According to the CCA Crowdfunding GenomeTM, California is once again the best state for startups. This marks the eighth consecutive year that California has topped the list, an achievement that underscores its unrivaled status as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The state’s top position is bolstered by several key factors, including world-renowned ecosystems like Silicon Valley/San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Why California Continues to Lead
Silicon Valley is globally recognized for its concentration of tech giants, startups, and venture capitalists, creating a unique environment where cutting-edge technology and investment opportunities thrive. The presence of prestigious universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley further fuels the ecosystem by providing a steady stream of talent and research breakthroughs.
Southern California, including Los Angeles, has also become a thriving startup scene. Its diverse industry focus ranges from entertainment and media to biotechnology and aerospace. Initiatives like PledgeLA and support from local governments have fostered a more inclusive and supportive environment for entrepreneurs, promoting diversity in tech and venture capital.
Challenges: High Costs and Taxes
Despite its many advantages, California does face significant drawbacks, particularly its tax structure and cost of living. These factors can impact the overall attractiveness for startups looking to minimize operational expenses and maximize financial efficiency. However, these challenges have not significantly deterred the influx of startups and investment in the state.
Momentum and Economic Impact
California received the highest score for Momentum, which measures economic impact and growth potential through capital reinvested in the state and unrealized wealth creation. California issuers led in the reinvestment of money back into the economy, totaling approximately $8.3 billion, and experienced high valuation growth at 276%.
Capital and Financial Support
The state also scored highest for Capital, indicating robust financial support available to startups through direct investments and growth in investor sentiment. States that score high in this category are able to raise substantial funds from investors and receive follow-on investments, signaling a strong belief in the ecosystem’s companies.
Scalability and Market Access
California excels in Scalability, which measures startups’ access to markets and potential for scaling. The state boasts more revenue-generating companies and higher median valuations compared to other states, indicating its superior market value and scalability potential.
Key Statistics from 2023
In 2023, companies in California raised over $162 million through 283 successfully funded deals across 121 NAICS industries. Among these, 46 deals raised over $1 million, with four exceeding $5 million. San Francisco led with 39 deals, Los Angeles with 20, and San Diego with 19. Overall, 109 cities in California were involved in at least one Regulation Crowdfunding deal, with over 94,000 investors, primarily from California, supporting local businesses.
The average valuation for successful deals in California was $35 million, with a median of $16 million. Post-revenue issuers had an average valuation of $39.4 million ($18 million median), while pre-revenue issuers averaged $26.4 million with a median of $15 million. Startups under three years old had average and median valuations of $20.8 million and $10 million, respectively. In comparison, established issuers over three years old averaged $43.4 million and had a median of $20 million.
The total value of all successful issuers in California in 2023 was $7 billion, indicating potential significant returns for some investors upon exit. Last year, California companies created or supported over 22,800 jobs and achieved more than $372 million in revenue, critical data points for civic leaders nationwide.
Other Top-Ranking States
Following California in the rankings are Hawaii, New York, Utah, and Texas. Utah moved up from fifth to fourth place this year, while Texas fell from fourth to fifth place. These states have their own strengths and unique advantages that contribute to their high rankings.
California’s leadership in the startup ecosystem is well-deserved, given its robust investment climate, supportive policies, and exceptional talent pool. However, other states like Hawaii, New York, Utah, and Texas are also making significant strides in fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial growth. As we continue to monitor and analyze the dynamics of startup ecosystems, these findings provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers looking to drive economic growth and innovation. Read the full report for further information on what drove California to the top of the list and what Hawaii is doing to stand out.
Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, is the undisputed winner of this year’s list of best ecosystems for pre-IPO startups. It offers a unique blend of advantages, making it a magnet for entrepreneurs. The region’s robust infrastructure, dynamic startup culture, lower operational costs, a major inte
rnational airport, supportive government, and easy market access make it an ideal location for startups.
