Towards an ecosystem for early-stage finance and innovation through crowdfunding

In May 2013 the European Crowdfunding Network held its first International ECN Crowdfunding Convention in Vienna at the head offices of the Austrian Chambers of Commerce. After the event speakers were asked to elaborate on some of the key trends and issues within the crowdfunding sector in 2013. This paper is the result of this and aimed to broaden the views on crowdfunding, away from the stereotypes, while remaining accessible to the widest possible audience.