Zacks In The News

For Immediate Release

Zacks Investment Research expands to cover Crowdfunded Securities

Chicago, Il.-March 25, 2014- Zacks Investment Research, the 2nd largest provider of independent research in the US, launches Zacks CF Research, a crowdfunding research division and the first of its kind for the crowdfunding industry.

Investors who have come to rely on Zacks for recommendations on their Stock, Mutual Fund and ETF investments can now look to the firm for research on the coming wave of crowdfunded securities.

Zacks CF Research is a new research division of Zacks Investment Research that will focus exclusively on providing valuation analysis of Title III crowdfunded securities offerings.

"Zacks has developed a reputation for accurate, independent and reliable research in the public investment market. We are now bringing this expertise to the developing market for Title III crowdfunded securities" says Howard Orloff, VP of Zacks CF Research

"An independent valuation report can raise investor confidence in any capital-generating effort and funding portals that offer Zacks CF Research on their issuers will attract more substantial issuers and more discerning investors." says Mr. Orloff.

Since Equity Crowdfunding is not yet legal in the US, Zacks CF Research is partnering with equity portals in Europe and Asia who are looking for ways to improve investor confidence in the companies they list.

The crowdfunding marketplace has so far not had a recognized independent firm doing such company research. Mr. Orloff points out that a Zacks CF Research report will differentiate issuers in the equity crowdfunding space.

Zacks CF research analysts have an average of 10 years' experience providing research and insight in to investable assets. Mr. Orloff says they have specific experience in determining the value of startups and micro-cap companies. This is very important because crowdfunding initiatives often have limited operating histories.

"An analyst report is the first step of due diligence for a serious investor," says Mr. Orloff. "Successful companies understand this. They know an independent report on the company discussing the firm's background, competition and market potential can attract the kind of investors needed to make a vision become a reality."

A Zacks CF report also increases the visibility of the issue on the listing intermediaries website. Along with displaying the report on the company's portal page, they will also have the ability to display the ZacksCrowd logo and ranking. Mr. Orloff says a Zacks CF report will put these companies in front of investors who might not otherwise view their offering on a busy crowdfunding portal.

The Zacks CF report is the property of the issuing company and per SEC regulation can only be displayed on the company's portal page. This may vary based on intrastate and international offerings as laws governing crowdfunded securities will vary.

Media Contacts:

Terry Ruffolo, Director Media Relations
(312) 265-9213 or truffolo@zacks.com

Howard Orloff, VP, Zacks CF Research
(312)265-9180 or horloff@zacks.com