European Crowdfunding Network

The European Crowdfunding Network AISBL (ECN) is an independent, non-profit association established under Belgian law, dedicated to promoting transparency, self-regulation, and governance within the European crowdfunding industry. Founded in 2013, ECN has been instrumental in shaping the European crowdfunding and digital finance landscape by contributing to EU policy discussions, supporting regulatory development, and positioning crowdfunding within broader capital markets and innovation strategies. (eurocrowd.org ) ECN's mission is to support and promote crowdfunding as an alternative funding mechanism for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative projects across Europe. The organization aims to increase understanding of the key roles that crowdfunding can play in supporting entrepreneurship, job creation, cultural enrichment, economic growth, and environmental protection. (eurocrowd.org ) In 2024, ECN expanded its operations by establishing EUROCROWD BV, a strategic consulting studio and innovation partner specializing in crowdfunding, alternative finance, and capital ecosystem design. EUROCROWD BV partners with platforms, startups, institutions, and investors to translate policy into action, capital into growth, and ideas into scalable businesses. This entity offers services such as policy advice, strategic consultancy, and venture building, ensuring financial sustainability and broad market relevance. (eurocrowd.org ) ECN has played a recognized role in the development of the European Crowdfunding Service Providers Regulation (ECSPR) and has engaged with EU institutions, national authorities, platforms, investors, and researchers across Europe. The organization has contributed independent expertise to the alignment of national and EU regulatory frameworks affecting crowdfunding, including work related to the Prospectus regime, the ECSPR, and MiCA, as well as to the emergence of new policy-enabled practices such as match-funding. (eurocrowd.org ) Through its initiatives, ECN empowers the growth of crowdfunding and alternative finance by providing market research, capacity building, technical assistance, and EU grant management. The organization also runs educational programs tailored to entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, investors, and authorities, fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and shaping public discourse on the pivotal role of crowdfunding in driving economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development. (eurocrowd.org ) Collaboration is at the heart of ECN's operations. The organization works closely with stakeholders, market actors, policymakers, regulators, industry associations, and other partners to promote a supportive business environment for capital formation through crowdfunding. By analyzing the evolving market landscape, ECN assesses the impact of regulatory and industry changes on crowdfunding platforms, European businesses, and the broader ecosystem, helping identify opportunities and tackle challenges for adaptation and innovation. (eurocrowd.org ) ECN operates today as a unified group, combining the non-profit association European Crowdfunding Network AISBL and the advisory business EUROCROWD BV. Together, these entities power a portfolio of impactful brands that shape the future of crowdfunding and alternative finance in Europe. While the AISBL builds trust, shapes policy, and fosters collaboration through its representative membership actions, the BV delivers the necessary and practical solutions and commercial expertise, ensuring financial sustainability and broad market relevance. (eurocrowd.org ) Through its brands and integrated structure, ECN continues to pioneer efforts in policy leadership, technical services, and capacity building. By serving both its members and the broader market, it remains at the forefront of shaping the future of alternative finance in Europe. (eurocrowd.org )