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The SciFundChallenge, crowdfunding for science, has proven to be a successful experiment founded by Dr. Jai Ranganathan and Dr. Jarrett Byrnes. The two scientists, both ecologists studying biodiversity, recognize not only the need for better funding for scientific research but also the need for scientists to establish a more personal connection with the world that they are studying.
Scientists have traditionally stayed away from public discussions and especially public policy in order to maintain objectivity for their research. Outside of science patrons, the focus has been on peer interaction and acceptance over public exposure.
However, with changing times and a rapidly changing world, Dr. Ranganathan and Dr. Byrnes have the vision of a science community that shares their passion for their research not only with each other but with the world to help generate the excitement and educuation that supports change for the better.
Nice article Robin. I hope that crowdfunding takes the next step to equity-crowdfunding like it has been for the past 6 years in the U.K.
On EarlyShares (our crowdfunding platform), crowdfunding investors are pooled together into an new single entity and that entity invest as a single member into the crowdfunded company, one vote, one approval for future rounds, one shareholder. We have found that VC’s and Angel Groups like this structure and can see great value in getting access to companies where they are not the only investor!
It can be very beneficial for angels and VC’s to be part of a crowdfunded company, especially during the crowdfunding round, probably most important is the interest “validation of product/service” from a large number of consumers.
Even though we might only be able to present companies in January 2013, we are already working with companies seeking funding, we encourage entrepreneurs to apply now, and not wait as it takes a while to get approved.
To apply go to http://www.earlyshares.com/start
We agree that crowdfunding is THE answer for funding both entrepeneurs and scientists alike! Our crowdfunding platform (http://peerbackers.com) is one of the oldest around and we have had thousands of folks come and raise the funding they need to get their ideas off the ground. Although we will open for the equity option (raising money in exchange for shares) we will also keep the current model of donation based fundraising as there are many people – such as scientists – whose projects are not appropriate for selling stock. We encourage folks to give crowdfunding a try!