Crowdfunding and the Democratization of Finance

This book explores how crowdfunding empowers people to reclaim the power of their money in pursuit of a fairer and greener society, highlighting the story of money from ancient Athens to the Bitcoin revolution.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 182 pages
\n Publication date: 01 November 2021
\n Publisher: Bristol University Press
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Do you know where your money is? More importantly, do you know what your money is doing? Most of us feel confident that we know what money is. But few of us feel confident in taking responsibility for what our money does. We hand over the power of money to banks and mainstream finance with real, often damaging, consequences for people and planet.

A unique collaboration between an academic and a practitioner, this book tells the story of money, from ancient Athens to the Bitcoin revolution, to explain how crowdfunding is the way for people to reclaim the power of their money in pursuit of a fairer and greener society.

Crowdfunding is a powerful tool that allows individuals to pool their resources together to support projects and initiatives that align with their values and goals. By crowdfunding, people can bypass traditional financial institutions and gain direct access to capital, which can be used to fund a wide range of projects, from social and environmental initiatives to entrepreneurial ventures.

One of the key benefits of crowdfunding is that it democratizes the process of funding. Instead of relying on a small group of wealthy investors or venture capitalists, crowdfunding allows anyone with an internet connection to invest in a project. This means that more diverse and innovative projects can get funded, which can lead to greater social and economic impact.

Another benefit of crowdfunding is that it allows people to connect with the projects they are funding in a more meaningful way. Crowdfunding platforms often provide platforms for project creators to share their stories, updates, and progress with their investors, which can create a sense of community and engagement. This can also help to build trust and credibility between project creators and investors, which can be crucial for the success of a project.

However, crowdfunding is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that projects are legitimate and that investors are protected. There have been several cases of crowdfunding scams and fraudulent projects, which can cause investors to lose their money and damage the reputation of crowdfunding platforms.

To address these challenges, crowdfunding platforms have implemented various measures to ensure the legitimacy and security of projects. These measures include verifying the identity of project creators, conducting background checks, and providing investors with information about the risks and rewards of investing in a particular project.

In conclusion, crowdfunding is a powerful tool that allows people to reclaim the power of their money in pursuit of a fairer and greener society. By crowdfunding, people can access capital, connect with projects in a more meaningful way, and support initiatives that align with their values and goals. However, it is important to approach crowdfunding with caution and to ensure that projects are legitimate and that investors are protected. With the right measures in place, crowdfunding can be a powerful force for positive change in the world.

\n Weight: 310g\n
Dimension: 133 x 210 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781529216738\n \n