Vibrant and Inclusive Community
The entrepreneurial community in Phoenix/Scottsdale is vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative. Numerous incubators and accelerators, along with the support of Arizona State University’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, foster innovation and provide startups with the resources they need to thrive. This supportive environment reflects the region’s ability to attract venture capital, indicating strong investor confidence and making it a positive space for successful crowdfunding issuers seeking to scale beyond crowd capital.
Government Support and Quality of Life
Arizona’s state government is pivotal in supporting startups with incentives, tax credits, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. Additionally, Phoenix/Scottsdale’s vibrant business and tech community, combined with a lower cost of living and high standard of living, makes it an ideal location for pre-IPO startups. The Greater Phoenix area also offers a vibrant cultural scene with great food, outdoor activities, and a pleasant climate (at least seven months a year), making it an attractive place for both work and life.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
As a crowdfunding ecosystem, Phoenix/Scottsdale ranks very high for pouring money back into the local economy and experiencing high valuation growth. The region shows strong community engagement relative to its population size and boasts more mature startups with a growing employee base pulled from a pool of talented, experienced, and expert subjects.
Momentum and Valuation Growth
Momentum significantly contributed to Phoenix’s high score, where it outperformed other regions by a wide margin. This was particularly evident in the dramatic increases in valuation across funding rounds. For instance, Nxu’s valuation soared from $3.9M to $385M over three rounds, and Battle Approved saw its valuation jump from $6.3M to $53M across two rounds. Collectively, offerings from Phoenix/Scottsdale experienced an average valuation increase of 1365%, starkly higher than any other ecosystem, with Pittsburgh the next closest at under 500%.
Repeat Issuers and Ecosystem Support
Phoenix/Scottsdale is ranked fifth in average funding rounds per issuer, indicating an environment that attracts and retains businesses across multiple stages of growth. This reflects a more mature market where investors are committed to supporting companies through successive growth phases.
The ecosystem’s high rankings in average check size (9th) and total capital raised per offering (11th) testify to the market’s stability and potential. These rankings showcase the volume of investments and significant individual investor commitments, underscoring a deep trust in the market.
Workforce and Expertise
Although not the leader in average issuer age, Phoenix/Scottsdale has more employees per issuer than the average across other ecosystems, enhancing its expertise ratings. This robust workforce empowers issuers to manage and scale their operations effectively, supporting sustained growth.
Community and Network Effects
With a large population relative to the number of offerings, the ecosystem benefits from a wide base of potential backers. This broad support base is critical for fostering a sustainable and growing ecosystem comparable to other top-performing regions like San Diego and New York.
Success Stories
Several companies have driven Phoenix/Scottsdale to the top of the list in 2024:
Phoenix/Scottsdale’s top ranking in the Crowdfunding Genome report is a testament to its thriving startup ecosystem. The region serves as a model for other cities looking to foster innovation and support entrepreneurial growth. Explore the full Crowdfunding Genome report for deeper insights into what makes Phoenix/Scottsdale a leader in the startup world.
We are thrilled to introduce the Crowdfunding Genome, a groundbreaking tool designed to provide unparalleled insights into the dynamics of startup ecosystems across the United States. At CCA, we aim to empower entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem enablers, and policymakers with the data they need to drive innovation and economic growth.
What is the Crowdfunding Genome?
The Crowdfunding Genome is a comprehensive analysis that evaluates the health and vibrancy of startup ecosystems. By leveraging extensive investment crowdfunding data and sophisticated analytics, it offers a detailed look at various factors that contribute to startup success, including funding volumes, investor engagement, and the overall entrepreneurial environment.
Key Features and Benefits
One of the standout features of the Crowdfunding Genome is its ability to rank states and cities based on their startup ecosystems. This ranking helps identify which regions are leading the way in fostering innovation and which areas have room for improvement.
For example, our latest report highlights California as the best state for startups, thanks to its robust investment climate, supportive policies, and diverse talent pool. Similarly, Phoenix/Scottsdale has emerged as the top city for startups, showcasing its vibrant entrepreneurial community and effective use of crowdfunding.
