If you're thinking about jumpstarting your own cause, an innovative new product or a future small business, you'll need capital -- or access to it.
For many, the answer has been crowdfunding, a fast-growing, web-based system of raising funds from individuals around the world. It's an industry less than a decade old that allows artists, activists and a growing number of entrepreneurs to connect with financial support far outside the conventional lending system. Currently, Kickstarter, Indiegogo and RocketHub are leading the industry. Estimates vary widely, but research organization Massolution put 2013 global crowdfunding revenue at $5.1 billion.
