This document proposes three ideas to revolutionize online microfinance platforms by better connecting lenders and borrowers:
1. Require borrowers to create video pitches and provide regular financial updates to give lenders more transparency.
2. Create an online "stock market" where lenders can buy and trade shares in small businesses using points instead of money.
3. Facilitate direct relationships between single lenders and borrowers to allow for monitoring, consultation and ensuring financial literacy. The lender would take a more active role in advising the borrower.
SproutChange is a digital peer-to-peer lending platform that allows retail investors to invest small amounts in local socially responsible businesses. It addresses the problems of limited investment options for average investors and lack of financing for local businesses. By connecting investors directly to borrowers, it offers higher returns than traditional options and supports socially responsible growth. The target market is millennials and students who want to interact with and influence how their money grows. SproutChange will promote itself through social media, videos, and university partnerships to acquire its first customers and establish itself in the emerging Canadian peer-to-peer lending market.
Crowdfunding: major trends research notesChris Jones
The document discusses equity-based crowdfunding following the 2012 JOBS Act. It notes that crowdfunding allows small contributions from many individuals to fund companies or projects. The document outlines the growth of crowdfunding, including that over $1.5 billion was funded through 1 million campaigns in 2011. It is projected that crowdfunding will surpass $6.2 billion by 2013, driven in part by regulations from the JOBS Act.
The document discusses new SEC regulations on crowdfunding and general solicitation resulting from the JOBS Act. Title II allows general solicitation for private offerings if investors are accredited. Title III allows companies to raise funds through online crowdfunding platforms from both accredited and non-accredited investors, subject to limits. There is debate around how these changes may impact angel investors, intellectual property, investor education requirements, and legal liabilities for funding platforms.
The document discusses how FinTech (financial technology) is failing to connect with its key constituency of 18-35 year olds, known as Millennials. A recent poll showed that 92% of Millennials have never heard of FinTech, despite being interested in the types of financial services that FinTech companies provide. The document explores some of the reasons for this disconnect and discusses ways that FinTech companies can better promote their services and connect with consumers outside of the "FinTech ecosystem".
This document summarizes the business plan for SproutChange, a peer-to-peer lending platform focused on impact investing. It outlines SproutChange's vision to revolutionize investing by allowing people to earn returns while supporting socially responsible companies in sectors like renewable energy, farming, and healthy living. The plan details SproutChange's target market of millennials, competitive advantages over traditional platforms, and one-year goals to achieve $20 million in assets under management by attracting 20,000 investors. The founders aim to create a global marketplace where investors can directly interact with and support borrowers.
The document discusses the "Customer Experience Gap" faced by community banks and credit unions. This is the divide between rising customer expectations for digital and integrated financial experiences, and what these institutions currently offer. It notes big banks and fintech disruptors are pushing customer expectations higher. To overcome this gap, the document argues community banks must quickly enhance their digital offerings to provide personalized, consistent experiences across channels to attract and retain customers of all generations.
This document discusses how financial institutions are using social media to engage with Generation Y customers. It provides an overview of trends in social media use, survey findings on what types of companies people follow on social networks, and case studies of both successful and unsuccessful social media initiatives by banks. The document concludes by considering privacy and security issues related to online and mobile banking as financial institutions look to build stronger connections with customers through social media.
SproutChange is a digital peer-to-peer lending platform that allows retail investors to invest small amounts in local socially responsible businesses. It addresses the problems of limited investment options for average investors and lack of financing for local businesses. By connecting investors directly to borrowers, it offers higher returns than traditional options and supports socially responsible growth. The target market is millennials and students who want to interact with and influence how their money grows. SproutChange will promote itself through social media, videos, and university partnerships to acquire its first customers and establish itself in the emerging Canadian peer-to-peer lending market.
Crowdfunding: major trends research notesChris Jones
The document discusses equity-based crowdfunding following the 2012 JOBS Act. It notes that crowdfunding allows small contributions from many individuals to fund companies or projects. The document outlines the growth of crowdfunding, including that over $1.5 billion was funded through 1 million campaigns in 2011. It is projected that crowdfunding will surpass $6.2 billion by 2013, driven in part by regulations from the JOBS Act.
The document discusses new SEC regulations on crowdfunding and general solicitation resulting from the JOBS Act. Title II allows general solicitation for private offerings if investors are accredited. Title III allows companies to raise funds through online crowdfunding platforms from both accredited and non-accredited investors, subject to limits. There is debate around how these changes may impact angel investors, intellectual property, investor education requirements, and legal liabilities for funding platforms.
The document discusses how FinTech (financial technology) is failing to connect with its key constituency of 18-35 year olds, known as Millennials. A recent poll showed that 92% of Millennials have never heard of FinTech, despite being interested in the types of financial services that FinTech companies provide. The document explores some of the reasons for this disconnect and discusses ways that FinTech companies can better promote their services and connect with consumers outside of the "FinTech ecosystem".
This document summarizes the business plan for SproutChange, a peer-to-peer lending platform focused on impact investing. It outlines SproutChange's vision to revolutionize investing by allowing people to earn returns while supporting socially responsible companies in sectors like renewable energy, farming, and healthy living. The plan details SproutChange's target market of millennials, competitive advantages over traditional platforms, and one-year goals to achieve $20 million in assets under management by attracting 20,000 investors. The founders aim to create a global marketplace where investors can directly interact with and support borrowers.
The document discusses the "Customer Experience Gap" faced by community banks and credit unions. This is the divide between rising customer expectations for digital and integrated financial experiences, and what these institutions currently offer. It notes big banks and fintech disruptors are pushing customer expectations higher. To overcome this gap, the document argues community banks must quickly enhance their digital offerings to provide personalized, consistent experiences across channels to attract and retain customers of all generations.
This document discusses how financial institutions are using social media to engage with Generation Y customers. It provides an overview of trends in social media use, survey findings on what types of companies people follow on social networks, and case studies of both successful and unsuccessful social media initiatives by banks. The document concludes by considering privacy and security issues related to online and mobile banking as financial institutions look to build stronger connections with customers through social media.
