Member Article

First crowdfunding conference to promote new financing models

The UK’s first National Crowdfunding Conference will feature MPs, entrepreneurs and finance industry speakers.

‘Crowd Funding Deep Impact’ will take place on Tuesday February 26th in Hertfordshire, and will hear from the likes of Ariadne Capital CEO, Julie Meyer; CBI director, Matthew Fell; and Barry Sheerman MP.

Crowdfunding experts from Crowdcube, Bloom VC, and BankToTheFuture will also share their experiences and thoughts on the future of crowdfunding in the UK.

The event is the result of a partnership between the University of Hertfordshire and Barry James’ Social Foundation.

Julie Newlan, pro vice-chancellor of enterprise at the University, said: “Crowdfunding has huge potential to help transform the UK at a time when entrepreneurs and businesses need all the help they can get to regenerate the economy.”

Amanda Boyle, co-founder of Bloom VC (Venture Catalyst), said: “Rewards-based crowdfunding has proved a powerful new way of creating new businesses and supporting entrepreneurs with more than just money.

“It can help more entrepreneurs at an earlier stage than has been possible before and we’re excited to be part of a movement with such great potential to build a new economy, bringing new hope and supporting entrepreneurs tasked with making this happen.”

UK crowdfunding platform, Crowdcube was recently green-lighted by the FSA, making it possible for individuals to invest in startups with as little as £10.

Barry James, conference founder and chair, added: “The effect of this, and the projected growth of the whole crowdfunding industry, which provides a clear alternative to banks and traditional investment source, is incalculable for the economy.

“What is does mean is more real jobs, more real businesses and more money in the economy – without the government or tax-payers needing to fork out.”

More details on the conference can be found here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .