Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Online Funding / Investing Campaigns
The Canadian Gaming Summit 2023
Jun 8, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Berkay Gumustekin
Between June 13 and 15, the Canadian Gaming Summit (CGS) arrives at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This will be the 26th edition of the event, which sees iGaming industry professionals and experts from across the country attend to discuss the latest trends and share ideas.
This year is also a first for the CGS, as it’s being hosted by the SBC Events and the Canadian Gaming Association. The event is a chance for those working in the industry to share ideas and gain better insights into specific sectors, with a speaker list that features a who’s who of the Canadian iGaming industry.
Canadian Gaming Summit 2023 is expected to attract more than 2,000 people, including author Gayle Mitchell who will be attending to research her upcoming book.
Guest Speakers
Perhaps the biggest appeal of the Canadian Gaming Summit is the appearance of guest speakers, who are all experts in the iGaming business. This year includes more than 150 speakers from across the industry, including names from some of the biggest companies currently operating in Canada.
Some of the speakers include:
- Tom Mungham – Chief Executive Officer of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
- Scott Vanderwell – CEO of PointsBet Canada
- Steve Lautischer - EVP Business Development of AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis)
- Chrissie Thurmond – Director of Responsible Gaming at DraftKings
In addition, there’s a special guest appearance from former NHL goaltender Greg Healy, who currently serves as Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association. Healy will be appearing on a live episode of the Safe Bet podcast at the CGS, where he’ll be discussing the link between gambling, player protection and social responsibility.
Other guest speakers at the event will be presenting on a variety of different topics, including regulations, industry trends, new technology and the importance of responsible gaming. Attendees will be able to check the schedule of the event before they attend to see when and where specific industry experts will be giving their talks.
Aside from speakers, the CGS will also include different exhibitions, including the players' protection symposium, electronic gaming masterclass and the First Nations Gaming Awards, as well as a special competition with big prizes at stake.
First Pitch Competition
This year the Canadian Gaming Summit will include more than just guest speakers and exhibitions. There’s also an exciting competition taking place, which sees iGaming startups have a chance of winning a prize package designed to improve development. Canadian businesses within the iGaming sector, such as SlotsOnlineCanada have been invited to take part in the competition, with the winner decided during the event.
After hundreds of startups applied to join the First Pitch competition, the field has been narrowed down to three finalists. These finalists are:
Flex Fantasy
Revolutionizes the fantasy sports concept, allowing players to synchronize their existing fantasy teams and create challenges for friends and other players. It offers lots of different game formats and real-money rewards.
Turnover Global
This is a virtual sports betting product that simulates a wide range of different sports and allows real money betting. The simulations are designed to perfectly match real sports, and each bet line offers return to player percentage compliance.
Linemate
Linemate aims to improve sports research data for the average person, providing a wide range of high-end stats for bettors to use when deciding on their bets. This includes visualization, customer tools and insights, and all major sports leagues are covered.
See: Gamers Rejoice! AR/VR, Blockchain, and Online Gaming Collide for a Revolutionary Experience
Each finalist will be pitching their idea to the panel of judges, which includes industry experts and investors. The prize package available to the winner is worth more than $70,000 and includes an exclusive web design package ad promotional packages, including press releases and editorials.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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House Passes Bills to Broaden ‘Accredited Investor’ Definition
U.S. Financial Services Committee | Jun 5, 2023
Expanding Investment Opportunities: The U.S. House of Representatives has approved seven bipartisan financial services bills aimed at strengthening public markets and boosting capital formation.
- Expanding the Accredited Investor Definition:
- Key among these is H.R. 835, the Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act, which widens the definition of accredited investor.
- This is expected to increase the pool of potential investors for small businesses and emerging companies, especially minority entrepreneurs who frequently face challenges in securing funding.
- Other significant legislation includes H.R. 2608 and H.R. 2610, both sponsored by Chairman Patrick McHenry. These bills intend to improve the attractiveness of public markets for emerging growth companies by clarifying and extending financial reporting obligations under the JOBS Act of 2012. This could potentially streamline the process of initial public offerings (IPOs) or spin-offs, which in turn can drive efficiency and capital formation.
See: Improving the Regulatory Environment for Entrepreneurial Capital Formation: JOBS Act 4.0
- Increasing Access and Protection in Capital Markets:
- Legislation such as the Accredited Investor Definition Review Act (H.R. 1579) and the Senior Security Act of 2023 (H.R. 2593) demonstrates a dual commitment to opening up investment opportunities and safeguarding investor interests.