Crowdfunding - A disruptive financial innovation - Implication for the Caribbean. A look at crowdfunding for the Caribbean and the implication for securities law
A Trillion Dollar Market By the People, For the Peoplefoundationcap
The document discusses the rise of marketplace lending as an alternative to traditional banking. It predicts that marketplace lending will become a trillion dollar market by 2025. Marketplace lending platforms allow borrowers and lenders to connect directly, removing traditional banks from the process. This lowers costs for borrowers through lower interest rates and provides higher returns for lenders. The document argues that consumers are dissatisfied with traditional banks and increasingly turning to marketplace lending platforms for their improved convenience, lower costs, and higher yields. Securitization of loans through these platforms will further validate and grow the marketplace lending industry.
Only a few years ago, investors focused on one thing: the potential return on investment. Now, in the age of the purpose movement, gender diversity issues, and other factors, communication and investor relations experts are realizing their firms need to tell a much broader story. “Numbers are only part of the story now,” says Marshall. “In today’s market, investors scrutinize a wider range of things like culture, diversity and inclusion, and environmental and social sustainability.”
- Banks have become inefficient and unloved by customers, particularly millennials, yet still generate large profits due to the net interest spread between low borrowing costs and high lending rates.
- New financial technology companies are poised to disrupt and replace banks by developing products that are simpler, more transparent, reduce friction, and provide better analytics/customization for customers.
- The author identifies several emerging areas for financial technology innovation that could revolutionize industries like lending, payments, insurance, and investing if concepts like near-zero origination costs, real-time underwriting, distributed ownership models, and eliminating transaction clearinghouses are realized.
Bankings Biggest Problem: The Millennial Generation (Updated)George Samuel Samman
Millennials are the fastest growing demographic worldwide and they have unique characteristics which companies must tap into if they want to succeed in the coming decades. Fintech is seizing this opportunity and the banks are failing. There is a major opportunity here for those who win the millennials and the underbanked globally.
The document discusses the growth of social enterprises in the UK and argues that with the right resources and support, the UK could become the "Silicon Valley of social change." It notes that social enterprises reinvest profits into their communities to tackle social problems. However, many lack access to financing needed to scale their impact. The document argues that with improved access to social financing models and an understanding of opportunities like crowdfunding and social impact bonds, young social enterprises could accelerate growth and increase their social impact, similar to how startups in Silicon Valley have benefited from venture capital funding.
Rebuilding Customer Trust in Retail BankingNoreen Buckley
An IBM White Paper by Mike Hobday Banking Practice Leader
Global Business Services UK
and Ireland
IBM & Charles Spinosa
Group Director & Leader Marketing Practices VISION Consulting
A hybrid MMORPG-virtual world called Eikonico would allow players to explore concepts like transhumanism, resource-based economics, and singularitarianism through gameplay, while building a sense of community. The game incorporates unique features like self-governance models, an avatar ePortfolio to transfer social capital between virtual worlds, and a system of "euergetism" where players gain reputation and influence by contributing funds, services, or products to the community. These innovations aim to address issues like lack of social responsibility in virtual markets, inability to transfer social capital, governance problems like anarchy, and privacy/data concerns by inverting standard models to prioritize player interests over corporate data collection.
Credit unions have struggled over the past decade as their target demographics have changed dramatically. Younger consumers expect to do their banking digitally and demand services like mobile access that many smaller credit unions cannot provide. Additionally, over-regulation has increased compliance costs for credit unions. To adapt, credit unions must modernize their digital offerings, focus on data analytics to better target potential members, and get more creative with their marketing, focusing on member benefits rather than just promoting loans. The pandemic accelerated credit union challenges, causing average shrinkage of 7%, so retention efforts are also critical alongside new member acquisition.
THE IMPACT INVESTOR’S HANDBOOK Lessons from the World of MicrofinanceIDIS
A CAF Venturesome: Market Insight Series Publication
February 2011, First Edition
The UK social investment market has now reached a critical juncture. Although there is some evidence of coordinated market-building efforts, the market remains
fragile. By reviewing the development of the global microfinance industry, this handbook aims to equip practitioners in the social investment market with some of
the analytical tools and insights for making the tactical and strategic decisions which may systematically advance our sector.
The report published by Fundraising Technology News (Progressive Media Group), focuses on how technology has allowed fundraising to operate through a myriad of channels.
Consumer FinTech deck from Charles Moldow at FinTEx foundationcap
This document summarizes the growth of the financial technology (fintech) sector and marketplace lending. It notes that marketplace lending has grown exponentially in recent years, with Lending Club originating over $5 billion in loans in 2014. Marketplace lending offers consumers a simpler, more transparent process and uses alternative data and analytics to improve underwriting. This new model provides a better customer experience and potentially lower costs compared to traditional banks. The document argues this represents a major opportunity for continued growth and disruption of the large traditional banking industry.
Analysis of the events leading up to PayPal's spin-off from eBay as well as an overview of PayPal's financial performance, acquisitions and competitors
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending allows individuals to borrow and lend money without traditional banking intermediaries. P2P lending platforms like Zopa and Prosper have pioneered this model online by connecting borrowers directly with individual lenders. The Middle East is a promising market for P2P lending due to rapid credit growth, high bank interest rates, and lack of consumer regulation and alternatives. However, P2P lenders must address risks like collections, credit losses, fraud, and regulatory compliance to succeed in the region.
«Branch, Internet, Mobile, Digital» is a study that aims to synthesize and connect some of the most innovative actions that Banks, Fintechs and other actors are undertaking to develop a new model for the financial services.
Views expressed in this presentation are my own.
This document discusses civic crowdfunding and the role of local governments. It introduces civic crowdfunding and explores how crowdfunding can help shape participatory relationships between governments and citizens. However, it notes that many local authorities are taking the wrong approach, such as directly asking citizens to fund projects instead of empowering citizens to lead projects themselves. It then discusses scenarios for positive roles local governments could take, such as establishing crowdfunding platforms, providing guidance to citizens, and piloting crowdfunding programs.
