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
A new website on crowdfunding in Canada
CMF release | Posted on Jun 10, 2013
Banff, Alberta, June 10, 2013 – The Canada Media Fund (CMF) today announced, at the Banff World Media Festival, the official launch of a new website dedicated to information on crowdfunding. crowdfunding.cmf-fmc.ca
“Ever since the publication last August of the Crowdfunding in a Canadian Context: Exploring the Potential of Crowdfunding in the Creative Content Industries study, there has been a growing demand among Canada’s creative content creators, especially independent producers, and this has led us to develop a crowdfunding resource site online,” said CMF president and CEO, Valerie Creighton. “The mandate of the CMF is to support the television and digital media industry through the funding we provide, as well as through commissioned and published research on current and future trends in the content industry. The information is disseminated by various means, including the CMF website, the new website on Crowdfunding and the Trendscape blog.”
The new site, designed by the CMF in partnership with Nordicity, features a directory listing some 50 crowdfunding platforms accessible to Canadians and featuring the platforms that are most relevant to creative content projects. It’s also designed to throw light on the regulatory and legal framework in Canada relating to crowdfunding as well as facts and statistics on the phenomenon, plus a list of best practices and recent case studies of successful crowdfunding campaigns.
The site is intended primarily for members of the industry who are organizing crowdfunding campaigns and those who wish to be better informed and keep up to date on the subject.
The various sections of the site will be updated regularly, starting in June with a status report on legislative progress in Canada and the US, as well as an annual statistical update.
About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. Please visit cmf-fmc.ca.
The CMF’s Canadaonscreen.ca is a website designed to showcase and celebrate Canadian creative talent and content destined for all types of screens, from television productions to games, Web content and software and applications.
About Nordicity
Nordicity is a leading consulting firm specializing in policy, strategy, and economic analysis in the media, creative and information and communications technology sectors.
Nordicity has developed economic analysis tools to assess employment and GDP impacts, and to evaluate fiscal returns on public expenditures. As a firm, it has developed business assessments and strategies for new ventures in digital media, screen-based properties, ICT and telecom industries. The Nordicity team understands digital media and convergence, as well as traditional media and culture. Nordicity is on top of the fast-moving wireless and mobile environment. Visit nordicity.com
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Pierre Campeau
Communications Manager
Canada Media Fund
pcampeau@cmf-fmc.ca
416-554-2768
Source: here
WAFU Inc. Closes First Ever Equity Crowdfunding round by a Canadian Company in the United States
WAFU Inc. PRWeb Release | June 08, 2013
Montreal, Quebec, Canada: WAFU Inc. is pleased to announce that it has closed the first ever accredited investor equity crowdfunding by a Canadian company in the United States via CircleUp, a leading U.S. equity crowdfunding platform for accredited investors to invest in private consumer product companies in the United States.
With the completion of this U.S. equity crowdfunding round, we have not only been able to raise some of the capital that we need, but have also been able to attract experienced consumer packaged goods U.S. angel investors into our shareholder base
“With the completion of this ground breaking U.S. equity crowdfunding round, we have not only been able to raise some of the capital that we need to continue to expand across Canada and the United States, but have also been able to attract experienced consumer packaged goods U.S. angel investors into our shareholder base who, we believe, will be invaluable in helping us to continue to grow our brand in the United States and increase the sales of our products in the U.S. through our new U.S. e-commerce site http://www.wafushop.com.” said WAFU CEO Gil Michel-Garcia.
WAFU Inc. raised gross proceeds of approximately $230,000 through the issuance of Series A-2 Preferred Shares and/or Series A-3 Preferred Shares to a small number of “accredited investors.”
All shares issued under the private placement are subject to a four month hold period from the date of issuance in Canada and are “restricted securities” subject to certain additional transfer restrictions in the United States.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities of WAFU Inc. in the United States or any other jurisdiction. None of the securities of WAFU Inc. have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.
This news release is intended for distribution outside of Canada only and is not intended for distribution to Canadian newswire services or for dissemination in Canada.
