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
Daryl Hatton and Bret Conkin of FundRazr Join National Crowdfunding Association of Canada’s Ambassador Program
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | October 31, 2013
TORONTO, ON Oct 31, 2013 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is excited to announce today that Daryl Hatton, founder and CEO of FundRazr, and Bret Conkin, CMO of FundRazr, have joined the Association’s Crowdfunding Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Crowdfunding Ambassadors
Crowdfunding Ambassadors (CFAs) are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of a crowdfunding industry within communities across Canada. With locally hosted events and initiatives, these influencers are ‘go-to resources’ for small businesses and investors so they can connect, share and learn about crowdfunding. CFAs are specialists, industry professionals and an international network of shared resources that strive to cultivate and shape the future of crowdfunding in Canada and beyond.
“Daryl Hatton is a tremendous asset to the Canadian crowdfunding industry. He’s constantly innovating and has always been supportive of industry developments. He has successfully led FundRazr to be the number one crowdfunding portal solution in the country,” stated Craig Assano, NCFA Canada Director. “Daryl and Bret will join other influential NCFA Crowdfunding Ambassadors to strengthen the program’s ability to advance crowdfunding in Canada through education, advocacy and economic stimulation.”
“I’m excited to serve as an NCFA ambassador for the Canadian Crowdfunding Industry! We’ll look back on this next year and marvel at the incredible explosion of new business models and applications for crowdfunding that were created. It is crucial that NCFA represents the industry with a strong voice to help prevent overregulation and allow these nascent businesses to succeed.” – Daryl Hatton, CEO of FundRazr
"We look forward to sharing best practices and helping ensure that the regulatory environment enables entrepreneurs and investors to take full advantage of the game-changing opportunity that crowdfunding presents." – Bret Conkin, CMO of FundRazr
In 2013 FundRazr was awarded a Technology Innovation Award as Most Promising Startup by the BC Technology Industry Association. FundRazr was also included in the Profit Magazine Hot 50 as one of the fastest growing startups across all industries in Canada.
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About Daryl Hatton:
Founder and CEO of FundRazr, Daryl has over 30 years of software industry experience and has founded multiple start-ups and helped bring one, Optio, to a successful NASDAQ IPO in 1999. He actively serves as board member or advisor to multiple other start-ups in BC and Silicon Valley.
About Bret Conkin:
The CMO of FundRazr, Bret has 25 years of software, start-up and consumer brand expertise including roles with Procter & Gamble and BC Lottery Corp. Bret has founded and collaborated on several technology start-ups and been a frequent speaker, service provider or advisor to top BC business organizations including: Small Business BC, New Ventures BC, BC Innovation Council, Vancouver Enterprise Forum and Angel Forum.
About the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a newly formed cross-Canada non-profit with the mandate to be inclusive in providing education, advocacy and awareness in the emerging crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at a grass-roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Members are industry stakeholders (portals, experts, service providers, and enablers), small businesses and entrepreneurs using crowdfunding to fund their initiatives, and investors seeking to connect with a dynamic and growing crowd. For more information please visit ncfacanada.org.
Source: National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contact
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
Alixe Cormick Joins National Crowdfunding Association of Canada Advisory
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | October 25, 2013
TORONTO, ON Oct 25, 2013 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Alixe Cormick, Founder and CEO of Venture Law Corporation based out of British Columbia, has joined the Association’s advisory.
Alixe Cormick concentrates her legal practice in the areas of initial public offerings, follow-on offerings, reverse takeovers, capital pool corporations, qualifying transactions, mergers & acquisitions, secondary listings and exempt market financings. She has assisted over 150 companies list on stock exchanges and trading boards in North America and has registered four broker dealers in Canada and has acted as outside legal counsel to three Canadian mutual funds. Alixe is also an active angel investor and has spoken at several conferences in Canada discussing the legal aspects of crowdfunding.
"My primary interests are to ensure that transparent and accurate education and information flows to crowdfunding participants and the industry at large”, said Alixe Cormick, Founder of Venture Law Corporation, who recently wrote a detailed comment letter to the BCSC re: OM Light Proposal providing significant feedback and inputs on numerous points of the proposal.
