Equity Crowd Funding platform aimed at Diaspora

The principal objective of the project is to establish an Equity based CrowdFunding Platform overseen by AICA, used as a financing source for Armenian start-ups and acting as a bridge to the Armenian Diaspora. The equity finance feature is of especial importance given its originality for the Armenian market and its successful and impactful presence in several other leading entrepreneurship ecosystems.

By the end of the project the following more detailed goals will have been met:

A. Putting in place a technological solution for a comprehensive Equity based CrowdFunding functionality that is in line with best practices studied in other geographies. Such a technological platform will meet the objectives of relevant functionality and features, cost efficiency, user friendliness, transparency, integrity and scalability.

B. Ensuring that the legal and regulatory aspects of the Platform are addressed and in-fitting with established and evolving regulations of the domestic financial supervisor, The Central Bank of Armenia (“the Regulator”).

C. Establishing a business model and an operating structure that will aim to ensure long term financial sustainability of its operations.

D. Putting in place policies & procedures for:

• Selection of start-ups and projects. Such policies will prioritize inclusion, transparency, equitability and sound corporate governance.

• Advisory and coaching of the selected projects and founding teams.

• Marketing and promotion campaigns.

E. Establish networks and cooperation structures with other stakeholders such as local government offices, ICMPD, Universities and other relevant institutions.

Implemented by ICMPD, financially supported by the European Union