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
Nodano to Launch First-Ever Social Activism Network Platform
Nodano Press Release via Market Wired | Oct 27, 2014
Calgary-based company launches Global Action Wall crowdfunding site
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Oct. 27, 2014) - This weekend, Nodano launched its Global Action Wall, a crowdfunding tool that will be used to develop a new platform, dedicated to bringing together people and organizations from around the world and enabling them to take a stand against human suffering.
The Global Action Wall will allow individuals to purchase customizable "bricks", where they can upload photos or company logos, choose a cause they wish to take a stand against and challenge others to get involved. The funds raised from the Global Action Wall, will support the development of Nodano's social networking platform. Unlike other crowdfunding initiatives, Nodano will donate a portion of the revenue to charities that it is supporting.
Nodano was founded in 2013 by four individuals who were concerned about the suffering and injustice in the world and the speed it was increasing. With the goal of raising $5 million from the Global Action Wall, Nodano will design the first-ever social network that will bring together a global community of individuals looking to make a difference.
View: Canadian Crowdfunding Directory
"Nodano will forever change the face of social activism," said Troy Weber, Co-founder & CEO, Nodano. "Together, Rob Shenfield, Joseph Shenfield, Tyler Nixon and I, have created a platform we hope will create a global culture to help ease human suffering and injustices in the world. We encourage individuals to join together and challenge others, to help relieve human pain and suffering."
As part of its corporate mandate, Nodano will freely give away a minimum of 50 per cent of its net-revenue to charitable causes. Currently, World Vision Canada and International Justice Mission (IJM) are the first two designated charities to receive support from Nodano.
"World Vision would like to thank Nodano for selecting us to be one of the two chosen charities they will support," said Kent Smith, Development Advisor, World Vision Canada. "This support will truly help the less fortunate children, families and communities around the world."
"At IJM, we take on some big issues - sex trafficking, forced labour and other types of violence against the poor," explains Angie Redecopp, Director of Development & Mobilization, Prairie Region, International Justice Mission Canada. "About 4 billion poor people around the world live outside the protection of the law, making them vulnerable to many types of violence.
Global Crowdfunding with Dr. Richard Swart, UC Berkeley, Director of Crowdfunding Research
That's why we've chosen to focus on strengthening justice systems-so the poor are protected, and hopefully, are never victimized in the first place. But we cannot do it alone. One of our key values is partnerships - both in our global field offices and here at home. That is why we so appreciate initiatives like Nodano that create awareness in a new way and bring people together."
To learn more about Nodano and its Global Action Wall, please visit www.nodano.com
About Nodano
Nodano brings together a community of people who are seeking to be inspired and get connected with like-minded people who want to have an impact and promote a cause. We are devoted to connecting people, businesses, governments, celebrities and charities in an effort to foster large scale cooperation in response to global suffering. Nodano is currently developing a new social networking platform that will enable people across the globe to strengthen these entities in their efforts to help.
Contact Information
NCFA Canada Launches Crowdfunding Standards Initiative
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | October 9, 2014
TORONTO, ON Oct 9, 2014 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced the launch of its Crowdfunding Standards initiative, which was created to build crowdfunding excellence through common standards of practice and strengthen confidence in the ecosystem.
Initially, these standards will be designed to serve as an industry benchmark for service providers, issuers and a wide variety of industry participants to use as a guideline (or checklist) when raising money online, particularly with equity crowdfunding investments.
NCFA Canada's Crowdfunding Standards Board
The Crowdfunding Standards Board (CSB) is a sub-committee of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada), a registered Canadian not-for-profit corporation. The CSB draws on the expertise of lawyers, accountants, entrepreneurs, regulators, anti-fraud investigators, bankers, payment processors and investors to create crowdfunding standards for portals and issuers raising capital from the crowd.
The Crowdfunding Standards Board is led by CSB committee chair and NCFA Legal Advisor John Wires, and Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of NCFA Canada. With the staggering growth of the crowdfunding industry and recent developments in equity crowdfunding, there is a growing need for risk reduction, due diligence, and perhaps most importantly, transparency.
