Frustrated by the lack of access to startup capital, three serial entrepreneurs lobbied Congress to legalize crowdfund investing—and won. The JOBS Act, passed last year, allows small businesses to raise up to $1 million through equity- and debt-based crowdfunding platforms. Now the trio remains committed to the cause, advising the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, working with the U.S. State Department and the World Bank and educating audiences worldwide about the power of the crowd. Here’s a look at a brave new startup financing model and the passionate voices behind it.