The popularity of crowdfunding as an alternative source of seeking funds is growing in the UK. More crowdfunding platforms are being set up and already thousands of projects are reaping the rewards of getting the the crowd to invest money. In response to a recent survey of SMEs in Scotland, the New Start Scotland Exhibition will feature a crowdfunding clinic to advise businesses and entrepreneurs deterred from the current means of seeking finance, better understand how crowdfunding works.
The New Start Scotland Exhibition is a two day annual event which under one roof provides a host of workshops and seminars featuring over 100 exhibitors, geared to showing how business can flourish during the current economic climate. On 18th and 19th November at the SECC in Glasgow people will be able to develop their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge looking at every aspect of a successful business such as sales and marketing, finance, and branding. In addition they can learn how to in use their successful businesses in helping contribute to social causes which aide their communities. The crowdfunding clinic, first one to feature at the event, will be run by Amanda Boyle and Michelle Rodger of the crowdfunding site Bloom VC, which is due to launch later this month.We want to make people aware that there is an alternative route to accessing finance, especially for those who are unable to secure traditional funding. We'll be explaining what crowdfunding is, how it works, how to get started, and if someone has a particular idea in mind then we'll spend some time helping them flesh out how to make the most of a crowdfunding campaign for their business. - Amanda Boyle, CEO Bloom VC
A survey was carried out of over 1000 representatives of SMEs who have registered to attend the event. Of those businesses surveyed, 45% have been using crowdfunding to help secure startup funds. The clinic will help address any concerns over how to successfully use crowdfunding to green light new projects or help revive those ideas previously considered unworkable due to costs restrictions, or lack of development. With their combined knowledge of business startups and entrepreneurship, as well as their own crowdfunding enterprise Amanda Boyle and Michelle Rodger could help businesses better understand how crowdfunding can help with their growth and success. New Start Scotland is free to attend and tickets can be obtained by clicking here.
Image Credits; Go For Chris
The Gazette profile is proud to feature a new crowdfunding platform, based in California for technology and scientific projects in need of funding.
A new crowdfunding platform has recently launched that looks to help scientific and technological projects get the funding they need. Called FundaGeek, its focus is very much on technical innovation and basic research into commercial products and services such as software & hardware development, inventions, robotics, bio technology, as well as alternative energy. The company also encourages projects involving basic research in the physical and life sciences.
FundaGeek was founded by Cary Harwin and Daniel Gutierrez, both with extensive backgrounds in technology, marketing and finance. Over the last thirty years Cary has, as President and CEO of a number of successful startups, been present at the forefront of ground breaking developments in the introduction of computers and development of software in accounting, tax and finance services. Cary is also President and CEO of his own software company Catalyst Development Corporation. As a graduate of UCLA with a BS in Mathematics & Computer Science, FundaGeek co-founder and CEO Daniel Gutierrez's knowledge is renowned. For over 18 years Daniel was an instructor for the Business and Management department of UCLA as well as eight years as technical writer and editor for Data Based Advisor Magazine. Decades of working in these fields have given Cary and Daniel the insight and understanding of these markets, making them suited to help technologist entrepreneurs target their idea to the right market.
Applicants looking to submit their project for crowdfunding can do so easily with FundaGeek's project wizard to guide through the simple process. Like most crowdfunding platforms FundaGeek ask for at least 5% of the total funds raised. In return, as well as a platform from which to seek out potential investors, FundaGeek will offer assistance and promote the projects through social media to better attract willing investors. Where it differs from other platforms however is project owners can opt to pay 9% in return for a more premium service agreement. FundaGeek's 'Premium Marketing Resource' offers more substantial services to help that goes beyond simple promotion through their own social network. For example, project owners are encouraged to write press releases announcing details of their project to be followed by subsequent releases providing progress updates.These are presented to FundaGeek along with certain keywords which will then be searched through a database of over two million writers, editors and publications. If any match or relate to the keywords provided then the releases are distributed to those on the list. FundaGeek also monitor over 20 million blogs for any mention of the project name. Postings found to feature those projects are then added to a daily digest with contact details for the project owners to provide update and follow up leads.
Many of the crowdfunding platforms concentrate on creative projects such as film making, music, and other artistic ventures. Cary and Daniel spotted a gap in the provision of crowdfunding services for technical and scientific innovations. Funding for such projects has become scarce resulting from the current economic climate and so a new approach was needed. It is a demand that has seen FundaGeek, during a two month period, received over 8000 hits, and subsequent numerous projects looking to sign up. These include a fault tolerant control system, a project to research and capture wild life sounds in the Borneo rainforest, and a physics puzzle game. With such interest already generated Cary and Daniel have just one vision for FundaGeek.To become THE crowdfunding site of choice for all technology and research projects needing funding which results in incredible new life improving products to be created and brought to market. Cary Harwin, Co-founder & CEO FundaGeek
FundaGeek is now live, having official launched on 4th November 2011. If you have a proposal for an innovative technological design or an ambitious idea for a research project, FundaGeek could help see the idea or dream become a reality.
Acknowledgements; The Gazette would like to thank Michael Mollenhauer, Cary Harwin and Dan Gutierrez for their patience, help and input.
Image Credit; Crab Chick
Once again it looks like the X-Factor stable could be facing competition for that much coveted spot in the UK charts, the Christmas number one, thanks to the first crowdsourced Christmas song. Actor and musician Matt Berry has launched a crowdsourcing campaign to help record a song for Christmas to which anybody can contribute. The call is being launched in conjunction with Absolute Radio, of which Berry is one of its most popular presenters with all proceeds going to charity.Fans of hit UK comedy shows IT Crowd and The Mighty Boosh will be familiar with Matt Berry. Since graduating from Nottingham Trent University in 1997, the Bedfordshire born performer has worked with the likes of Steve Coogan, Peter Serefinowicz, and Sarah Silverman, as well as released three albums. He is currently a radio presenter for the London based station and is known as the voice of Absolute Radio.
Berry wrote the music and lyrics for "A Christmas Song", components of which are available for download. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the song can do so by downloading the components from the Absolute Radio website. You can contribute by singing a line or two of the song (lyrics are available) and is open to groups, individuals, and even choirs. If you are adept with a musical instrument such as the guitar, drums or can even bang spoons in time, then cues are available for you to add in a strum of the guitar string or a banging of the drum. You can film yourself singing and even throw in a dance routine. Participants are encouraged to be as creative and have as much fun as possible.Christmas is about being inclusive, sharing and selfless, much like this song. My aim is to release a Christmas single that a whole bunch of people, young and old, can say they were part of. - Matt Berry
Once received, the submissions will be reviewed and excerpts will be included in the finished song and accompanying video which will be available on itunes from 4th December 2011. All proceeds from the sale of the song will go to Shelter, a UK based homelessness and housing charity that help those who face the prospect of losing their homes at Christmas.
If you want to be part of this fun musical experience then click here to select and download a segment for recording. Details of how to upload your recording along with terms and conditions can be found here.
Image Credit; Abi Skipp
