Blockchain and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs): A New Way of Crowdfunding

Abstract

Today, developers, businesses and individuals increasingly are using blockchain and initial coin offerings to raise capital. These new innovations may offer to entrepreneurs and investors interesting theoretical opportunities, as well as pose strategic, regulatory and law enforcement challenges, since they may enable the change of the business models of existing players in entrepreneurial finance and push the new players even further. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential advantages and challenges of blockchain technology and ICOs, and how they are going to affect the entrepreneurial environment. In particular, in addition to provide a first overview on blockchain and ICOs in the context of entrepreneurial finance, this study also aims to provide practical contributions for regulators, entrepreneurs and investors interested in these new financial innovations, by outlining ICOs’ advantages and risks, and provide a research agenda for future research in this topic.