The UK equity crowdfunding landscape is a rapidly evolving space that offers a new, alternative method of funding for entrepreneurs in the UK. Instead of the traditional route of seeking investment from a small group of angel investors or venture capitalists, equity crowdfunding allows startups to raise capital from a large number of individuals through online platforms. In this blog post, we will discuss the current state of the UK equity crowdfunding landscape, its benefits and drawbacks, and tips for entrepreneurs looking to launch a crowdfunding campaign.
The UK was one of the first countries to embrace equity crowdfunding, with the first platforms launching in 2011. Since then, the market has grown exponentially, with total investment in the UK crowdfunding market reaching £7.5 billion in 2020. This growth is expected to continue, with the alternative finance market forecast to reach £9 billion by 2024.
One of the main benefits of equity crowdfunding for entrepreneurs is access to a wider pool of potential investors. Traditional forms of fundraising can be quite restrictive, as startups often need to have a strong track record or established network in order to attract investment. With crowdfunding, anyone can invest as little as £10 in a campaign, making it possible for startups to raise capital from a large number of individuals, including customers, supporters, and the general public.
Additionally, equity crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs to build a community of engaged investors around their company. These investors can provide valuable feedback, support, and advocacy for the company, which can be incredibly helpful in the early stages of a startup.
However, equity crowdfunding also has its drawbacks. One of the main challenges is that it can be difficult to stand out in a crowded market. There are now hundreds of platforms available, and competition for investment can be fierce. Additionally, the process of running a crowdfunding campaign can be time-consuming and demanding, requiring entrepreneurs to create compelling pitches, produce marketing materials, and engage with potential investors.
Additionally, equity crowdfunding campaigns are heavily regulated. Companies need to ensure compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority and other regulatory requirements, which can be costly and time-consuming.
If you’re looking to raise capital through equity crowdfunding, you’ll need to choose a platform to host your campaign.
There are several options available, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Here are some of the top UK equity crowdfunding platforms:
Seedrs
Based in London, Seedrs is one of the leading equity crowdfunding platforms in the UK. It allows companies to raise capital by selling shares to a large group of investors and has a wide range of sectors including technology, health, and food and beverage. Seedrs also has a strong track record, having funded over 1,000 campaigns and raised over £1 billion in total.
Crowdcube
Another popular option is Crowdcube, which is based in Exeter. It allows companies to raise capital by selling shares to a crowd of investors and has a wide range of sectors including technology, health, and food and beverage. Crowdcube has funded over 1,000 campaigns and raised over £1 billion in total.
When choosing an equity crowdfunding platform, it’s important to consider the fees, the types of campaigns they allow, and the support they offer. It’s also a good idea to read reviews and talk to other entrepreneurs who have used the platform before making a decision.
Here are a few steps to ensure your campaign is geared for success
Develop a solid business plan:
Before you even start thinking about launching a crowdfunding campaign, it’s important to have a clear idea of what your business does, what makes it unique, and how it plans to generate revenue. This means putting together a solid business plan that outlines your goals, target market, financial projections, and more. This will not only help you stay organised and focused, but it will also be a key resource for potential investors who want to know more about your company.
Build a strong team:
A successful crowdfunding campaign requires a lot of hard work and dedication, so it’s important to have a team of people who are committed to your company’s success. This includes your core team members, as well as any advisors or mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Create a compelling pitch:
Your crowdfunding campaign pitch is essentially a sales pitch for your business. It should clearly and concisely explain what your company does, why it’s unique, and why it’s a good investment opportunity. This can be in the form of a video, presentation, or written pitch, and should be tailored to your target audience.
Engage with your potential investors:
One of the biggest benefits of equity crowdfunding is the opportunity to connect with and engage with your potential investors. This can be through social media, email newsletters, or even in-person events. The more you can build a relationship with your potential backers, the more likely they are to support your campaign.
Set realistic goals:
It’s important to have big dreams and ambitions for your company, but it’s also important to be realistic about what you can achieve with your crowdfunding campaign. Set clear and achievable goals for how much you want to raise and what you plan to use the funds for. This will not only help you stay focused, but it will also give potential investors confidence in your ability to execute your plans.
Equity crowdfunding is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs in the UK, offering access to a wide range of potential investors and the ability to build a community of supporters. However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges and to properly research and plan a campaign to ensure success. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success and use equity crowdfunding to help take their company to the next level.
In summary, the UK equity crowdfunding landscape has grown rapidly in recent years, offering a new alternative method for entrepreneurs to raise capital through online platforms. The benefits of equity crowdfunding include access to a wider pool of potential investors and the ability to build a community of engaged investors around the company.
However, there are also drawbacks such as competition in a crowded market and the time-consuming and demanding process of running a campaign. For entrepreneurs looking to launch a crowdfunding campaign, it’s important to research the different platforms available, create a compelling pitch, build a community of supporters, and stay engaged with investors throughout the campaign.
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