About WAFU Inc.
WAFU Inc. (previously Mari’s Foods Inc.) is a Canadian privately held corporation based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 2006, WAFU Inc. develops, produces and distributes a line of Japanese dressings and Japanese mayos under the WAFU® brand name. WAFU® Japanese dressings are currently the leading brand of Japanese dressings in the Province of Quebec.
Source: here
25 Amazing Crowdfunding Stories Highlight FundRazr’s $25 Million Milestone
FundRazr Release | May 27, 2013
FundRazr announced today that it has now raised over $25 Million for over 37,000 campaigns in 18 different countries since its launch in July 2010. In celebration of FundRazr's $25 million milestone, they've created a countdown of their 25 Most Notable Campaigns.
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) May 21, 2013
Canadian-based FundRazr has 25 million reasons why crowdfunding is such a hot topic. Announced today, FundRazr has accumulated a list of our 25 Most Notable Campaigns in celebration of our $25 Million raised milestone this week. Among them is the DC Entertainment and Save The Children campaign that raised over $1 Million from video gamers, on-going legal fees support for the controversial case of WikiLeak's Julian Assange, as well as Tiger Woods sending underserved kids to school, lifesaving health campaigns and even a campaign to help the Canadian icon, the Beaver.
Attached to this release is a list of our Top 25 Notable Campaigns and an attachement to high resolution images for each campaign.
FundRazr is the fastest, easiest and most effective way to raise money online. As Canada's largest and most successful crowdfunding platform, FundRazr has now raised $25,000,000 for over 37,000 campaigns in 18 different countries since our launch in 2010.
FundRazr's crowdfunding platform has had a great social impact." - Tanya Urschel, Manager Nonprofit Engagement for PayPal.
Check out the press release --> here
Links:
Canadian Starting Trends launches world’s first geo-location-based global crowdfunding directory
Starting Trends | Posted by Daryl Burma | May 22, 2013
Canadian Starting Trends launches the world’s first geo-location-based global crowdfunding directory and 411 search site. With Crowdfunding-Directory.com, you can quickly and easily narrow down your search based on keywords, category and location.
We’ve spent the past couple of years building up our crowdfunding directory which has helped connect a lot of people with funding portals & various crowdfunding companies that suit their needs. However, with the crowdfunding industry growing so fast worldwide we knew our directory could be improved and that we could make it even easier for people to find the type of business, funding portal, product or service they’re looking for and that’s exactly what Crowdfunding-Directory.com does.
With Crowdfunding-Directory.com you can quickly and easily narrow down your search based on keywords, category and location. For example, if you’re looking for a donation based funding portal in the UK geared towards mobile app development or an equity based funding portal for real estate in Chicago this advanced new directory and search engine will enable people to do that.
Probably the most useful tool of this new directory is it’s geo-location based search functionality. Darryl Burma, NCFA Canada member continues by saying:
Even without the geo-location based feature our new crowdfunding business directory is a lot more advanced and easier to search & navigate. With the addition of a global geo-location based search option it just takes the service to a whole new level and allows people to search for a crowdfunding business or service within 1 to 300km of their location.
Nowadays a lot interactivity and communication is done online but even in this digital world some people still prefer meeting with others face-to-face or dealing with businesses in their area. Not only do people typically have more peace of mind when dealing with companies close by in their area, in some situations people prefer to conduct business in person when it comes to say something like crowdfunding consultation for example.
The goal of this enhanced & first of its kind crowdfunding business directory is to connect people with companies quicker and easier than ever before. We want it to be an ultimate portal where individuals can find the “who’s who” of the crowdfunding business & services world in order for them to get their needs met quicker by companies that are well known & trusted. At some point we plan to develop an advanced mobile app for the new service as well so be sure to keep an eye out for that.
Another added bonus is the ratings & review feature. Visitors can leave custom reviews about their experiences with particular companies in the directory. This will help add even more value to both the companies that are listed as well as the individuals who use the service to find trusted companies to conduct business with.
To learn more, check out the new site at Crowdfunding-Directory.com. Add your listing and get your company on the map today!
