The World’s Largest Equity Crowdfunder Turns Three

The world’s largest equity crowdfunding platform has now turned three years of ages, to the tune of 60,000 registered members.

Since launching back in 2011, Crowdcube has raised over £19.9 million for 103 start-ups as well as for small but fast-growing businesses. These businesses will create roughly 1900 new jobs over the next three years – a substantial boost to the British economy. Crowdcube was the first platform to offer shares to investors.

Darren Westlake, CEO and Co-Founder, looked back over the last three years:

 “When Luke and I founded Crowdcube equity crowdfunding didn’t exist; now it’s all over the media and is a mainstream source of capital for many businesses. In 2013 we grew 562% on the year before, securing over £12 million for 54 deals which is phenomenal. With over 100 applying to us to seek finance each month, it is clear that Britain is not short of entrepreneurial spirit.”

Crowdcube can boast of a number of trailblazing achievements during their three years of being:

• In September 2013 Kevin McCloud’s Hab Housing broke the world record for equity crowdfunding investment with 649 people pouring in £1.95 million.
• Crowdcube was the first equity crowdfunding platform to sign up an international partner and now has a presence in seven countries: Brazil, Sweden, Dubai, Poland, Italy, Spain and New Zealand.
• January 2014 saw the launch of the first managed venture fund for crowdfunded equity investments.

The birthday-platform have also provided some fascinating analysis of their active body of investors:

• 25% are female, which contrasts strongly with the 3% of women who use traditional angel networks.
• 53% want some kind of role in the business they invest in. Most work in sales and marketing or finance and so have business expertise to offer the entrepreneur.
• 40% of members see themselves as both investor and entrepreneur, again showing the business insight available.
• 65% of investors live in London.