"We are working to develop standards and best practices for the Canadian crowdfunding industry. The NCFA wants to ensure that industry participants have the proper guidance to promote transparency for investors and backers. The standards and guidelines will further the NCFA's mandate to promote a healthy crowdfunding framework in Canada." -- John Wires
John Wires, Founder of Wires Law, NCFA Startup Legal Advisor
John Wires is the Founder of Wires Law, a corporate commercial law firm delivering legal services to entrepreneurs and small and medium sized businesses across Canada. His practice focuses on launching, protecting and selling Canadian businesses. He has appeared in the Ontario Superior Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal and private arbitrations on issues spanning from shareholder and employment disputes to cross border litigation.
John graduated from law school with first class honours specializing in both International Trade and Corporate Commercial Law. He was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2011 and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association. He has been a guest lecturer at Ryerson University and covered in the media on Crowdfunding in Canada.
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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.
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contact
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
WAFU Inc. Launches First Ever Simultaneous Cross-Border Equity Crowdfunding offering in Canada and the United States
WAFU Inc. RushPRNews | October 6, 2014
Montreal, QC (RPRN) 10/06/14 — The popular CBC Dragons’ Den alumnae and manufacturer of the popular WAFU dressings and mayos has launched the first ever simultaneous cross-border accredited investor equity crowdfunding round through CircleUp in the United States and Optimize Capital Markets in Canada.
WAFU Inc. is pleased to announce that it has launched the first ever simultaneous cross-border (Canada-US) accredited investor equity crowdfunding offering by a Canadian company. The cross-border raise will be offered online via Optimize Capital Markets in Canada and CircleUp in the United States, allowing Canadian and US accredited investors the opportunity to purchase shares of WAFU through registered online equity crowdfunding platforms in each of their respective countries.
Related: WAFU Inc. Closes First Ever Equity Crowdfunding round by a Canadian Company in the United States
“We have launched this groundbreaking cross-border equity crowdfunding offering in order to allow our loyal consumers in the United States and Canada to be able to participate economically in the continued success of the WAFU products that they love,” said WAFU CEO Gil Michel-Garcia. WAFU Inc. is looking to place $1,000,000 Series A-3 Preferred Shares with “accredited investors” as defined under applicable securities laws in the US and Canada.
Related: Gil Michel-Garcia, CEO WAFU Inc., Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
Related: Equity Crowdfunding and Transparency Go Hand in Hand
“Given the ongoing success of our WAFU products and the recent listings of our products at Walmart Canada, Sobeys Ontario, Loblaw’s Ontario and Western Canada and Federated Co-Op in Western Canada, we thought that the time was right to raise additional capital in order to fully take advantage of these growth opportunities. Assuming that we raise the capital that we need, we expect that these new listings will allow us to deliver top line growth of more than 50% next fiscal year,” indicated Mr. Michel-Garcia.
View the press release --> here
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. Learn more About Us | Crowdfunding | Support NCFA.
Code4Armour™ Launched Crowdfunding Campaign on Indiegogo; 25% of Goal Reached in First Day
Code4Armour | Oct 1, 2014
TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Code4Armour™ launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo that invites people across North America to pre-order the Code4Armour™ service. The campaign reached 25% of its overall funding goal within the first six hours. The campaign is set to trigger awareness for the life-saving service that benefits people with special medical needs. The crowdfunding campaign is live until November 9 at http://igg.me/at/code4armour.
"The public has spoken," said Michael Egan, CEO of Code4Armour. "We have been working on developing this service for over a year now and we are pleased with the level of support we received right out of the gate. We know the positive impact Code4Armour will have in making First Responders more effective in saving lives. It's wonderful to see the same recognition from the public."
The crowdfunding campaign features a variety of flexible funding options including the $10 "First Responder" tier, $36 "Solo" tier, $66 "Twofer Pack" $126 "Family Pack" and more. Supporters can also 'gift' Code4Armour to deserving families through special needs organizations that have partnered with the Company.
View: High tech bike is Kickstarter Canada's most funded project to date
Code4Armour™ grew out of Founder Mark Litman's personal experience as a front line paramedic. Having attended thousands of medical emergencies, Mark knows first-hand that a First Responder's biggest challenge is arriving on the scene of an accident and not having critical information on the patient that could help save their life. This gets magnified when the patient has special medical needs. Code4Armour delivers the patients Personal Health Information to First Responders, hands-free, in seconds, at the exact time it's needed.
