Lunch & Learn Recap: Chris Lustrino of Kingscrowd on the Future of Private Market Investing

At Workhub @DBCo, we’re committed to creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and networking within our coworking community. In March, we took that mission to the next level with our Lunch & Learn event featuring Chris Lustrino, Founder & CEO of Kingscrowd—a leader in equity crowdfunding and private market data analysis.

Held in combination with our Third Thursday Open Coworking Day, the event gave attendees a deep dive into the evolving landscape of private market investing, the power of equity crowdfunding, and how Kingscrowd is shaping the future of online investments.

With an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and investors, Chris broke down the opportunities and challenges of raising capital through non-traditional methods, offering key insights for those looking to fundraise, invest, or better understand the world of private markets.

The Rise of the Digital Private Markets

Chris opened the session with a discussion on the rapid growth of private market investments, particularly through online platforms. Historically, investing in early-stage companies and private businesses was limited to venture capitalists and institutional investors. However, with regulatory changes and the rise of digital investing, everyday investors now have access to startup equity, revenue-sharing agreements, and alternative asset classes.

According to Kingscrowd’s research, more than $2 billion has been raised through equity crowdfunding (Reg CF) since 2016, and that number is expected to skyrocket over the next decade.

“Companies are staying private longer, and the retail investor is finally gaining access to opportunities that used to be reserved for venture capitalists,” Chris explained. “The landscape has shifted, and data is playing a bigger role than ever in helping investors and founders make informed decisions.”

What is Equity Crowdfunding & Why Does It Matter?

Equity crowdfunding allows businesses to raise capital from the public instead of relying on traditional funding sources like venture capital, bank loans, or angel investors. Chris walked through the key benefits of Equity Crowdfunding, highlighting why it has become a game-changer for small and mid-sized businesses.

Benefits of Equity Crowdfunding for Founders:

• More Control – Founders set their own terms and maintain ownership flexibility.
  
  
• Wider Investor Reach – Businesses can attract hundreds or thousands of investors instead of relying on a single venture firm.
  
  
• Community Engagement – Crowdfunding allows businesses to build a passionate supporter base that actively promotes their growth.
  
  
• Lower Barrier to Entry – Raising funds through traditional VC channels can be difficult. Equity Crowdfunding provides a more accessible path for startups and small businesses.

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However, Chris also discussed the challenges of crowdfunding, including the time-intensive process of marketing a campaign, navigating compliance regulations, and ensuring long-term investor relations.

“Raising capital through crowdfunding isn’t just about getting the money—you’re also building a community of investors who expect transparency, growth, and engagement,” he emphasized. “The businesses that succeed take investor relations seriously and leverage their audience as an asset.”

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Who Should Consider Equity Crowdfunding?

One of the biggest takeaways from the session was that equity crowdfunding isn’t just for tech startups or high-growth unicorns. Businesses across a wide range of industries—including local businesses, software companies, food & beverage brands, and hardware startups—have successfully raised capital through Equity Crowdfunding platforms.

Chris broke businesses into four categories based on their fundraising potential and risk profile:

• Micro & Small Businesses (e.g., coffee shops, craft breweries, subscription-based services) – Typically raise $50K-$300K through crowdfunding, using loan-based or revenue-sharing models.
  
  
• Growth-Stage Startups (e.g., SaaS, healthtech, fintech) – Can raise $500K-$5M using equity crowdfunding as a stepping stone to larger venture rounds.
  
  
• Market-Specific Large Businesses (e.g., staffing agencies, industry-specific tech) – Often raise $5M-$10M as part of multi-round fundraising strategies.
  
  
• Mega Businesses & Disruptors (e.g., OpenAI, Uber, Airbnb) – Can raise $10M+ but have high failure rates due to moonshot ambitions.

Chris stressed that having a clear fundraising strategy, an engaged audience, and a strong value proposition are key factors in a successful equity crowdfunding campaign.

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How Kingscrowd is Changing the Private Investing Landscape

As the founder of Kingscrowd, Chris and his team have built a data-driven investment platform that helps both founders and investors make informed decisions in the online private market space.

Kingscrowd’s platform provides:

• Comprehensive market data on crowdfunding campaigns.
• Investment analysis tools to evaluate startup performance.
• Reg CF & Reg A+ insights to help businesses determine the best fundraising path.
• Investor education to help individuals navigate the complexities of startup investing.

Chris shared real-world examples of companies that have leveraged Kingscrowd’s insights to successfully raise capital and scale their businesses.

A Thriving Community at Workhub @DBCo

This Lunch & Learn wasn’t just about education—it was also about community building.

Our Third Thursday Open Coworking Day allowed attendees to network with like-minded professionals, explore our coworking space, and experience the vibrant environment of Workhub @DBCo.

At Workhub, we’re passionate about providing a space for entrepreneurs, remote professionals, and startups to thrive. Events like this help foster valuable connections and give members real-world insights they can apply to their businesses.

We’re excited to host more Lunch & Learn sessions as part of our monthly programming, bringing in industry leaders and experts to share knowledge and support our community.

What’s Next? Get Involved!

We’re already planning future Lunch & Learn events, and we’d love for you to join us! Whether you’re a founder, an investor, or someone interested in expanding your business knowledge, these sessions are a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Interested in hosting a future session? We’re always looking for great speakers and business leaders to share their expertise!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a workspace that fosters collaboration, networking, and productivity, come check out Workhub @DBCo.

📅 Join us for our next Open Coworking Day & see what Workhub is all about!

👉 Become a Member at DBCo

Final Thoughts

Chris Lustrino’s insights on equity crowdfunding, private investing, and startup fundraising were invaluable, and we’re thrilled to have hosted him at Workhub @DBCo.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to raise capital, an investor seeking new opportunities, or a business leader exploring alternative funding strategies, the digital private markets present exciting opportunities for growth.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Lunch & Learn! 🚀

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