What to consider?
If you are considering raising finance for your business, project or venture through crowdfunding, there are a number of factors that you might want to consider.
We have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages that we believe highlight the pro’s and con’s of crowdfunding.
Advantages
Eight advantages of crowdfunding:
- it can be a fast way to raise finance with no upfront fees
- pitching a project or business through the online platform can be a valuable form of marketing and result in media attention
- sharing your idea, you can often get feedback and expert guidance on how to improve it
- it is a good way to test the public’s reaction to your product/idea – if people are keen to invest it is a good sign that the your idea could work well in the market
- investors can track your progress – this may help you to promote your brand through their networks
- ideas that may not appeal to conventional investors can often get financed more easily
- your investors can often become your most loyal customers through the financing process
- it’s an alternative finance option if you have struggled to get bank loans or traditional funding
Disadvantages
Six disadvantages of crowdfunding:
- it will not necessarily be an easier process to go through compared to the more traditional ways of raising finance – not all projects that apply to crowdfunding platforms get onto them
- when you are on your chosen platform, you need to do a lot of work in building up interest before the project launches – significant resources (money and/or time) may be required
- if you don’t reach your funding target, any finance that has been pledged will usually be returned to your investors and you will receive nothing
- failed projects risk damage to the reputation of your business and people who have pledged money to you
- if you haven’t protected your business idea with a patent or copyright, someone may see it on a crowdfunding site and steal your concept
- getting the rewards or returns wrong can mean giving away too much of the business to investors
Before deciding on a crowdfunding platform for investment, we advise that you consider all other forms of finance to find the one that most suits your needs.