SPC UNIVERSE’s Post

Our July 2024 issue article: "Understanding the Role of Lead Organizational Donor Types in Civic Crowdfunding" by Ghazwan Hassna (Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Eng.) - Hawaii Pacific University, Gordon Burtch - Boston University, J. Leon Zhao - The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 香港中文大学（深圳）) is available for download - "Civic crowdfunding is a subgenre of #crowdfunding wherein the crowd #finances civic projects of value to communities. A unique aspect of civic crowdfunding is that projects regularly attract a mix of #individuals and #organizations, spanning the #private, #public, and #nonprofit sectors. This diversity of #stakeholders raises novel questions and challenges for platform operators and fundraisers. Here, we focus on such #challenges as they relate to third-party endorsements. A lengthy literature has examined the signaling value of endorsements and prominent lead contributions, typically treating their sources as homogeneous. However, the varied #backgrounds, #motivations, and #objectives of stakeholders in civic crowdfunding suggest that endorsers’ signaling value is likely to vary. We theorize how onlookers’ (potential backers’ or donors’) perception of lead organizational donors’ motivations and fit with the project’s objectives will influence the latter’s signaling value, hypothesizing differences across lead donor types (i.e., businesses, governments, nongovernmental organizations [NGOs]). Leveraging data on 303 projects from a leading civic crowdfunding platform, Spacehive, we show that lead donations are significantly more beneficial when supplied by #NGOs rather than businesses or government entities. Further, based on perceptual measures reported by human coders about the more than 500 organizational lead donations in our sample, we confirm our #theorized #mechanisms, finding that lead donor involvement is more likely to be perceived as credible, and to lead to support for a project, when the lead’s involvement is believed to be a result of value motives (rather than strategic motives), and when the lead is a natural fit with the project (i.e., #congruence). We discuss the implications of our work for both #theory and #practice." https://lnkd.in/d-Px3vRD https://lnkd.in/djGakpvD #JAIS #IS #research #informationsystems #mis #InformationSystems #CivicCrowdfunding #LeadDonor #PublicGood #Fundraising #Signaling #SourceCredibility #MotivationalAttribution #Congruence

Knoops celebrates the ritual of drinking chocolate, and we celebrate all things crowdfunding. So what’s better than a deep dive into their latest raise? Knoops joined us for their first campaign last month and raised an impressive 480% above target. They were raising funds to grow into 30 UK stores and an international presence! Here are some key takeaways from their campaign: 🍫 Knoops closed their raise with 1,756 investors, but that journey started with nearly 40k campaign views, leading to to 4.8K followers and early access sign-ups. Great campaigns nurture potential investors, turning them into a community. 🍫 63% of Knoops’ investors were retail investors and 37% of investors were female —nearly double the industry average. Raising on Crowdcube opens your company up to a diverse portfolio of investors. 🍫 The majority of Knoops' investors were aged 25-34, tapping into a younger demographic. By building a diverse community, Knoops turned investors into advocates —something every founder should aim for in their crowdfunding journey.

Welcome to Day 7 of #30DaysofCrowdfunding. Crowdfunding: Unveiling the Funding Spectrum Crowdfunding has democratized access to capital, empowering creators, businesses, and causes. But with various models available, choosing the right one is crucial. Let's explore three popular options: 1. Reward-Based Crowdfunding The Concept: Backers pledge funds in exchange for tangible rewards tied to your project. Think early access to products, exclusive experiences, or personalized items. Best Suited For: Creatives, startups with innovative products, or anyone offering unique incentives to their supporters. Popular Examples: Crypraise,Kickstarter, Indiegogo 2. Donation-Based Crowdfunding The Concept: Individuals contribute without expecting anything in return, driven by their belief in your cause. Best Suited For: Charities, social impact projects, emergency relief efforts, or personal fundraising. Popular Examples: Crypraise,GoFundMe, Ketto 3. Equity-Based Crowdfunding The Concept: Here, you offer investors ownership shares in your company in exchange for their funding. This allows you to raise larger amounts while giving backers a stake in your success. Best Suited For: Established startups or businesses with high growth potential. Regulations Apply: This model often involves stricter regulations depending on your location. Why Choose Crowdfunding? Market Validation: Gauge interest in your product/cause before full investment. Community Building: Foster a base of loyal supporters invested in your journey. Funding Beyond Traditional Means: Access capital outside of banks and traditional investors. #30DaysOfCrowdfunding #crowdfunding #rewards #donation #equity #funding #startup #cause #community