“Alixe brings a wealth of Canadian and international securities and financial knowledge to the table, and also believes that crowdfunding markets have a role to play in the larger capital raising eco-system. Her expertise and perspective adds tremendous value to NCFA Canada initiatives from day one, and we are highly appreciative of her participation and support as we continue with our mandate to advance Crowdfunding in Canada”, said Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of National Crowdfunding Association of Canada.
Source: National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contact
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
# # #
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Christopher Charlesworth and Asier Ania Join National Crowdfunding Association of Canada’s Ambassador Program
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | October 4, 2013
TORONTO, ON Oct 4, 2013 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Christopher Charlesworth and Asier Ania, Co-Founders of HiveWire, have 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.
“Both Chris and Asier are by nature wonderful ambassadors for the Canadian crowdfunding industry, said Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of the NCFA Canada. They’re industry builders and part of the new eco-system that places an emphasis on balancing financial and non-financial goals.
"At HiveWire we're excited to be a part of the NCFA, which is a growing organization that recognizes the unique needs of the Canadian crowdfunding space. By becoming ambassadors we hope to play a further role in helping both the public and the wider business community understand the value that crowdfunding creates" - The HiveWire Team
Christopher Charlesworth, Co-founder of HiveWire, holds an MBA from the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, The University of Toronto, and an Honours Bachelor of Political Science from The University of Western Ontario. Since 2008, he has consulted to such companies as Direct Energy, Desjardin Credit Union, and Prodemnity Insurance Corporation. At HiveWire Christopher supervises the deal-flow and sales pipeline, additionally engaging directly with investors and companies as he supports the overall due diligence process. He is also responsible for HiveWire business development and strategic partnerships.
Asier Ania, Co-founder of HiveWire, holds a Masters in Applied Science degree (mechanical engineering) and worked with the Canadian Space Agency designing and executing Mars aerial prototypes. Subsequently working for MDA Space Missions he supported the space station operations program including training astronauts on robotics systems. He also completed a European Master in Renewable Energy degree. Asier is responsible for HiveWire operations and also supports businesses development and outreach. He researches the sector and also directly engages with crowdfunding campaigns.
About the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a newly formed cross-Canada non-profit with the mandate to be inclusive in providing education, advocacy and awareness in the emerging crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at a grass-roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Members are industry stakeholders (portals, experts, service providers, and enablers), small businesses and entrepreneurs using crowdfunding to fund their initiatives, and investors seeking to learn more and connect with a dynamic and growing crowd. For more information please visit ncfacanada.org.
About HiveWire
HiveWire is a triple-bottom line enterprise focused on moving our community forward economically, ecologically, and socially through the efficient allocation of capital to companies and projects. HiveWire helps organizations access the power of the crowd through the application of innovative technology, generating value specific to their needs through crowdfunding, crowdsourcing, data analytics as well as consulting and workshops. HiveWire partnered with the Centre for Social Innovation to launch Catalyst, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to creating a better world. HiveWire speaks regularly about crowdfunding and crowdsoucing at conferences and events. For more information please visit www.hivewire.ca.
Source: National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contact
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
# # #
Crowdfunding Offers Craft Beer Enthusiasts a Chance to Brew with Evil Twin Brewing
PRWeb | October 4, 2014
The J Wakefield Brewing craft beer crowdfunding campaign is providing enthusiasts the opportunity to participate in a “Multi-National Collaboration Brew” with JWB and Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, the man behind Evil Twin Brewing in Denmark.
Miami, FL (PRWEB) October 01, 2013
The J Wakefield Brewing crowdfunding campaign was established to open the doors of J Wakefield Brewing in Miami. Johnathan Wakefield has been in Florida making unique craft beers since 2007. The result of the time, effort and passion that Wakefield has spent of his craft has lead to the creation of some brews that are garnering awards and causing an internet fervor. Brews that have earned a 2013 World number 1 and World number 5 ranking.
In order to open the new Miami brewery, Wakefield turned to crowdfunding and began a campaign on the premier craft beer crowdfunding platform; CrowdBrewed.com. One of the reasons that the campaign has been so successful, raising over $55,000 in 24 hours, is that Wakefield has offered craft beer enthusiasts highly desirable rewards in exchange for their donations.
