Concept for a crowdfunding start-up creating a first-of-its-kind platform that focuses on helping small businesses raise the funds they need to launch. The goal of this concept project was to develop a full single page marketing website for them that explains their product/value proposition and use cases to both potential investors and small businesses applying for funding.

KPIS

• Primary KPI of this project is to get signups from entrepreneurs

CONSTRAINTS

• Incorporate simple “How it Works” design explaining the product within a maximum of 4 steps

• Research about the experience economy

FINAL DELIVERABLES

• Branding/style guide/business name

• Design artifacts

• Design elements

• Single page marketing website

RESEARCH GOALS

1. Understand how local entrepreneurs typically raise money and the benefits and downsides of traditional fundraising techniques

2. Understand the types of people who typically invest in businesses on crowdfunding and investing platform and what draws them to a particular business

3. Understand how other crowdfunding sites explain the process to entrepreneurs and what drives their decision making when it comes to raising funds

4. Research the experience economy and the average funding needs of brick and mortar businesses in the food and drink and event industries

FINDINGS

1. Entrepreneurs want:

   • Easy fundraising tools resulting in fast set-up

   • A place where they can entice individuals to donate

   • Ability to connect to a larger network

2. Investors want:

   • To impact the company they’re investing in

   • Find trustworthy investments

   • Clear understanding of where their money is going

3. Competitive Analysis - other sites focus on:

   • Free fast and safe

   • Simple set up

   • Donor protection

   • Highlighting their niche/type of investments

4. Experience economy:

   • Consumers are shifting their spending from goods to experiences

   • Average millennial outspends the averge gen xer and baby boomer on entertainment and fitness related memberships

   • IRL, location-based experiences are projected to become a $12 billion dollar industry by 2023