"We have shown that we are open for business and there is a clear pathway, " said Lord Marland.

BBC: Lord Lawson condemns government's climate change policy

With startup companies struggling to raise funds and the capital markets still reeling from the banking crisis of 2008, the advent of crowd funding may well find a welcome home in business plans throughout the U.S. This new capital formation pathway needs to be balanced with safeguards to prevent fraud and protect the investing public.

FORBES: Crowd Funding An Option For Start-Ups?