Nearly half of the UK population would like to see the government being more supportive of entrepreneurs and start-ups, with interest in the sector growing thanks to the popularity of business shows such as Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice.
According to research from Australian start-up Gather, the social media platform which aims to support discussions between likeminded people, 49 percent of people would like to see an increase in state support for startups.
36 percent of those surveyed believe that there are bound to be many great ideas for products or services in the hands of start-up entrepreneurs, with 34 percent of people saying they have been impressed with the calibre of innovation demonstrated by budding entrepreneurs on business. A quarter of those surveyed believe it is likely that an existing start-up has an idea that could rival an established brand’s product or service.
David Price, CEO of Gather Online, believes public support for start-ups is “flourishing”, adding “even as an Australian start-up without EIS or SEIS eligibility we are in the process of a very successful crowdfunding campaign in the UK for Gather, currently at 184 percent of our initial target.
“The research I have seen indicates that only 8 percent of businesses would consider crowdfunding as a form of investment, but we are proof that if you have the right product this can be a great way to seek growth and involve a very interested public.”
“With the growing faith in the start-up community respondents would like to see the government give more support to entrepreneurs and start-ups, 36 percent think it is particularly important since the Brexit Referendum.”
Commenting on the difference between the startup ecosystem in the UK and his home country of Australia, Price said:
“Australia has a supportive regime and ecosystem for Start-ups and it has been a key part of the current governments agenda. Crowdfunding legalisation has now passed our Senate, and so in future companies like Gather might well try crowdfund at home, unless incentivised and made adequately made aware of start-up support in the UK.”
Gather are currently crowdfunding in the UK on Seedrs, the crowdfunding website supported by tennis star Andy Murray. The social networking site is hoping to raise £245,002 in exchange for 4.71 percent equity.