Crowdfunding in the United States and European Union : Markets, Platforms, Critics, and Future Prospects

This original book is the first serious study investigating the crowdfunding phenomenon, which has developed deep meaning for various stakeholders benefiting from this funding collection mechanism and its innovative new role, especially in the processes of business creation and spread of entrepreneurship. The actors involved —promoters, supporters, and the platforms through which the campaigns are launched — constitute an ecosystem in continuous evolution, which has grown dramatically and allows for its further development. Irini Liakopoulou has conducted with the “multiple paper thesis” method in which original and innovative contributions are presented, applying new techniques and methodologies. The book’s goal is to foster debate about crowdfunding, an under-researched topic whose implications are not fully understood but will be a vital part of social and economic life in the future.