Crowdsource funding is the new way to finance start-ups in a networked world Entrepreneurs, small business owners, investors, artisans, or those who merely have a good idea for a business venture have a new and attainable means of securing capital to grow their dreams. Gone are the days when the only options to raise funds for a new business were venture capitalists, angel investors, or Wall Street. Web-based crowdfunding services are now plentiful and offer a variety of options for the aspiring entrepreneur. However, these services are not typically as well-understood as the more traditional means of raising capital. In The Crowdsource Funding Services Handbook , author Jason R. Rich offers a step-by-step overview of the various crowdsource funding services available on the Web, as well as the necessary documentation required to launch a successful crowdfunding campaign. Contains details on how to evaluate and select the best online platform for crowdfunding efforts Provides details on creating a business plan to the specifications require to raise capital via crowdfunding Provides an overview of the financial projections that will be required for a crowdfunding initiative Proposes a specific approach to creating a "pitch video" to succeed with a crowdsource funding campaign The Crowdsource Funding Services Handbook is a thorough, well-developed resource for those seeking to raise capital to start a business or fund the development of an innovative idea. Author and crowdfunding expert Jason R. Rich provides this definitive, hands-on guide to raising capital in the new economy.
Acknowledgments ix About the Author xi Introduction xiii Chapter 1 How Crowd Funding Works: The Basics 1 Chapter 2 What Types of Businesses, Projects, and Inventions Can Get Funded 15 Chapter 3 Introduction to Crowd Funding Platforms and Services 29 Chapter 4 Preplanning Your Crowd Funding Campaign 51 Chapter 5 Crunching the Numbers 65 Chapter 6 Targeting Your Backers and Supporters 79 Chapter 7 Producing Your Promotional Video 89 Chapter 8 Promoting Your Campaign 105 Chapter 9 Interacting with Your Backers Using a Blog 123 Chapter 10 Getting the Help You Need 133 Chapter 11 You've Reached Your Funding Goal--Now What? 141 Chapter 12 Get Started Using Kickstarter.com 149 Chapter 13 Interviews with Crowd Funding Experts 163 Chapter 14 Crowd Funding Experts Share Their Secrets 197 Chapter 15 Experienced Crowd Funders Share Their Secrets 225 Index 253