This document proposes three ideas to revolutionize online microfinance platforms by better connecting lenders and borrowers:
1. Require borrowers to create video pitches and provide regular financial updates to give lenders more transparency.
2. Create an online "stock market" where lenders can buy and trade shares in small businesses using points instead of money.
3. Facilitate direct relationships between single lenders and borrowers to allow for monitoring, consultation and ensuring funds are prudently invested in growing businesses.
The document contains a list of issues related to the design and functionality of a contest module. Some key issues mentioned include:
1) Text in popups touching borders or overlapping with other elements.
2) Checkboxes and buttons touching fields and not properly spaced.
3) Loading images not displaying correctly when uploading videos or selecting dropdown options.
4) Date and time, video thumbnails, and previous/next links displayed incorrectly or missing in some browsers.
5) Tabs disappearing after submitting a video, confusing users about where to go next.
6) Size and layout issues with popups not properly fitting content.
7) Backend category selections not properly reflected in front-
The document discusses requested changes to improve the visualization of social media analytics data on a website. It notes that the network size graph should be centered below the social media panel instead of in the corner. It also recommends highlighting previously selected dates on the calendar and displaying total views and views by account when individual or all accounts are selected to show analytics in graph form. The document concludes by stating the graph should be blue in color.
The document reports several issues with an application's functionality in Internet Explorer 7, including a broken dropdown design, calendar pop-up displaying in the wrong position, uploaded videos not displaying, submitted ideas not saving after form refresh, a temporary warning message when deleting a video, and a lack of error message for blank form submissions. Additional mail options are also not working in IE7.
The document proposes the idea of "CharityPal", a platform that would more efficiently connect donors with charities. It would prescreen charities to verify their operational efficiency. Donors could choose how their donations are used and receive updates on the impact of their gifts. This would give donors more involvement and confidence that their money is making a positive difference. The goal is to make donating more satisfying and impactful, just as PayPal made online purchases safer and easier.
The document discusses proposed changes to improve the user experience on a contest creation page. It suggests adding mandatory fields, default options, loading screens, and error messages. It also addresses fixes for payment popups and judge invitation flows.
Crowdfunding - A disruptive financial innovation - Implication for the Caribbean. A look at crowdfunding for the Caribbean and the implication for securities law
A Trillion Dollar Market By the People, For the Peoplefoundationcap
The document discusses the rise of marketplace lending as an alternative to traditional banking. It predicts that marketplace lending will become a trillion dollar market by 2025. Marketplace lending platforms allow borrowers and lenders to connect directly, removing traditional banks from the process. This lowers costs for borrowers through lower interest rates and provides higher returns for lenders. The document argues that consumers are dissatisfied with traditional banks and increasingly turning to marketplace lending platforms for their improved convenience, lower costs, and higher yields. Securitization of loans through these platforms will further validate and grow the marketplace lending industry.
Only a few years ago, investors focused on one thing: the potential return on investment. Now, in the age of the purpose movement, gender diversity issues, and other factors, communication and investor relations experts are realizing their firms need to tell a much broader story. “Numbers are only part of the story now,” says Marshall. “In today’s market, investors scrutinize a wider range of things like culture, diversity and inclusion, and environmental and social sustainability.”
- Banks have become inefficient and unloved by customers, particularly millennials, yet still generate large profits due to the net interest spread between low borrowing costs and high lending rates.
- New financial technology companies are poised to disrupt and replace banks by developing products that are simpler, more transparent, reduce friction, and provide better analytics/customization for customers.
- The author identifies several emerging areas for financial technology innovation that could revolutionize industries like lending, payments, insurance, and investing if concepts like near-zero origination costs, real-time underwriting, distributed ownership models, and eliminating transaction clearinghouses are realized.
Bankings Biggest Problem: The Millennial Generation (Updated)George Samuel Samman
Millennials are the fastest growing demographic worldwide and they have unique characteristics which companies must tap into if they want to succeed in the coming decades. Fintech is seizing this opportunity and the banks are failing. There is a major opportunity here for those who win the millennials and the underbanked globally.
The document discusses the growth of social enterprises in the UK and argues that with the right resources and support, the UK could become the "Silicon Valley of social change." It notes that social enterprises reinvest profits into their communities to tackle social problems. However, many lack access to financing needed to scale their impact. The document argues that with improved access to social financing models and an understanding of opportunities like crowdfunding and social impact bonds, young social enterprises could accelerate growth and increase their social impact, similar to how startups in Silicon Valley have benefited from venture capital funding.
Rebuilding Customer Trust in Retail BankingNoreen Buckley
An IBM White Paper by Mike Hobday Banking Practice Leader
Global Business Services UK
and Ireland
IBM & Charles Spinosa
Group Director & Leader Marketing Practices VISION Consulting
A hybrid MMORPG-virtual world called Eikonico would allow players to explore concepts like transhumanism, resource-based economics, and singularitarianism through gameplay, while building a sense of community. The game incorporates unique features like self-governance models, an avatar ePortfolio to transfer social capital between virtual worlds, and a system of "euergetism" where players gain reputation and influence by contributing funds, services, or products to the community. These innovations aim to address issues like lack of social responsibility in virtual markets, inability to transfer social capital, governance problems like anarchy, and privacy/data concerns by inverting standard models to prioritize player interests over corporate data collection.
Credit unions have struggled over the past decade as their target demographics have changed dramatically. Younger consumers expect to do their banking digitally and demand services like mobile access that many smaller credit unions cannot provide. Additionally, over-regulation has increased compliance costs for credit unions. To adapt, credit unions must modernize their digital offerings, focus on data analytics to better target potential members, and get more creative with their marketing, focusing on member benefits rather than just promoting loans. The pandemic accelerated credit union challenges, causing average shrinkage of 7%, so retention efforts are also critical alongside new member acquisition.
