Masterclass: Equity Crowd Funding and Venture Capital The myth, the reality and which is right for YOUR Business

Presented Exclusively by The Eurasia Consortium Malaysia Featuring:

Mr Kieran Garvey (Business Development Manager at Crowdcube UK) 

Mr Kelvin Au (Managing Director at Metail and formerly venture investor at DFJ Esprit)

Venue: Technology Park Malaysia, Malaysia

Program Overview

The Jumpstart Our Business Startup, or the JOBS Act of 2012 in the US has made it possible for companies to raise up to $1 million through online crowdfunding / sourcing platforms. Subsequently equity crowdfunding has become popular for those businesses that are seeking to secure smaller often start-up amounts of capital.  Some observers claim that the revolution in equity crowdfunding may displace more traditional capital providers like Venture Capitalists.  Conversely there is another school of thought that believes both can co-exist in the funding eco-system. In truth both have value and may address different sectors of the market and bring something different to the table.

The advent and relative growth of crowdfunding platforms such as Crowdcube, Kickstarter and Indiegogo give start-up founders a unique opportunity to sell their idea direct to the consuming public. In the past the task of securing investment could be notoriously perplexing with high levels of risk and was, at times, extremely sluggish. The advent of crowdfunding has seen the progressive elimination of the gatekeepers and made raising funds quicker and more equitable.

While crowdfunding is a great way to get through the first run of your product, or prove to other investors that people are interested in what you are doing, it’s not the best option for long-term funding. A successful crowdfunding campaign helps prove to VCs, angel investors and banks that there is a demand for a product in a marketplace, removing some of the risk from the equation. But VCs still have their place and there is much more they can bring to the table. Venture Capitalists give entrepreneurs more than just money. Many of them understand how to build start-ups more so than the typical investor providing funding through an online portal. Many VCs can provide introductions to potential suppliers and customers and give assistance rounding out a management team. Many VCs have connections to companies that can acquire start-ups and ties to the investment bankers that take them public. Those connections are worth something to many entrepreneurs seeking to exit from investments in their own new companies.

Equity Crowd Funding and Venture Capital: The myth, the reality and which is right for YOUR Business is a two day master-class held at Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) featuring two very successful players in the field of Crowdfunding and Venture Capital. The master-class is designed to help you better understand alternative and traditional means of raising finance and which model is right for YOUR business.

By attending this program, delegates will learn:

• Better understand how equity based crowdfunding platforms work and how they differ from more traditional sources of finance
• Understand better what are the pros and cons of this type of financing
• Learn how to create a successful funding pitch
• Discover how crowdfunding is an excellent way to market your business or business start up
• What are the industry trends in UK Crowdfunding, Private Equity and Venture Capital
• Understand the five investment criteria that VCs have in mind when looking at your business
• How to make successful funding rounds

Target Group

Entrepreneurs, technopreneurs, business leaders, financiers including VCs and, crowdfunders and angel investors and those considering funding their own business.