Equity
Crowdfunding checklist

Equity
Crowdfunding checklist

Equity Crowdfunding gives businesses the chance to access lots of engaged investors. This checklist can help you navigate some of the common pitfalls, as well as help you decide whether the process is right for your business - before you start.

<p>Equity Crowdfunding gives businesses the chance to access lots of engaged investors. This checklist can help you navigate some of the common pitfalls, as well as help you decide whether the process is right for your business - before you start.</p>

Equity Crowdfunding gives businesses the chance to access lots of engaged investors. This checklist can help you navigate some of the common pitfalls, as well as help you decide whether the process is right for your business - before you start.

Please note

This checklist is not part of an application process for Equity Crowdfunding. However, we hope it gives you an idea of what is involved and what you need to do to prepare. Platforms may ask for more or less information about your business and the finance you need than what is set out below. This will change depending on individuals involved.

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Do you understand the pros and cons of Crowdfunding? Do you understand the risks? Do you know how Equity Crowdfunding fits into the wider finance ecosystem?
Do you know how much money you want to raise and why?
Platforms will need to verify all the documents you provide.
You may have legal and adviser fees to pay as you prepare your documents. There are also costs associated with listing your business – like a listing or success fee. These costs can often be recouped through the raise, but make sure you are aware of them upfront.
Will your raise be eligible for these rules? Do you understand how they can help you secure investment?
Investments beyond €5m (c.£4.3m) currently need a Prospectus. This is a document that is signed off by the FCA. It takes at least six weeks and costs more money. If this could apply to your business, you need to be aware of it up front.
Do you understand the differences between them? Have businesses like yours secured investment from that platform before? Does the platform you are considering have the correct permissions from the FCA?

Depending on what stage your business is at, you may need to provide different documents. For start-ups, you may only have a concept and video. More established companies may need to provide accounts, a business plan and an audit. You must be happy for the platform to perform due diligence on these documents.
Are you prepared to manage your new shareholders yourself? Or do you want the platform to manage them for you in what is known as a ‘nominee structure’? You must be clear what the arrangement is and be prepared to put in the work of answering questions and managing stakeholders if that’s what you sign up for.
Different platforms will have different permissions on the support and advice they can offer.

You will need to set a time-frame or target amount for your raise.
How are you going to express what makes your business special? How will you respond to investor questions?
Any existing investors need to be disclosed, especially when you’re bringing them into the deal on the same terms as everyone else.

What's your next step?

The Equity Crowdfunding Opportunity

“Equity Crowdfunding offers much potential. If your business has a funding need, you can raise funds from enthusiasts interested in your business success.”

Atuksha Poonwassie Co-Founder @ Simple Crowdfunding