The Securities and Exchange Board of India, on Tuesday, proposed new norms for ‘crowdfunding’ or collection funds through web-based platforms and social networking sites — a move that would help start-up companies raise capital and also check misuse of such avenues.
Under the proposed norms, crowdfunding platforms can be provided by only SEBI-registered entities, while companies can raise up to Rs.10 crore in a year through this route.
Given the high-level of risks associated with this new way of fund-raising activity, SEBI has also proposed that only ‘accredited investors’ be allowed to participate in crowdfunding activities.
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Such investors would include institutional investors, companies, HNIs and financially-secure retail investors advised by investment advisors or portfolio managers. Besides, the crowdfunding investment of retail investors would be capped at Rs.60,000 or 10 per cent of their net worth.
Also, only those entities would be allowed to raise funds through crowdfunding which are not associated with a business group having turnover of more than Rs 25 crore. Entities with an established business, already listed on an exchange or being in existence for four years or more would be barred too.
Those engaged in real estate and financial sector businesses would also be barred from tapping this route.
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The final norms would be issued after taking into account comments from public and other stakeholders till July 16.