Crowdfunding: An Innovative Way to Fund a Business Idea

Traditional banks and venture capitalists have long held the keys to entrepreneurial success - but what if start-ups could bypass these gatekeepers entirely? This book explores crowdfunding as a transformative alternative that enables fund raisers to mobilize capital directly from large numbers of individuals through dedicated online platforms. It examines how this innovative medium challenges conventional funding sources and empowers entrepreneurs, with particular emphasis on developing economies where crowdfunding represents both a viable funding mechanism and an emerging investment channel.Covering all essential aspects of crowdfunding, this volume provides in-depth analysis of platforms, processes, regulatory frameworks, and due diligence requirements for successful campaigns. It offers practical guidelines tailored for young entrepreneurs, industries, and R&D organizations navigating this evolving landscape. The book's unique value lies in its focus on developing economy contexts, examining growth prospects and addressing specific challenges in markets where crowdfunding infrastructure is still maturing. Through systematic exploration of reward-based, equity, debt, and donation crowdfunding models, it equips readers with actionable insights for designing, launching, and managing effective campaigns.An essential resource for young entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and industry professionals seeking alternative financing, this book will also benefit students and researchers in Economics, Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Finance, Technology and Innovation Management, Business Management, and Finance.

About the Author

Anita Sharma is an accomplished academician who currently serves as a professor and Dean (Academics) at the Vedatya Institute, affiliated with Gurugram University, Gurugram. With over 18 years of teaching experience and a solid four-year foundational background as a senior accountant and finance executive, she seamlessly bridges the gap between theory and industry practice. Her professional expertise is further backed by early specialized training in the SAP Finance & Controlling module from SAP Germany.

Vimal Babu is Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour at SRM University-AP, India. His research focuses on the behavioural dynamics of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He serves as Honorary Fellow (2026-27) at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK. He is lead author of Negotiation for Entrepreneurship (Anthem Press, 2023) and Entrepreneurship in Uncertainty (Walter De Gruyter Brill, 2026). Recipient of the Academy of Management (AOM), USA Best Reviewer Award (OB Division, 2024), he actively supervises PhD scholars and publishes internationally.

Sanket Vij is a seasoned academician and researcher who currently serves as Professor, Department of Management Studies, and Director-Research at Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya (BPSMV), Khanpur Kalan, Haryana. With over 27 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration, he specializes in the areas of Finance and Information Technology. A recipient of the prestigious UGC Research Award, he has published extensively in reputed journals, guided numerous doctoral scholars, and made significant contributions to research, quality assurance, and higher education development.