FrontFundr raises $650K on its own online funding and investment platform
Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Press Releases
Canada’s First Entertainment Crowdfunding Platform Launches for All Investors
FundingNomad | Brad Kerr | Jan 9, 2017
FundingNomad brings the best and most exciting entertainment opportunities to Canadian investors, online, while maintaining full securities compliance.
TORONTO, Jan 9, 2017 – FundingNomad (fundingnomad.com) has officially launched Canada’s first entertainment crowdfunding platform for Canadian investors, opening up the market for companies to run campaigns that raise financing from the “crowd” for entertainment projects (stage shows, musicals, films, movies, direct-to-digital media, interactive exhibits, performances, and recreation/hospitality). Accredited and Retail Investors across the country can sign-up and invest for free on FundingNomad’s secure portal that is fully compliant with Canadian securities regulations.
FundingNomad’s crowdfunding platform is dedicated to entertainment and media investments, and is backed by its own respected and experienced Exempt Market Dealer (EMD) that has been financing entertainment deals for many years. The platform employs high security, privacy, scalability, as well as an automated and intelligent engine that controls the campaigns that investors are permitted to invest in, and how much they can invest based on their financial accreditation status.
See: FundingNomad at 2017 Crowdfinance Summit in Toronto on Feb 28-Mar 1
Brad Kerr, CEO, FundingNomad
Crowdfunding in Canada is growing rapidly and is expected to be a $190 million market in 2016, an increase of 48% over 2015. It is even larger in the United States, at well over $36 billion. “Canadians have a tremendous opportunity to be a part of this global investment phenomenon that puts the power, convenience and control in the investor’s hands, together with strong regulatory oversight,” stated Bradley Kerr, CEO and co-Founder of FundingNomad.
“We are pleased to be able to bring Canadian investors the best entertainment deals from around the world, and allow them to become equity investors with the top producers, and share in the rewards.”
According to Joe Kodjian, Chief Compliance Officer and co-Founder of FundingNomad,
“Many people are familiar with donation crowdfunding where they receive a t-shirt or a gift for their donation to a campaign. Equity crowdfunding, on the other hand, gives real ownership and this is what most investors have been looking for. However, this market is highly regulated and that is why we spent over a year to develop our secure and compliant platform for all investors.”
Crowdfunding accelerates the commercialization of new products, ideas and services in Canada to compete globally and strengthen Canada’s entrepreneurial backbone at grassroots levels. According to Craig Asano, Founder & Executive Director of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada, “Crowdfunding is not solely a provincial issue. Nor is it entirely a federal one. It is a Canadian issue. All governments need to examine what they can do to improve the ability of SME’s to tap this potentially huge funding source.” FundingNomad is a member of NCFA Canada, which is the only trade association actively engaged with both social and investment fintech crowdfunding and alternative finance stakeholders across the country. Learn more at https://ncfacanada.org
Investors interested in entertainment deals are invited to sign-up for a free account on FundingNomad at www.fundingnomad.com or to contact FundingNomad at info@fundingnomad.com. Members of the press may contact FundingNomad at press@fundingnomad.com.
About FundingNomad
FundingNomad is the best and most exciting way to invest in entertainment crowdfunding – online, securely and compliantly. Investors from around the world can invest in global entertainment projects (stage shows, musicals, films, movies, direct-to-digital media, interactive exhibits, performances, and recreation/hospitality) developed by the most experienced and successful production companies that have been fully vetted and approved. Past campaigns include Mat Franco Magic Reinvented Nightly, Rock of Ages Las Vegas, Absinthe at Caesar’s Palace, and many more. For more information and to create a free investor account, go to www.fundingnomad.com.
