Our team is the driving force behind EUROCROWD: passionate and dedicated to enabling impactful finance with expertise spanning policy, research, and technical support. We are here to help you succeed in the crowdfunding landscape.
At EUROCROWD, our team is driven by a shared commitment to advancing crowdfunding and alternative finance across Europe. Comprised of experts in finance, policy, research, and capacity building, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every initiative. Together, we work to empower businesses, platforms, and investors, creating opportunities to unlock the full potential of crowdfunding as a tool for innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
Our collaborative and forward-thinking culture is the cornerstone of our success. By blending expertise with a passion for impact, we bridge the gap between policy, practice, and market needs, shaping the future of crowdfunding for all stakeholders.
Team
Oliver Gajda – Executive Director
Oliver has over two decades of experience at the intersection of innovation, finance, and policy. In 2013, he founded EUROCROWD to provide a united yet critical voice for the European crowdfunding sector. Today, he leads both the European Crowdfunding Network AISBL, a Brussels-based non-profit association focused on policy and ecosystem development, and EUROCROWD BV, a consultancy offering specialised market services. While distinct in structure, both entities work closely to support responsible and transparent crowdfunding across Europe.
Oliver’s professional path began in the early 1990s in the business information and publishing industries, before evolving into roles in venture capital, microfinance, and social entrepreneurship. Over the years, he has worked with a broad range of organisations across Europe and the United States, bridging the gap between public policy and private innovation. He has contributed to international conversations on alternative finance, the collaborative economy, and entrepreneurship — as a speaker, advisor, and editor of several publications on innovation and finance. Oliver holds Master’s degrees from Solvay Business School (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and the University of Hamburg, and studied at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SEESS), University College London (UCL).
Benat Solino – Strategy & Innovation Consultant
Beñat acts as Strategy & Innovation Consultant to EUROCROWD. He is a dynamic professional with a strong foundation in business management and strategic innovation. A graduate in Business Management & Administration from Deusto Business School, he further expanded his expertise within the advanced Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program, specializing in International Management. With a passion for global business dynamics and strategic development, Beñat brings a forward-thinking perspective to navigating complex markets and fostering innovative solutions. His previous experience in the real estate sector and international outlook and entrepreneurial mindset make him a valuable contributor to driving growth and delivering impactful business outcomes.
Mikel Iglesias – IT Consultant
Mikel acts as IT Consultant to EUROCROWD. He has a strong academic foundation in business administration and technology and holds a degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Digital Management & ERP (SAP) from the University of the Basque Country. With experience in IT consultancy, Mikel specializes in business process optimization and excels at aligning technological solutions with organizational needs. His problem-solving skills and dedication to providing continuous support enable him to address challenges effectively and deliver impactful results. Passionate about the intersection of technology and business, Mikel aims to create long-term value and contribute to the growth and success of the organizations he supports.
Francesca Passeri – Senior Consultant
Francesca acts as a Senior Consultant to EUROCROWD having previously worked for the Emilia-Romagna Delegation to the EU. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Bologna, where she focused on researching the potential of crowdfunding for regional development from a European perspective. Francesca has served as a member of the Executive Board of the European Crowdfunding Network AISBL from 2020 to 2023, where she in particular developed collaboration with regional and local authorities as well as technical assistance, focusing on exploring synergies and possibilities for the integration of crowdfunding into European Structural and Investment Funds.
Mauricio O’Brien – Senior Consultant
Mauricio acts as a Senior Consultant to EUROCROWD. He has over 15 years of experience in Design & ICT and working with academic institutions in higher education, as a coordinator and co-director of the Master Degree course “Design and Architecture” (2004- 2015) at Elisava – Design and Engineering School of Barcelona. He holds a BA in Arts and Design by the Southampton University and Postgraduate in “Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship” by UNED. His previous positions include co-directing a crowdfunding platform, trainer and public relations, and CEO-Founder at Federación de Ideas – Design & Communication Studio (2009-2017).