THE IMPACT INVESTOR’S HANDBOOK Lessons from the World of MicrofinanceIDIS
A CAF Venturesome: Market Insight Series Publication
February 2011, First Edition
The UK social investment market has now reached a critical juncture. Although there is some evidence of coordinated market-building efforts, the market remains
fragile. By reviewing the development of the global microfinance industry, this handbook aims to equip practitioners in the social investment market with some of
the analytical tools and insights for making the tactical and strategic decisions which may systematically advance our sector.
The report published by Fundraising Technology News (Progressive Media Group), focuses on how technology has allowed fundraising to operate through a myriad of channels.
Consumer FinTech deck from Charles Moldow at FinTEx foundationcap
This document summarizes the growth of the financial technology (fintech) sector and marketplace lending. It notes that marketplace lending has grown exponentially in recent years, with Lending Club originating over $5 billion in loans in 2014. Marketplace lending offers consumers a simpler, more transparent process and uses alternative data and analytics to improve underwriting. This new model provides a better customer experience and potentially lower costs compared to traditional banks. The document argues this represents a major opportunity for continued growth and disruption of the large traditional banking industry.
Analysis of the events leading up to PayPal's spin-off from eBay as well as an overview of PayPal's financial performance, acquisitions and competitors
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending allows individuals to borrow and lend money without traditional banking intermediaries. P2P lending platforms like Zopa and Prosper have pioneered this model online by connecting borrowers directly with individual lenders. The Middle East is a promising market for P2P lending due to rapid credit growth, high bank interest rates, and lack of consumer regulation and alternatives. However, P2P lenders must address risks like collections, credit losses, fraud, and regulatory compliance to succeed in the region.
«Branch, Internet, Mobile, Digital» is a study that aims to synthesize and connect some of the most innovative actions that Banks, Fintechs and other actors are undertaking to develop a new model for the financial services.
Views expressed in this presentation are my own.
This document discusses civic crowdfunding and the role of local governments. It introduces civic crowdfunding and explores how crowdfunding can help shape participatory relationships between governments and citizens. However, it notes that many local authorities are taking the wrong approach, such as directly asking citizens to fund projects instead of empowering citizens to lead projects themselves. It then discusses scenarios for positive roles local governments could take, such as establishing crowdfunding platforms, providing guidance to citizens, and piloting crowdfunding programs.
This document proposes three ideas to revolutionize online microfinance platforms by better connecting lenders and borrowers:
1. Require borrowers to create video pitches and provide regular financial updates to give lenders more transparency.
2. Create an online "stock market" where lenders can buy and trade shares in small businesses using points instead of money.
3. Facilitate direct relationships between single lenders and borrowers to allow for monitoring, consultation and ensuring funds are prudently invested in growing businesses.
The document contains a list of issues related to the design and functionality of a contest module. Some key issues mentioned include:
1) Text in popups touching borders or overlapping with other elements.
2) Checkboxes and buttons touching fields and not properly spaced.
3) Loading images not displaying correctly when uploading videos or selecting dropdown options.
4) Date and time, video thumbnails, and previous/next links displayed incorrectly or missing in some browsers.
5) Tabs disappearing after submitting a video, confusing users about where to go next.
6) Size and layout issues with popups not properly fitting content.
7) Backend category selections not properly reflected in front-
The document discusses requested changes to improve the visualization of social media analytics data on a website. It notes that the network size graph should be centered below the social media panel instead of in the corner. It also recommends highlighting previously selected dates on the calendar and displaying total views and views by account when individual or all accounts are selected to show analytics in graph form. The document concludes by stating the graph should be blue in color.
The document reports several issues with an application's functionality in Internet Explorer 7, including a broken dropdown design, calendar pop-up displaying in the wrong position, uploaded videos not displaying, submitted ideas not saving after form refresh, a temporary warning message when deleting a video, and a lack of error message for blank form submissions. Additional mail options are also not working in IE7.
The document proposes the idea of "CharityPal", a platform that would more efficiently connect donors with charities. It would prescreen charities to verify their operational efficiency. Donors could choose how their donations are used and receive updates on the impact of their gifts. This would give donors more involvement and confidence that their money is making a positive difference. The goal is to make donating more satisfying and impactful, just as PayPal made online purchases safer and easier.
The document discusses proposed changes to improve the user experience on a contest creation page. It suggests adding mandatory fields, default options, loading screens, and error messages. It also addresses fixes for payment popups and judge invitation flows.
The document provides instructions for participating in the Cisco People's Choice Award contest. To participate, users can submit a video or vote for other videos. Information is requested in a submission form including name, email, phone and video description. Terms and conditions apply to the contest. The Cisco company overview is also provided, describing their internet networking products and services.
The document proposes the Diaspora Collaborative Fund, which would target expatriates from a specific country and allow them to donate amounts from $1,000-$100,000. The funds would be invested and only the returns donated to development projects in the home country. A website would connect donors to select projects vetted by local experts, and donors could discuss projects directly with locals. The fund aims to leverage diaspora financing and expertise, promote accountability through transparency and a "refund" policy, and pilot the concept with a Tunisia-focused fund invested in social enterprises and financial markets for maximum impact.
The document discusses several issues with the Justmeans text update box and distribution features. It notes that the Shorten URL function only works 50% of the time when copy and pasting URLs, sometimes requiring logout and login to work. It also mentions an "undefined" message appearing 50% of the time when posting updates. Several suggested fixes and changes are provided to improve the user experience and functionality of these features.
This document contains a list of design and functionality issues related to a contest module. Some key issues mentioned include:
- Loading images not being displayed while uploading files like PPTs or videos.
- Videos not being displayed properly in a grid view.
- Design issues occurring when clicking the upload button in certain browsers.
- Buttons and fields missing or not aligned correctly across browsers.
- Error messages and text not being properly formatted or placed.
- Dates and times not being displayed correctly.
Several issues deal with proper loading states not being shown, elements overlapping or not being placed appropriately, and text display problems. Overall the document outlines a need to address inconsistencies in design
The document provides analytics on views and clicks of media for Campbell Soup Company on the Justmeans platform. It shows that press releases received the most views (100,000) and clicks (30,000) compared to other media types like videos (15,000 views, 4% of total). The top press release by views and clicks was about the 2011 Social Innovation Awards. The US received the most clicks (30,000) among countries.
