Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Crowdfunding is about to start being advertised on TV.
A new show to be broadcast on Sky today called CrowdboxTV will feature a live, Dragons' Den style, pitch for funding from the viewing public by Big Blue Candle, which makes children's clothes.
A major selling point for the firm is that it promises to donate a large proportion of profits to children's charities.
Crowdfunding allows private individuals to back businesses by teaming up with fellow investors and pooling cash. However, it is unregulated and can be high risk. There have been warnings from consumer groups that there are not enough safeguards in place and that the public are not being warned of the risk.
One of the more successful crowdfunding websites, Syndicateroom, told the Independent on Sunday it is surprised at how much individual clients are investing. The minimum investment allowed through the site is £500 but the average to date is £5,000.
Goncalo de Vasconcelos, the founder of Syndicateroom, said crowdfunding wasn't just appealing to "penny stock dabblers but to more sophisticated investors who are keen to include equity in a start up business as part of a balanced portfolio".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments