Five reasons to join EuroCrowd
The European Crowdfunding Network – or EuroCrowd – is taking on new members, and there has never been a better time to join.
With new regulations being rolled out across Europe and a growing need for access to affordable finance, crowdfunding is on the radar of every investor, borrower and business owner on the continent.
EuroCrowd represents the entirety of the crowdfunding sector of Europe – from retail lenders to platform chiefs. Its members include crowdfunding platforms, as well as other relevant market stakeholders such as lawyers, research institutes, regional governments and financial professionals.
“Our key aim is to establish a professional, competitive market under best practices and in alignment with European and national policy in order to scale crowdfunding operations,” explains Oliver Gajda, executive director of EuroCrowd.
Read more: Want to launch in the EU? Join the club…
The network has been influential in the establishment of Europe’s first ever joined-up crowdfunding regulations, the European Crowdfunding Service Providers Regulation (ECSPR). But what are the benefits of membership?
- The opportunity to connect and exchange with peers
EuroCrowd runs two pan-European events each year for its members. This year, the CrowdCamp was held in Bilbao, Spain, and brought together hundreds of crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the sector.
Next up is the Crowdfunding Convention, which is in its 11th iteration this year. It will be taking place in Brussels on 9 and 10 November.
The network also runs smaller topical webinars and local events for members. The next will be on 21 September in Frankfurt – this will focus on introducing the ECSPR and upcoming crypto asset regulation.
- The chance to co-develop professional industry standards
Over the past nine years, EuroCrowd has been working closely with the European Commission (EC) to develop and codify regulations for the crowdfunding and P2P lending sector.
EuroCrowd was heavily involved in the creation of the ECSPR, welcoming input from its members and bringing this feedback to the EC.
- The ability to participate in policy making at a European level
There are not many industry bodies which have the ear of the EC, but EuroCrowd has a long track record of working closely with legislators and regulators to bring about national and continental change. Members are encouraged to speak up about any issues that are affecting them, and these concerns can then be escalated to the most appropriate place.
- Regular insights from and access to new markets
EuroCrowd has a wide network of members who regularly meet to share insights and develop ideas.
The ability to learn from other businesses’ experiences is invaluable for start-up and scale-up businesses. Furthermore, with members from all across Europe, EuroCrowd members have unparalleled access to potential new markets via partnerships or other collaborations.
- Access to new financial markets and legislators
All EuroCrowd members are welcome to contribute to relevant policy work and join in events, workshops and other activities. This includes engaging with European and national policy makers and conduct authorities, as well as connecting with politician and lobbyists on the key issues facing the sector.