The document contains feedback on improving various aspects of a website or application. Suggestions include: aligning headings and submenus, disabling future calendar dates, fixing pagination issues, improving sort option highlighting, adjusting date range gaps, and resolving errors when clicking links to PDFs or media titles. Color, brightness, and loading states are also mentioned for optimization. The feedback covers multiple areas of the interface for enhancement.
The document proposes improvements to global search on a website. It suggests allowing keyboard navigation of dropdowns and searching companies by keyword or tag. When users search for specific terms like "Job", "Event", or "Video", additional filtering options should be provided in search results like posting a new listing or viewing all existing listings by media type. Location-based searching for jobs is also recommended to refine search results.
This document discusses font formatting options. It states that while the font family can be changed, the font size and colors cannot be altered. This limitation is mentioned multiple times throughout the text.
Several issues were reported with the Global 1000 software:
1) Text and documents disappear when navigating between tabs or uploading new documents.
2) Unrelated data and documents appear after uploading a source document.
3) A data field asks for a numeric value when the qualifying questions are yes/no.
4) Users cannot enter multiple page numbers to connect metrics to source documents.
This document contains analytics data and settings for an email newsletter tool. It includes open and bounce rates for emails sent, options for greeting text, footer text, and logos. It also allows uploading media, building the newsletter template using drag and drop, previewing the email, and buying additional storage space or emails.
The document proposes ideas to revolutionize online microfinance platforms by turning traditional donors into true social investors. It discusses issues with current platforms such as lack of transparency and disconnecting donors from projects. The first idea proposes using video pitches by entrepreneurs to give investors a better sense of businesses. The second idea creates an online "stock market" where shares of small businesses are traded competitively using points rather than real ownership. The third idea facilitates direct one-to-one business relationships between developed and developing world companies to ensure prudent investment and business support.
RocketHub Congressional Testimony - Regulation of CrowdfundingRocketHub
On June 26, 2012, The Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing on job creation and the Securities and Exchange Commission's efforts to implement the JOBS Act. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) chaired the hearing. RocketHub's CFO, Alon Hillel-Tuch, was invited to testify on the potential the "crowdfunding for equity" model holds for start-ups, job growth, and the US economy.
OOMI Crowdfunding
Here's What You Don't Know About Fundraising That Could Save You Time, Energy and Money
How 3 Crowdfunding Platforms are Changing the Paradigm
http://www.oomifunds.org/
OOMI Crowdfunding, OOMI, Crowdfunding, Crowdfunding Platforms
Crowdfunding for Women: The Capital Raising EqualizerPatch of Land
Crowdfunding for Women: The Capital Raising Equalizer is a presentation given by Reality Crowd TV Media Corporation to the University of Hartford Entrepreneurial Center for Women on 10/30/14.
This document discusses crowdfunding and provides an overview of the crowdfunding process. It begins with an introduction to crowdfunding, noting that crowdfunding involves sourcing funds from a large group of individuals online. It then discusses the different types of crowdfunding, including rewards-based, debt/loans, and equity/shares crowdfunding. The document provides details on how crowdfunding works as an alternative lending model compared to traditional bank lending. It also examines what factors investors look for in deciding whether to invest in a crowdfunding campaign.
Making big money with venture capitalismSwapnilMekale
Making Big Money With Venture Capitalism. Inside this eBook, you will discover the topics about venture capitalist basics, questions to ask when considering venture capital investment, the venture capital boom and the internet bubble, how to make good money the venture capital way, venture capital and its association with job creations and risks of venture capital investment schemes.
What is a business description? A business description provides an overview of what your company does and what makes it unique. It introduces your brand, offering prospective investors and other interested parties an overview of the company's objectives and scope.
Investing is to grow one's money over time. The expectation of a positive return in the form of income or price appreciation with statistical significance is the core premise of investing. The spectrum of assets in which one can invest and earn a return is a very wide one.
Crowdfunding and Startups: Why Angels & VC's Should Love CrowdfundingPatch of Land
Crowdfunding and Startups: Why Angels & VC's Should Love Crowdfunding was a presentation given by Manolis Sfinarolakis, the Founder of Reality Crowd TV Media Corporation, at MIT in front of Venture Capitalists, Angel Investors, and Startup Companies.
For Startups: Gives specific examples of why startups should considering using crowdfunding for their business.
For Venture Capitalists / Angels: Gives specific reasons of why venture capitalists / angels should see crowdfunding as a benefit to their investment plans.
Venture capital is funding provided to startup companies and small businesses with perceived long-term growth potential. It involves three main actors: venture capital funds that manage money from investors, the investors who provide this money, and the entrepreneurial companies that receive the funding. There are typically five stages of venture capital funding as a company grows from an idea to commercialization to expansion. Venture capital carries high risk but also high potential returns and has played an important role in economic growth and job creation.
The Role of Crowdfunding in Promoting Entrepreneurship_Paulo Silva Pereira_vF...Paulo Silva Pereira
Crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs to validate their business model early on with small-scale operations and frequent adjustments. This aligns with concepts like lean startup that encourage failing quickly and cheaply through iterations. Crowdfunding also gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to signal their commitment to potential later investors. It opens up new opportunities in industries like music by allowing fans to play a role in determining what gets created and supported financially, in addition to just consuming the final product. This shifts power dynamics away from large record labels controlling both funding and distribution.
Venture capital investment involves significant risks as there is no collateral provided and the success depends entirely on the integrity and viability of the business being funded. Some potential risks include investing in a business without proper expertise in its industry, making an ill-advised choice, or unforeseen problems arising with the business that affect its finances. However, venture capital can also generate jobs and opportunities when used to start new companies in promising sectors. Due diligence is important to evaluate opportunities and mitigate risks before committing substantial funds through a venture capital deal.
This form of investment can come in the form of one very wealthy
individual or from a group of wealthy individuals, intent on investing
into a venture that has promising prospects.
