Uncovering trust signals in equity crowdfunding: A systematic literature review
The purpose of this exploratory study has been to provide insight into the success factors of ECF campaigns and, in particular, explore the role of trust. In specific, the research questions for this study are: (1) What dimensions of ECF success have been studied so far, and (2) is there any established literature on sustainability, blockchain technology and trust in the realm of ECF. To that end, a systematic literature review is conducted by investigating ISI Web of Science and Scopus, two major academic databases, through relevant keyword combinations. The theoretical framework relies on signaling, legitimacy and stakeholder theories. Findings indicate that the role of trust is an emerging theme, and sustainability and BT in relation to trust, to the best of the author’s knowledge, is not yet focused upon in crowdfunding research. This study contributes to the literature of crowdfunding and entrepreneurship.