The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada Conference a few weeks ago in Toronto was a hit. I met with Crowdfunding fanatics, experts and people who are a big part of the industry. Overall, a very well put together event, the biggest takeaway was the quality of sessions and conversations. From Venture funds to Angels to Crowdfunding platforms, the conference was definitely a highlight of the Canadian Crowdfunding Industry in 2016.

I met with a number of people at the event and has the pleasure of having in depth conversations with three disruptors in the industry. I first spoke with Arti Modi, CEO and Co-Founder of LendingArch, a Calgary based financing platform. Arti share some key insights about how the industry is being affected by Millennials as an example and what their company is doing differently that taps into an underserved market. More details on LendingArch at www.lendingarch.com

I also spoke with Founders of Canadas Only Luxury Electric Sports Vehicle, a huge disruptor that is taking the route of Equity Crowdfunding to raise over $25 Million. Both Mike and Mario shared their insights into the automobile industry with a touch on technology and crowdfunding and why their choices of taking the equity crowdfunding route was the best decision they could make. More details on this revolutionary global phenomenon with its home right here in Canada at www.dubucmotors.com

Lastly I spoke with Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, Founder & CEO of FrontFundr, a Vancouver based Crowdfunding platform that launched a new offering during the Conference. Peter provided his insights about new regulations, traditional funding methods and how the process of raising capital has changed to Crowdfunding. More details on www.frontfundr.com