This original book is the first serious study investigating the crowdfunding phenomenon, which has developed deep meaning for various stakeholders benefiting from this funding collection mechanism and its innovative new role, especially in the processes of business creation and spread of entrepreneurship. The actors involved -promoters, supporters, and the platforms through which the campaigns are launched - constitute an ecosystem in continuous evolution, which has grown dramatically and allows for its further development. Irini Liakopoulou has conducted with the "multiple paper thesis" method in which original and innovative contributions are presented, applying new techniques and methodologies. The book's goal is to foster debate about crowdfunding, an under-researched topic whose implications are not fully understood but will be a vital part of social and economic life in the future.

The present work examines the economics and legal doctrine of private equity. After a consideration of private equity's origins, the book will explore the evolution of private equity in the United States and Europe. The reference economic model then will be reconstructed, with particular attention to financial flows to and from private equity firms and funds. This reconstruction will be instrumental for the subsequent analysis of remunerative policies and practices of private equity firms and the illustration of recommendations to improve them, especially following the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008. The book concludes with critical points for operators, legislators, and regulatory authorities in the light of the results of the economic analysis of private equity and of comparative regulatory analysis.