-FCA to regulate the first global equity crowdfunding platform

-Regional investors will be able to access opportunities in UK- and Europe-based SMEs looking to expand to Dubai

-Early-stage businesses and SMEs based in the Middle East will be able to raise funds from UK investors

Dubai, March 28, 2015: Eureeca, the first global equity crowdfunding platform, has announced that it is now regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK's financial regulatory body. The approval highlights the high standard of investor protection controls deployed by Eureeca, contributes to the stability of the financial market, and opens up additional cross-border investment opportunities for businesses and investors.

"This is a landmark development for Eureeca, and we are very pleased that our systems and investor protection controls passed the rigorous scrutiny applied by the FCA," said Chris Thomas, Co-founder and CEO of Eureeca.

"As crowdfunding is estimated to have raised over $5 billion in 2014 alone, and with the size of this market projected to reach $90 billion in ten years, the potential in this space is clearly enormous," he added. "With the new regulation and the credibility it provides, Eureeca will become more appealing to institutional investors and family offices, and interest from these investors will open doors to funding larger SMEs with bigger requirements."

Commenting on the geographical opportunities that the new regulations may create, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Sam Quawasmi, said: "Businesses in the region seeking to expand into the UK will be able to secure capital through investors there. Similarly, UK- and Europe-based SMEs with ambitions of entering the Gulf can now access capital and expertise from investors in the region. By engaging with local investors and obtaining local capital these SMEs would have an easier time with their expansion plans."

Designed to provide early-stage businesses and SMEs with a way to raise capital from the crowd in exchange for equity, Eureeca provides a dynamic alternative to traditional financing models. Founded in Dubai by former investment bankers, the platform harnesses the power of the internet and social media to connect investors with entrepreneurs. Through this model, a business is able to sell small stakes to its customers and personal networks, who in turn, have a vested interest in its success and become strong brand advocates and loyal customers.

-Ends-

About Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK's financial regulatory body that regulates financial firms in order to ensure that the public is treated fairly.

It aims to ensure that the industry is run with integrity, that firms provide customers with appropriate products and services, and that consumers can trust that firms have their best interests at heart. In order to enforce its rules, the FCA can take punitive action against companies that infringe regulations. Consequently, the body maintains strict standards on conduct as it aims to enhance market integrity.

The Royal Bank of Scotland, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase Bank and Morgan Stanley are among the firms regulated by the FCA.

For more information, please visit: www.fca.org.uk/

About Eureeca.com
Eureeca is the first global online crowdinvesting (or equity crowdfunding) platform where early-stage businesses and SMEs can source funding from the crowd in exchange for equity in their business.

Harnessing the power of the internet and social media, Eureeca's platform connects investors with entrepreneurs online. The crowd comes together to collectively pool their funds, creating a game-changing alternative to traditional financing models. As of March 2015, 12 businesses have been successfully funded on Eureeca.

Eureeca Ltd. is a subsidiary of Eureeca Capital SPC, with offices in London. Eureeca Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under license number 624555.

Launched in 2012, Eureeca.com was founded by experienced investment professionals, Chris Thomas and Sam Quawasmi, and is a founding member of the U.S. based National Crowd Funding Association (NLCFA).

For more information, please go to: www.eureeca.com

© Press Release 2015