Crowd-funding, sometimes called ‘micro investing’ among other things, seems to becoming quite the fad.
It’s a type of angel investment; only downscaled on the ratio of investors to capital – and an increase in the amount of investors involved. Just likes its older, more mature sibling, crowd-funding, can be community based, and a way for successful people to give back to the community. However, with crowd-funding, it’s easier for there to exist motives that are apart from money. Where the crowd could want different benefits – not just fiscal ones.
Crowd-funding opens the way to improving services and local facilities, adding value to the local area or making the community a better place to live. Sometimes it’s not about getting money in return – sometimes, it’s about getting a better product onto the shelves or a different level of service.
This isn’t new of course, community initiatives have been around for years – now however, entrepreneurs are beginning to get even more involved and improve things further with their expertise and skill.
After keeping up with John’s blog, and reading about his thoughts on crowd-funding, and his views on companies like:
My Football Club, Nvohk, Tribe Wanted and not leaving out the new Haveyougotthenerve.tv – it’s becoming evermore popular, better still – evermore successful. The wisdom of the crowd certainly is kicking in.
To quote John again, “It’ll be interesting to see what’s next for crowd-funding. What business do you think would do well with this model?”
Well, I thought I’d take him up on that – and I’m currently working away at writing up a proposal, meeting up with experienced business leaders and people from my community. I have something just about to start, and I’m excited.
You’ll have to wait a little longer before I give you the dirt on it.
Just another excuse for you to come back!! 
March 1st, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Was this the restaurant idea? I’m looking at similar possibilities (in Toronto). Just starting my investigations now though. Possibilities are vast.
March 1st, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Indeed it was, I’m currently working on the idea and investigating it with assistance from my local business support and advice centres. Feel free to email me and if you want to bounce ideas off someone with interest in the subject.