Considering language a relevant strategic instrument that entrepreneurs and managers can use to seek external resources, this book investigates and discusses whether and under which conditions language strategies can facilitate entrepreneurs’ social support and legitimation as well as access to external resources. This book systematically integrates language into the entrepreneurial finance literature and develops a new and more comprehensive framework that relates crowdfunding to language strategies. Therefore, readers will comprehend how language choices, frames and narratives influence companies’ ability to secure social and financial support, and therefore sustain the development of their venture. Overall, this book provides insights into how entrepreneurs can use language as a strategic tool for accessing resources and support from external stakeholders, thereby considering, alongside traditional economic approaches, institutional processes of meaning-making.

An increase in the restrictions on the availability of funding for new and growing businesses in the aftermath of the global financial crisis has been accompanied by the emergence and growth of crowdfunding as an alternative method of raising capital. Crowdfunding contributes towards the disintermediation of the finance market as funders and promoters are brought together directly, democratising both fundraising by businesses and investment by individuals. This book extends entrepreneurial finance research to the study of crowdfunding. Contributions review the history, status and future of crowdfunding, analyse the patterns of fundraising, assess the potential of crowdfunding for the financing of social ventures in particular, and discuss the regulatory implications of recent developments. What is clear from this collection is that the crowdfunding space is still evolving, institutional forms are still developing as models are refined, new institutional collaborations (e.g. between equity platforms and business angel networks) are emerging, and new challenges, particularly regulatory challenges, are being encountered. While crowdfunding is not a universal solution for SME finance in a post-crisis financial landscape, it remains too early to determine whether crowdfunding represents a large-scale transformation of the early stage risk capital market or a minor addition to it. This book was originally published as a special issue of Venture Capital.

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Business economics - Investment and Finance, grade: 1,0, University of Mannheim (Chair of Strategic and International Management, Prof. Dr. Matthias Brauer), language: English, abstract: The landscape of entrepreneurial finance is currently subject to a process of transformation, driven by globalization, technological advancements, regulatory adjustments, and the emergence of winner-take-all markets. These factors jointly pave the way for new forms of financing, which differ significantly from traditional forms in terms of investor structure, experience, and behavior. To analyze how startups can ensure financial coverage in the light of these changing conditions, this review compares strategies of attracting traditional and new types of investors from a signaling perspective. In business practice, this topic is highly relevant, as many young startups require substantial amounts of external capital to grow, but often have no objective firm data to provide to investors. Thus, the selection of effective “soft” signals about startup quality, preferably aligned with the preferences of the respective investor group, can decide about short-term survival and long-term performance. Findings include that the most promising signaling strategies for traditional forms of financing are based on startup characteristics, i.e. what a firm is. In contrast, the most effective signals for new forms of financing are based on startup actions, i.e. what a firm does. Moreover, while personal networks have been found to be highly relevant for traditional forms, online networks increase the funding prospects for new forms of financing. Through a consolidation and analysis of the current state of research in leading management, entrepreneurship, and finance journals, this review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the issue and identifying avenues for future research.

This book aims to take stock and systemize existing knowledge on crowdfunding while providing overview of the industry, its regulatory environment and advancing the insight into the role of crowdfunding in the startup lifecycle. It is adopting an exploratory and phenomenon-based approach which is deemed appropriate when investigating rather new phenomena. Furthermore, the research combines survey and interview methodologies to assess the opinion and real-world behavior of different stakeholders in crowdfunding marketplace and identify gaps requiring further academic consideration. Empirical data was gathered using multiple interactive web-based questionnaires distributed to different stakeholders and “informed general public” mainly through the social networks (Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter) and direct solicitation of entrepreneurial associations, networks and online communities. The study conducted relies on both qualitative and quantitative analysis in attempt to find data patterns useful in future research and establish some managerial and policymaker recommendations based on limited evidence collected. The work adds value to this field through a 3-fold contribution: Taking a look at crowdfunding through the prism of SWOT analysis of the practice itself and Porter’s 5 forces analysis of crowdfunding platforms industry. Providing evidence in favor of implementing various degrees of regulation based on different crowdfunding categories, using the Italian case of equity-based crowdfunding regulation as a model. Finally, it yields some interesting findings on relevance of crowdfunding in the venture startup while pointing out key motivators which make entrepreneurs consider this fundraising option. In addition, related policymaker/managerial implications are exposed and academic literature updated with reference to contemporary developments in this dynamic field.

This is the first book of its kind to systematically integrate crowdfunding in the entrepreneurial finance research field and extend the current debate to show how crowdfunding can be leveraged as a strategic tool to grow new ventures. Utilising original empirical evidence of companies that have raised funds via crowdfunding, it discusses the value-added services that the crowd provides to entrepreneurs, as well as how and under which conditions crowdfunding helps company development by facilitating subsequent access to critical financial and non-financial resources from external stakeholders. The first part introduces the most popular models and tactics for a successful crowdfunding campaign and illustrates the characteristics of the crowdfunding phenomenon and its evolution across the world during the last decade. The second part of the book, demonstrating how crowdfunding can be a starting point to seed financing, illustrates and discusses how entrepreneurs can use crowdfunding as a strategic tool for accessing subsequent resources from external stakeholders – showing the benefits, beyond capital, that entrepreneurs can gain from the crowd, as well as potential risks. Crowdfunding for Entrepreneurs is particularly useful for academics, advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in entrepreneurship and innovation, entrepreneurial finance, strategic management, as well as professionals interested in how crowdfunding can be utilised as a strategic tool to create competitive advantage.

