:
12. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Basic Crowdfunding Models < $10K $10 - $250K < $100 - $350K+ < $250K - $3M+
13. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Rewards Sample:
14. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Equity Sample:
15. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Lending Sample:
16. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Regulated vs. Unregulated Markets < $10K $10 - $250K < $100 - $350K+ < $250K - $3M+ RegulatedUnregulated • Not issuing a security • Portals, transactions and participation is global • DIY approach to raising capital from an online community • Early seed stage type funding or community capital • Platform fees range from 0% - 9% • Regulated by provincial securities commission and other regulatory bodies • Many financing ‘exemptions’ or tools can be used, some have caps • Work with licensed Dealer-brokers (gatekeepers) • Fees are higher than unregulated (success fee, listing, carried interest management fee)
17. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum • Wide distribution over the internet • Low cost, efficient, transparent capital • The `great equalizer` • Media/PR, awareness • Increase customer engagement and • Evangelize backers into investors (customer acquisition) • Reduce risk by getting feedback on new launches (product or ventures) • Market research Access to Capital Marketing Platform Validation • Raising funds via crowdfunding markets is a very public and transparent • Protect your IP and speak to a lawyer • Crowdfunding takes a lot of effort and commitment • The majority of Ideas fail to reach their funding goal • How will this affect your companies brand? Expose your Idea Resourcing Failure Crowdfunding Pros/Cons Benefits Risks For Companies
18. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Seedrs Portfolio Analysis (253 deals mid 2012 - 2015) Most popular category (of total 15): • Food & Beverage (11%) • Finance & Payments (11%) • Travel, Leisure & Sport (10%) Investors Returns • Platform Investors IRR 14.44% (Tax relief adj 41.87%) • Investors with 20+ investments outperformed overall market Is Crowdfunding Right for Our Business? 40% Digital Business 40% Hybrid20% Non-digital 60% B2C Businesses 10%20% B2B
19. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Trends in Crowdfinance & FinTech • Crowd is Growing more Liquidity: Syndication of investment opportunities (retail, accredited, angels, VCs, institutions) • FinTech Innovation: Improving transparency and removing information barriers that exist in private markets, data driven. Blockchain, ICOs, smart contracts • Regulations are opening up (OSC LaunchPad – Innovation Sandbox) • Companies are staying private longer (rather than going public)
20. PART 2: PRACTICAL KEYS TO SUCCESS “The harder I work, the luckier I get” Samuel Goldwyn
21. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Crowdfunding Lifecycle Planning & Strategy • The greater your planning efforts, the greater your chance of achieving your funding goal • Do not launch a crowdfunding campaign if you are not ready. (3 months) (40 days – 90 days) (Ongoing) Post-campaign • Your campaign is done but now you have to deliver on your promise • Fulfillment • Ongoing customer engagement Campaign Execution • Daily execution of tasks outlined in the campaign plan • Control, monitor and adapt Feedback Loop
22. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Success Factors SUCCESS 2. Network Strength • Sizeable online network and social media presence? • Will media/PR and influential bloggers cover your story? 1. Quality Idea & Pitch • Unique, enterprising and clear value proposition (conveyed online in a simple manner) • Get others excited about your story? • Clear funding target and specific goals? 4. Key Docs and Content • Compliant and necessary for investor review 3. Strong Committed Team • Is your team credible, committed and willing to deploy the resources and time to execute effectively? • Time management HARD WORK! 5. Marketing Campaign & Incentives • Planning and strategy with ability to execute through launch to post campaign
23. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum • Build your crowd before you launch • Recommend content generation and social media workshops • Develop an online strategy for your business • Start with internal networks • PR Push: Build rapport with media folks, journalists and bloggers • Attend industry networking and community building events to grow your crowd • Evaluate your internal networks social reach to forecast a realistic ‘Funding Target’ based on conversion rates (i.e., 2%) • Prime your network before you launch (reach out, engage) • 20-30% of your campaign funding will come from your internal ‘friends and family’ network • Understand the difference between ‘Keep what you Raise’ vs ‘All or Nothing’ funding types Low Mid High Planning & Strategy Assess the Strength of Your Network and Establish Realistic Funding Target
24. Funding Lead Strategy, resourcing, fulfillment Build Your Funding Team Team Strength? Content & Media Manager Key message, content distribution, channel selection, engagement Compelling Spokesperson Spokesperson, media engagements NCFA @Money Forum • Is your Team 100% Committed and credible? • Do you have family and friends that can support? • Outsource? Legal, Accounting and Compliance Documents, resumes, valuations, trademarks/patents, incorporation etc.
25. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Equity Planning & Strategy • Key Milestones that impact business valuations • Minimum capital required to reach each stone? • What securities will you offer in which jurisdictions? • Funding platform you want to work with? Solid Capital Raising Plan • Business plan, portal compliance, financial statements • Investor term sheet, subscription agreement, pitch deck • Video, prepared PR releases, email responses etc. Prepare Key Documents (offline / online) • Identify potential investors, prime the pump, range investor potential to commit • Network, keep all doors and opportunities, road show, leverage PR/media, do not just rely on portal • Treat everyone you deal with, with respect Prepare for Outreach Campaign • Have them review to ensure compliance and credibility • All documents, offline and online and remediate where necessary Contact Legal and Other Professionals Getting Ready for an Equity Crowdfunding Raise
26. Planning & Strategy Not everyone needs a reward Altruism, especially for donation-based Reward Considerations Budget and timing Rewards cost money (shipping fees!) Bundle rewards Group rewards together Special – Scarce, Creative, VIP Limited quantity, unique experience Leverage in-kind from partners Use good will from donated contributions Types of Rewards Product Social Experiences Financial » Services VIP Access Add/update New Rewards Test market and iterate!
27. Targeting your networks Marketing campaign Engaging with your networks and prospects Reaching out to media and bloggers Asking networks to: 1. Learn about the project 2. Share 3. Invest 4. Champion / help promote 5. Support / volunteer Constantly monitor with analytics Are contributions happening? Make changes Daily Task List Online & Offline Feedback Loop Campaign Execution NCFA @Money Forum
28. NCFA @2016 Small Business Forum Post Campaign Thank You Messages Thank you team and backers/investors Positive Reinforcement Contributed to success of project Fulfillment Deliver on your promise Start to fulfil rewards right away Manage expectations Transparency Equity Considerations Shareholder Register Company Minutes Annual reporting requirements to shareholders Nurture New Relationships Ongoing communications and engagement Foster sense of community Develop integration plan Digital experience that moves people
29. Common Mistakes • We underestimated the time commitment involved • We didn’t test our campaign sufficiently • We launched before we were ready • We didn’t develop an accurate budget • We didn’t consult legal counsel or professional providers • We didn’t account for taxes • We tried to do everything on a shoestring • We didn’t realize how important the video was • We didn’t understand liability exposure (eg. misrepresentation) and intellectual property • We had little to no traction so we gave up • We blamed it on the portal
30. PART 3: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
31. PART 3: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Booth #135Booth #135
32. Join Us Education & Research Market Access Crowdfunding Infrastructure Capital Raising Prep Services Support and Leadership Advocacy GET IT IN TOUCH Canadian Crowdfunding Industry ncfacanada.org crowdfundingsummit.ca
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 at ncfacanada.org.
