On Monday, Senator Warner spoke at Crowdcheck’s second annual crowdfunding conference. The Senator spoke about the potential of securities crowdfunding, which would allow startup companies to make equity offerings to investors through websites and raise up to $1 million per year from investors online. The JOBS Act, which was passed in April 2012, established a legal framework in the United States for equity crowdfunding.

Senator Warner spoke about the need to educate potential investors about the risks of crowdfunding. “Investing is not easy,” the Senator said. “Funding emerging companies is highly risky. As a longtime venture capitalist, I can tell you that many companies—even those with great ideas, top talent, and a good business plan—fail. The JOBS Act contains investor limits for a reason. But it cannot be overstated that investors need to do their own research prior to making investments. “ Watch Senator Warner’s entire keynote speech below.<