How do investors invest in crowd-investing? A qualitative study in Mexico

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to understand for the first time how inexperienced investors invest in high-risk new ventures in Mexico through a crowd-investing platform.

Research Design & Methods: The study follows a qualitative approach based on case studies. We developed our case study design from theoretical propositions which also guided the case study analysis. The in-depth interviews with investors revolved around investors’ motives for investing and the way they evaluated investment opportunities in new ventures.

Findings: The study shows that novice investors in Mexico invest in crowd-investing not because of financial motivations but because they want to learn how to finance private companies and to live an exciting experience. In addition, their investment decisions are based on intuition to recognize the right people for the project and on their business experiences to assess the growth potential of the new venture.

Contribution & Value Added: To date, there is limited research on investors’ behaviour in crowd-investing markets. This research presents academics and practitioners with valuable insights into factors that influence the decision-making process of crowd-investing investors.

Keywords

investment decisions, crowd-investing, equity crowdfunding, investor behaviour, business angels, fintech, Mexico

Author Biography

Enrique Wiencke

Bachelor´s Degree in Electronics and Communications (Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, México); Master’s in Engineering (University of Tokyo, Japan); Master’s in Business Administration (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S.A.); PhD Degree in Administration (Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, México). His research interests include equity crowdfunding, venture capital, and private equity.

Pilar Madrazo-Lemarroy

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, México); Master’s in Business and Economics (Universidad Anáhuac, México); PhD Degree in Strategic Management and Development Policies (Universidad Anáhuac, México). Her research interests include financial technologies and behavioural finance.

Luz Estela Reyna

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (Universidad LaSalle, México); Master’s in Administration (Universidad del Valle de México, México); PhD Degree in Education (Colegio de Estudios de Posgrado de la Ciudad de México, México). Her research interests include financial education and technologies.

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