One thing I really appreciate about Kiwi crowdfunding platforms is how far they go to engage their creators.
They email them, talk them through the process, go to events, and promote crowdfunding as a whole. It’s really inspiring actually.
But despite the fact that Kiwis have successfully raised millions of dollars through crowdfunding, there isn’t really a community dedicated to it.
We all do it in our own little silos. We have an idea, we put it on a platform, we do everything we can to fund it, then it’s done. And the next person comes along and does the same thing, making the same mistakes, thinking they have to do it alone. Crowdfunding is collaborative, but we haven’t quite managed to take it offline yet.
I’m planning to change that.
May 20 2014 marks the first Auckland Crowdfunding Meetup. It will be a chance for prospective and past crowdfunders to sit down in a room and share their experiences.
We’ll be joined by Anna Guenther of PledgeMe. She’ll be talking about the benefits of crowdfunding outside of the funds you raise. This will be followed by a chance to mingle with successful crowdfunders and managers of local platforms. We’ve invited successful creators from Kickstarter and PledgeMe, and it will be an opportunity for those looking to raise funds to find out more from the people who have done it.
If there’s a call, I’ll expand the crowdfunding meetup into other centers.
The cost is minimal. I’m asking for a $5 koha to cover the cost of the refreshments.
If you’re interested in attending, you can RSVP via the Crowdfunding MeetUp page. This will give me an idea of who’s coming, what stages of their projects they are at, and how many refreshments I need to organise!
And if you have any questions, or would like a crowdfunding MeetUp in your own town, leave a comment below!
Image Credit: Beatrice Murch via Wikimedia Commons
