By Jean Miller, Equity crowdfunding in the UK has exploded. According to innovation promoter Nesta, equity–based crowdfunding grew by more than 600 per cent between 2012 – 2013, from just under £4 million to over £28 million. A new generation of investors is willing to get behind Britain’s great start-ups and support the brightest and best entrepreneurs in the hope that they will be the next Facebook, Amazon or Google. For those early-stage businesses harbouring hopes of a future market-listing, crowdfunding offers the opportunity to raise finance, grow sustainably and gain valuable experience of working with shareholders which will enable a smoother, more successful, transition to IPO…

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