A business that has been capitalized through equity crowdfunding arguably runs a greater risk of failure than one that has been funded through venture capital or other traditional means of start-up financing. This is because a crowdfunded business may not have access to the experience and guidance of seasoned venture capitalists and other professionals who can steer a start-up through the challenges of its development phase. The success of a business cannot be assured merely by funding. Without an adequate business plan and support structure, even very promising ventures can fail.