CROWDFUNDING AS A KIND OF SOCIAL SUPPORT OF BUSINESS VENTURES

In recent years crowdfunding has become an important instrument of capital raising. Its importance, popularity and impact are still growing thanks to the development of ICT technologies and new ways of thinking about investments. Both individuals as well as small and middle size enterprises see crowdfunding as a new way of collecting capital by benefiting from free financial assets of Internet users. Therefore, more and more investors are noticing the clear-cut advantages offered by this kind of financial instrument. Crowdfunding is rearranging the way that entrepreneurs finance their endeavors, launch new products and services onto the market and open start-up companies. Crowdfunding’s social impact appears to be undisputed when it comes to start-ups, it also seems to be a key factor contributing to the increase in their number and socio-economic success. The paper presents the basics of crowdfunding i.e. its models, associated risks and growth on Polish and European market. The world reports on crowdfunding and the author’s own research in this field were the main sources of material for this paper.