There is overwhelming good in the phenomenon of crowdfunding for founders: new models for engaging investors, new rules and regulations benefitting small investors and founders, competition to support you as you fund, and new communities to tap into for mentorship. Thankfully, while other funding sources for small businesses and early start ups have been disrupted by COVID, crowdfunding is going strong. In fact, crowdfunding campaigns doubled from 2017 and 2020 with over 10,000 conducted!

In addition to the basic model differences (selling equity versus selling your product), each site has its own strengths and weaknesses and different areas of focus--such as directing capital to a particular founder segment or to particular industry verticals. 

Our panel has broad personal and professional experience to share what has worked and hasn't worked in their own entrepreneurial and investor crowdfunding experiences. Check out their bios below!

Panelists:

• Sandra Perilli - Founder, Safe BeeSide Me Stroller Controller

• Olivia Owens - Head of Partnerships, IFundWomen

• Lisa Carson - Co-Founder & CEO, Occo

• Linda Farquhar - Founder and CEO, entreDonovan

Moderator:

• Gail Ball - Associate Director, the Horn Entrepreneurship program at the University of Delaware