Wakefield is now offering one lucky person the opportunity to participate in a “Multi-National Collaboration Brew” that could possibly thrust one up-and-coming brewer straight into the limelight. The crowdfunding “perk” will enable the donor to participate in the creation of a very special collaboration beer with J Wakefield Brewing and Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, the man behind Evil Twin Brewing in Denmark. Working at the new J Wakefield Brewing facility in Miami, the donor will work with both Johnathan and Jeppe to not only brew, but to also conceptualize a very unique collaboration brew between the two. This is the ultimate way to build “YOUR” brewing portfolio and then bring home a couple of cases of your killer collaboration to share with friends and family.
Named Best European Brewer according to RateBeer.com, Evil Twin Brewing‘s experimental brewmaster Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø is somewhat of a craft beer legend. Uniquely crafting his beer as a “gypsy brewer,” Jarnit-Bjergsø develops each recipe then brews and bottles a limited quantity at one of 10 breweries worldwide where he borrows space. Because of the nature of his process, Evil Twin beers are rarely reproduced.
Related: Bridging the rural/urban economic divide
The J Wakefield Brewing crowdfunding campaign is set to end on October 25th. When the campaign ends, Johnathan Wakefield looks to bring his craft home to his native Miami and envisions a Miami-style brewery in the dynamic and rapidly growing Wynwood Arts District. This unique, homegrown concept will fit in perfectly in with the 70 or so art galleries, funky thrift stores, antique shops, eclectic bars, and amazing outdoor graffiti that define Wynwood.
The Wakefield Brewing campaign has been such a huge success, currently approaching twice the funding originally sought, that Wakefield intends to use the excess funds to upgrade the taproom with an improved bar, better seating and additional customer amenities. If possible, the next step will be to add another fermentor, which will raise his brewing capacity allowing for more special beers, and create a "barrel program" to acquire used barrels to age their beer, again allowing for more unique and special beers.
Craft beer enthusiasts interested in the opportunity to work with Johnathan and Jeppe to conceptualize and create their own brew, should visit J Wakefield Brewing’s crowdfunding campaign at http://www.crowdbrewed.com.
PRWeb release: here
Canadian Crowd Capital Inc. signs Agreement with SeedUps (IRE) Ltd., a leading brand in crowd financing
Crowdcapital | Sandi Gilbert | Posted Sept 18, 2013
Crowd Capital Inc. signs Agreement with SeedUps (IRE) Ltd., a leading brand in crowd financing. Announces worldwide strategic partnership with Exempt Capital Network Inc.
Calgary, Canada and Letterkenny, Ireland - September 18, 2013: Crowd Capital Inc. is pleased to announce that it has signed a Partnership Agreement with SeedUps (IRE) Ltd., is re-branding as SeedUps Canada and is getting ready launch its crowdfund investing platform where ordinary investors can invest in great companies. Using "intelligent" equity crowdfunding technologies developed by SeedUps, and compliance functionality developed by ECN - the Exempt Capital Network, SeedUps Canada will be a "first-mover" in the Canadian marketplace and move forward with its plan to present private placements to investors that have between $1K and $50K they wish to invest in Canadian entrepreneurs with early stage businesses. SeedUps Canada's issuers will offer their securities through current exemptions defined in National Instrument 45-106, Prospectus Exemptions and Regulations and its companion Blanket Order 45-512.
"We have looked at, and met with, most of the leading equity crowdfunding portals around the world," states Sandi Gilbert, CrowdCapital's CEO, "we believe the SeedUp's technology and ECN's compliance functionality to be among the best there is. As a result, we have selected them as our worldwide partners."
The SeedUps Canada crowdfund investing platform will facilitate capital raises for early stage companies seeking between $250,000 and $2 million in capital and will be accepting investor registration and business proposals effective today at www.seedups.ca. The Company expects to launch with live offerings in November under applicable securities regulations and compliance.
