Analysis of the Crowdfunding European Market: Performance and Perspectives
Purpose: The aim of the article is to present European review of crowdfunding platforms and detailed analysis of crowdfunding market. The article consists of two main parts. The first part presents the essence of crowdfunding based on the results of Systematic Literature Reviews. The second part of the study provides an overview of available crowdfunding platforms in selected European countries, using grouped indicators. Design/Methodology/Approach: A study of crowdfunding platforms was conducted, using qualitative descriptive methods. The study consisted in the identification of platforms and the use of selected analysis indicators. Web content analysis was used to find out the entire contents of the meaning that is available on the CrowdSpace, which based on own directory. Findings: As a result of the study, 361 active crowdfunding platforms were identified, including, 120 of equity, 62 of donation, 174 of P2P lending and 44 of debt. Moreover, real estate platforms are the most numerous in Europe. Most platforms are found in Germany, United Kingdom and France. The oldest still working platform was established in 2000. Based on the review and web analysis of crowdfunding market platforms, crowdfunding is developing dynamically, but still there are relatively many projects without support. Practical Implications: The results will contribute to the wider treatment of crowdfunding as a potential development option. So far, community support concerns more social projects than business development option for community, managerial level and enterprises. The virtual world and social networking have succeeded in narrowing the distance between individuals who are far apart and keep individuals close together. Originality/Value: The article discusses a new, important aspect of external financing of enterprises' activities as part of crowdfunding. There is little knowledge of the role crowdfunding plays as a business development option. One of the research gaps identified in the systematic literature reviews is the lack of market analysis based on real data and this study will be filled by a hatch.