Harper Macleod and Crowdcube: Equity Crowdfunding

Harper Macleod and Crowdcube help Scottish businesses embrace Equity Crowdfunding.

Harper Macleod, Scotland’s leading legal advisers on crowdfunding, has joined forces with Crowdcube, the UKs leading equity crowdfunding platform, to hold a special free event in Glasgow on 4 December.

Crowdcube CEO and co-founder Darren Westlake, also a director of the UK Crowdfunding Association, will address the audience on the potential of equity crowdfunding as a serious alternative to traditional forms of investment for Scottish businesses.

A report earlier this year found that Scotland was way behind other parts of the UK when it came to businesses taking advantage of crowdfunding.

Paula Skinner, a Partner in Harper Macleod’s Corporate team who specialises in advising early-stage and high-growth companies, said: “We’re delighted Darren and Crowdcube can join us for this event, which will take the crowdfunding message we’ve already been delivering to the next stage. Equity crowdfunding is big business – this isn’t a case of getting a free t-shirt or CD in return for a small stake.

“We’ve delivered seminars on crowdfunding all around the country this year, and the interest is phenomenal. As this begins to be translated into more businesses getting involved, it’s crucial that entrepreneurs, and their advisers, understand what it takes to complete a successful crowdfund and there’s no better way than hearing from people who’ve already done it.”

Equity crowdfunding sees investors buy shares directly in unlisted businesses, a type of investment previously restricted to corporate investors.

Crowdcube has already attracted almost £16 million in funding for more than 80 businesses. It has almost 51,000 registered investors and was the first UK crowdfunding platform to offer investors the ability to become direct shareholders in UK businesses.

Darren Westlake said: “The UK has led the way when it comes to equity crowdfunding but it’s been disappointing that until now Scotland hasn’t embraced it in quite the same way as other parts of the country. That needs to change, and we believe that it’s about to change. This event will help us to raise awareness of the potential of equity crowdfunding as a serious alternative to traditional forms of investment. Its here and it’s happening, and the opportunities are huge for those Scottish businesses and entrepreneurs who are smart enough to take advantage of it.”

The seminar will also hear from a Scottish business which will share its experience of successfully negotiating an equity crowdfund.

The seminar takes place on Wednesday, 4 December at 200 St Vincent Street, Glasgow from 12pm – 2pm.

To book your place or to find out more email karen.herdman@harpermacleod.co.uk or call 0141 227 9315.