The development of it in economic growth in usa & bangladeshRafi Afnan
This document is an assignment submitted by Rafi Afnan to Jewel Kumar Roy on the topic of fintech and its potential to disrupt traditional financial institutions. It summarizes findings from a World Economic Forum report that identified 5 key characteristics of fintech innovators that make them more threatening to incumbents than past innovators. These include highly focused products, automating processes, strategic use of data, platform-based models, and collaborating with incumbents. The document concludes that while brands may survive, fintech will force changes that benefit consumers. It then briefly previews emerging technologies in 2019 like 5G that could enable further fintech innovations.
This document proposes a new online platform called Pajebal that aims to revolutionize microfinance by directly connecting small businesses in developing countries with social investors in developed countries. Pajebal will address issues with current platforms by requiring businesses to publish financial statements and pitch videos, directly matching individual investors and businesses to foster mentorship, and expanding beyond microloans to include small businesses. The platform is proposed to launch with a pilot program in Guatemala connecting U.S. companies' CSR funds with vetted small businesses through Pajebal's local partners.
The document discusses crowdfunding and equity crowdfunding (ECF) in Malaysia. It provides details on:
- How ECF works and the different types of investors that can participate
- The licensing of six ECF platforms in Malaysia and an example of one called CrowdPlus
- The process ECF platforms use to vet projects, conduct due diligence, and list projects for investment
- Potential benefits for startups using ECF, like access to international investors and mentorship
- Misconceptions about ECF and how it can complement traditional financing options
MyVenture is a three service portal that allows inventors to share ideas, fund startups through crowdfunding, and fund small businesses. It aims to connect inventors with investors by providing opportunities for ideas to be shared and funded online without restrictions of time or place. The portal also aims to encourage innovation among youth by hosting competitions. Revenue sources include advertisements, fees from campaigns and listings, and commissions from funded ideas. The goal is to build a large user base of entrepreneurs and investors to facilitate more connections and opportunities.
This document provides an overview of crowdfunding models globally and in India. It discusses the benefits of crowdfunding in providing alternative financing for startups and SMEs, but also notes the risks if retail investors substitute for more sophisticated investors. The four main types of crowdfunding are described as donation, reward, peer-to-peer lending, and equity crowdfunding. The document seeks comments on regulating crowdfunding in India to balance providing access to capital with investor protection.
This document contains instructions for improving a login/registration form:
1. Error messages should be displayed for invalid passwords, duplicate email addresses, and incorrect login credentials.
2. The title should be changed when registering a new profile. Loading images and welcome messages should be shown on successful login or registration.
3. Extra fields and scroll bars should be removed. Links and buttons should be highlighted and properly positioned on each page.
This document contains instructions for improving a login/registration form:
1. Error messages should be displayed for invalid passwords, duplicate email addresses, and incorrect email/password combinations.
2. The title should be changed to "Stone Car Leasing Register" when clicking to register a new profile.
3. A loading image should be displayed after clicking the login button while authenticating the user.
All options should initially be checked by default. If a user tries to remove a judge, a prompt should appear to confirm the removal. The summary provides the key points that all options start checked and a confirmation is needed to remove a judge.
The document discusses several issues with the Justmeans text update box and distribution features. It notes that the Shorten URL function only works 50% of the time when copy and pasting URLs, sometimes requiring logout and login to work. It also mentions an "undefined" message appearing 50% of the time when posting updates. It requests fixes to allow consistent copying and pasting of URLs without multiple attempts or logouts.
The document outlines several issues with a website's user interface and functionality, including that blank spaces are accepted in certain fields, the password field cannot be edited by administrators, the delete user link does not work, popups should not appear and only error messages should be displayed, error messages and spacing between links and text need to be improved, the spelling of "Administrator" is incorrect, navigation after logout goes to the wrong page, entered text disappears if submitting without a video, design and browser compatibility issues on IE8, message delays should be increased, and duplicate entries are not validated.
The document outlines several issues with a website's user interface and functionality, including that blank spaces are accepted in certain fields, the password field cannot be edited by administrators, the delete user link does not work, popups should not appear and only error messages should be displayed, error messages and spacing between links and text need to be improved, the spelling of "Administrator" is incorrect, logout should navigate to the login page instead of the home page, entered text disappears if submitting without a video, design and browser issues on IE8, message delays should be increased, and duplicate entries need validation.
The document outlines several issues with a website's user interface and functionality, including that blank spaces are accepted in certain fields, the password field cannot be edited by administrators, the delete user link does not work, popups should not appear and only error messages should be displayed, error messages and spacing between links and text need to be improved, the spelling of "Administrator" is incorrect, logout should navigate to the login page instead of the home page, entered text disappears if submitting without a video, design and browser issues on IE8, message delays should be increased, and duplicate entries need validation.
If the user clicks the Most Popular link, the page should reload and land in the same spot rather than at the top, mimicking Justmeans' menu design. There is also a timer displayed in the footer of the Chrome browser that needs text added to label it as Editor's Choice.
The document provides a list of changes to be made to a website. It includes updating the font, spacing, type size and style to match another site. It also lists adding and removing various logos, icons, tabs and sections. Metadata like media contacts and attribution is to be automatically populated. The overall goal seems to be remodeling the site to look and function similarly to another.
The document reports several issues with an application's functionality in Internet Explorer 7, including a messed up dropdown design, calendar popups displaying in the wrong position, uploaded videos not displaying, submitted ideas not saving after form refresh, a temporary warning message when deleting videos, and no error for blank form submissions. Additional mail options are also not working in IE7.
The document provides a list of changes to be made to a website. It includes updating the font, spacing, type size and style to match another site. It also lists adding and removing various logos, icons, tabs and sections. Metadata like media contacts and attribution is to be automatically populated. The overall goal seems to be remodeling the site to look and function similarly to another.
If the user clicks the Most Popular link, the page should reload and land in the same spot rather than at the top, mimicking Justmeans' menu design. There is also a timer displayed in the footer of the Chrome browser that needs text added to label it as Editor's Choice.
