National Crowdfunding Association of Canada Launches 1st Canadian Crowdfunding Summit: Tuesday, March 3, 2015

TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced the industry's first Canadian Crowdfunding Summit to be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, as the foremost event for leaders in the Canadian crowdfunding space.

The inaugural 2015 Canadian Crowdfunding Summit will provide an exclusive opportunity to learn vital content and network with industry experts gathering to highlight economic progress, regulatory updates, best practices, insights and trends impactful to the future growth of the Canadian crowdfunding industry.

With favourable regulations imminent in Canada and the global crowdfunding industry experiencing explosive growth from $1.5 billion raised in 2011 to over $5 billion in 2013, crowdfunding has emerged as an increasingly popular source of innovation and social capital for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), new ventures, projects and cause-based organizations.  The World Bank released a report in October 2013 predicting that crowdfunding could blossom into a $96 billion industry.

The full day educational agenda will feature high profile keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, entrepreneurial pitches, mentor sessions, and a trade show showcasing Canada's most forefront crowdfunding platforms and service providers.  The program will cover a diverse range of topics including crowdfunding governance, market data, infrastructure, social enterprise and charities, opportunities for new entrants, and global perspectives.

"The 2015 Summit will be a first in Canada, bringing together financial innovation and crowdfunding leaders to help shape the future of the Canadian industry", said Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of NCFA Canada.  "With so much activity happening on the US/UK conference circuit, it's about time Canada showcases the remarkable economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship occurring every day in crowdfunding markets across Canada."

The 2015 Canadian Crowdfunding Summit will be held at MaRS Discovery District in downtown Toronto, and will feature startups listed in MaRS Impact Investing's accredited investor platform, the SVX.  "MaRS is a leader in impact investing and social entrepreneurship as well as a hub for social finance," said Tim Jackson, MaRS Executive Vice President, Corporate and Community Relations, MaRS Discovery District. "In 2013, we established the SVX, North America's first platform connecting impact ventures, funds and investors to catalyze startups that demonstrate the potential for social or environmental return. We look forward to hosting Canada's first crowdfunding summit and the opportunity to highlight these innovative social ventures."

This announcement comes after a successful equity crowdfunding and venture capital cross-Canada tour organized by NCFA Canada this summer that brought together key participants to discuss Canada's proposed crowdfunding regulations.  NCFA Canada expects the Summit to attract over 300 delegates from across the country, varying from crowdfunding industry leaders such as portals, accounting and legal professionals, dealer-brokers, marketers, private angel investors and venture capital funds, social enterprise impact investing companies, government, academia, media journalists and entrepreneurial networks.

About the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a nationally organized, non-profit crowdfunding trade association providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. Dynamic and inclusive, NCFA Canada works closely with industry groups, government, academia, business associations and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry and voice across Canada.  For more information please visit: www.crowdfundingsummit.ca or www.ncfacanada.org.

About MaRS Discovery District

MaRS Discovery District in Toronto is one of the world's largest urban innovation hubs. MaRS cultivates high-impact ventures and equips innovators to drive economic and societal prosperity. MaRS provides expert advice and market research, and makes connections to talent, customers and capital. MaRS startup clients have created 6,500 jobs and, in the last three years alone, they have raised $1 billion in capital and generated $500 million in revenue.  For more information please visit:  www.marsdd.com.

Image:  NCFA 2015 Canadian Crowdfunding Summit banner

Image with caption: "NCFA 2015 Canadian Crowdfunding Summit banner. (CNW Group/National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141105_C9416_PHOTO_EN_43181.jpg

SOURCE: National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada)

For further information:

Media Inquiries:
Craig Asano
416-618-0254
[e-mail] 

Sponsorship and Partnership Inquiries:
Lauren Linton
416-569-4349
[e-mail]