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:
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.
Highlights:
02:41 Bill Huston's Early Life and Career
07:50 Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
14:14 Crowdfunding Ventures and Challenges
21:15 The Power of Community Capital
31:07 Rewards vs. Investment Crowdfunding
39:22 The Power of Crowdfunding
40:54 Understanding SAFE Agreements
43:12 Challenges in Crowdfunding
43:19 The Role of Raiseway
44:31 Crowdfunding Statistics
45:15 The Importance of Community Support
46:03 Crowdfunding Education and Engagement
51:19 Crowdfit Investment Strategy
55:35 Ideal Products for Crowdfunding
01:01:25 Crowdfunding in the Caribbean
01:11:06 Future of Crowdfunding
01:15:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Subscribe to The Value:
Visit https://thevalue.show/subscribe to subscribe. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Related Videos
Doing It For the Community featuring Jay Jackson
Join host Kevin Valley as he dives into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Jay Jackson, an award-winning entrepreneur and author. Jay shares his evolution from corporate life to owning a real estate company and establishing RYSE Creative Village, a nurturing hub for creators in music, film, a...