PledgeMe, New Zealand’s first and biggest crowd-funding site, was awarded one of the first equity crowd funding licences in New Zealand today.

“We’re delighted to be awarded one of the first ever equity crowdfunding licenses in New Zealand,” says Anna Guenther, co-founder and CEO, PledgeMe.

“We are already New Zealand’s biggest project crowdfunding platform, helping almost 650 Kiwis raise over $2.5 million in the past two years.

“This new license from the Financial Markets Authority allows us to expand the type of crowdfunding we can offer, helping more kiwis fund things they care about.

"Specifically it means Kiwi entrepreneurs can now raise capital by selling shares in their companies to investors on the PledgeMe platform.”

The passing of the Financial Markets Conduct Act in April allowed equity crowdfunding in New Zealand.

PledgeMe has been working with the Financial Markets Authority to gain a licence, submitting hundreds of pages of documents over the past few months.

“Equity crowdfunding means companies can now raise capital more easily, transparently, and interactively than making a public offering of shares or running a private seed round through friends,” Guenther adds.

“It is also an easy way for anyone to invest in a company they want to become successful.

"People in the crowd will have the potential for financial returns. Some companies may also offer some cool immediate rewards.

“PledgeMe has been working with a number of companies ready to start equity crowdfunding. We will be launching their campaigns on the 15th of August with a launch party.

“There has been a lot of interest from companies, supporters and potential investors.

"We will be working with our crowd of 40,000 loyal followers to make sure we are not just helping companies raise money — but also building a community that will help them grow in the future.”