UK based crowdfunding platform GrowthFunders has recently done a site makeover. The investment site has added a bit of polish to their platform as they continue to grow in 2014. But not only have they freshened up the site – they are now offering up both equity and rewards based offerings.
GrowthFunders is self described equity crowdfunding and co-investment platform offering up listings in unquoted startups and other small businesses. They are regulated by the FCA (under Growth Capital Ventures). GrowthFunders has been a consistent advocate of equity crowdfunding. At the end of 2012 they published a petition demanding that Her Majesty’s Treasury should “open up investment opportunities to the wider public, give clear guidance on the level of funds private individuals can invest..”.
With an estimated £850 million invested annually by Angel investors in the UK – GrowthFunders see that as great opportunity – but they also want to assist in growing the number of individuals investing by utilizing the crowdfunding revolution.
GrowthFunders are evolving! We’ve introduced a rewards feature onto our platform. Have a look: http://t.co/7AsIp82E7M #crowdfunding
— GrowthFunders (@growthfunders) May 15, 2014
GrowthFunders launched a series of posts on their site last week to help explain their vision of online investor entitled the “Rise of the Online Angel Investor”. The introduction of rewards offerings is a recognition that some companies see value in these types of campaigns and most certainly there are opportunities to combine rewards / investment offerings for many companies in the future. The Soccer Factory, a hybrid campaign on their site today – offers equity in the business but also for interested individuals rewards. As crowdfunding evolves expect to see a growing number of hybrid campaigns both in the UK and, in the future, the US.
