I haven&#x27;t looked too much into this space, but what about this rationale: the existing model pushes startups into 1000x-or-bust behavior, which contributes to the low success rate, which reinforces the need for high-risk growth followed by a spectacular cash-out. This could be driven by many factors, not least of which is the &quot;brand name VC&quot; model in which venture funds need a couple household name home runs to attract the best deals.<p>Perhaps the &quot;crowd&quot; model would allow the creation of smaller, lower-growth companies that could dominate a niche or region, and generate long-term dividend returns for investors rather than immediate capital gains. It could fill the space between debt and growth equity for companies that have ambitions beyond the lifestyle small business, but no potential to be breakout hits. Is there already a name for this kind of funding?