The topics discussed during the lecture sessions comprise, but are not limited to:

1. What is Crowdfunding?

1.1. History

• Pioneers

1.2. Crowdfinance

• sudordinated loan

1.3. Crowdsourcing

1.4. Crowdlending

1.5. Philanthropic crowdfunding / Donation based

1.6. Reward based crowdfunding

       2. Legal Background 

2.1. EU regulations

2.2. Austrian legislation

        3. Crowdfunding as International Business 

3.1. Forecasting

3.2. Cash flow methodologies

3.3. Cross border cash flow

        4. Crowdfunding as innovation Driver

        5. Crowdfunding as driver for internationalisation 

        6. Pitching

        7. Campaigning 

Students will learn to interpret the different models of crowdfunding and how to engagethem in internationalisation strategies of SMEs and corporates.

Students will understand the diverse nature of different crowdfunding models such as crowddonation and crowdfinance. They will acquire skills how to analyse the complex nature of crowdfinance transactions, such as crossborder financing,international transfer of financial earnings & legal liabilities.

In that context, they will be introduced to the economic and social frame, which enabled the uptake of crowdfunding in the last couple of years.

The course will consist of a mixture of teaching/learning methodologies:

• Lectures will provide a "historical" Background and a compehensive overview about relevant developments and aspects of crowdfunding. The different crowdfunding models and their particularities will be presented in their economic frame. 
• Case study analysis will enable students to analyse real life pitching campaigns concerning to following key questions:

               - Was it the right crowdfunding form for the product/idea?

                - Was it a success for the company?

                - Was the campaign appropriate?

                 - Did the campaign lead to an internationalisation of the company? 

                        - Clients

                        - Finance

                         - Market 

• Excursions to a pitching event will empower students to discuss the Impact of crowdfunding activities on the internationalisation of SMEs and Start-Ups 
• Pilot crowdfunding campaign development & presentation groups of students will design a crowdfunding campaign either for an international SME coming to the EU market, or for an Austrian SME heading international markets.

• Class participation - 40 % (individual level):

Due to the interactive design of the course, active participation in group activities and discussions is a prerequisite for a positive result. This includes evidence of thorough preperation of course materials, particulary individual crowdfunding case analysis readings. You are expected to attend all of the classes. However, you are allowed to miss (no more than) one session during the semester. In this case, you are kindly ask to notify your absence by e-Mail beforehand. Participation will be evaluated based on attendance, preparedness and quality of contributions during discussions.

• Case analysis presentation - 30 % (individual level): 

Each Student will prepare an Analysis of an already existing crowdfunding campaign.

           - Finalisation

            - All questions answered

             - Quality of argument 

• Crowdfunding campaign presentation - 30 % (Group Level):

Group allocation will be done during the first lecture session. Each group will have to present in the final course meeting a notional crowdfunding campaign for an SME/product.