Peer-To-Peer Start-up Investing Service MicroVentures Secures FINRA Membership

Austin, TX (Vocus) November 10, 2010

MicroVenture Marketplace Inc., an online peer-to-peer investment service, has obtained its Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) independent Broker/Dealer membership, becoming the first company to utilize membership for online peer-to-peer private placement investments.

This allows us to start accepting investors and companies looking for funding, said Bill Clark, MicroVentures chief executive officer. Whats different about our private financing concept is that we allow investors to invest small amounts in each deal, giving them more flexibility. At the same time, were opening up a whole new avenue of funding for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses finding it very difficult to raise money in this harsh economic climate.

Our model allows sophisticated and accredited investors to review and participate in opportunities they might never have heard of, seen or had the means to participate in, he added.

Based in Austin, TX and founded by Clark, MicroVentures helps entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses seeking $ 150,000 to $ 1 million find sophisticated and accredited investors, who can invest as little as $ 250 to $ 5,000 per investment, through its online service.

As principal and chief executive of MicroVentures, Clark obtained Series 7 General Securities Representative, Series 24 General Securities Principal, Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent and Series 79 Limited Representative Investment Banking licenses, all of which allow the company to offer this new way of small business funding.

How does MicroVentures work? Businesses interested in the MicroVentures funding service complete an application, submit a business plan and pay a $ 100 fee. MicroVentures then reviews the plan, using a variety of success criteria such as suitable risk, likelihood of profitability, and other key due diligence factors. Following the detailed review, which carries a $ 250 fee, suitable companies are listed on MicroVentures investment / offering platform.

Interested investors complete a questionnaire to determine if MicroVentures private offering investments are suitable for them based upon several guidelines. Once accepted, investors have the opportunity to evaluate and invest in MicroVentures exclusive list of private offerings at amounts typically smaller than those made by venture capitalists or angel investors. There is no obligation to invest and no fee required.

Contact: Bill Clark, MicroVentures, 512-461-3686 or bill.clark(at)microventures(dot)com

About MicroVenture Marketplace inc.

Based in Austin, TX, MicroVenture Marketplace Inc.s capital model allows investors to fund startup opportunities not typically available outside a traditional venture capital structure. Using its online peer-to-peer investment service, MicroVentures creates additional investment opportunities for investors looking to make smaller commitments by pooling and connecting them with entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses looking to raise money.

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InVenture Announces New Initiatives to Revolutionize Peer-to-Peer Support of Growing Micro-Entrepreneurs Worldwide

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 17, 2011

InVenture is proud to announce today two new initiatives that will change the way successful micro-entrepreneurs access growth capital in developing countries, and allow anyone online to partner with a small business half-a-world away.

Unveiled by Founder and CEO Shivani Siroya in a speech at the opening of the Unreasonable Institute, InVenture has transitioned from a traditional nonprofit organization to a hybrid model as a way of creating new efficiencies and scale its reach globally. And with capacity to move rapidly into new communities, InVenture is also re-launching its popular peer-to-peer website with additional features for users and frequent updates on micro-entrepreneurs progress.

By privatizing portions of our operations, we have been able to cut down overhead and better leverage the resources at our disposal for the benefit of our micro-entrepreneurs, said Siroya. We believe this allows us to be more responsive to our clients, secure operational sustainability, and have more of a positive impact in the communities where we work.

Through the new inventure.org website, online users (InVestors) can observe 100% of their contributions (InVestments) reaching and supporting micro-entrepreneurs. In re-visioning the site, InVenture has found ways for users to build stronger connections and see how their money is being used.

For online InVestors, the new profile functions will make it possible to track the progress of their InVestments, create Rallies around favorite micro-entrepreneurs and causes, and experience life on the InVenture team from the writing of business development advisors in Mexico, Mali and India. said Siroya.

The announcement comes at the end of a quiet period for the organization, having recently secured investment capital to back the new model. Cost savings generated by separating the online platform administration and portfolio management functions ensure that a higher percentage of funds are available to directly support business development advisory services for micro-entrepreneurs.

"From the beginning, InVenture has maintained a focus on sustainable change through micro-business growth, job creation, and community re-investment, said InVenure board advisor Jessica Jackley. Tracing the experience from the village all the way back to the online supporter, the team has created a rich and rewarding exchange between micro-entrepreneurs and InVestors, Jackley said.

For more information about InVenture, please go to http://www.inventure.org or follow on twitter at @inventurefund.

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