Over the last year you’ve probably seen a variation of the headline, “Anyone can now invest in startups!” Equity crowdfunding allows the average person to back companies for profit instead of just for product or perks. While exciting, this development is fraught: Many will get drawn into the tempestuous world of startup investing without a plan, a budget, or a full understanding of its pitfalls.

European Parliament is looking to adjust the prospectus requirement for small companies raising capital. This policy shift can directly impact the amount an issuer can raise using investment crowdfunding – across Europe.

Julia Elliott Brown, a crowdfunding consultant with a background in the fashion industry, shares her views on using crowdfunding for fashion and touches upon its impact on branding, marketing and customer engagement. Read more at The Industry.

The internet offers digital spaces that can connect creators and service or content providers with consumers, and with new work, business or financing possibilities. In the sphere of arts and culture, this offers new opportunities for fundraising for events and projects, and for developing collaborative projects among artists, sometimes with public participation.