You might have heard on the grapevine that we've decided to crowdfund and are just about to launch our campaign. Maybe you're intrigued but you're not quite sure what we're talking about? Well, we've put together a quick and easy guide.
Tell me more...
Crowdfunding is an alternative method of financing a business, which allows everyday investors, professionals and venture capitalists to invest as little or as much as they like, typically through an online platform.
The money raised is used for a variety of reasons, depending on the businesses' needs. It could be for expansion, to launch a product or like us, create a community of investors that help to shape the business.
Crowdfunding platforms
There's a huge range of sites that provide a platform for crowdfunding, we've chosen Crowdcube as a partner for our campaign. It's the world’s leading investment crowdfunding platform, that enables anyone to invest, from first-timers to professional investors in start-ups and early stage and growth businesses. This is done in a number of ways through equity, debt and investment fund options.
The platform is free to use and you'll find profiles for each of the campaigns that are live at the moment, ours will go live on 16th May but until then you can find out what we're up via our crowdfunding page and our blogs.
On there you're likely to find a video, telling you all about the company and the campaign, rewards and incentives and how investors can get a return on their investment.
How do investors make money?
This varies depending on the campaign, but for us there are three likely ways that investors will see a return on their investment:
• Trade sale: This is the most likely way that we will see a quick return. We have already had offers, but none that we felt valued the company correctly. There is regular mergers and acquisitions activity in the events industry. This could happen at any time.
• Equity release: On our journey to becoming the go-to venue marketplace in each of the major cities in the world we will require further investment. It is not uncommon for larger investors to buy out earlier investors. This could happen within 5 years.
• IPO: As a thriving international venue marketplace we could realistically follow companies like Cvent onto the stock exchange through an IPO. This could happen within 10 years.
What are the risks?
There are of course risks involved in any financial investment, there are no guarantees but Crowdcube verify key statements made on every pitch to ensure that they're 'fair, clear and not misleading' before putting them live.
In the unlikely event things don't go to plan it is important that you're protected. Company Law already gives minority shareholders class rights and protects them against unfair prejudice from unscrupulous behaviour.
With Crowdcube, every investor becomes a direct shareholder in the company you invest, which also gives you greater autonomy, control and rights.
Research and judgement is still vital but it's reassuring to know they've got your back.
Find out more here.
Success Stories
There are thousands but here are just a couple you might have heard of:
JustPark raised an astonishing £3 million in 5 days, exceeding their target and achieving the largest ever equity crowdfunding raise for a tech company in the UK. They also received the largest number of investors ever to invest in a Crowdcube pitch, along with 1000 job applications!
River Cottage was founded in 1998 by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and has grown into an international brand. The company raised 1,000,000 in 36 hours(!), which was used to expand the brand and open new restaurants.
Hire Space....you can help us get there
You can visit our Crowdcube page from 16th May, set up an account which takes 2 minutes. From there you can invest from as little as £10.
We'll also be holding a series of breakfast events, every Tuesday-Friday in May from 8:30am - 10am, if you'd like to come along just click here to find your nearest location and reserve a space.
Can’t make a breakfast? You can also drop in and see us at the office from 6-8pm every Monday-Thursday in May. Just let us know you’re coming at investors@hirespace.com. Find us here.
Investments of this nature carry risks to your capital. Please #InvestAware.
Approved as a financial promotion by Crowdcube Capital ltd as authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA no. 650205)