A first-time investor’s guide to equity crowdfunding

GUEST: Over the last year you’ve probably seen a variation of the headline, “Anyone can now invest in startups!” With the birth of equity crowdfunding, we’ve seen the launch of new platforms, including one by Indiegogo, that let the average person back companies for profit instead of just for product or perks. While exciting, this development is fraught: Many will get drawn into the tempestuous world of startup investing without a plan, a budget, or a full understanding o