The Global Equity Crowdfunding Association (GECA) is delighted to welcome Scott McIntyre – a trailblazer in capital formation and systemic innovation – to its Steering Committee. With over a decade in leadership driving crowdfunding into the mainstream, Scott has helped shape the infrastructure supporting modern alternative finance and economic development, aligning seamlessly with GECA’s commitment to democratizing access to capital and creating a truly borderless investment ecosystem.

A Crowdfunding Champion and Industry Architect

A co-founder and 10-term Chair of the Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA), Scott has been a consistent voice advocating for equitable U.S. crowdfunding policy since the passage of the JOBS Act in 2012. The CfPA works directly with legislators and regulators to advance transparent, inclusive rules that fuel entrepreneurial ecosystems and protect investors.

Scott’s contributions to the field have been recognized at the highest levels globally – from being invited to the White House as a “Champion of Change”, to addressing Finance Ministers of the European Union at the invitation of the U.S. State Department, to his recognition by China to deliver the keynote speech at the first Global Crowdfunding Conference. Few in the industry match his creativity and breadth of experience in both policy advocacy and grassroots innovation.

“Scott is a visionary entrepreneur and tireless advocate” says Andy Field, GECA Steering Committee Lead. “His generosity and accomplishments in recruiting and managing key experts to volunteer their valuable time to such a pressing mission makes him an invaluable addition to our steering committee as we work to build a truly global crowdfunding ecosystem.”

A Systems-Level Thinker with Local and Global Impact

Scott has addressed audiences in the tens of thousands across four continents, maintaining close ties with foreign leaders in 20+ countries through a vast network of innovation hubs, alternative finance organizations, and policymakers committed to equity-centered growth. 

Scott is distinguished not just by his technical skills, but his systems-level approach to economic transformation. As co-creator of the Sustainable Communities Framework (SCF) and founder of non-profit WEconomy-Us, he has pioneered replicable models that empower communities in crisis through interest-free capital and a truly free marketplace, alongside entrepreneurship and workforce development processes supporting regional production, adding resilience against global trade shifts.

From EdTech Pioneer to Alternative Finance Leader

Scott’s entrepreneurial journey began in EdTech as a founding executive of REAL Education, launching as eCollege at IPO – one of the first scalable online learning platforms, later acquired by Pearson for $477 million. This background informs his deep belief in investor education as a cornerstone of economic participation, a value that aligns seamlessly with GECA’s fourth pillar.

His experience as a Director at The University of Toledo included designing and running the school’s first Office of Student Entrepreneurship and Engagement, giving him a ground-level view of the transformative impact of access to capital and counsel – a perspective that continues to guide his efforts in community economic development.

Driving Regenerative and Equitable Investment Models

Scott’s work extends into regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and the circular economy. As founder of Hemp Made Products, his plans are designed to advance industrial hemp ecosystems, turning farmers and their communities from stakeholders into shareholders in next-generation green industries.

This commitment to regenerative systems – financial, environmental, and social – positions Scott as a key contributor to GECA’s mission of building a future-ready, borderless investment ecosystem.

A Synergistic Fit with GECA’s Four Pillars

Scott brings deep alignment and active contributions to all four of GECA’s foundational pillars:

  • Cross-Border Collaboration: With a trusted global network of financial innovators and policymakers, Scott will accelerate GECA’s efforts to harmonize and scale borderless investment opportunities.
  • Standardized, Smarter Regulations: His direct involvement in helping shape U.S. crowdfunding policy positions him as a global leader in regulatory innovation that balances investor protection with access.
  • A Thriving Secondary Market: Scott’s holistic understanding of capital markets will help advance GECA’s vision for creating liquidity through robust secondary markets for crowdfunded investments.
  • Education & Investor Empowerment: As an educator and mentor, Scott has spent decades advancing financial literacy and inclusion – core to GECA’s commitment to investor empowerment.

Charting a Borderless Future for Equity Crowdfunding

“We’re not just reimagining access to capital -we’re building ecosystems employing new forms of capital that inclusively broaden paths to opportunity,” says Scott. “GECA’s vision for a truly borderless investment ecosystem naturally aligns with my life’s work repurposing capital to the benefit of the common good, not just the bottom line. Joining forces with Andy and the group of visionary leaders at GECA to bring equitable finance to more people globally was an easy decision.”

GECA is honoured to welcome Scott McIntyre to our Steering Committee and we look forward to his strategic insights, expansive network, and unwavering vision in this pivotal role.

To learn more about GECA’s vision for borderless equity crowdfunding, download our manifesto or join our community today.