- While H.R. 1579 aims to broaden participation in economic growth by updating the list of certifications required to qualify as an accredited investor
- H.R. 2593 focuses on protecting senior investors from fraudulent activities in the capital markets.
- Accredited Investor Certification Exam: The House has passed another bill H.R. 2797 - The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act of 2023 - which mandates the Securities and Exchange Commission to develop an accredited investor certification exam. Rep. Mike Flood, co-sponsor of the bill, believes that the definition of an accredited investor should not be based solely on wealth, but should also consider the knowledge and capabilities of investors.
Read: The Real Story of Access to Capital
- Opposition and Concerns:
- Not everyone supports the expansion of the accredited investor definition. Micah Hauptman, Director of Investor Protection for the Consumer Federation of America, expressed strong opposition to H.R. 835, arguing it might reduce protections for investors in the public markets. Likewise, Hugh Berkson, President of the Public Investors Advocate Bar Association, emphasized the need for oversight measures to protect retail investors from potential risks associated with expanded access to private securities.
View the original release --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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The Importance of Diversification: How to Build a Well-Balanced Investment Portfolio
June 1, 2023
Image: Freepik/vector4stock
Diversification is one of the “classics” when it comes to risk management strategies. They’ve been used by a lot of investors to ensure profitability in the long run, and since newer assets like cryptocurrencies are now more popular than ever, the need to protect your assets becomes much stronger.
Overall, having an “undiversified” portfolio can lead to many problems regardless of the asset you’re working with. However, if you’re investing in cryptocurrencies, which are known for being unpredictable and volatile, the risk of losing your money becomes even greater.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to build a successful and balanced investment portfolio. Here, we’ll tell you how to make your investment life much easier down the road!
Why Would You Diversify Your Portfolio?
It’s common for beginners to think diversifying their portfolios is inconvenient or overwhelming; instead of focusing on one asset only, you would be focusing on several, which can throw you off if you don’t have experience.
The main reason why you should diversify your portfolio is that you can protect yourself from any market problems. As an investor, you may be able to predict or prepare certain events that may hurt your investments, but there are some cases where you won’t be able to prepare for certain outcomes.
If a particular market crashes, and you had “all your eggs in one basket,” you risk losing most of your money. However, that won’t happen if you diversify your portfolio.
In essence, diversifying your portfolio will help you get out of your comfort zone and discover other interesting assets to invest in. If you’re a crypto enthusiast, for example, you will quickly notice when researching that there are many crypto types out there as well as tools like Immediate Connect that allow maximizing your ROI.
On the other hand, you will be able to protect yourself if any market crashes. If you own different coins/tokens, for example, and one of them declines in price overnight, you will still have the other assets there, meaning you kept your losses to a minimum.
About Optimizing Your Profits
Diversification is not just about avoiding risks; it’s also about optimizing your profits.
The goal is not to invest in many different assets randomly. If you do proper research, you can increase the potential of earning more money in the long run, even with volatile assets like cryptocurrencies.
Typically, a “well-balanced” portfolio will feature different assets like commodities, stocks, crypto, etc. Even if you’re only investing in cryptocurrencies, you should also diversify your tokens if you want to maximize your profits while avoiding losses.
In other words, you can start by diversifying different asset classes, but if you want to take things even further, you can also diversify from within these classes. Those who own stocks, for example, can invest in consumer product stocks, technology stocks, energy stocks, and others. On the other hand, those interested in crypto diversification can invest in ETH, BTC, SOL, etc.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Diversifying Your Portfolio?
While the disadvantages of diversification aren’t enough to offset the benefits, you should still keep them in mind.
Generally speaking, here are some of the issues you may come across when diversifying your portfolio:
- It’s too complicated for some people.
- It required a lot of research on your behalf.
- You risk investing in way too many assets, which can get overwhelming.
- You’re more likely to make mistakes.
- You risk getting more taxes, depending on what you’re investing in.
- You could spend more money at first, depending on the assets.
How to Create the Perfect Investment Portfolio
Now that you know everything about diversification, how can you start? Here are a few tips you may consider today:
- Evaluate Your Current Portfolio: Check what your current portfolio looks like. Do you only have one asset? Or do you have many of them? This will serve as the foundation for your strategy.
- Research Your Market: You must first understand how your market is behaving before making any investments. If you want to invest in crypto, for example, then you should evaluate the crypto space as a whole, including blockchain ecosystems, crypto sectors, and more.