Why It Matters
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different startup ecosystems is crucial for anyone involved in the entrepreneurial landscape. Entrepreneurs can use these insights to choose the best locations for their ventures. Investors can identify promising regions and sectors to invest in. Policymakers can develop targeted strategies to support local startups and attract more investment.
Get Involved
We invite you to explore the Crowdfunding Genome and discover how it can benefit your business, organization, or community. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to raise capital, an investor seeking new opportunities, or a policymaker aiming to boost local economic growth, the Crowdfunding Genome offers valuable insights that can help you achieve your goals.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from CCA as we continue to support the growth and success of startups nationwide. Download the full report today and start leveraging the power of data to drive your success.
On June 20th, at the Reg A Crowdfunding Conference in Westchester, NY, Sherwood Neiss gave a speech highlighting the monumental achievements of passing Regulation Crowdfunding (RegCF) through a highly partisan Congress. Reflecting on these challenges, he underscored the importance of this regulatory milestone, especially considering the current gridlock in Washington, DC.
Neiss, representing Crowdfund Capital Advisors (CCA), observed significant growth in Regulation Crowdfunding since its inception on May 16, 2016. He mentioned that their data product, CClear, represents a complete dataset of the industry, covering all offerings, investor sentiment, valuations over time, demographics, sector traction, and much more. This comprehensive dataset allows CCA to provide valuable insights to financial service firms, industry followers, investors, and governments.
Data Insights
Venture Capital Integration He noted that institutional capital is one of the missing links in the investment crowdfunding marketplace. Drawing from the experience of the P2P lending space, Neiss believes the market will significantly benefit when institutional capital fully engages. Their solution, D3VC, is a $5M starter venture fund leveraging AI and ML, along with their comprehensive data, to identify promising issuers. The goal is to invest in 200 companies, providing a pathway for institutional investors through subsequent larger funds.
Liquidity A major aspect of RegCF, Neiss said, is the 12-month holding period for securities, after which they become freely transferable. However, most of these securities must comply with State Blue Sky laws. To facilitate secondary trading of these securities, CCA developed a fintech platform called GUARDD. This platform ensures compliance with Blue Sky laws, enabling free trading of these securities.
For the first time, Neiss introduced the Crowdfunding Genome, an advanced data analytics tool designed to evaluate and rank the leading crowdfunding ecosystems in the United States. Based on comprehensive data from CClear, Phoenix/Scottsdale was identified as the leading ecosystem for 2024. Key factors driving Phoenix to the top include significant valuation increases, high average funding rounds per issuer, and substantial individual investor commitments.
Neiss believes that the number of issuers entering the market will grow over time, driven by increasing media attention and a potential reset in valuations, particularly for pre-revenue startups. He also sees the rise of AI as a significant disruptor in early-stage investing, helping to identify promising opportunities amidst the growing number of deals.
Investment crowdfunding is an evolving market with immense potential. As data continues to be gathered and analyzed, platforms like CClear and GUARDD will play crucial roles in providing transparency, facilitating investment, and driving growth. For economic development offices and investors alike, staying informed about these trends and tools will be essential for leveraging the benefits of Regulation Crowdfunding.
For further information contact: info@theccagroup.com
In a recent episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Adam Torres interviewed Woodie Neiss, a partner at Crowdfund Capital Advisors (CCA), about the transformative impact and rapid growth of investment crowdfunding.
Woodie Neiss is a pioneer in the crowdfunding industry. He co-authored the framework for Title III of the U.S. JOBS Act, which legalized equity—and lending-based crowdfunding. His extensive involvement includes consulting for governments and multilateral organizations and co-founding Crowdfund Capital Advisors and GUARDD.
Neiss shared how his frustrations with traditional venture capital led him to develop the regulatory framework for crowdfunding, enabling businesses to raise money from a broader range of investors. This framework was crucial in filling the funding gap between $25,000 and $250,000, where traditional venture capital and angel investors typically do not venture.
Regulation Crowdfunding allows companies to raise funds from both retail and accredited investors through online platforms, creating a digital footprint that ensures transparency and reduces fraud. This model requires companies to disclose comprehensive information about their business, enhancing investor confidence.