The document reports several issues with displaying content correctly across browsers. It notes that a URL set for a logo is not appearing, a font dropdown is missing in Internet Explorer 7, vote button font family is not changing, a pop up is printing "0" instead of expected content, and an uploaded zip file of images is not working. The document suggests adding specific font families to address styling inconsistencies across browsers.
If the user clicks the Distribute tab without entering text, they are prompted to confirm and their count is reduced if they click ok. When text is entered and the next button is clicked, a loading image appears briefly as the page continues loading in the background. Any error messages should be removed after 5 seconds, and include messages about uploading podcasts or photos up to 4MB if they fail.
The newsletter sent count was incorrectly displayed as 42 when it was actually sent to fewer contacts. Two email addresses were shown in the original list despite being marked as do not contact. Downloading the newsletter as a CSV or PDF file did not display a count. The date range and graph dates did not match the selected January 3 to February 3 range. Last name, a compulsory field, was missing from edited user profiles. Error messages were displayed twice and information popped up required scrolling. Sorting options lacked hover pointers. Start and end dates were missing from the interface. The design had issues. The editor and design did not work properly in Internet Explorer 7. Click counts did not match the send grid. Scheduling and creating new items
The document reports several design issues in Internet Explorer browsers. Borders and options are not displaying correctly or are hidden. When tabs are added or the user hovers over images, the design breaks down. Both vertical and horizontal scrollbars appear unexpectedly in IE7. The bottom border and below design do not load fully.
If the user clicks the Distribute tab without entering text, they are prompted to confirm and their count is reduced if they click ok. When text is entered and the next button is clicked, a loading image appears briefly as the page continues loading in the background. Any error messages should be removed after 5 seconds, and include messages about uploading podcasts or photos up to 4MB if they fail.
If the user clicks the Distribute tab without entering text, they are prompted to confirm and their count is reduced if they click ok. When text is entered and the next button is clicked, a loading image appears briefly as the page continues loading in the background. Any error messages should be removed after 5 seconds, and include messages about uploading a podcast or photo up to 4MB if issues occur.
1. Turning Traditional Donors into Social Investors: Revolutionizing the Online Microfinance Platform by Rob Krieger and Jessie Margolis
2. Online microfinance platforms have in the new millennium significantly enhanced the ability for capital to reach millions of poor people across the globe The microfinancesocial impact philosophy: Providing loan capital to small private sector enterprises uses the power of incentive-based capitalism & the free market to increase GDP & living standards in poorer regions of the world. Example: Credit: kiva.org
3. However, current online micro and small business lending platforms fall short on turning traditional donors into true social investors Issue #2: Do not allow prospective lenders to get a sense of the communicative dynamism of the entrepreneurs—as VC investors say, a huge part of an investment decision is based on seeing the entrepreneurs pitch and interpreting their passion, confidence, and articulation. Also, current platforms do not encourage the developing world entrepreneurs to practice these essential business communicative skills. Issue #1: Do not sufficiently encourage the financial accountability of the micro/small businesses, and their ability to control and interpret basic financial information. Issue #5: By concentrating too much on micro financing, as opposed to encouraging the creation of businesses that are a little larger—small business—we run the risk of not creating sufficient levels of employment, and not capitalizing on the advantages that come with cooperation and specialization of labor. Issue #3: It is true that using many different lenders to finance one micro/small business project allows for greater potential to raise sufficient capital. However this further disconnects each individual donor/lender from the project—the “feel good effect” takes over, rather than a “strategic decision guided by research and measurement of social impact.” Issue #4: Does not take advantage of the business knowledge that a developed-world lender may be able to provide the developing world entrepreneurs.
4. Idea #1: Create a video-based “pitch” system of ideas from entrepreneurs of the developing world Rationale: Current online microfinance platforms not only do not sufficiently connect the online lender to the potential dynamism (or lack thereof) of the developing world entrepreneurs and their businesses, they also do not allow for sufficient direct screening. Simply put, there is not enough transparency. Solution: All prospective borrowers must make a video “pitch” of their ideas, to be posted on the website. The prospective lender thus gets a true inside look into the business, and can much better determine the attractiveness of the investment. 1) Prospective borrowers create video pitches with their MFI 4) Borrower receives lent funds, and provides financial and video communicative updates on a quarterly basis 2) Prospective online investor reviews pitches 3) Investor targets their funds based off of both financial AND communicative criteria
5. Idea #2: Create an online “stock market” for small businesses in the developing world Rationale: Although online debt market platforms have been successful at raising capital for micro and small loans in the developing world, no one has capitalized on the power of an equities market platform to more appropriately and efficiently allocate capital online. Solution: Create an online platform to allocate capital based on an equities market model, in which shares of small businesses (although not legally owned) are traded in a game-like competitive setting, in which the initial IPO capital extension is with real funds. 2) The IPO for the “shares” involves real money being invested into the small businesses, however, the investment does not equate to actual legal ownership of the developing world small business. If another participant in this online platform desires to buy your “shares” they must pay you the IPO price. 1) Entrepreneurs and small businesses are still highlighted on the website with the same video pitch idea from Idea #1 5) Participants are motivated not by financial gain, but by gain in points. This motivation stems from: a) Pride in being the best investor in the competition—you spot the successful investments early! It is embarrassing if your invested projects end up being priced the lowest. b) Doing well in the competition means you are allocating funds to the small businesses with the most promise, and ensuring that funds are not wasted on projects with no potential. BUY SELL Price: IPO Cash $3,400 Points + 330 3) Prices of shares move up and down based on the same principals of real major stock markets—based on bid price and ask price; supply and demand! 4) Subsequent share transactions after the IPO are always purchased for the IPO price in cash, plus/minus the premium/discount of the current share price relative to what the IPO price was. However this discount/premium below/above what the IPO price was is notgained/lost in real cash, but is paid using a points system.