Code4Armour™ has been working with the 52 EMS services across Ontario implementing pilot programs with a goal to have every service in Ontario utilizing Code4Armour by the end of the year. In addition to a previously announced partnership with the United Way York Region, Code4Armour™ has already been well-received by leaders at various associations dealing with Autism, Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Heart, Stroke, retirement homes and private medical providers.
About Code4Armour™
Code4Armour™ is a health technology company. Code4Armour's shock-resistant, water-resistant, battery-free wearable device helps save lives by delivering vital Personal Health Information to First Responders in seconds in the event of an emergency. Please visit www.code4armour.com. Facebook: facebook.com/Code4Armour Twitter: @Code4Armour
Michael Egan, CEO, Mark Litman, Founder and Justin Philips, President, are available for phone and in-studio media opportunities.
SOURCE Code4Armour Inc
For further information: For more information or to set up an interview, please contact: Cara McCutcheon, cara@mccutcheoncommunications.com, 416-557-2139
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. Learn more About Us | Crowdfunding | Support NCFA.
Gil Michel-Garcia, CEO WAFU Inc., Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | Sep 30, 2014
TORONTO, ON Sep 30, 2014 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Gil Michel-Garcia, CEO of WAFU Inc., 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 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.
“Gil is a pioneering Canadian and Quebec leader in the equity crowdfunding space with the added benefit of being a securities lawyer by trade. We're thrilled to have Gil's support and cross-border expertise/experience in raising capital in the US as a Canadian company ,” said Craig Asano, Executive Director of NCFA Canada
Gil Michel-Garcia, CEO of Wafu Inc.
Gil Michel-Garcia is co-founder and CEO of WAFU Inc. (www.wafu.ca), a Montreal based company which develops, produces and distributes a line of Japanese dressings and mayos under the WAFU® brand name.
Gil has more than fifteen years of global corporate legal and business experience, which he acquired as a corporate securities lawyer at leading international law firms in Montreal (Blue HF and Stikeman Elliott LLP), and New York and London (Clifford Chance LLP & Schwartz LLC). Gil’s corporate legal and business background includes extensive experience with cross-border private debt and equity offerings by foreign companies in the United States, as well as venture capital and private equity transactions. During the last 15 years, Gil has helped more than 100 Canadian and other non-US companies to raise in excess of $10 billion in private placements from investors in the United States.
As CEO of WAFU, Gil has helped WAFU to raise more than $1 million from accredited investors in the United States and Canada, including $230,000 through the first ever U.S. accredited investor equity crowdfunding offering over the internet by a Canadian company. Most recently, Gil helped WAFU to launch the first ever simultaneous cross-border (US/Canada) Rule 506(c) / Reg. S accredited investor equity crowdfunding offering by a Canadian company.
A fervent believer in the potential transformative power of equity crowdfunding for small businesses, Gil sits on the board of Invest Crowdfund Quebec, an organization working for the adoption and promotion of equity crowdfuding in Quebec, and also recently agreed to act as a Crowdfunding Ambassador for the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada in the Province of Quebec.
“I believe that accredited investor equity crowdfunding is the best way for small fast growing companies like WAFU to raise $1 to $2 million in capital while at the same time increasing the recognition and geographic penetration of their brand and their products. For us equity crowdfunding is not just about the money, it's also about turning customers into shareholders” -- Gil Michel-Garcia
Gil holds a B.A. in Economics from McGill University, an M.Sc. in Economics from the Colegio de Mexico and a Juris Doctor degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, and is a member of the New York Bar and the Barreau du Quebec.
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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.
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contact
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
MicroVentures Surpasses $50 Million Equity Crowdfunding Milestone, Generating ROI for Investors and Fueling Growth for Startups
MicroVentures | via PRNewswire (here) | Sep 17, 2014
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MicroVentures, an online venture capital platform, announced today it has raised more than $50 million directly for its portfolio companies, while generating positive returns for its investors through successful exits, such as the recent acquisition of Space Monkey, a cloud data storage company, by Vivint, the largest home automation services provider in North America.
Accelerated growth of MicroVentures will be fueled by new investment opportunities that cater to investors' rising interests, such as late stage pre-IPO companies and real estate. The company's focus includes investments in internet technology, media and entertainment, software, green technology, mobile, social and gaming.
"We set out five years ago to create the user-friendly platform that connects investors and startups at the seed stage," said Bill Clark, founder of MicroVentures. "Today MicroVentures not only connects, but leads investment rounds for our portfolio companies – the first equity crowdfunding platform to play this role. This milestone showcases the viability of the equity crowdfunding business and we look forward to continuing to grow alongside our investors and entrepreneurs."
