Raising Capital Using Equity Crowdfunding and Cryptocurrency
Equity crowdfunding is a relatively new way for companies to raise capital. It gives people the opportunity to invest without having millions of dollars. The concept hasn't quite taken off in popularity, but some companies are already using it to their advantage.
Aristotle Loumis, Founder and CEO of Ellison Eyewear, shares how his company used the new tool to get off the ground. Since launching, sunglass maker Ellison Eyewear has raised about $300,000 using various types of crowdfunding, some of which was through cryptocurrency.
Loumis says he was inspired to create the company after a trip to Greece. All of the company's products are created in family-owned workshops in Greece.
Ellison Eyewear features a "loss-insured" membership. For people who are prone to losing their sunglasses, customers can get replacements without paying full price for a new pair.
Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the U.S. this week as part of President Donald Trump's agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods. A widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less is set to end starting on Friday. Trump already ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, but having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will be subject to the origin country’s tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%.
Southwest Airlines will soon require plus-size travelers to pay for an extra seat in advance if they can't fit within the armrests of one seat. This change is part of several updates the airline is making. The new rule starts on Jan. 27, the same day Southwest begins assigning seats. Currently, plus-size passengers can pay for an extra seat in advance and later get a refund, or request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the new policy, refunds are still possible but not guaranteed. Southwest said in a statement it is updating policies to prepare for assigned seating next year.
Cracker Barrel is sticking with its new logo. For now. But the chain is also apologizing to fans who were angered when the change was announced last week.
Elon Musk on Monday targeted Apple and OpenAI in an antitrust lawsuit alleging that the iPhone maker and the ChatGPT maker are teaming up to thwart competition in artificial intelligence.
