M. R. Khan and J. M. Baarmah ‘Building a case for crowdfunding platforms in Saudi Arabia’, MEJELSD, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2017
Muhammad Rahatullah Khan* and Jannah M. Baarmah
Entrepreneurship Department, Effat University, Kilometer 2 - Old Makkah Road, P.O. Box 34689, Jeddah 21478, Saudi Arabia
Email: mkhan@effatuniversity.edu.sa
Email: jbaarmah@effat.edu.sa
Purpose
No one knows more about a creative and innovative project than its architect and owner of the idea. The funding helps the startup start the project with minimal stress. Commonly startups are compelled to pay interest, equity/shareholding, be at the mercy of institutions or wealthy investors for financial resources. They also at times face massive difficulties of the bureaucratic and banking restrictions and delays. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to develop an understanding of the scholarly community on alternative sources of funding that is, crowdfunding and its dynamics. On the basis of this paper develops a case for the crowdfunding platforms mushrooming in Saudi Arabia.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is applied conceptual in nature and benefits from secondary sources of research.
Research limitations/implications
The data available on Saudi Arabia is limited and the entrepreneurship stakeholders are now getting abreast of the idea and welcoming it.
Practical implications
The platform(s) will serve mass number of startups in both the 'for profit' and 'not for profit' startups in Saudi Arabia. It will ease the process of fund raising and provide a foundation for the future growth and diversity in crowd funding activity.
Originality/value
This paper developing on the literature on different sources of fi nance available for the startups builds a case for the crowdfunding platforms in Saudi Arabia that serve middle east in general and Saudi needs in particular. It is established that different types of platforms are required for a number of business types and services.
Keywords
Crowdfunding; Saudi Arabia; Sources of Finance; Startup; Entrepreneurship
Reference
Reference to this paper should be made as follows: M. R. Khan* and J. M. Baarmah (2017) 'Building a case for crowdfunding platforms in Saudi Arabia', Middle East Journal of Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Sustainable Development, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp.43-60.
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