Entrepreneurs and inventors are invited to apply to be the next reality star, getting funding and fame for their companies at the upcoming Coastal Shows Crowdfund Global Expo (CFGE) Crowdfunding Entrepreneur Summit.
The casting call for the new reality TV show “American Gnuity” will be held in conjunction with two days of intensive crowdfunding education and panels at the CFGE summit. The conference comes at a unique time, as Texas considers a rule change at the State Securities Board to enable non-accredited investors to invest in startups and other private offerings, allowing for state-level crowdfunding to occur in Texas.
“Austin is becoming one of the places to launch a start-up,” says “American Gnuity” creator Rod Blanchard. “We knew we wanted to do a casting call for the pilot season of our show here. Since Coastal Shows is one of the leaders in the crowdfunding industry, and they’re holding the conference here, it was a perfect fit.”
“American Gnuity” will allow accredited investors from all over the nation to invest in the companies on the show, as they go through an eight-week on-air accelerator program, with special guest star judges helping to increase the valuation of the companies along the way. In “American Idol” fashion, viewers 
will vote with their investment dollars, as companies that receive the least amount are eliminated.
“Our crowdfunding summits are about ingenuity,” says Andrea Downs, CEO of Coastal Shows and conference organizer. “We bring the best speakers, sponsors and communities together, immersing them in education that will bring tangible results. When we connected with Rod and his team at “American Gnuity,” we knew they were a production company that we wanted to bring to our attendees. Their show is made possible by landmark JOBS Act legislation that allows for general solicitation to occur. What a novel idea, letting America vote with their investment dollars!”
The casting call will take place May 29 and 30 at the Austin Hilton during the summit, with a live taping for the finalists held at the Capital Factory on June 1 and 2.
Coastal Shows’ conference will gather experts within the crowdfunding industry, along with entrepreneurs, investors and crowdfunders, to the Lone Star State. Panels will focus on everything from helping women secure funding to marketing and PR advice for would-be crowdfunders to small business lending experts. The event will be co-located with a real estate and alternative assets summit that will also take place May 29 and 30 at the Hilton.