Recently I wrote a post about Crowdfunding & how companies are using various platforms to showcase their brands to a much wider audience, without having to invest significantly in advertising spend. You can find the blog post here - https://lnkd.in/e64bxWT4 Businesses trying to build a brand need to view crowdfunding not only to raise funds but also to build a longer term future for their brand. Whether it is building a community, growing brand awareness or funding new ventures a business can really benefit from showcasing themselves on these crowdfunding platforms. This is why I love to see Lara Morgan & KitBrix launching their new Tote Bag through Kickstarter. The results are unrivalled. At time of writing they have smashed their original target by 600%. Why do I think they have used crowdfunding? For me KitBrix is a brand known by triathletes, cyclists, maybe runners. But that is about it.  Everyone who knows the brand uses the product religiously, trusts in the product and even talks to their friends, family and colleagues about it. But the ToteBag has a much larger audience appeal - everyone from an active gym visitor, to someone balancing style and function for daily use plus everyone in between also. To see more about the product, or to get involved please see below link; https://lnkd.in/ehGbfMNv I’ve pledged my support. Will you?

😲 The #1 Reason Crowdfunding Campaigns Fail (And How You Can Avoid It) Launching a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe can be an exciting journey. But did you know that one of the main reasons campaigns fail isn’t due to a lack of great ideas? It's because of poor preparation. Many creators dive into crowdfunding without a solid plan, which can lead to major obstacles down the road. If you want to ensure your campaign has the best chance of success, preparation is key. In this post, we’ll break down why proper preparation can make or break your campaign and how you can avoid the common pitfalls that many creators face. Why Preparation Matters: 🧐 You might think crowdfunding is simple: post your project, promote it, and watch the funds roll in. But crowdfunding is much more complex. Without thorough preparation, you could find yourself overwhelmed with logistics, underestimating your costs, or missing key opportunities to engage backers. Whether you're launching on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or raising funds for a cause that matters to you on GoFundMe, a well-thought-out plan is your secret weapon to success. We have prepared the three steps to Proper Crowdfunding preparation for you, you might ask What is crowdfunding preparation... 3 Steps to Proper Crowdfunding Preparation🤓 1. Research and Set Realistic Goals The first step to a successful crowdfunding campaign is setting Continue reading 👉 https://lnkd.in/ewdu_tAV

Demystifying Crowdfunding: A Donor's Guide to Understanding the Process Did you know that in recent years, crowdfunding has become a pivotal force in bringing innovative ideas to life, supporting causes that matter, and even saving businesses from the brink of closure? Yet, despite its growing popularity, many potential donors still navigate the crowdfunding landscape with a mix of curiosity and caution. Why? The answer often boils down to a lack of understanding and trust. Why Should You Care About Crowdfunding? Imagine you're scrolling through your social media feed and come across a crowdfunding campaign that tugs at your heartstrings or sparks your interest. You're on the verge of contributing, but then you pause. Questions flood your mind: "Where is my money really going?" "How do I know this isn't a scam?" These are valid concerns, and they highlight the critical role of transparency and donor trust in crowdfunding. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Crowdfunding Choosing the Wrong Platform - **Don't:** Rush into donating on any platform without checking its credibility and track record. - **Do This:** Opt for platforms with a strong reputation for transparency and donor security. Look for platforms that provide detailed information about the projects and their outcomes. Neglecting Project Details - **Don't:** Ignore the specifics of the project you are funding. Vague descriptions and goals can be red flags. - **Do This:** Seek out projects that provide clear, detailed descriptions, timelines, and financial breakdowns. This ensures your money is going towards a well-structured plan. Overlooking Communication - **Don't:** Contribute to campaigns that do not provide regular updates or fail to communicate with donors. - **Do This:** Support projects that engage with their backers through frequent and transparent updates. This not only shows accountability but also keeps donors informed about the impact of their contributions. How Donation Transparency Can Help One common pitfall in crowdfunding is the lack of transparency regarding fund usage. This is where Donation Transparency comes into play. Our platform ensures that every dollar donated is tracked and reported back to the donor. This not only builds trust but also empowers you to see the real-time impact of your contributions. - #CrowdfundingTransparency - #DonorEducation - #SmartGiving - #ImpactfulDonations - #DonationTransparency By avoiding common pitfalls and opting for transparent platforms like Donation Transparency, you can ensure that your contributions are making a real difference. Let's make every donation count! 🌍💖