6. The “Deep Dive”: Idea #3 Onebusiness lender - to - onebusiness borrower relationship Introducing: The New Online business to business connections for the developing world: Fueling sound business growth through direct due diligence, financing, and mentorship Rationale: Other platforms do not establish/facilitate relationship building and mediated communication between the lender, the local MFI and the small business owner. By establishing and facilitating a three-way symbiotic relationship, we can ensure: 1) Selection of investments only in the best small businesses; 2) Assistance in developing sound business management and intelligent use of capital; 3) Guidance for ensuring up-to-date, accurate financial information. Solution: A single business in the U.S. lends to a single business in the developing world, through funds from the business’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. This business-to-businessone-lender-one-borrower dynamic not only ensures funds are invested much more prudently, but also allows for the investor business to take on a consultative role for the investee. U.S. company employees collaborate on the project together. Francisco: Organic Coffee Farmer Example: Credit: stonyfield.com
7. Idea #3 leverages some variants of other ideas described previously to maximize its value proposition Issue #2 : No knowledge of communicative dynamism (or lack thereof) of developing world business managers . . . Solution #2: Small business managers must post a video pitch, that presents their business and defends their need for financing. Issue #1 : No true idea of the state of (or encouragement for development of) the developing world business’s financial knowledge . . . Solution #1: Small business leaders and entrepreneurs with the most potential work with the local MFI and Pajebal to ensure their financial literacy, and only then can they post financial statements online for prospective lender’s review. Issue #5: Over-encouragement of a micro business-based economy may not always be best for regional economic development . . . Solution #5: Increased efficiency of specialization of labor and cooperation that comes when we encourage and finance small to medium businesses as well, moving beyond the micro phase. Issue #3 : Using many scattered lenders to finance one micro/small business disconnects each one from the ability or desire to measure or encourage social impact . . . Solution #3: Asinglebusiness in the U.S. lends to a singlebusiness in the developing world. The lender not only is compelled to monitor progress due to the inherent bond of the two parties, but also because the investment is relatively significant in size—the entirety of a loan of a few thousand dollars—financial investments are made with much more prudence. Business to Business Connections for Developing World Small Business Issue #4: No opportunity for added value from lender . . . Solution #4 U.S. business takes on a consultative role for the developing world business, via online communication—a combination of an online portal and Skype.
8. Next, how the New works: First, how current major online finance platforms work: Step 1: Pajebal works on-the-ground with the local MFI and the best prospective small business borrowers to ensure they have up-to-date financial information, and post this to Pajebal’s website, along with a video pitch of their company’s plans and clear justification for need of debt financing. Step 2: Stonyfield Farm in New Hampshire (for example), as part of their CSR program, decide to invest $3,200 in a small organic coffee farm in Guatemala that is looking to expand. They make this decision after reviewing the farm business’s financial information and being impressed by the business pitch given in the video by the small business’s management. Step 3: When Stonyfield extends their funds, those funds specifically are channeled to the end borrower, facilitated through an international wire transfer by Pajebal to the MFIs bank. The MFI then extends the funds to the borrower at a reduced interest rate. The wire charge to individually transfer these funds does not represent too burdensome of a cost (as a % of the total loan), b/c this small loan is substantially larger than most micro loans. Step 4: With an investment of a few thousand dollars, Stonyfield wants to make sure they get paid back. Therefore they have analyzed the project in depth using all available information—written, video-based, and Skype-based communication facilitated by Pajebal. Step 5: Stonyfield, through Skype and the use of a bilingual Pajebal employee who covers the region (or a U.S. volunteer) gains further insight into the operations of the company, and can provide the small business with consultative advice. Step 1: An online microfinance intermediary organization posts a short description and a few picture of a developing world micro business on their website. Step 2: John Doe in the U.S. sees the $300 loan on the website, likes the story and pictures, and extends a $50 loan. Step 3: When John extends his funds they are placed in a general pool to, at the end of the month, be transferred in bulk to the MFI that is facilitating the loan to the end borrower. Often, that specific loan has already been extended to the borrower, and John’s funds are really going to replenish the capital of the MFI. Step 4: John liked the idea that his funds were lent, not donated, and that the borrower will use them to aid her business, and then pay them back to him. However, he would not be too concerned if he was not paid back, and thus did not see rigorous evaluation of the micro business as a desired nor warranted aspect of his participation in this project. Step 5: John never had a direct connection with the borrower, and thus may or may not think much going forward about the borrowing business, their ability to effectively grow and generate profits, and to therefore generate a social benefit to the community through better business.
9. Idea #3: Implementation The 6 step process: Pajebal will establish this process as part of their innovation implementation by using online information sharing & communication and Skype video meetings to guide the development of the lender-borrower relationship. 1. Pajebal facilitates the introduction of lender to borrower: profile exchange and initial get-to-know the business and investor-vision/investee-vision conversation. 3. Lender/borrower develop a regularly practiced feedback process that could occur once a week, to once a quarter. This would include setting goals and next steps. 2. Lender/borrower establish goals and define the terms of their relationship. Pajebal stands as a support and resource during this process. Business to Business Connections for Developing World Small Business 4. Lender writes document articulating perception of organization and its growth trajectory. Lender taps into his or her expertise to propose recommendations and stand as an information resource (advisor) to the small business. 6. Pajebal works with the borrower & lender to evaluate change relative to set goals after each period. New goals can be set and processes can be established. 5. The borrower maintains regular and consistent communication about its business practices and progress, or lack of progress. Pajebal, Inc. is a registered North Carolina nonprofit corporation with an office in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Pajebal seeks to substantially alter its operations based on our new ideas as outlined in this PowerPoint deck. We will of course start with western Guatemala, and then look to scale out to other areas of Latin America. Any funds won in this competition would be donated to Pajebal.
10. The word Pajebal is the original indigenous Kiche Maya name for the Guatemalan village that inspired our work. “Pajebal” means “at the snake’s tail,” or, “at the end of the line.” The people of Pajebal, and of all the Pajebals spread out across the developing world, have been at the end of the line for too long. Pajebal, Inc. exists to provide them with real business growth solutions rooted in sound business management, intelligent use of capital, and effective intercontinental business-to-business communication. View the current state of the project at www.pajebal.org