The SeedUps Technology
The SeedUps technology has unique capabilities that will interest both the investor and the issuer. Valuations for early stage companies are often hard to determine and in some instances, the company is not successful in raising capital because potential investors, even though they want to invest, feel the valuation is not right. SeedUps proprietary algorithms and patent-pending process allows investors willing to invest a minimum amount, (say $10,000) to place a bid at a lower valuation, which the Company can accept or reject. If they accept, all investors receive the same valuation price and the company closes the deal. Investors are engaged in the capital raise process and issuers receive valuable feedback on their investment pitches.
"SeedUps valuation technology has its basis in technology developed in another of my business interests, a peer to peer currency platform EuroXchanger," says Michael Faulkner, SeedUps CEO. "The Company, founded in 2002, filed patents on its technology in 2003. SeedUps used base assumptions of fair market pricing and market dynamics to create its own Patent pending technology. We believe company valuation is the efficiency mechanism required to allow equity crowdfunding to scale into a multi-billion dollar industry in the US and Canada"
The ECN / SeedUps Canada Plan
The SeedUps partnership is an extension of the original ECN / CrowdCapital vision. ECN and the new SeedUps Canada operate in different, but complementary stages of an Issuers' capital raise cycle. SeedUps Canada helps in early stage financings, while ECN typically facilitates capital raises for more established companies. "ECN receives many quality business proposals from early stage companies," notes Neal Gledhil, ECN's CEO. "Although many of these companies are a sound investment opportunity, they do not require enough capital to reach out to high-net worth individuals and institutions - the very market ECN serves." In these cases, the opportunity will be turned over to SeedUps Canada, complete with due diligence and validation for posting on the platform.
"Additionally, many of the Issuers that raise capital through ECN may want to offer their securities to ordinary investors and may choose to do simultaneous offerings on both platforms," continues Gledhil. "This is an ideal environment whereby the Crowd will have the opportunity to participate in investments alongside more seasoned investors and invest in deals they would not otherwise have access to."
This model can be replicated in other jurisdictions around the world and it is the companies' intent to pursue other strategic partnerships as the industry evolves.
Equity Crowdfunding in Canada
There are no defined rules for Crowdfund investing (CFI) in Canadian securities regulations today; therefore the CFI market has not yet evolved in Canada as it has in other Global jurisdictions. At initial launch, SeedUps Canada's issuers will offer their securities through current prospectus exemptions available in Canada. The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) recently issued a progress report on their review of these exemptions to facilitate capital raising (OSC Progress Report) and we are encouraged that they are contemplating the development of an OM exemption in line with Alberta's so we can expand opportunities to non-accredited investors in Ontario. In order to comply with securities requirements inherent in today's Exempt Market, we have partnered with ECN to utilize its compliance functionality to efficiently manage our processes all the while advocating for a review of compliance requirements for small investments.
Securities regulators are reviewing new exemptions to address the needs of businesses raising smaller amounts of capital through equity Crowdfund investing platforms like SeedUps Canada. These regulations are expected to reduce regulatory compliance making it easier for small businesses to raise capital and investors to find early stage investment opportunities. "The momentum is in our favour," states Sandi Gilbert, "and we expect to see more changes in the coming months. When and if these changes happen, we'll be ready to expand the platform to support true Crowdfunding."
"For now," adds Gilbert, "It's great to be on the move. We can't wait to help Canadian entrepreneurs' access the capital they need to grow and prosper and we know there are many Canadian investors who want to support these entrepreneurial efforts."
Source: www.crowdcapital.ca
FundRazr Wins TV Show Nod
FundRazr Press Release | Bret Conkin | Posted on Sept 11, 2013
Canada’s Largest Crowd Funding Platform Selected for Key Technology Role
VANCOUVER - SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2013 – Vancouver-based FundRazr had a lot to cheer about today after getting the proverbial green light.
FundRazr, founded by entrepreneur Daryl Hatton, was selected as the preferred fundraising platform for Season 1 of the upcoming TV series, theCrowd Funder show, which launches September 22nd on FOX affiliate WUTV.
