Crowdfunding. Overview of the industry, regulation and role of crowdfunding in the venture startup

Master's Thesis from the year 2014 in the subject Business economics - Company formation, Business Plans, grade: 5.00/5, , language: English, abstract: Structured Abstract (Purpose) This thesis aims to take stock and systemize existing knowledge on crowdfunding while providing overview of the industry, its regulatory environment and advancing the insight into the role of crowdfunding in the startup lifecycle. (Design/metodology/approach) It is adopting an exploratory and phenomenon-based approach which is deemed appropriate when investigating rather new phenomena. Furthermore, the work combines survey and interview methodologies to assess the opinion and real-world behavior of different stakeholders in crowdfunding marketplace and identify gaps requiring further academic consideration. (Theoretical Perspective) Grounded in limited theories surrounding crowdfunding as well as adjacent fields such as early stage, informal and angel investment. (Metodology) Empirical data was gathered using multiple interactive web-based questionnaires distributed to different stakeholders and 'informed general public' mainly through the social networks (Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter) and direct solicitation of entrepreneurial associations, networks and online communities. The study relies on both qualitative and quantitative analysis in attempt to find data patterns useful in future research and establish some managerial and policymaker recommendations based on limited evidence collected. (Originality and practical implications) The work adds value to this field through a 3-fold contribution: Taking a look at crowdfunding through the prism of SWOT analysis of the practice itself and Porter's 5 forces analysis of crowdfunding platforms industry. Providing evidence in favor of implementing various degrees of regulation based on different crowdfunding categories, using the Italian case of equity-based crowdfunding regulation as a model. Finally, it yields some interesting findings on relevance of crowdfunding in the venture startup while pointing out key motivators which make entrepreneurs consider this fundraising option. In addition, related policymaker/managerial implications are exposed and academic literature updated with reference to contemporary developments in this dynamic field. Keywords: crowdfunding, industry overview, regulation, role, dynamics Paper type: MSc thesis