Ethereum and ICO- Can it change crowdfunding

There are sparse opportunities for smaller players to meet the financial needs of their promising innovation.

Crowdfunding has been around since 2006, and many entrepreneurs have turned to it as an alternative funding source. Platforms provide the best bitcoin trading experience with a low initial deposit. The withdrawals on this platform are quick with extraordinary security.  In case you are into Ethereum trading, you may use a reputable platform like EthereumCode.

Now Ethereum is emerging as an essential platform for raising money through ICOs or Initial Coin Offerings. While being a viable alternative funding source, it also has its shortcomings. Many present-day ICOs are private sales in which the only way to participate is by buying tokens. With this model, only the early adopters access what is available, and those who walk in late have no choice but to sit out.

Blockchain technology and Ethereum make it possible for anyone to get involved in the Ethereum network, regardless of location or time zone. No centralized authority maintains any application and data store for all network projects. Instead, people can download a wallet and start participating at will.

The Ethereum network is decentralized and self-sustainable, meaning that all the transactions and smart contracts are controlled by a peer-to-peer network that is kept running through the ‘miners’ who participate in securing the network. However, since the central point of failure does not exist in this network, the system needs to be prepared to handle attacks from outside forces because once a smart contract on Ethereum is initiated, it cannot be undone or reversed by the involved parties.

What is an ICO?

The protocol allows raised funds to be distributed to investors as crypto-tokens or digital currency. The platform has facilitated the distribution of crypto-tokens and digital coins for ventures as varied as decentralized games and automated investment advice. Most ICOs are tokenized on Ethereum, but some are based on other networks.

Ethereum has been instrumental in raising funding for many projects through ICOs with its development as an open-source platform. With its growing popularity as a crowdfunding tool, many people are interested in learning more about Ethereum and how it works.

The Ethereum network is a blockchain with a universal cryptographic token called Ether. It is an open-source programming platform on which applications can be built by the user, run without any central authority, and be programmed to execute the terms of smart contracts.

The Ethereum network has attracted the attention of many people who want to build businesses using it and, at the same time, benefit from its vast potential to serve as an essential tool in funding their projects.

Ethereum enables developers to construct their applications and deploy them on a blockchain with no coding knowledge required. Starting the Ethereum network is not accessible due to its steep learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you will learn how fast users can use this software for creating decentralized businesses.

Why are ICOs the best method of crowdfunding?

While crowdfunding is a viable alternative funding source, it has some downsides. The ICOs are disrupting the traditional fundraising models and turning out to be a better option. However, one of the biggest problems associated with crowdfunding is that it can be difficult for smaller projects to secure funding.

It offers better opportunities to smaller players than big venture capital firms constantly looking for new market opportunities.  The Ethereum network allows small teams and startups to get the funding they need by creating their token or coin attached to a specific project. Fundraising can occur in minutes once the project reaches its soft cap.

One of the most significant advantages of ICOs over traditional crowdfunding is that it offers small startups and companies easy access to capital. In addition, people can invest in a startup as a part owner of the company, thus getting an ownership stake.

In most cases, ICOs are aimed at solving industry problems through technological solutions; therefore, tracking a large number of investors is not necessary. It ensures that there will be no significant funds, with funds being spread out across several different projects.

Are ICOs better than IPOs?

While ICOs offer smaller players the opportunity to bypass the traditional gatekeeper of venture capital firms and angel investors, they are still a long way to go before they can match the liquidity that comes with an IPO. While ICOs allow small players access to capital, it is essential to remember that they are also more prone to failure. The risk associated with ICOs is also much higher than IPOs, as only around 60 percent of them result in a return on your investment, whereas 84 percent of IPOs generate positive returns.