Because of the subprime mortgage crisis in 2008, the challenges of securing necessary external capital have become more significant for young ventures. In this realm, equity crowdfunding has evolved into the most promising financing alternative for entrepreneurs and received worldwide attention. By focusing on three subsequent research questions, this book aims to contribute to the ongoing scientific discussion of equity crowdfunding. First, it reveals fruitful future research avenues by providing a systematic overview of the development of equity crowdfunding research.

Second, it sheds light on the so far less explored investor perspective and analyzes the decision-making process of equity crowdfunding investors. Third, based on a multi-method approach, the questions of how equity crowdfunding investors evaluate radically innovative ventures and how radically innovative ventures can establish venture legitimacy are explored.

Dr. Kazem Mochkabad Khoramchahi is a post-doctoral researcher at the Chair of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development & UNESCO Chair of Entrepreneurship and Intercultural Management, University of Wuppertal, where he received his doctorate in entrepreneurial finance. Before, he has studied Economics in Wuppertal. Despite his research focus on entrepreneurial finance, his research interests include social and cultural entrepreneurship.