It Is Not All About Money: Obtaining Additional Benefits Through Equity Crowdfunding

Abstract

Equity crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs to directly access financing from a large number of investors via Internet platforms. Recent research has started to examine additional, non-financial benefits of crowdfunding campaigns. This article connects to this emerging research stream by investigating these additional benefits while discussing their potential to contribute to the success of equity crowdfunding projects. Building on interviews with entrepreneurs and investors from Norway and Israel, we find that the benefits offered by investors to entrepreneurs can be divided into two categories: inward benefits and outward benefits. The latter are aimed at increasing public exposure and advancing the project’s success by recruiting additional investors. By contrast, inward benefits are implemented through investors’ contributions of personal experience and expertise. These benefits are aimed at the entrepreneurs and, when harnessed, can become resources that advance future success. We also find that investors receive personal gain by participating in crowdfunding, which takes the form of personal growth and the development of social capital. These benefits are based on intrinsic motives and complement the financial returns, which are more related to extrinsic motives.