- Identify Weaknesses and Gaps in Your Portfolio: Now, compare your current portfolio with your market of preference. You may notice there are some assets you’re missing or that you’re focusing too much on a poor token. Once you identify these gaps, you will be able to reallocate your assets.
- Balancing Your Portfolio: Here, you can either add investments to your portfolio or sell those who don’t work anymore and use the money to reinvest in what you’re missing. This will help you achieve more “balance” with your portfolio.
- Bonus: Don’t stick with the same portfolio forever. If you want to be successful in the long run, remember to repeat this process periodically to ensure you keep up with the latest trends and make any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Diversification can bring a lot of benefits to the table, but you must do it the right way.
See: Majority of Professional Investors Yet to Embrace Crypto, But Nearly Half Might Enter Through ETPs
If you want to ensure more profits while avoiding losses, make sure to take your time to do research or work with an expert to create the best diversification plan according to your goals.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Maximize Your Environmental Campaign’s Impact with FundRazr’s Spotlight Program (Until July 2023)
FundRazr | Daryl Hatton | May 28, 2023
Image: Fundrazr campaign
FundRazr, a well-known fundraising platform, has launched an Environmental Fundraising Spotlight (free of charge) until July 2023.
- This initiative aims to provide a special focus on campaigns that are raising funds for various environmental causes, such as wildlife and marine life protection, ocean and sea conservation, preservation of natural habitat and resources, biodiversity, and land and forestry.
See: FINTECH FRIDAY$ (EP24-Feb 8): Re-imagining Philanthropy with Daryl Hatton, Founder and CEO of ConnectionPoint/FundRazr
- Benefit: Participating organizations stand to benefit from increased visibility through FundRazr's paid social media promotions and advice from btheir digital fundraising strategists. These efforts are meant to attract more donors and ensure the campaign's success.
- This initiative is not only an opportunity to raise funds for the cause but also to gain a wider network and increase awareness for environmental protection.
- The Environmental Fundraising Spotlight is free of charge, with FundRazr investing in paid advertising to support the participating environmental movements. The only deductions from the raised money are standard third-party payment processing fees determined by the selected payment processor. To maintain the free usage of the platform, an optional tip is requested from supporters.
- FundRazr provides a range of tools for setting up and managing the campaigns, like mobile-friendly, ready-to-launch campaign pages, and deep social sharing capabilities. Organizations can also offer perks or create a wishlist to encourage contributions.
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Emerging Investors: Gen Z Canadians Take the Lead in Global Investment Trends
Wealth Professional | Steve Randall | May 26, 2023
A recent international study conducted by the CFA Institute and the FINRA Foundation focused on the investment behaviors of Gen Z individuals (aged 18-34) in Canada, the US, UK, and China.
- The study emphasized the need for governments, regulators, and investment professionals to support Gen Z by providing them with the necessary knowledge and educational tools to make informed investment decisions. It also noted the impact of macroeconomic factors, the rise of cryptocurrency, and the influence of social media "finfluencers" on the investment habits of this cohort.
See: Early-stage Investing – The Public gets a Seat at the Table
- The study revealed several key findings:
- Gen Z Canadians exhibit the highest level of investing activity among the four countries surveyed, with 74% owning at least one investment product. This figure surpasses China (57%), the US (56%), and the UK (49%).
- The fear of missing out (FOMO) was identified as the primary motivator for 40% of Canadian Gen Z individuals to start investing.
- Access to financial advice through social media and the availability of investing apps and cryptocurrencies were identified as significant factors influencing investment decisions.
- Cryptocurrencies served as the starting point for 35% of young Canadian investors, the highest proportion compared to the other countries.
- The study highlighted that 79% of Gen Z Canadians began investing before the age of 21. However, 56% of non-investors cited a lack of knowledge as the main barrier to investing.
- While Gen Z Canadians lead in many aspects, their top investing goal aligns with their international peers, with 55% aiming to save for travel or vacations. Interestingly, an equal percentage also cited paying monthly bills as their top concern.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Investing for Your Future: Setting Yourself Up for Financial Stability
May 26, 2023
Image: Freepik/storyset
Investing your money is one of the most important things you can do for your financial future. By investing wisely, you can set yourself up for long-term financial stability and security. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the key things you need to know about investing for your future.
Why Invest?
