Jun23252 Transforming Sustainable Investing FundingHope is revolutionising how startups and small businesses raise capital and contribute to a safer, cleaner, healthier future in disadvantaged communities while also making a meaningful difference in their own communities. We speak to Co-Founder and Managing Director, Dorian Dickinson to discover the positive impact that FundingHope is having and how it has earned the title of Most Innovative Investment Crowdfunding Platform 2023 – USA in this issue of Corporate Vision magazine. FundingHope is the first of its kind, the go-to online investment marketplace which connects impact investors with entrepreneurs and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets in distressed, at-risk, and rural communities. Dorian tells us, “We’re transforming how impact investments reach those who have been left behind by big banks and Wall Street, and we are providing a platform so everyone can invest in those most in need.” The aim of the platform is to list private investment opportunities for the general public, so anyone can feel empowered to become an investor in the entrepreneurs they believe in and provide their support towards growing a more sustainable planet. Whether passionate about the environment, a more equitable future, renewable energy, health and sanitation, or food insecurity, every investment makes an impact that encourages positive change both on a local and global scale. For the past decade, Dorian Dickinson has worked tirelessly to improve communities that need it most across the United States and around the world. His experience has led him to believe that traditional funding models are broken, as he explains, “Entrepreneurs and small business owners in these communities often experience the greatest difficulties accessing legitimate financial resources, and traditional capital sources are typically unavailable or prohibitively costly.” Dorian is joined by FundingHope Co-Founder, Dr John Johanson, and they both believe that poverty hotspots represent a serious challenge to the “leave no one behind” spirit of the UN sustainability goals, and they put residents at increased risk for poverty and food insecurity, mental illness, chronic disease, higher mortality, diminished earning capacity, and lower life expectancy. “FundingHope is transforming sustainable investing from endto-end. Fundamental to this transformation is a major shift, not only in how investors and entrepreneurs connect, but also in how a more efficient, transparent, equitable, and trustworthy investment marketplace is created for all participants.” Dorian and John’s efforts are enhanced by their dedicated FundingHope team, who have extensive expertise in business development, finance, and public health, and utilise the company’s proprietary technology to make the platform the extraordinary reality it is. This includes having developed the online tools to enable users to securely manage their investments, which feature robust investor protection measures in the form of comprehensive disclosures of investment risks, transparent communication, and due diligence on listed investment opportunities. FundingHope is committed to protecting investors to help maintain a marketleading position and ensure regulatory compliance. Security is crucial in the success of any investment crowdfunding platform, and FundingHope is no different, with it being high priority for the company and allowing it to build trust with potential and current platform users. Dorian states, “The investment crowdfunding sector is still in its infancy and many potential investors remain hesitant to participate due to concerns about fraud, lack of oversight, or the credibility of the platform itself. FundingHope has remained steadfast in its efforts to establish a strong reputation, implement rigorous vetting processes for project selection, and provide transparent information that can help build trust among investors.” “Building a successful investment crowdfunding platform takes time, dedication, and a commitment to investor and issuer satisfaction. By prioritising compliance, transparency, investor protection, and user experience, FundingHope has established itself as a reputable and leading player within the investment crowdfunding industry.” It’s true that the company and its platform couldn’t be where it is today without its solid team, and its excellent internal culture plays a significant role in determining its success, with it having a positive influence on engagement and productivity, investor attraction and retention, innovation and adaptability, and issuer experience and satisfaction. The culture encompasses shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that shape the work environment and guide how everyone interacts with each other, from employees and contractors, to issuers, investors, and stakeholders. Dorian says, “To nurture and develop our company culture, it is essential that I lead by example, involve employees and contractors in shaping the culture, and regularly assess and refine cultural initiatives. Communication, transparency, and alignment between all parties is crucial. Regularly seeking feedback from my key advisors and incorporating their input helps create a sense of increased ownership and commitment to the company culture. “Additionally, recognising and celebrating cultural successes and reinforcing desired behaviours contributes to the ongoing development and sustainability of a positive company culture at FundingHope.” Now, the team’s sights are set on the bright future ahead. It is expected that the FundingHope platform will experience significant innovation and evolution over the next five years. Dorian gives us an insight into what that looks like: “While the future remains a moving target, some areas of innovation that we are looking at include global expansion, establishing a secondary market for crowdfunded securities, expanding collaboration with traditional financial institutions, and enhancing investor education and engagement. These are some potential areas of innovation we are investigating. Our actual trajectory will depend on factors such as regulatory developments, technological investments, investor demand, and market dynamics.” If you would like to learn more about FundingHope or to become an investor for a cause you’re passionate about, please visit the company website. Company: FundingHope LLC Contact: Dorian Dickinson Email: [email protected] Website: www.fundinghope.com
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