View:
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Equity Crowdfunding in Canada, Frequently asked questions for portals, entrepreneurs and investors
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NCFA Advocacy to advance Equity Crowdfunding Regulations in Canada
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Video: Institutional Crowdfunding Interview with Optimize Capital Markets CEO/Founder, Matt McGrath
The more than $50 million raised to date includes investments in successful companies such as Twitter (IPO), Facebook (IPO), Yelp (IPO), Republic Project (acquired), LaunchRock (acquired), and Loom (acquired by Dropbox). Other notable start-ups that are currently part of the MicroVentures' portfolio include Structured Polymers, Soldsie, Biomeme and Oru Kayak, who was featured in the last season of Shark Tank and is actively raising capital via the MicroVentures platform today.
"MicroVentures gave us the opportunity to pitch in front of over 20,000 global investors," said Nathan Derrick, CEO of Supplyhog. "This allowed us to spend less time raising capital and more time growing our business."
Since establishing itself in 2010 as one of the first equity crowdfunding platforms that is a FINRA registered broker-dealer, MicroVentures has grown its investor community from 200 individuals to more than 22,000 individuals. The company has done so through building expertise, security, selectivity, due diligence, personalized customer service and accessibility for both accredited and non-accredited investors. The MicroVentures team is committed to providing confidence for both startups and investors through its dedication to rigorous due diligence and to personal relationships with investors.
About MicroVentures
MicroVentures is one of the financial industry's first organizations which merges crowdfunding with the venture capital industry. The San Francisco, CA and Austin, TX based firm provides an opportunity for angel investors to invest in startups alongside Venture Capitalists, often at the same terms. MicroVentures conducts detailed due diligence on startups and if approved they help the startup raise capital from both accredited and non-accredited investors. For more information, visit www.microventures.com, or follow @microventures on Twitter.
View source via PR Newswire --> here
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.
360 Capital Closes Previously Announced 29% Investment in Exempt Market Dealer – Silver Maple Ventures Inc.
360 Capital Financial | Website Blog | Sep 2, 2014
September 2, 2014: Vancouver, BC – 360 Capital Financial Services Group Inc. (CSE: TSZ) announces the company has completed the previously announced Letter of Intent to invest in Silver Maple Ventures Inc. by acquiring an initial 29% stake of the Exempt Market Dealer.
Silver Maple Ventures is registered as a securities Exempt Market Dealer in BC, Alberta and Ontario, and fully focused on developing its online Equity Crowdfunding business across Canada – subject to provincial securities legislation. 360 Capital intends to further increase its shareholding in Silver Maple Ventures and to help develop its Equity Crowdfunding business to become the market leader in Canada in this new and exciting investment marketplace.
Video: Institutional Equity Crowdfunding in Canada - Interview with CEO/Founder of Optimize Capital Markets, Matt McGrath
“This investment by 360 Capital is evidence of the company’s plan to become a fully integrated financial services solutions provider in the area of corporate finance, merchant banking and insurance services,” stated Chairman and CEO John Gan. “From the very beginning, it has been our vision to provide a broad range of financial services and to leverage the experience and competencies of our management and Board of Directors to capitalize on market opportunities in Canada and in Asia-Pacific”. “This investment into the Equity Crowdfunding business is a small step towards our ambitious and exciting plan to transform 360 Capital into a dynamic international Financial Services company” added Mr. Gan.
About 360 Capital Financial Services Group Inc.
360 Capital and its subsidiary business units, are developing, growing and operating financial services businesses and distribution through acquisition, partnership, joint-venture, and strategic alliance and cooperation – in Canada and Asia Pacific. These financial services include insurance, merchant banking and consulting services.
About Silver Maple Ventures Inc.
Silver Maple Ventures is a registered Exempt Market Dealer financial company focused on funding private companies in Canada, by providing them with access to capital through innovative multi-source finance solutions including angel investors, venture capital, and other eligible investors under applicable provincial securities law, as well as government incentives. The company’s team is a unique blend of business, finance and technology professionals.
The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information, please contact:
Ullrich Schade
Corporate Communications
Telephone: 604-566-9835
E-mail: ir@360capitalfinancial.com
Source: here