Source: Starting Trends
Fonpop and its partners launch a concerted crowdfunding solution in Canada
fonpop press release via CNW | Posted May 15, 2013
In partnership with Gilbert Rozon and Just For Laughs, Paul Gérin-Lajoie and his Foundation, and with Carrefour Capital along with other companies and organizations from Quebec and Canada, Fonpop launches Fonpop.com and offers 200,000 $ in support to innovative projects, more specifically in domains such as culture, solidarity and new technologies in Canada.
MONTREAL, May 15, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - In response to the growing difficulty in getting funds for organizations and companies across the globe, crowdfunding has become an effective solution to efficient financial funding, notably for projects that are centered about creativity and social causes. Fonpop and its partners wished to offer a concrete answer to provide each project a measure of success!
Fonpop enables promoters to start a financial campaign and to raise funds simply and efficiently from their community. In exchange of the donations received, the promoter can in turn offer gifts such as show tickets, acknowledgements or objects of their own creation.
"Nowadays, financial campaigns must reach quickly and easily all potential donors. Thanks to Fonpop, we can now act in real-time over the web and social media, and expand our action to new publics" François Gérin-Lajoie, President of the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation.
Fonpop.com is an evolved crowdfunding platform allowing a projects creator to efficiently manage his communication campaign directly on his or her project page by the addition of press releases, videos or updates and through a unique application that grants the possibility to post the creators campaign on any website. Fonpop's ambition is to develop primarily in Canada, the United States and Europe. Fonpop expects to help a hundred projects by the end of the year and offers its online services both in English and in French.
"Fonpop.com offers powerful tools for efficient communication and awareness across social media and the community. As a matter of fact, Fonpop is the only crowdfunding website requesting each creator to endorse a charter of ethics and commitment." Yannick Lacoste, President of Fonpop.
Fonpop is proud to offer 200,000 $ to the most promising projects originating from Quebec and Canada. Our partners will select projects for which they will offer free advice, for a total value of 100,000 $. Furthermore, certain social economic projects will be able to receive subsidies worth a total of 100,000 $.
Initially, 15 projects supported by our partners are or will be presenting their financial campaigns on www.fonpop.com, for example: Build HaHaHaiti, school of humour in Haiti (culture, with Just For Laughs) is considered, Be Our Ambassador, give education for a lifetime! (solidarity, with the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation), Help artistic creation for a young public (culture, with DynamO theater), Mosaiculture tour in schools (culture) and Boom! Boom! Cavemen (video gaming, with 3MindGames).
Fonpop warmly acknowledges its partners: the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation www.fondationpgl.ca, Gilbert Rozon and Just For Laughs Group www.hahaha.com, Carrefour Capital www.carrefour-capital.com, TandemLegal, FounderFuel www.founderfuel.com and Vortex Solution www.vortexsolution.com.
About Fonpop inc.
Fund projects in your community! Fonpop.com is a worldwide crowdfunding website founded by Yannick Lacoste. Fonpop believes that every creator should get a chance to achieve its innovative projects with the support of his or her community! Fonpop helps fund projects with your community, in exchange of rewards you offer to your support. We promote this opportunity by allowing you to set up an effective funding campaign, by using all of the web and social networks' power of communication, and by giving you quick and easy access to funds collected for you.
About Just For Laughs Group
Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group has four business units: Festivals, in Montreal, Toronto, Chicago, and Sydney; television production, Gags seen in 135 countries and on 95 airlines and Stand-up Specials; live shows, such as Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Jeremy Hotz, John Pinette, Louis C.K., the Capital One Just For Laughs Comedy Tour; and talent management. The Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival is the world's largest and most prestigious comedy event welcoming 1.25 million people each summer. The Group has offices in Montreal, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto and London. The mission and passion of Just for Laughs: develop and produce humour in all its forms.
About Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation
The Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit organization whose mission is to contribute to basic education for children and literacy of their parents in the poorest countries. The Foundation's mission also extends to Canada, where it contributes to the awakening of young people and adults with international realities and provides a complement to basic education. As an example of concrete realization, 5.5 million children have participated to the Dictée P.G.L. as of today. In 2013, the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation will provide up to 15,000 $ to help start humanitarian projects for creators whose projects are registered and validated on Fonpop.com.
About Carrefour Capital
www.carrefour-capital.com is a global site that connects investors and entrepreneurs seeking capital. The platform is used by many economic development organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, and in Quebec CLDs and SADCs. In 2013, Carrefour Capital is willing to provide up to 15,000 $ in help in starting a business to creators whose projects are registered and validated on Fonpop.com. In addition, many of Carrefour Capital's partners offer grants for social economy projects (in Quebec). The value of such grants varies region by region and can reach up to 100,000 $.
SOURCE: FonPop Inc.
For further information:Media contact:
Adèle Mauthès - phone: 514-288-3888 ext. 252 or 438-887-0645, info@fonpop.com
David Duggan Joins National Crowdfunding Association of Canada Advisory
NCFA Canada | Posted by Craig Asano
Crowdbuilding Advisor
TORONTO, ON May 7, 2013 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) announced today that David Duggan, Founder & CEO of Viral Network Inc., has joined the Association’s advisory.
David Duggan is the Founder and CEO of Viral Network Inc, an international full service online communication firm, whose clients have a combined valuation of over $1billion. In a short period, he’s grown his Vancouver-based company to 30 employees and has developed a series of software platforms/tools that increase exposure, reach and following of online customers in a highly targeted fashion. As a spin-off, David launched Viral Media Group, which provides in-house video production and distribution.
Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of NCFA Canada said, “David and his team have combined sophisticated technologies with cutting-edge online communication strategies and industry knowledge to disrupt the way investor relations is managed today. We look forward to helping Canadian small business stakeholders’ leverage targeting platforms to amass large relevant crowds together.
“What makes us unique is our ability to grow a company's investor following organically in the form of email subscribers and social media followers by using the most pioneering strategies on the web, as well as linking them to our network of over 50,000 investors worldwide,” explains Duggan.
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@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
# # #
FundRazr named Most Promising Startup Finalist in 2013 Technology Impact Awards
FundRazr | April 25,2013
VANCOUVER BC – April 25th,2013 – FundRazr is very pleased to announce their selection as a finalist for the Most Promising Start-up in the 2013 Technology Impact Awards (TIA) hosted by the BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA).
“The FundRazr platform’s unique ability to reach more people to raise more money using social media has dramatically improved the lives of thousands of people in 18 countries,” commented Founder/CEO Daryl Hatton. “The FundRazr team is very proud that this impact is being recognized by BC’s technology community as a TIA finalist.”
“FundRazr’s crowdfunding platform has had a great social impact,” commented Tanya Urschel, Manager Nonprofit Engagement for PayPal. Co-developed and co-marketed with PayPal, FundRazr helps fund diverse projects and causes for individuals, groups, non-profits, artists and entrepreneurs. From accident and illness expense recovery to disaster relief and animal rescue to arts and start-ups, FundRazr helps a global audience Crowdfund Anything, Anywhere.
The advanced technology of FundRazr has helped over 37,000 customers’ campaigns rise above the noise on social networks. These campaigns generated over 300% more social media exposure compared with regular Facebook sharing alone and raised more money as a result.
FundRazr is the world’s fastest, easiest and most effective funding platform. FundRazr customers have raised over $25 Million by harnessing the power of social fundraising for a diverse range of causes and projects including Save the Children, Startup Weekend and the Tiger Woods Foundation.
A global company headquartered in Vancouver, the FundRazr team members are technology innovators with a passion for social good. FundRazr was recently named to the Emerging Ready to Rocket List in 2013 and was the winner of the Vancity Social Ventures Prize in the 2011 New Ventures BC Competition.
For more info: http://www.fundrazr.com
Media Contact or Partnership Enquiries:
Bret Conkin
bret@fundrazr.com
+1 778.323.RAZR (7297)
