One Spark creators will have the chance to compete for up to $3.5 million in potential investment funding at this year's crowdfunding festival Downtown.
According to a news release, the list of 2015 private investors includes Arsenal Ventures Partners, based in Orlando; GuideWell, based in Jacksonville; MountainStar Capital, based in Ponte Vedra Beach; PS27 Ventures, based in Jacksonville; and Swamp Rabbit Angels, based in Greenville, S.C.
The $3.5 million is up from $3.25 million that was available in 2014. Creator projects are selected for investment by participating angel investors and venture capitalists.
Also, the news release said, the festival's registration deadline has been extended to Feb. 25 and the guaranteed crowdfunds have increased to $350,000 from $310,000 last year.
The festival is April 7-12.
“As a returning capital partner, we know first-hand the opportunities One Spark offers investors to connect live and in-person with quality investment opportunities,” said Jim Stallings, managing partner at PS27 Ventures, said in a news release. “... The human validation One Spark gives to creators is something that investors look closely at when making an investment determination.”
The news release said creators will now be able to offer “rewards” for different levels of contributions, such as art, music or T-shirts, similar to other popular online crowdfunding platforms.
“I have met people who are ready for market, have an interesting prototype or even a design on a napkin — and the thing that binds them all is the desire to have their idea presented and validated so that they can move to the next stage," said Peter Rummell, One Spark’s board chair and leading patron, said in the news release. "Great creations come from interesting places and in April Jacksonville is the place to be to see them all in one festival style event – a party with a purpose.”
For more information, visit onespark.com.