10th November 2023
Spark Crowdfunding, Ireland’s leading player in the equity crowdfunding space, proudly announces that it has attained regulatory status from the Central Bank of Ireland. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the company's mission to provide a secure and transparent platform for private investors and entrepreneurs alike.
The regulatory status granted by the Central Bank of Ireland underscores Spark Crowdfunding's commitment to operating with the highest standards of integrity and compliance within the dynamic financial services landscape.
Equity crowdfunding platforms play a vital role in democratising access to investment opportunities, allowing a broader audience to participate in the growth of innovative businesses. The regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Ireland positions Spark Crowdfunding as a trusted and regulated entity, instilling confidence in both investors and entrepreneurs engaging with the platform.
Chris Burge, CEO of Spark Crowdfunding, stated:
"We are pleased to announce that Spark Crowdfunding has achieved regulatory status from the Central Bank of Ireland. This regulatory approval is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of security, and compliance. We believe in fostering an environment where astute private investors can confidently support highly scalable ventures, and entrepreneurs can access the capital they need to accelerate their growth rates. The timing of this regulatory approval is really important as the environment for Irish companies looking to raise up to €3m is becoming increasingly difficult. We have an active and growing database of 11,500 private investors in Ireland who are keen to invest in exclusive investment opportunities only available on the Spark Crowdfunding platform, opportunities that would previously have only been available to Venture Capitalists. Our average investment amount is €4,000 and most of our investment opportunities qualify for a 40% EIIS tax refund."
About Spark Crowdfunding:
Established in Dublin in 2018, Spark Crowdfunding is a leading equity crowdfunding platform dedicated to connecting visionary entrepreneurs with astute private investors. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and capital, Spark Crowdfunding empowers the growth of innovative businesses across various industries. The company has raised funds for 42 Irish based companies over the past 5 years across a range of sectors, including Med-tech, Pharma, Fin-tech and Mobility. The average campaign size is roughly €600,000. In December 2023, Spark Crowdfunding raised €1.5m for the Galway med-tech company AuriGen Medical from 275 private investors in 18 days. In July of this year, AuriGen Medical raised a further €1.9m from 200 private investors on the Spark Crowdfunding platform. With regulatory status from the Central Bank of Ireland, Spark Crowdfunding is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of equity crowdfunding in Ireland.