Crowdf(o)unding in context

In such a rapidly developing world, crowdfunding is gaining in popularity. The present chapter provides the reader with an overview of the topic in different geographical contexts, bearing in mind the financial markets' perspective and zooming in on one of its main forms: equity crowdfunding. First, it outlines a comprehensive picture on platforms' characteristics, then, after a comparative analysis on its functioning, the chapter focuses on a groundbreaking experience: in fact, Italian law represents the very first (at least European) nation in which a specific regulation on that topic was implemented. Lastly, comments, suggestions for policymakers and ideas for further research are developed.