Source: FundingNomad Release
Media Contact:
Bradley Kerr
FundingNomad
416-639-2020 ext 3
brad@fundingnomad.com
FrontFundr first in Canada to raise $650K equity capital through its own platform
FrontFundr Release | December 21, 2016
FrontFundr raises $650K on its own online funding and investment platform
December 21, 2016 (Vancouver, BC) – For the first time in Canadian history a business, FrontFundr, has self‐funded on its own equity crowdfunding platform. To great success, FrontFundr has exceeded its target raise by 130%, raising a total of $650K from 200 investors utilizing its own crowdfunding platform to facilitate the raise. These funds will take the company to the next level, allowing FrontFundr to build out its position as the leading online investment platform in Canada, and expand to the U.S..
In May 2015, FrontFundr introduced equity crowdfunding to Canada through the launch of the first online investment platform. The concept is simple. Instead of raising funds exclusively from the wealthy elite, per traditional startup fund raising, FrontFundr allows businesses to raise funds from anyone. Unlike traditional crowdfunding that involves a donation of money in exchange for a product or service (like Kickstarter), FrontFundr allows companies to raise real money in exchange for real ownership. This concept is similar to the popular show Dragon’s Den, except the crowd can participate and become an owner in a business—not just high net worth individuals.
“We’ve been helping businesses across Canada raise funds from the public over the past eighteen months,” says FrontFundr CEO Peter‐Paul Van Hoeken. “It’s been a fun ride and we’ve loved sharing in these companies’ successes. We decided it was our turn to walk our talk. We’re a young company too in need of capital, so it made perfect sense to use our own platform and tap into our brand champions for our raise. We are overwhelmed by the success and the support and thrilled to have exceeded our target raise by $150K”
See: Impak Finance raises largest single-day amount for Canadian equity-crowdfunding initiative
In addition to its own raise, FrontFundr has helped 9 other Canadian companies get funding from the crowd since its launch, ranging in amount from $50,000 to $2 Million. In addition to closing its own raise, this week FrontFundr’s platform also saw the close of a raise for Montreal’s Impak Finance—a new company that plans to build Canada’s first socially responsible bank.
While the introduction of equity crowdfunding, the traditional investment models of yesterday are becoming completely revolutionized. By opening investment opportunities to the public, Canadians are able to access opportunities they were previously locked out of, and companies are able to access capital that was previously inaccessible. It’s a win‐win, where people are now able to support and share in the potential success of companies they believe in in a meaningful way, and at the same time young companies are able to fund their businesses and continue their growth. In fact, FrontFundr has seen an uptake in the number of shares being purchased as gifts for others this holiday season. In 2017, FrontFundr expects to see continued exponential growth on its platform as more entrepreneurs become aware of the opportunity to access capital from the crowd.
To learn more about investing online in private companies and to browse live investment opportunities, visit FrontFundr.com.
About FrontFundr
FrontFundr is a fintech company that enables entrepreneurs to raise capital from all Canadians. Investing in private companies was previously limited to angel investors and venture capitalists, but after recent regulatory changes, private investing is now open to a wider spectrum of investors. Canadians can now invest online in companies that they believe in through the FrontFundr platform alongside seasoned investors, while directly contributing to innovation and sharing in the growth of companies they believe in. FrontFundr operates its online investment platform as a fully registered Exempt Market Dealer (EMD) in eight provinces in Canada.
For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact Jeannine Bartz at Jeannine@frontfundr.com or 604‐306‐0207.
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.
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
# # #
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
Canada’s First Peer-to-Peer Lender Open for Business
Lending Loop Press Release | Oct 24, 2016
Lending Loop launches after completing regulatory registration process
TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada's first peer-to-peer lender, Lending Loop, has opened its doors after completing its registration with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and other securities regulators. The company today launched its platform to investors and small businesses across the country. The launch follows extensive efforts by the company's founders to chart the course for peer-to-peer lending in Canada.
Lending Loop is a peer-to-peer platform that connects small businesses seeking financing with Canadian investors. The platform offers businesses a better way to borrow, with a quick and easy application process and affordable interest rates. With the support of Canadian investors, Lending Loop is providing small businesses the ability to access the capital they need to grow. At the same time, Lending Loop allows investors to make an attractive fixed-income return while building a diverse portfolio of small business loans across a number of industries and geographies.
"While peer-to-peer lending has been highly successful across the globe, we had to navigate some unique regulatory challenges in order to bring this business model to Canada," said Cato Pastoll, CEO and co-founder of Lending Loop. "It can be challenging for new entrants and regulators to adapt novel business models to existing regulations, and we're extremely proud to be pushing this industry forward. We're bringing a new form of finance to Canada that makes capital more accessible for small businesses while offering a brand new asset class to all Canadians."
Seeing the success of the model in other jurisdictions, including the UK and the United States, Pastoll and co-founder Brandon Vlaar first launched Lending Loop in late 2015 to bring peer-to-peer lending to Canadian small businesses and investors. In March 2016, the team began a registration process to become an exempt market dealer. Lending Loop's newly obtained license allows the company to offer this innovative business model in a fully regulated manner, while ensuring its sustainability in the Canadian marketplace.
See: Lifting the veil on P2P Lending in Canada
Having successfully completed its registration, Lending Loop is now live and accepting both new investors and new businesses to the platform. Lending Loop is not currently available to investors in Quebec but the company hopes to expand to the province in the near future.
For more information, visit www.lendingloop.ca
About Lending Loop
Lending Loop is Canada's first peer-to-peer lending platform, allowing Canadians to invest their money in small business loans. Lending Loop allows businesses to access term debt financing at fair interest rates through a simple online process. They do this by cutting out costly intermediaries, allowing Canadian businesses and investors to prosper together. Lending Loop's mission is to provide Canadians with access to simple and attractive returns by supporting the growth of local Canadian businesses.
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.
VanFUNDING 2016 Brings 50 Industry FinTech and Crowdfunding Leaders to Vancouver on Oct 18th
NCFA Canada | VanFUNDING 2016 Release
VANCOUVER, Oct. 11, 2016 /CNW/ - In one week, the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA) will host VanFUNDING 2016, (#VanFUNDING) the second annual Fintech and Crowdfunding conference. This year's event, held at The Imperial in downtown Vancouver, has expanded to an interactive full day format.
Enterprise conference partners including PayPal Canada, IBM, Vancity, Fasken Martineau and others are gathering with 300 investors, entrepreneurs and industry experts to 'Launch, Connect and Grow' emerging Fintech Crowdfunding markets across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest via powerful education, pitching and networking opportunities. With over 50 speaking participants and a long list of hot topics across 30 sessions, #VanFUNDING is a not to be missed Fintech and Venture Funding conference for professionals, vendors, startups, scaleups, ecosystem supporters and emerging industry players. Register Now to ensure your spot!
Featuring Leading Global Crowdfunding, Fintech and Alternative Finance Experts
A Who's Who of 50+ venture funding experts with keynote addresses and presentations to include:
- Shirley Vickers, CEO of BC Innovation Council officially opens VanFUNDING 2016
- Bundeep Rangar, Finequia CEO on "The Rise of Fintech and Its Potential Impact on Public and Private Markets"
- Caroline Ong, IBM Canada, Partner, Global Business Services, Analytics and Cognitive Leader on "IBM Fintech Innovations and Growing the Canadian Landscape"
- Sherwood (Woodie) Neiss, Crowdfund Capital Advisors/Venture Fund on "Global Data Analysis & crowdfunding trends: Roadmap for Innovation and Economic Growth"
- Barbara Gray, Author of Ubernomics and Analyst and Strategy Consultant, Brady Cap Research on "How to Create Economic Abundance and Rise above the Competition"
Hot Fintech, Crowdsourcing and Investor Perspectives:
- We built this city: Fintech Innovators from Lendified, Katipult, RentMoola and Wealthbar, along with Bill Tam, BCTIA CEO, talk innovation and the Future of financial services
- Bernd Petak of Finstripe highlights Key lessons from The DAO, a $146M decentralized crowdfunding experiment
- P2P lenders Cato Pastoll of Lending Loop, Chantel Chapman of Mogo, and others discuss Marketplace and 'instant lending' trends: Bank reactions & 360 perspectives
- Learn about the highs and lows of investing in Crowdfunding markets with Brenda Irwin and Simon Whitfield of Relentless Pursuit Partners
- Christian Cotichini of HeroX and Daryl Hatton of FundRazr break it down fireside to talk about "The unlimited potential of Crowdsourcing and incentives"
'Not to be missed' Raising Capital Sessions:
- Corey Herscu of Herscu & Goldsilver delivers invaluable insight to ventures on getting media attention with "How to guarantee the media opens your pitch emails"
- Crowdfinance FrontFundr lead, Peter-Paul Van Hoeken will answer the question, "Is Canada keeping up with the Joneses?"
