In this episode, Kevin Valley engages with Bill Huston, a leading expert in the field of investment crowdfunding and recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the top 19 global crowdfunding professionals. Together, they explore the various forms of crowdfunding—donation, rewards, and investment—and discuss their unique advantages, particularly for underserved communities.

Bill sheds light on his journey from Cincinnati to becoming a prominent figure in the crowdfunding industry, emphasizing the significance of community, mentorship, and access to capital.

The discussion also highlights the need for increased awareness and education about crowdfunding among government bodies and financiers.

Bill outlines strategies to use crowdfunding as a demonstration of due diligence and the role of robust business plans. He acknowledges regional advancements, particularly in the Caribbean, and predicts a future with more opportunities for non-accredited investors through community-driven models.

Throughout the episode, Bill underscores that while not everyone may become an entrepreneur, everyone has the potential to be an investor.

Segments:

1. Introduction to Investment Crowdfunding

• Bill: Talks extensively about the fundamentals of crowdfunding, distinguishing between investment crowdfunding and rewards crowdfunding. He gives examples like the Oculus Rift to highlight the differences.

Bill Huston's Journey

• Bill: Shares his personal and professional journey from starting local food businesses to becoming a recognized expert in crowdfunding. His experiences emphasize the importance of community-focused investments.

Impact of Crowdfunding on Community Wealth

• Bill: Discusses how crowdfunding can serve as a tool for building wealth in low-wealth communities, especially focusing on black and Latino business owners. He shares success stories such as Black Coffee and Roots & Vines.

Crowdfunding Strategies

• Bill: Introduces the 'crowdfit' strategy, focusing on the importance of engaging one's closest networks first to hit minimum funding targets. He explains how this strategy works and why it's effective for underserved communities.

International Crowdfunding and Regulation

• Bill and Kevin: Discuss the potential for crowdfunding in international markets, particularly the Caribbean. They touch on regulatory challenges and provide insights into making crowdfunding work in these areas.

Future of Crowdfunding

• Bill: Shares his vision on the future of crowdfunding. Talks about its growing importance and potential impact on small businesses, real estate, and community projects.

Key Takeaways:

• Investment crowdfunding goes beyond financial returns by contributing to community wealth-building.
• The 'crowdfit' strategy is effective in helping small businesses hit their initial funding targets by engaging closely with their primary and secondary networks.
• There is a big opportunity for crowdfunding in international markets, although regulatory challenges need to be addressed.
• Crowdfunding has the potential to democratize access to investment opportunities, making it crucial for economic growth and community development.

Resources Mentioned:

• Fund Black Founders
• Kickstarter
• Indiegogo
• WeFunder
• Raiseway
• Crowdfund Better
• 10K Project

Highlights:

02:41 Bill Huston's Early Life and Career07:50 Entrepreneurial Journey Begins14:14 Crowdfunding Ventures and Challenges21:15 The Power of Community Capital31:07 Rewards vs. Investment Crowdfunding39:22 The Power of Crowdfunding40:54 Understanding SAFE Agreements43:12 Challenges in Crowdfunding43:19 The Role of Raiseway44:31 Crowdfunding Statistics45:15 The Importance of Community Support46:03 Crowdfunding Education and Engagement51:19 Crowdfit Investment Strategy55:35 Ideal Products for Crowdfunding01:01:25 Crowdfunding in the Caribbean01:11:06 Future of Crowdfunding01:15:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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