About
TheCrowdCafe is an education and advocacy platform for the investment crowdfunding industry. It’s goal is to promote greater awareness and understanding of the industry – speaking to the enormous value it holds for businesses, investors and the economy at large – through providing data-driven research, resources, and discussion. Transparency is paramount.
p.s. By education and advocacy platform, I mean a glorified blog. ;-)
Hi,
I’m the Founder and Editorialist of TheCrowdCafe. I started TheCrowdCafe to evangelize the investment crowdfunding industry. It’s an industry that speaks to my frustrating personal experiences working in the private capital marketplace, as well my passion for realizing a more meaningful way to invest. I’m deeply researching the industry, both domestically and abroad, to support a holistic, ever-changing understanding of the enormous social and financial implications the industry hold for businesses, investors and communities.
I experienced the inefficiencies of the private markets as an investment banker. Antiquated security laws passed seventy-odd years ago are to blame. They constrain private businesses looking for funding with costly and overly burdensome requirements, and effectively preclude 98% of Americans from investing in them. It’s nonsensical and undemocratic: All individuals should have the right to accept risk and invest in the companies they believe in. Equal opportunity is a proud and defining trait of our country, our security markets should reflect it.
I’m also deeply motivated by the idea of meaningful investment. Imagine eating at a local restaurant you funded, or watching an indie film your investment helped kickstart. Crowdfunding will evolve to support an entirely financially-motivated alternative asset class. This is great. Concurrently, it will support social investments that are experiential, and meaningful. I find this idea immensely powerful and inspiring. If even in a small way, I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
Jonathan Sandlund | j@thecrowdcafe.com
Connect with me on Twitter, LinkedIn or Google at + Jonathan Sandlund
I’ve presented my research on the investment crowdfunding industry at a number of conferences and events, both online and off. I’m passionate about raising awareness around the implications crowdfund investing holds for all stakeholders, including investors, businesses and communities. Here are a few reviews from my last webinar:
If you have an audience interested in investment crowdfunding, you can reach me at j@thecrowdcafe.com. Below are a few of my previous engagements.
TheCrowdCafe’s writing and research has been syndicated by, and referenced in, a variety of publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Venturebeat, Crowdsourcing.org, VCexperts, and others.
