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Crowdcube, the world’s first equity crowdfunding website, announced that it is now authorised by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The authorisation makes Crowdcube the only regulated equity crowdfunding platform where investors can become direct shareholders in UK businesses. Crowdcube is a world leading innovator in the business finance sector and has raised over £5 million for UK businesses. More than 28,000 investors have registered on its website since its launch in February 2011. FSA authorisation is awarded to organisations that pass rigorous scrutiny of systems and controls, resources and suitability. Crowdcube will also now offer its investors’ additional protection with access to independent experts from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and claim compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Crowdcube applied for its FSA authorisation in 2011. Darren Westlake, co-founder and CEO of Crowdcube commented: “We’re delighted to be the first authorised crowdfunding platform that allows investors to become direct shareholders in UK businesses. Our authorisation and the additional investor protection it affords will increase satisfaction and confidence, which is at the heart of our business and will be crucial to our long term success in the UK. |
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| “In the last two years we have pioneered and led the equity crowdfunding market which is set to boom in 2013 and beyond. We want to continue to be first choice for entrepreneurs seeking equity finance and for people looking to invest in start-up and early stage businesses in the UK.” |
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Lord Young of Graffham: “Crowdfunding is a highly innovative and important source of finance for UK businesses”
The Rt Hon the Lord Young, advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron on Enterprise, commented: “Crowdfunding is a highly innovative and important source of finance for UK businesses. I am delighted to see that the UK financial services industry and its regulators are reacting dynamically to new models of business finance, such as equity crowdfunding, so that the UK can maintain its position as world leaders in this space.” Lord Young was the author of the 2012 government report, which advocated crowdfunding ‘Make Business Your Business – Supporting the start-up and development of small businesses ‘, which was the first comprehensive report on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) since the Bolton Report of 1971. |
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| Source: The Crowdcube Blog: 4th February 2013 | ||
Crowdcube invited to Buckingham Palace
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The Duke of York has invited CEO of Crowdcube, Darren Westlake, to Buckingham Palace for a round table discussion about the opportunities that the crowdfunding approach presents. The Duke of York believes more needs to be done to connect Entrepreneurs and potential investors and one of the opportunities that could be developed is in crowdfunding. Exciting times!
Investors Chronicle: "Crowdfunding: the new way to invest in start-up companies"
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The renowned Investors Chronicle magazine which has been helping investors make their money work harder for over 150 years, featured crowdfunding as its cover story this week "Crowdfunding: the new way to invest in start-up companies" which included Crowdcube. The magazine commented: "There's a new way of investing in start-ups, one that allows you to sit back, flick through an online catalogue..." No news there then for trendsetting Crowdcube members but good to see Investors Chronicle is educating less well-informed investors ;) |
Crowdcube Shortlisted MoneyFacts Award
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It's Awards time again and for the second year running we are thrilled to have been shortlisted for the Best Alternative Provider Award. The Business MoneyFacts Awards are the largest finance awards in the UK, so it's a real honour to be recognised as one of the leading alternative finance providers in the UK. The Awards ceremony grows in stature year on year and will taking place in London, March 2013. |
Crowdcube Voted 3rd in Top 20 Fin-Tech Start-up List
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We are also delighted to have been voted in at number three of London's top 20 Fin-tech start-ups by the esteemed site, London loves Business. The finance technology industry, or Fin-Tech, is huge. According to London Loves Business, "We have a world class financial sector which requires the disruption and innovation provided by the scrappy start-ups to stay ahead of the game." |
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