The growth of crowdfunding has been exponential. It took five years for the industry to raise its first billion dollars but only 18 months for the second billion. This rapid growth is attributed to increasing awareness and the successful exits of early crowdfunding investments, which have started to yield returns for average investors.
Neiss highlighted various successful crowdfunding campaigns, such as Boxable, which evolved from manufacturing small prefab casitas to large-scale workforce housing solutions. This diversity showcases crowdfunding’s ability to support a wide range of industries, from biotech to real estate.
For business owners, Neiss emphasized the importance of having a prepared and engaged crowd before launching a campaign. Crowdfunding requires significant preparation, marketing efforts, and a dedicated team. For investors, thorough due diligence is crucial. Neiss advises looking at a company’s revenue model, burn rate, and valuation to make informed investment decisions.
CCA plays a pivotal role in the crowdfunding ecosystem by providing comprehensive data and insights through its CCLEAR database. This data helps track industry trends and company performance and facilitates informed investment decisions. CCA also explores venture opportunities and liquidity solutions, aiming to integrate institutional capital into the crowdfunding market.
Investment crowdfunding has democratized access to capital, allowing businesses to tap into a broader investor base and providing average investors with opportunities to participate in high-growth ventures. As the industry matures, its impact on the economy and its potential for further growth remain substantial.
Sherwood Neiss, Principal of CCA, recently had the pleasure of appearing on the Mapable USA podcast, where he discussed the fascinating world of investment crowdfunding from a data-driven perspective. He delved into the intricacies of investment crowdfunding, highlighting the importance of data in shaping successful campaigns and investment strategies. He talked about how AI is helping guide investment decisions already today. Here’s a recap of some key points he covered during the podcast.
Crowdfunding has revolutionized the way startups and small businesses raise capital. Platforms like Wefunder, StartEngine, and Republic have made it easier for companies to access funds from a large pool of investors. But what truly drives the success of these campaigns? The answer lies in the data.
Data-driven insights help both issuers and investors make informed decisions. For instance, according to CCLEAR’s comprehensive dataset, investment crowdfunding activity saw notable trends in 2023:
One of the most common questions about crowdfunding is the cost involved in running a campaign. Our discussion highlighted findings from a detailed survey on the costs associated with Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns:
Data plays a critical role in every stage of a crowdfunding campaign. From selecting the right platform to understanding investor behavior, data-driven strategies can significantly enhance campaign outcomes. For example, CCLEAR’s dataset, which tracks over 8,500 unique offerings across 1,800 cities, provides valuable insights into market trends and investor preferences.
Explore CCLEAR.ai for more detailed insights and updates on crowdfunding trends. Additionally, feel free to sign up for the CCA newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in the crowdfunding space.
Yesterday marks the 8th anniversary of Regulation Crowdfunding (RegCF), a transformative force in democratizing capital and fueling the dreams of entrepreneurs across America. Since its inception, Reg CF has unlocked new pathways for entrepreneurs and investors alike. More than 2 million Americans have injected $2.4 billion into over 6,500 startups and small businesses who have tried their hand at regulated investment crowdfunding .
RegCF stands out as a beacon of inclusivity, with nearly 50% of recent offerings by women and minority-led ventures. This legislation has not only fostered diversity but also spurred significant economic growth, supporting over 400,000 jobs and injecting $7.5 billion into local economies.
Just like venture capital, RegCF offers the opportunity to invest in companies at their earliest stages and lowest valuations. While the risks are inherent, the potential rewards are substantial.
The success stories are plentiful. Companies now valued at over $86.8 billion showcase the immense potential for wealth creation. RegCF’s reach spans 1,750 cities, proving that impactful innovation can thrive far beyond Silicon Valley.
Sherwood Neiss, Principal at Crowdfund Capital Advisors, reflects, “Regulation Crowdfunding is ushering in a new era of liquidity, increased venture participation, and a maturing issuer profile. With more revenue-generating and less risky companies entering the market, RegCF is set to drive sustainable economic growth.”
