Techvibes | by Donal Power | March 5, 2015

The fast-evolving field of equity crowdfunding was the hot topic at the inaugural Canadian Crowdfunding Summit in Toronto earlier this week.  A capacity crowd of nearly 350 filled the MaRS auditorium for a full day of crowdfunding-related speakers, seminars and product pitches hosted by the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada.

Dominating the summit was discussion about the potential benefits and pitfalls of the emerging field of equity crowdfunding, which lets individual investors fund startup companies and small businesses online in return for equity.

Of the $5 billion global crowdfunding marketplace in 2013, Funding Portal CEO Teri Kirk estimated that equity crowdfunding comprised only 4% of the total, compared to 96% in non-equity crowdfunding that consist of product pre-sales, donations and rewards. However, with the global crowdfunding marketplace projected to grow to $96 billion by 2025, she noted that a 4% share still represents a huge opportunity, without even factoring in the accelerated growth anticipated for equity crowdfunding worldwide.

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The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country.  NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 950+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada.  Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.