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Crowdfunding: Any suggestions on raising funds on kickstarter (or other crowdfunding) for a business innovation model as opposed to a product innovation model?
JM
JM
Jacob Morris, Online Marketing and Small Business Coach answered:

Okay so I am going to lead by saying I have a bias regarding crowdfunding. Now on to my answer:

Kickstarter is for products not companies. If you create a good product and do a kickstarter campaign you will be able to use the funds raised for the product to build your company.

https://www.crowdfunder.com/ however is for businesses so it might be a better bet for you.

https://www.prosper.com/ would be my recommendation because it is crowdfunded loans. This is real money without strings attached other than the fact that it is a loan. They cap out at 35,000 so if you need serious capital then you should look at a bank or an investor.

In general (with prosper being the only exception) I hate crowdfunding sites. There are a couple of reasons but this article sums it all up pretty well: http://www.zdnet.com/article/despite-its-popularity-i-hate-kickstarter/

Prosper is very different in that you are getting a loan, a non predatory interest rate (6.68% to 35.97% APR depending of course on your credit score, the amount you are asking etc.) and you get the cash in days that you can use without lifting your skirt so to speak.

To disclose here, I am a member of Prosper and help fund loans. However the only reason why I do is because I believe in their company more than any other crowdfunded site out there. Unlike sites like Kickstarter, the site is overseen by the SEC, has accredited investors, people that actually put there money into the site to fund loans have to deal with the IRS and the SEC so you as one getting a loan are protected like crazy.

I would love to discuss more about your business and help guide you through the process if you are interested. Give me a call.

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