The new half-hour TV show is produced by Merton Park Film Studios of Toronto and is being dubbed as the first of its kind. Each episode will focus on six or seven inspiring projects that will provide audience members with insight into the project, thereby giving campaigners extra exposure and hopefully, an added financial boost.
Jordan Whelan, Merton’s Executive Producer said “the FundRazr platform has some important features, such as increased security and advanced social media technology, which provide his show participants with benefits that didn’t seem to be available from other companies.”
“Being selected as the preferred platform for this kind of innovative project is definitely a vote of confidence,” said Hatton. “The reach of TV, combined with the show’s high value sponsor perks and the FundRazr platform, promise to break new ground in the industry.”
Hatton expects the TV Show relationship to vault FundRazr’s business volume significantly as it battles with larger rivals Indiegogo and Kickstarter for the burgeoning crowdfunding market.
"As fellow Canadian innovators, we were pleased to be selected by Merton TV as a preferred platform for their innovative productions, said FundRazr CEO/Founder Daryl Hatton. "The addition of broadcast and high value sponsor perks is an industry first, and we're very pleased, together with the Crowdfunder show, to help people find their dreams, causes and passions in this exciting new way."
Each episode, with hosts Stacey Englehart and Preet Banerjee, will focus on six or seven inspiring ideas that will give the viewing audience insights into the projects, it's founder(s), and the reasons why it should go from inception to reality.
Although the crowd funding industry has only been around in a prominent way for a few years, Hatton and FundRazr are considered pioneering innovators in an industry where approximately 400 active platforms compete for a finite number of viable projects.
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About Merton Park:
Merton Park is a fully integrated production company based in Toronto.
About FundRazr:
FundRazr is a global crowdfunding platform that has raised $20 million in the past year alone and was recently voted the BCTIA Most Promising Startup Winner. FundRazr was also recently cited as the 30th fastest growing Canadian company in PROFIT Magazine’s Hot 50 ranking.
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Canadian Artist Crowdfunding Platform FANPUSH Launches
SB Wire | August 28, 2013
Vancouver, BC -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/28/2013 -- As major crowdfunding giants invade the Canadian market, a new Canadian crowdfunding platform previews exclusively for Canadian artists this Wednesday, August 28, 2013. FANPUSH will launch as the first Canada based, Canadian owned funding platform which focuses on Canadian artists. FANPUSH is behind Canadian music in a big way by being an award sponsor at this year's Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards. They will be the Official Sponsor for the 2013 CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) Award for Interactive Artist or Group of the Year. Nominess for the award incldue Terri Clark, High Valley, Leah Daniels, Codie Prevost and Tenille. The CCMA Awards will be held in Edmonton, Alberta on Sunday Sept 8th, 2013.
FANPUSH offically launches with full features on Tuesday, September 3, 2013. The platform previews on August 28, 2013 for artists to become familiar with FANPUSH.
Musicians, filmmakers, dancers, artists and every creative person should know that FANPUSH has something important. FANPUSH puts Canada and Canadian artists first by not only competing aggressively on fees, and supporting the Canadian system, but also by utilizing their intimate knowledge of Canada's business and arts culture for Canadians who are seeking funds for their projects.
Hailing from rural Saskatchewan, and currently residing in the Vancouver suburbs, Tommy K.W. Lam, founder of FANPUSH, has been using the internet to promote musicians and artists for over twenty years. He co-founded one of the first independent music platforms back in 1994, called Digital Groove. He also was co-founder of one of the first Internet broadcast stations, EXI around the same time. FANPUSH was born from Tommy's understanding of the situations and needs experienced by Canadian artists. He says of his inspiration for FANPUSH,
"The whole idea came about when I saw so many artists that I know basically get stuck, going nowhere because they either didn't have enough funding to do their next album or the budget to get a professional quality music video made for their new single. I created FANPUSH to give them that extra push they need to get to where they want to go."
Not all crowdfunding platforms are created equal. The giants may have more traffic and marketing resources, but FANPUSH has one singular feature the others lack. Tommy understands that most funding comes from an artist's already established community, from existing fans, colleagues, supporters, friends and family. Not many people go on a crowdfunding site just to search for something to love and fund. They fund things they already love. People do more for something their heart wants.