✍ Are you dreaming of self-publishing your book, but need help with getting the capitol to invest? #Crowdfunding might be your golden ticket! 💡 Crowdfunding isn't limited to tech start-ups or musicians—it's a powerful tool that welcomes #authors. It's an opportunity to gather support from your community and transform your book vision into a tangible reality. 📚 But here's the scoop: Crowdfunding success isn't guaranteed. It takes planning, strategy, and a compelling message to stand out in a crowded space. 🤔 With careful planning, audience-building, and a heartfelt message, you could make your crowdfunding campaign a delight and bring your book to life! ✨ #CheckOut this article that covers some tips to starting a campaign! If you are looking to self-publish, but don't know where to start send me a message. https://lnkd.in/gxUGdTUR #selfpublish #authorcommunity #writingcommunity #publishing

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙙𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜? Crowdfunding is a method of raising funds by collecting small contributions from a large number of people, typically online through dedicated platforms or mobile apps. It provides individuals, communities, and organizations with a means to gather financial support for various causes, ranging from personal needs to business ventures. 𝙏𝙮𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙙𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜  𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Investors receive a share of the business in exchange for their contribution, gaining partial ownership and potential profit if the business succeeds. This type is common for startups and growing companies.  𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Primarily for charitable or personal causes, where individuals or organizations seek donations without repayment. Often used for medical expenses, disaster relief, or community projects.  𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Works like a loan, where backers lend funds to a business with an agreed-upon interest rate and repayment timeline. It’s an alternative to traditional loans for businesses seeking financing.  𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Backers receive non-monetary rewards, such as early access to products, exclusive previews, or limited-edition items. This model is popular with creative projects and new products looking to build an initial customer base. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚: Here is a list of some popular crowdfunding platforms used in Australia, offering a range of options from personal and charitable fundraising to equity and reward-based crowdfunding:  𝐌𝐲𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞  𝐆𝐨𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞  𝐏𝐨𝐳𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞  𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞  𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝  𝐆𝐨𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐌𝐞  𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐜𝐮𝐛𝐞  𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫  𝐎𝐧𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭  𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐝  𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭  𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫  𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐠𝐨 These platforms cater to various crowdfunding types, such as donation-based, reward-based, and equity-based models, enabling fundraisers to reach potential backers according to their specific goals. Feel free to add some other names of crowdfunding platform.....@ #crowdfunding

To crowdfund or not to crowdfund Help/Guidance/Advice needed... Questions questions questions... In the spirit of living as much of our startup journey's life in public as possible, we're going to feed our crowdfunding experiences back to or networks. We're raised £500K for R&D but there's obviously more to starting up than building a product. Know Someone is a crowd play - so it makes sense that we look at Crowdfunding. SO.... CROWDFUNDING..? I've broken some questions down into specific areas. DM me if it's easier/better for you. Has anyone in my network been involved in crowdfunding campaigns before? What platforms have you or you used and what were your experiences? Does anyone have particular experience with CrowdCube campaign on CrowdCube?Any specific tips? SPECIFIC QUESTIONS 🏃♀️ Campaigns: What strategies are effective in promoting crowdfunding campaigns? How did you should we (Know Someone) use social media - running up to and during a crowdfunding campaign? 😇 Backer Engagement: How do we best keep backers engaged throughout and after the campaign? Post-Campaign Activities: What post-campaign activities are crucial for success? 👨⚖️ Legal and Compliance Aspects: I've literally no clue here. Anything we should be aware of? 📣 Marketing and Promotion: What marketing channels or strategies were most effective in promoting crowdfunding campaigns? Any advice on creating compelling campaign content or videos? 👩🏫 Lessons Learned: What are the key lessons learned from successful or unsuccessful crowdfunding campaigns? If you've done it and had to do it again, what would you do differently? Please share with your networks or anyone who has launched a crowdfunding campaign. Thank you! #crowdfunding #techrecruitment #knowsomeone