The first question you might have is: why invest at all? There are several reasons why investing your money is a smart choice:
- Grow Your Money: Investing your money allows you to potentially earn a higher return than you would get from a savings account or other low-risk investment.
- Beat Inflation: Inflation can eat away at the value of your money over time. By investing, you can potentially earn a return that beats the rate of inflation, helping you stay ahead financially.
- Meet Financial Goals: Whether you're saving for a down payment on a house or planning for retirement, investing can help you achieve your financial goals.
Types of Investments
There are many different types of investments you can make, each with their own unique risks and potential rewards. Some common types of investments include:
- Stocks: When you buy a share of stock, you're buying a small piece of ownership in a company. Stocks can be volatile, but historically they have offered higher returns than other types of investments.
- Bonds: When you buy a bond, you're effectively loaning money to a company or government. Bonds are generally less risky than stocks, but they also offer lower potential returns.
- Real Estate: Investing in real estate can be a great way to build wealth over time. Real estate investments can provide both rental income and appreciation in value.
- Mutual Funds and ETFs: These are investment vehicles that allow you to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds. They can be a good way to get exposure to a wide range of investments with a single purchase.
Creating a Plan
Before you start investing, it's important to create a plan. This should include your financial goals, your investment timeline, and your risk tolerance. Your plan should also take into account any other financial obligations you have, such as debt payments or other expenses.
Once you have a plan, you can start researching investments that align with your goals and risk tolerance. It's important to do your due diligence and make informed decisions about where to invest your money.
Monitoring Your Investments
Investing is not a "set it and forget it" proposition. It's important to monitor your investments regularly to ensure they're still aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. You should also rebalance your portfolio periodically to ensure you're not overexposed to any one type of investment and use the Prillionaires personal finance software to keep track of your assets.
Conclusion
Investing for your future is an important part of building long-term financial stability.
See: Emerging Investors: Gen Z Canadians Take the Lead in Global Investment Trends
By understanding the different types of investments and creating a plan that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance, you can set yourself up for financial success. Remember to monitor your investments regularly and make adjustments as necessary to ensure you stay on track.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Celebrating 7 Years of Regulation Crowdfunding: 4100 Startups Now Valued at $60 Billion
Crowdfund Capital Advisors | Sherwood Neiss | May 16, 2023
Image: Crowdfund Capital Advisors
Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the 7th anniversary of Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF).
Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) has become successful for several reasons:
- Democratization of Investment: Reg CF has significantly democratized access to capital, enabling individuals to invest in the companies they believe in. This democratization has diversified the investor pool and allowed people who might not otherwise have access to investment opportunities to participate in the financial growth of startups and small businesses.
- Promotion of Diversity and Inclusivity: Reg CF has promoted diversity and inclusivity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. With up to 50% of the capital going to companies with at least one woman or minority founder, this type of funding is opening the doors for underrepresented groups in business.
- Job Creation: Reg CF has proven to be a significant job creator. It has been instrumental in creating or supporting over 380,000 jobs, thereby becoming an important factor in driving local economies.
See: Equity Crowdfunding Demystified: Insights from Wefunder and Equivesto
As for the impact of Regulation Crowdfunding:
- Economic Impact: To date, $1.8 billion has been invested by 1.7 million investors into over 4,100 startups and small businesses across 1,700 cities in the USA. Moreover, it has contributed approximately $4.7 billion to the overall economy through salaries, inventory, rent, professional services, and various operational expenses.
- Wealth Creation: Companies that have raised funds via Reg CF are now valued at over $60 billion, indicating that average American investors have the potential to realize substantial wealth. This democratizes wealth creation, providing an opportunity for everyday Americans to partake in the financial success of early-stage companies.
- Promotion of Entrepreneurship: By unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit of America, Reg CF has generated jobs and fostered economic growth, becoming a powerful force in supporting local businesses and driving economic prosperity.
Overall, Regulation Crowdfunding has had a significant impact on the US economy and society by democratizing capital, creating wealth, generating jobs, and boosting local economies. Its future potential remains robust, with more opportunities expected to arise for individuals to participate in this transformative investment landscape.
See: CCA 2022 Investment Crowdfunding Report: 7 Charts Highlight Growth and Impact
Sherwood Neiss, Principal at Crowdfund Capital Advisor:
Regulation Crowdfunding has unlocked an unprecedented opportunity for everyday Americans to invest in early-stage companies and participate in the creation of wealth. It has brought about a level playing field, something that the private capital markets have not been able to accomplish until Reg CF became a reality.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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