- Elliot Mak from the BC Securities Commission will deliver a workshop on the 'Mechanics of Securities Crowdfunding – What you need to know'
- Alixe Cormick, President of Venture Law Corp and Jennifer Lucas, Managing Partner of Evans and Evans Inc. on Capital raising options for start-ups and scale-ups?
- Looking into Cross-border crowdfinancing options in the United States? George Georgiades, President of AltFinEsq and Bob Poole, Principal of Davidson and Company discuss opportunities for Canadian issuers to tap larger markets in the US using via Reg A/+
- R2Crowd executives Amar Nijjar and Chad Gemmell will educate investors on How to access commercial real estate deals and leverage tech to bolster 12-24 per cent ROI
Outstanding Line-up of Ventures Selected for Pitching
The lineup of innovative ventures competing in the Pitching Showcase includes: ChatterHigh, Copypants, Glance Pay, Hitch Planet, Keela, Mode, My Green Space, Reach and Starling. These hot startups and growth ventures will be vying for valuable educational, mentorship and promotional prizes. The pitching showcases will be hosted and led by Launch Academy, Wavefront and Kereitsu.
Also featuring three industry 'Pitch & Meet' pitches on the main stage to investors and the crowd are 'on the move' ventures currently in funding rounds: Quidni Estate Winery, FrontFundr and FundingNomad.
#VanFUNDING 2016 is proudly brought to you by: Title: Finequia; Pre-Event VIP Networking: PayPal Canada; Diamond: AltFinEsQ and Zyber; Gold: R2Crowd, Vancity, Crowdfund Capital Advisors, Fasken Martineau and Quidni Estate Winery; and Silver: Blockchain Canada, Katipult, Frontfundr, FundingNomad and Herox.
For a complete list of conference participants, speakers and event schedule visit the VanFUNDING conference website.
About the 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 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, and community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information please visit: ncfacanada.org.
SOURCE National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
For further information: Media Contact: Craig Asano, Executive Director, casano@ncfacanada.org, 416 618 0254, @NCFAcanada
Department of Finance Canada Launches Consultations to Review the Federal Financial Sector Framework
Department of Finance | Release | Aug 26, 2016
August 26, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada
Confidence in a strong and well-functioning financial sector is a must when it comes to ensuring an economy that works for the middle class and those working hard to join it. Canadians expect their government to review and monitor the financial sector so that it remains stable and efficient and meets their evolving needs.
Building on Budget 2016's commitment to extend the sunset date for federal financial sector legislation and regulations by two years, the Department of Finance Canada today announced the launch of the first of a two-stage consultation process on the federal financial sector legislative and regulatory framework.
While Canada has a highly regarded and well-functioning financial sector, it is an industry that is continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of its clients and find new ways to provide financial services to Canadians. In this context, it is important to consult with Canadians on the legislative and regulatory framework that governs the sector.
Related: Competition Bureau launches FinTech market study
The consultations will help maintain and advance a financial sector legislative and regulatory framework that supports:
- Stability—the financial sector is safe and sound, and resilient in the face of stress.
