SEC to take baby steps with vote on ‘IPO Lite’ crowfunding idea

Nearly three years after Congress promised to open a spigot of new financing to startups, securities regulators are finally ready to allow one of two anticipated new fundraising methods to go live. In a meeting Wednesday, the Securities and Exchange Commission will vote on rules detailing what’s being called “Regulation A+,” a new equity selling path that’s been widely described as an ” IPO Lite.” Details aren’t yet certain pending the vote, but observers expect the rules to allow young companies a way to raise $50 million from regular people — and to allow those stakes to be traded freely — without having to navigate the patchwork of state securities laws or formally registering with the SEC. This is separate from the more revolutionary Title III of the JOBS Act, a section that would allow startups at all ages to advertise equity investment deals of almost any size. More in New York Business Journal here.