The European Crowdfunding Network (ECN) was established in Brussels in 2013 as an independent initiative focused on the development of crowdfunding and alternative finance in Europe. It emerged at a time when crowdfunding was still in its early stages within European markets and policy discussions. It has become Europe’s independent voice for a professional and scalable crowdfunding market and has been instrumental in shaping the European crowdfunding and digital finance landscape. For over a decade, ECN contributed to EU policy discussions, supported regulatory development, and helped position crowdfunding within broader capital markets and innovation strategies, playing a recognised role in the development of the European Crowdfunding Service Providers Regulation (ECSPR).
The work of ECN contributed to the early development of Europe’s crowdfunding ecosystem and remains part of the institutional foundation on which later innovation finance developments in Europe have built. ECN continues to seeks better market conditions irrespective of the views or interests of individual platforms or groups thereof and does not permit anti-competitive conduct in connection with its name, activities, or outputs.
Ecosystem formation
ECN played a role in bringing together early stakeholders in European crowdfunding, including:
- platforms
- investors
- researchers
- policymakers
- ecosystem organisations
Its objective was to support dialogue, market development, and shared understanding of emerging crowdfunding models.
Policy engagement
ECN contributed to early European discussions on crowdfunding and alternative finance, including topics such as:
- regulatory frameworks for crowdfunding
- SME access to finance
- digital finance and innovation
- cross-border investment environments
These discussions formed part of the broader ecosystem development leading toward later regulatory frameworks, including the European Crowdfunding Service Providers Regulation (ECSPR).
European project activities
ECN participated in and contributed to European projects across multiple funding programmes, including:
- FP7
- CIP
- Horizon 2020
- Erasmus+
- LIFE
Activities included:
- stakeholder engagement
- dissemination and communication
- ecosystem support
- knowledge development
- innovation finance-related work
Events and community building
ECN organised and supported conferences, workshops, and stakeholder events across Europe. This included the development of CrowdCon as a recurring European conference focused on crowdfunding and alternative finance. These activities created platforms for exchange between:
- policymakers
- platforms
- investors
- researchers
- entrepreneurs
Publications and knowledge contributions
ECN produced and contributed to reports, guides, and policy-oriented publications on crowdfunding and alternative finance. These materials supported:
- policy development
- ecosystem understanding
- market education
- regulatory awareness
Legacy
Over time, ECN-related activities evolved into broader implementation-focused work, including European projects, ecosystem development, and innovation finance support activities. Many of these activities continue today through EUROCROWD BV, which builds on the experience and institutional knowledge developed through ECN and related initiatives.
Independence and Competition Safeguards
The European Crowdfunding Network AISBL continues to be governed by an executive board, who act in an individual and non-representative capacity. The association does not include active operational roles from crowdfunding platforms or industry players. Its governance structure is designed to prevent dominance by any single market actor or commercial interest.
Mission, Vision, Purpose
- Mission – To help promote and advance crowdfunding as a key enabler of inclusive, transparent, and sustainable access to finance for innovation, entrepreneurship, and social good across Europe.
- Vision – A Europe where crowdfunding serves as a cornerstone of alternative finance, empowering startups, SMEs, and social projects while contributing to economic, social, and environmental progress.
- Purpose – To support the development of European policy and regulatory frameworks affecting crowdfunding by shaping informed debate, building capacity, and fostering knowledge exchange among stakeholders to strengthen the sector’s role in sustainable growth and innovation.
Board of Directors
The European Crowdfunding Network AISBL is directed by an administrative and executive board, which holds overall strategic and administrative authority, represents the organisation before public and private authorities, and ensures that its objectives are pursued in a prudent and independent manner. Board appointments and mandates are published in accordance with Belgian association law via the Moniteur Belge.
Current Board Members
- Oliver Gajda — Chairman and Executive Director
- Lawrence Claes — Treasurer
- Megan Blair — Secretary
Legal & Governance Note
The European Crowdfunding Network AISBL is an independent, non-profit association established under Belgian law. It does not operate as a trade association, industry body, or representative organisation. Participation in its activities does not imply membership in a representative sense, endorsement, affiliation, or influence over policy positions.
The association does not provide commercial services and does not act on behalf of clients, platforms, or market participants. All commercial and service-related activities or our brand EUROCROWD are carried out separately by EUROCROWD BV since 2024.
Any references to crowdfunding service providers, market actors, or regulatory frameworks are made strictly for informational, analytical, or policy-related purposes and do not imply representation, advocacy of commercial interests, or coordinated market behaviour.