More Fundraising Options for Businesses
In April 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) was enacted, bringing additional fundraising options to small to mid-sized companies. One major result of the Act is the creation of a virtual “IPO on-ramp.” This technique can inspire emerging growth companies to make initial public offerings (IPOs) of equity shares to raise the funds needed to hire workers and scale up their operations.The law also expands the use of “crowdfunding,” private offerings, and direct communications to investors to inform them of investment and financial opportunities. Some provisions are effective now; others are pending further guidance.