Resolving information asymmetric and social network theories challenges in crowdfunding campaigns

Abstract

Using Asymmetric Information and Social Networking theories the paper highlights the relevance of these two theories to crowdfunding. The study combines these theoretical perspectives with the practical aspects of startup companies raising finance using the crowd. The key concepts of these theories are critically considered and the study is conducted in the form of a review of the literature and expressing of opinion. Consequently, the experiential justification of the theories presented is not within the scope of this paper. The study is also limited generally to the field of crowdfunding as an alternate source of funding for start-up companies. We evaluate and discuss how lack of information between project initiators and backers can result in the project's inability to meet the project goal. We also consider how social network connection affects fundraising using the crowd. First, crowdfunding has some information difficulties because it involves the raising of funds using internet platforms. Second, the number of a founder's social network connections is associated positively with the capital raised from a project.