As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to a future where even more individuals can participate in this dynamic investment landscape, driving economic prosperity and reshaping financial norms.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. We invite you to explore the boundless potential of Regulation Crowdfunding.
Investment crowdfunding is evolving and taking on a new role in the capital formation roadmap. Sherwood Neiss, principal at Crowdfund Capital Advisors, discusses this change.
The crowdfunding sector is currently thriving, supported by regulations such as Reg A+, Reg CF, and Reg D, which facilitate innovative fundraising approaches. This webinar provides a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in these regulations, explores the emerging trend of fractional investing, and examines the impact of technology on the future of online capital formation.
Hey there, fellow innovators and dreamers! I’m thrilled to share with you the latest insights from the frontier of financing in our newest podcast episode. As your guide through the ever-evolving landscape of investment, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the brilliant Mr. Woody, a maestro in the realms of crowdfunding and venture capital (VC). 🚀 Crowdfunding: The Game Changer We dove deep into how crowdfunding isn’t just a buzzword—it’s revolutionizing how startups and pre-IPO businesses are turning their visions into reality. Imagine raising up to $5 million, not from faceless corporations, but from your own community of supporters. That’s the power of crowdfunding, and it’s reshaping the way entrepreneurs think about capital. 🌐 Building a Community of Backers Mr. Woody illuminated the shift from solo ventures to creating a thriving ecosystem of backers. This isn’t just about money; it’s about fostering brand advocates who amplify your message and drive your business forward. And guess what? Venture capitalists are taking notice. 💡 Merging Investors with Brand Advocates The lines between customers and investors are blurring. We discussed how turning your customers into investors can create a legion of passionate supporters who are invested (quite literally) in your success. 🔍 Attracting Investors to Your Cause Before you launch your crowdfunding campaign, listen in as we reveal the strategies to build your crowd, from leveraging social media to connecting with angels and VCs who share your vision for innovation. 🔮 The Future of Crowdfunding and VC The landscape is changing, and VCs are joining the crowdfunding party. We explored how this synergy could democratize early-stage financing and give more people a chance to be part of the next big success story. 🤝 A Shift in VC Perception We wrapped up with a look at how VCs are warming up to crowdfunding, recognizing the caliber of companies emerging from this space. It’s an exciting time to be an entrepreneur, and the opportunities are boundless. I can’t wait for you to join us on this journey of discovery. Tune in to the episode and let’s explore the possibilities together. If you’ve got a deal brewing, reach out—your story could be the next feature on our show!
Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) offers an exciting avenue for startups and small businesses to raise capital directly from the public. However, success in a Reg CF offering comes with certain ongoing responsibilities, chief among them being the legal obligation to keep investors informed about the business’s progress and financial health. This is where the Form C-AR, or the annual report, becomes crucial.
Form C-AR is an annual report that issuers who have successfully raised funds through Regulation Crowdfunding must file with the SEC. This document helps maintain transparency by providing investors and the public with up-to-date information on the company’s financial status and operational developments. It typically includes updated financial statements, a discussion of the business’s operations and financial condition, and details on the use of the funds raised.
Before Filing: Preparation is Key
Filing on EDGAR:
To continue, download the instructions for free.
In this enlightening episode of Fintech Fridays, Season 4, Episode 62, host Craig Asano, founder and CEO of NCFA Canada, sits down with the distinguished Sherwood ‘Woodie’ Neiss, a pioneer in the investment crowdfunding industry and an advisor to NCFA. Together, they delve into the evolution of investment crowdfunding, its impact on startups and investors alike, and the potential for future growth. Woodie shares his journey, from the inception of crowdfunding regulations to leading the charge with data-driven insights and AI technology in investment strategies. Listeners will gain an insider’s perspective on the latest developments, the significance of data in shaping the industry, and the role of technology in advancing investment opportunities. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or fintech enthusiast, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the dynamic world of investment crowdfunding, revealing how it’s reshaping the landscape of finance and opening new doors for innovation and growth.