This open access book presents a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of knowledge on the state of crowdfunding research and practice. It considers crowdfunding models and their different manifestations across a variety of geographies and sectors, and explores the perspectives of fundraisers, backers, platforms, and regulators. Gathering insights from a wide range of influential researchers in the field, the book balances concepts, theory, and case studies. Going beyond previous research on crowdfunding, the contributors also investigate issues of community, sustainability, education, and ethics. A vital resource for anyone researching crowdfunding, this book offers readers a deep understanding of the characteristics, business models, user-relations, and behavioural patterns of crowdfunding.

1. Introduction: From Fundamentals to Advances in Crowdfunding Research and Practice

2. Crowdfunding Models, Strategies, and Choices Between Them
3. The Global Status of the Crowdfunding Industry
4. Lending Crowdfunding: Principles and Market Development
5. Equity Crowdfunding: Principles and Investor Behaviour
6. Reward-based Crowdfunding Research and Practice
7. Donation Crowdfunding: Principles and Donor Behaviour
8. Ethical Considerations in Crowdfunding
9. Legal Institutions, Social Capital, and Financial Crowdfunding: A Multilevel Perspective
10. History of Crowdfunding in the Context of Ever-Changing Modern Financial Markets
11. The Fintech Industry: Crowdfunding in Context
12. Crowdfunding in China: Turmoil of Global Leadership
13. Crowdfunding Prospects in New Emerging Markets: The Cases of India and Bangladesh
14. Crowdfunding in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
15. Israeli Crowdfunding: A Reflection of its Entrepreneurial Culture
16. Crowdfunding in Europe: Between Fragmentation and Harmonisation
17. Crowdfunding Sustainability
18. Crowdfunding in the Cultural Industries
19. Civic Crowdfunding: Four perspectives on the definition of civic crowdfunding
20. Crowdfunding Education: Objectives, Content, Pedagogy, and Assessment
21. The Future of Crowdfunding Research and Practice.