- Efficiency—the financial sector provides competitively priced products and services and passes efficiency gains to customers, accommodates innovation, and effectively contributes to economic growth.
- Utility—the financial sector meets the needs of an array of consumers, including businesses, individuals and families, and is committed to protecting the interests of consumers.
Individuals or organizations interested in submitting their views are invited to review the consultation document at the link below. Submissions will inform the development of a policy paper for the second stage of the consultation process in 2017.
Written comments should be forwarded by November 15, 2016 to LegislativeReview-ExamenLegislatif@canada.ca or to:
Financial Institutions Division
Financial Sector Policy Branch
Department of Finance Canada
90 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0G5
Source: Department of Finance Release
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.
OurCrowd Expands Equity Crowdfunding in Asia with MAS License
Business Wire release | August 17
UOB trains more than 100 bankers on alternative financing as it deepens support for startups through OurCrowd partnership
SINGAPORE & NEW YORK & JERUSALEM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--United Overseas Bank (UOB) is deepening its commitment to helping startups grow into sustainable businesses by training its commercial bankers to provide clients with the most up-to-date information on alternative funding channels beyond traditional financing. More than 100 of its bankers have been trained so far.
The training is timely as the Bank’s strategic equity crowdfunding partner, OurCrowd, a leading global equity crowdfunding platform, was awarded a full Capital Market Services (CMS) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) at the end of July. With the license, OurCrowd is now able to market its equity crowdfunding platform in Singapore. In March this year, UOB announced it had made a US$10 million investment in OurCrowd, which invests in startups with differentiated and highly scalable technology products and services.
UOB’s partnership with OurCrowd reinforced the Bank’s commitment in supporting Asian SMEs and startups with end-to-end financing needs. The range of support includes UOB’s accelerator program, The FinLab, to venture debt financing through to investment banking.
Ms. Janet Young, Head of Group Channels and Digitalization, UOB, said, “We understand the ambitions of startups and emerging enterprises and want to help them grow into sustainable businesses. In the last six months, we have trained more than 100 commercial bankers to identify and to understand the type of financing for which startups can qualify. Through our initiatives, we are well-equipped to support the startup ecosystem and help them realize their full potential.”
In addition, accredited investors1 among UOB’s clients will now have an opportunity to broaden their investments into OurCrowd’s portfolio companies and tap into a quality deal flow across the globe.
Mr. Denes Ban, OurCrowd Partner and Managing Director, Asia, said, “Our latest approval and licence in Singapore is further validation of OurCrowd’s global footprint and it’s exciting to see immediate and impactful results, thanks to our partners at UOB and the Sassoon Investment Corporation (SIC). Singapore-based investors will now have access to our portfolio of world-class startups and tap their growth potential.”
See: Equity Crowdfunding Leader OurCrowd Opens Canadian Office; Targets 1st Investment in Canadian Company Influitive
Launched in 2013, OurCrowd has raised more than US$250 million for investment in almost 100 companies, and has already had eight companies in their portfolio either acquired by a multinational or listed publicly. Unlike traditional equity crowdfunding platforms, OurCrowd invests its own capital alongside the crowd investors in each deal as testament to their confidence in the deal. By offering investors the same terms (valuation, liquidation reference and protection) as venture capital funds, it offers accredited investors access to unrivalled investment opportunities. OurCrowd also provides post-investment support to its portfolio companies, assigning industry experts as mentors.
Jon Medved, OurCrowd Founder and CEO, said, “We are proud of the rapid growth of our unique brand of equity crowdfunding and teaming up with UOB to advance the cutting edge of FinTech and the startup ecosystem in the region. As we work together, innovative Asian companies with differentiated and highly scalable technology products and services will be able to get access to another source of funding from a global investor network to jumpstart their international expansion and business development.”
Continue to the original press release --> 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 at ncfacanada.org.
