Description: Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that helps bring creative projects to life. Through this website, creators can present their ideas and seek funding from the community, offering rewards in exchange for contributions. Kickstarter focuses on innovative projects across various categories, such as art, technology, design, music, and film. The platform allows entrepreneurs to connect directly with potential backers, facilitating the acquisition of necessary funds to carry out their initiatives. Projects on Kickstarter typically have a funding goal and a set timeframe to reach that goal. If the project does not raise the required amount within the stipulated time, the funds are not charged to backers, minimizing risk for investors. This dynamic has allowed thousands of creative ideas to materialize, from board games to tech devices, making Kickstarter a benchmark in the field of crowdfunding and innovation.
History: Kickstarter was founded in April 2009 by Perry Chen, Yancey Strickler, and Charles Adler. The idea emerged as a way to help creators fund their projects without relying on traditional investors. Since its launch, the platform has grown exponentially, raising billions of dollars for a wide variety of projects. In 2015, Kickstarter became a B Corporation, meaning it commits to high standards of social and environmental responsibility.
Uses: Kickstarter is primarily used to fund creative projects, including films, music, video games, technology, art, and design. Creators can set funding goals and offer rewards to backers, encouraging community participation. Additionally, the platform allows entrepreneurs to validate their ideas in the market before making significant investments.
Examples: Notable examples of successful projects on Kickstarter include the board game ‘Exploding Kittens’, which raised over $8 million, and the smartwatch ‘Pebble’, which revolutionized the technology market. These projects not only reached their funding goals but also achieved significant market acceptance.