Crowdfunding is a hot topic and this Handbook provides a service to the research community by codifying, discussing and examining research in this area. It will be a starting point for researchers seeking high quality research in this new and important area.

Financial literacy is one of the fundamental keys to business success, and this ground-breaking textbook teaches students the necessary financial skills required by entrepreneurs. Presenting an abundance of case studies and examples throughout, the book uses a step-by-step approach which will develop the reader's knowledge of the three key financial statements: profit & loss, balance sheet and cash flow. It explains the various considerations for raising capital: the requirements of banks, business angels, crowdfunding platforms, and venture capitalists, along with details and pitfalls of term sheets. Finally, it suggests ways of using accounting data to create a financially intelligent business and achieve business success. The authors' impressive background as successful entrepreneurs and business angels underscores the highly practical and useful coverage offered, whilst Simon Hulme's teaching experience tailors it to fit student needs perfectly. Entrepreneurial Finance is a refreshingly easy-to-grasp introduction, especially suitable for those who find this topic daunting. Visually appealing and engagingly written, this book, together with its range of bespoke digital resources, succeeds in breaking down complex concepts and communicating them with clarity. The ideal resource for university students taking entrepreneurship and business courses, it will also be valuable for entrepreneurs who wish to scale their business, as well as managers seeking to consolidate their understanding of entrepreneurial finance. Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/entrepreneurial-finance. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

This book examines the proliferation of new sources of entrepreneurial finance and how these sources have the potential to make it easier for ventures to raise capital and grow. To date, entrepreneurial finance literature has developed a rich tradition of research on venture capital and angel finance. However, the emergence of ‘new’ sources of finance – such as crowdfunding – and the limited attention paid to ‘traditional’ debt financing and financial bootstrapping offer opportunities to explore, from different points of view and theoretical perspectives, the challenges that ventures face. The objective of this book is to explore these new and traditional sources of finance; suggest how these phenomena can be better understood conceptually; and guide new ways of understanding the topic in future, especially for researchers. The introduction outlines the new sources of entrepreneurial finance, and in comparing them with more traditional sources, proposes challenges in our conceptual understanding of these new and traditional sources. The subsequent chapters deal with important topics, including looking at the way different funding sources may interact; factors that impede family firms from getting external funding; how best to succeed with equity crowdfunding by looking at pre-selection processes; considering differences in perceptions towards funding sources arising from whether entrepreneurs are native born or immigrants; factors to consider when funding specialized assets in high uncertain sectors such as biotechnology; and the internationalization of business angel activity. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Venture Capital journal.

To start a successful business, you need a comprehensive toolbox full of effective financial and business techniques at your fingertips. Entrepreneurial Finance provides the essential tools and know-how you need to build a sturdy foundation for a profitable business. This practical road map guides you from crafting a meaningful business plan to raising your business to the next level. It offers potent methods for keeping firm financial control of your enterprise and insightful tips for avoiding the multitude of financial barriers that may block your entrepreneurial dream. Written by Steven Rogers, a leading educator at the prestigious Kellogg School of Management, this reliable guidebook covers: The dual objectives of a business plan and how to ensure that both are fulfilled Differences between debt and equity financing and how and why to use each Real-world methods for structuring a deal to benefit both the financier and the entrepreneur Valuation techniques for understanding what your business is truly worth Essential resources for finding the detailed information you need Entrepreneurial Finance clearly explains the inescapable rules of finance and business by using real-world examples and cutting-edge data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) research project. It features up-to-date coverage of phantom stock, options, and the state of entrepreneurship in such countries as Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America. This definitive guide is effective in today's business climate, with robust, no-nonsense coverage on everything from the new realities of revenue valuation and the growth of women entrepreneurs to the fallout from the dot-com boom and the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on corporate governance. Just because you're in business for yourself doesn't mean you're alone. Entrepreneurial Finance helps you create a long-term plan for achieving maximum profit.

Academics and practitioners from a range of institutions across Europe provide a cutting-edge, practical, and comprehensive review on the financing of entrepreneurial ventures. From sourcing and obtaining funds, to financial tools for growing and managing the financial challenges and opportunities of the startup, Entrepreneurial Finance: The Art and Science of Growing Ventures is an engaging text that will equip entrepreneurs, students and early-stage investors to make sound financial decisions at every stage of a business' life. Largely reflecting European businesses and with a European perspective, the text is grounded in sound theoretical foundations. Case studies and success stories as well as perspectives from the media and from experts provide real-world applications, while a wealth of activities give students abundant opportunities to apply what they have learned. A must-have text for both graduate and undergraduate students in entrepreneurship, finance and management programs, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs in any field.