Bennet to host crowdfunding seminar in Fort Collins

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet will play co-host to a series of crowdfunding seminars statewide for small and start-up business owners and entrepreneurs, his office said Friday.

Bennet and others will explain how crowdfunding works and how businesses can take advantage of the new resource to raise early-stage capital.

Participants also will hear from local entrepreneurs and business owners, legal experts and senior staff from AngelList, a platform for start-up fundraising. Representatives from traditional investment firms in Colorado, including venture capital, banks and microfinance, also will be present.

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“Many small businesses, young businesses and start-ups face challenges raising capital,” Bennet said in a statement from his office. “Crowdfunding is great tool to access new investment, drive innovation, promote job growth and support small businesses in a way we have not seen before.”

“These sessions will offer important information about crowdfunding and how it can help Colorado businesses harness capital,” he said.

Along with learning about crowdfunding, participants can offer key input for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to consider as it develops regulations.

Seminars are planned for Fort Collins, Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Durango and Grand Junction. The Colorado Technology Association, Colorado Bankers Association, Cooley LLP and others also will play host.

Using crowdfunding, startups can raise capital online, including through social media, from multiple investors. Bennet included the crowdfunding provision in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law last month.

Entrepreneurs can give information on their businesses and ask investors to contribute capital. The model is in use on websites such as Kickstarter, which raises funding for artists and films.