S1 E48 Crowdfunding - Understanding the Good, Bad, and Ugly with David Blackledge

Wayne Carroll, the host of Leveraging Inspiration Podcast, and his guest David Blacklage discuss the good, bad, and ugly of crowdfunding. They emphasized the importance of following specific legal requirements and regulations, seeking a qualified securities attorney, and investing in a well-crafted pitch deck. They also differentiate pre-buying from crowdfunding and loans from equity financing. Additionally, they mention that choosing the right crowdfunding platforms for businesses is essential and advise business owners to consult securities attorneys and advisors before launching crowdfunding campaigns. Crowdfunding: - A way for companies to get consumers to invest or contribute directly to their company - Choosing appropriate crowdfunding platforms is critical - Creating a pitch deck and presentation is essential Personal Guarantees: - Common for small business loans - Limited liability companies or corporations have a shield of liability protection - Banks or lenders may ask for personal guarantees Accredited and Unaccredited Investors: - Accredited investors have more than a million dollars of investable money - Unaccredited investors are protected more due to the assumed lack of sophistication SEC Regulations for Crowdfunding: - Must have SEC-registered securities document or qualify for an exemption - SEC has specific rules for crowdfunding campaigns, including posting on an approved website - Friends and family investments must also have securities documentation Choosing a Qualified Securities Attorney: - Critical in the crowdfunding industry to ensure client comfort and success - It's essential to research crowdfunding platforms and obtain knowledge before approaching an attorney - Pitch deck must be reviewed by an attorney before presenting to potential investors Loans vs Equity Financing: - Loans allow for delaying payments - Equity financing may provide investors with more control over the business but has no guarantee of payback *Disclaimer: The podcast is not providing legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Schedule a consultation with Wayne Carroll to discuss your trademark strategy. Special Guest: David Blackledge. David focuses his practice on startup and emerging businesses, particularly in various technology markets. This includes counseling business owners from entity formation through raising capital and company growth and on business associations with other partnerships, distributors, licensees, and general business relationships. David spent the first thirty years of his professional career in sales and operations management of high-technology startups giving him a unique perspective on advising business owners, investors, and others in the business world. David is an active investor in multiple angel groups and an Adjunct Professor in Law and Ethics at Grand Canyon University, as well as a mentor and judge in many Arizona-based business competitions. Website: davismiles.com/attorney/david-blackledge/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-blackledge-7829a23 HOST: Wayne Carroll founded Inspired Idea Solutions Law Firm in 2013, an IP boutique law firm focused on helping small businesses with intellectual property. At Inspired Idea Solutions, we use a proven process for obtaining IP rights that focuses on aligning the business strategy of small business clients with their IP strategy. We help small businesses implement a strategy to ensure they own and leverage their intellectual property. We also have clear expectations with zero hidden fees. Wayne can be reached at 480-741-2440 or [email protected]. You can also connect with Wayne on LinkedIn. Schedule an appointment with Wayne Carroll for a strategy session on protecting and leveraging your intellectual property.