Seedrs to expand across Europe after ECSPR approval
Crowdfunding platform Seedrs intends to expand in to the Nordic countries, the Netherlands and Iberia after becoming approved under the European Crowdfunding Services Provider Regulation (ECSPR).
The platform now plans to set up a European base in Ireland, before expanding across the EU.
Jeff Kelisky, chief executive of Seedrs and executive vice president at its parent company Republic Retail, said that the ECSPR license is a “pivotal moment” for the company, as it will allow Seedrs to provide “unprecedented access to capital from cross-border investors”.
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It will also allow retail investors to invest in private European firms as well as venture capital funds.
“This new regulation, executed through our proprietary platform and legal framework, makes it much simpler for us and better for fundraising businesses to enhance the quality of offerings and services we provide to our investor community,” said Kelisky.
“We regularly hear from investors that they see the long term value in a diversified portfolio that includes investments in businesses from across geographies as well as industries, stages and sizes.
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“This new regulatory framework makes it much simpler for us to continue to enhance the quality service we provide to our investor community.”
More than 60 platforms have now been authorised under ECSPR.
Kirsty Grant, managing director at Seedrs, said the new rules will allow the platform to operate more efficiently in Europe.
“I’m excited that it will allow Republic and Seedrs to continue to take a leadership role in building a truly global democratised future of finance, ensuring everyone, everywhere has access to high quality investment and ownership opportunities,” she added.
Seedrs was acquired by US-based fintech Republic in 2021, after a failed effort to merge Seedrs with rival crowdfunding giant Crowdcube. To date, Seedrs has raised more than £2.6bn for private firms in the UK and Europe.
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