Crowdfunding: essence, value and typology

The aim of the article. Existing analysis of crowdfunding is quite common; it necessitates detailed examination of this term and analysis of worldwide using of this tool. Among Ukrainian scientists who have published scientific articles about crowdsourcing and crowdfunding, the feature is that they consider crowdsourcing and crowdfunding more in social terms than economic.The aim of the article is to provide the characteristics of crowdfunding as an alternative financial instrument to disclosure the difference between the concepts of crowdsourcing, crowdfunding and crowdinvesting, to develop crowdfunding classifications in order to systematize existing information for further detailed researches. Along with scientific value is worth to notice the practical value of the article, which is in the creation of guidelines for the development of small business in Ukraine due to the using of crowdfunding models.The results of the analysis. Through this article it was developed the advanced typology of crowdfunding for the first time in Ukrainian scientific research. The volume and effectiveness of crowdfunding operations in the world was analyzed. In addition, the current state and particularities of crowdfunding in Ukraine were investigated. Through detailed analysis of the concept of crowdfunding it is highlighted a number of advantages and disadvantages of the using of this financial model for both entrepreneur and businesses.Conclusions and directions of further researches. Crowdfunding value for society in general and for business in particular is not yet disclosed. This innovative method of accumulating funds can provide different opportunities for business development and for implementation of numerous projects. Crowdfunding models are especially interesting and useful for innovative projects and startups. Assessing the volume of the crowdfunding operations in countries with developed economies, it is necessary to analyze and create conditions for its successful application in Ukraine. Elaborated classification of crowdfunding and disclosure of the differences between crowdfunding and crowdinvesting creates the enabling conditions for further researches of these concepts and for developing of practical recommendations for their application for small business.