“Crowdfunding,” the practice of using the Internet to build a pool of small investors to raise capital for project financing, is now very close to becoming law and the only question left is whether it will be the House or Senate bill that passes. Internet hubs like Kickstarter have used this method to raise donations for artistic pursuits and charities for some time, but the new law will make it possible for small-business start-ups to use the method as well. The differences in the bills lie in their max investment caps and disclosure requirements, although they are similar enough that entrepreneurs and investors can rest assured the new funding method will create more business opportunities. For more on this continue reading the following article from JDSupra.
Breaking news — crowdfunding is going to becomelaw.
The only question this week was whether the House or Senate version of the bill would make its way into President Obama’s hands. As of this Tuesday afternoon (March 27), an overwhelming majority of the Housevoted to accept the Senate amendment, setting the stage for adoption of the bill by President Obama.
A quick recent history lesson may be helpful to those who are not current on crowdfunding. On March 8, 2012, the House passed the JOBS bill (H.R. 3606), which includes a so-called “crowdfunding” proposal allowing small businesses to raise small amounts of money from large groups of small investors. Backed by the President and many high-profile entrepreneurs and interest groups, the bill is viewed by many as the marriage of the Internet and the world of financing for start-ups and emerging businesses — and a long-awaited advance in the world of raising capital for these companies.
Claim up to $26,000 per W2 Employee
- Billions of dollars in funding available
- Funds are available to U.S. Businesses NOW
- This is not a loan. These tax credits do not need to be repaid
In crowdfunding, companies can raise capital from individual investors either by offering stock for sale through their own websites or through third-party intermediaries. In the philanthropic realm, companiessuch as Kickstarter and Rockethub already serve as crowdfunding intermediaries. Businesses use these platforms to raise donations that finance expansions or new products. In Europe, there are already a number of intermediaries that help small companies raise equity
capital online.
Under the House bill, companies can raise up to $1 million a year through crowdfunding, or $2 million if the company provides prospective investors with auditedfinancial statements. Each investor would be limited to $10,000 or 10 percent of its annual income, whichever is less.
The Senate bill (S. 2190) takes a different approach in determining the permitted investment amount. The Senate bill is more restrictive for investors with incomes or net worth under $100,000 — they can invest only 5 percent of their annual income or $2,000, whichever is greater. The bill is less restrictive for wealthier investors — they can invest 10 percent of either net worth or income, up to $100,000.
Securities law experts and others who worry about the potential for defrauding investors favor the Senatebill because it further differs from the House bill on the issue of disclosures. The Senate bill requires meaningful disclosure to investors and gives the Securities andExchange Commission much wider latitude to regulate and oversee crowdfunding platforms and issuers. Even if the House version prevailed, stock issuers would notsimply be able to defraud investors. Key fundamental concepts of the current securities laws will remain, including the restriction against affirmatively misstating or misrepresenting information about the issuer or omitting material information.
The full JOBS Act passed the Senate on March 22, 2012, and was sent back to the House. As reported above, the House accepted the Senate version of theJOBS Act and it passed the House on March 27. President Obama stated in early March that he would pass the JOBS Act as soon as he received it from Congress.
This is exciting news for companies raising capital and will change the landscape in dramatic ways. We will continue to monitor this important development andprovide periodic updates as progress occurs.
If you have questions about this Alert, please contact Michael S. Harrington at 610.458.4957 or mharrington@foxrothschild.com or any member of Fox Rothschild’s Corporate Department.
