This book discusses the concepts, types, models, and patterns of
crowdfunding to provide a comprehensive portrait of this newly developed
market-based financial tool. In addition, it examines a number of
economic theories to help readers understand the proliferation of
crowdfunding, reviews empirical works to find gaps in the literature,
and outlines future research directions. A unique feature of this book
is that it discusses Japan's crowdfunding approach, which is somewhat
different from that of the Western countries, by highlighting a specific
crowdfunding platform (Music Securities) and a crowdfund-backed firm
(SABAR restaurant). Further, it explores the suitability of Japan's
crowdfunding approach for addressing the financial needs of SMEs in
developing countries, using Bangladesh as a representative case.
Finally, the book identifies some lessons learned from crowd funding so
as to advance research into this phenomenon, and to make it efficient
and sustainable. As such, the book will benefit novices, academics,
researchers, and policymakers interested in crowdfunding technology.