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Crowdfunding

Ethan Mollick

Crowdfunding, the practice of raising small amounts of money from large numbers of people, has enabled people around the world to start new businesses, fund initiatives, and raise money for themselves and others. Yet, not all crowdfunding efforts reach their desired goal. Why do some succeed, while others fail? This course will reveal the science behind successful crowdfunding, drawing on data from hundreds of thousands of campaigns. You’ll learn different types of crowdfunding approaches, and receive detailed advice on what to do (and what not to do) when crowdfunding. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes with key players in the field with exclusive interviews from the founder of Indiegogo to successful campaign creators, to get the information you need to set your crowdfunding initiative up for success.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1
This module was designed to give you a deep understanding of what crowdfunding is and what it does. You’ll learn the definition of crowdfunding, compare the two most prevalent types—equity and reward-based—and understand how crowdfunding is different from other approaches to raising capital. You’ll explore critical components of crowdfunding, and discover the importance of community and social networks in a successful crowdfunding campaign. By the end of this module, you’ll gain a better understanding of how crowdfunding works, and use your power of social connections to ensure success for your campaign.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops core skills in crowdfunding, which is highly relevant to entrepreneurs and startups
Teaches essential strategies for preparing, budgeting, and managing crowdfunding campaigns
Provides insights from successful crowdfunding campaigns and campaign creators
Led by Ethan Mollick, a recognized expert in crowdfunding
Examines the science behind crowdfunding, including group decision-making and fraud detection
May require prerequisite knowledge or experience in fundraising or entrepreneurship

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Reviews summary

Science and practice of successful crowdfunding

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive overview and dives into the science and practice behind successful crowdfunding. Many found the content practical and actionable, offering a solid foundation for launching their own campaigns. The course covers various types of crowdfunding and details campaign preparation, pitching, and managing live efforts. While some note it's particularly helpful for beginners seeking a clear introduction, a few mention that more experienced crowdfunders might find certain sections less novel or desire deeper dives into specific platforms or legal nuances. Overall, students appreciate the insights drawn from data and expert interviews, making it a valuable resource for anyone planning a campaign, though they advise verifying platform-specific details as the landscape evolves.
Some information may need independent verification.
"The crowdfunding landscape changes rapidly; some statistics might not be the most current."
"Platforms frequently update features and policies, so I had to double-check the latest rules."
"While the core principles are solid, specific examples or platform details could potentially be a bit dated."
Features valuable interviews and data-driven science.
"Loved hearing directly from industry leaders like the founder of Indiegogo – very insightful!"
"The data-driven science behind crowd behavior was fascinating and provided useful context."
"Interviews added a great real-world perspective to the theoretical concepts discussed."
Excellent starting point for those new to crowdfunding.
"As a complete beginner with no prior experience, this course was perfect for me."
"Easy to understand and follow, even without prior business or marketing knowledge."
"Provided a clear and accessible introduction to a complex topic."
Offers useful strategies for real campaigns.
"I finished the course feeling equipped to apply these strategies directly to my upcoming campaign."
"The advice on budgeting, rewards, and communication was incredibly helpful and practical."
"Gave me concrete steps and frameworks to follow for setting up my campaign for success."
Provides a solid foundation in crowdfunding.
"The course provided a great overview of the entire crowdfunding process from start to finish."
"I learned so much about the different types and steps needed to plan a campaign."
"It really helped me understand the fundamentals before starting to plan my own project, covering the basics very thoroughly."
Could go deeper on platforms or specific legalities.
"Wished it covered more specific strategies for individual platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo."
"Needed more depth on the legal aspects, especially concerning equity crowdfunding regulations in different regions."
"Some parts felt a bit basic if you already have some industry knowledge or experience."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Crowdfunding with these activities:
Crowdfunding Campaign Ideation
Helps you generate creative ideas for your crowdfunding campaign.
Browse courses on Crowdfunding
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a list of potential crowdfunding campaign ideas.
  • Evaluate the viability of each idea based on factors such as market demand, competition, and your own skills and resources.
  • Select the most promising idea and develop a detailed plan for its execution.
  • Conduct thorough research on similar crowdfunding campaigns to learn from their successes and failures.
Crowdfunding Campaign Budget
Helps you plan and manage the financial aspects of your crowdfunding campaign.
Browse courses on Crowdfunding
Show steps
  • Estimate the costs associated with your campaign, such as platform fees, marketing expenses, and production costs.
  • Create a detailed budget that outlines your income and expenses.
  • Identify potential sources of funding to cover any budget shortfalls.
  • Track your expenses throughout the duration of your campaign.
Crowdfunding Campaign Pitch Video
Provides you with an opportunity to practice creating a compelling pitch that will attract backers to your campaign.
Browse courses on Crowdfunding
Show steps
  • Write a clear and concise script for your pitch video.
  • Record yourself delivering the pitch, paying attention to your body language, tone, and delivery.
  • Edit the video to create a polished and engaging presentation.
  • Share your pitch video with others for feedback and suggestions.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Attend Crowdfunding Industry Events
Gives you the opportunity to connect with other crowdfunding professionals, learn about industry trends, and get feedback on your campaign ideas.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming crowdfunding industry events in your area.
  • Attend the events and actively participate in discussions and networking sessions.
  • Connect with other attendees on LinkedIn or other social media platforms.
Crowdfunding Campaign Management
Allows you to apply the principles of crowdfunding to a real-world project, providing you with hands-on experience in managing a campaign.
Browse courses on Crowdfunding
Show steps
  • Choose a platform to launch your crowdfunding campaign.
  • Set a funding goal and timeline for your campaign.
  • Create and manage your campaign page, including setting up rewards and perks for backers.
  • Promote your campaign through social media, email marketing, and other channels.
  • Track your progress and make adjustments as needed throughout the duration of your campaign.

Career center

Learners who complete Crowdfunding will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Fundraising Manager
A Fundraising Manager is responsible for raising funds for an organization, typically a nonprofit or educational institution. Crowdfunding is a powerful tool for raising funds, and this course can help you learn the ins and outs of crowdfunding so that you can be more successful in your fundraising efforts. You'll learn how to prepare for a successful campaign, develop and manage a live crowdfunding effort, and use the science behind crowdfunding to your advantage.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraising Manager
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns for a company or organization. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for marketing a new product or service, and this course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. You'll learn how to develop a compelling pitch, create a successful crowdfunding campaign, and use social media to promote your campaign.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Public relations manager
A Public Relations Manager is responsible for managing the public image of a company or organization. Crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for building relationships with the public and generating positive publicity. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to build a strong public relations campaign for your company or organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager is responsible for managing the social media presence of a company or organization. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for building a social media following and engaging with your audience. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to grow your social media presence and achieve your social media marketing goals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for developing and managing a product or service. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for getting feedback on a new product or service, and for raising funds to bring your product to market. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to develop and launch a successful product.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for starting a business, and for raising funds to grow your business. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to launch and grow your own business.
See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur
Freelance Writer
A Freelance Writer is a writer who is not employed by a single company, but rather works on a project-by-project basis. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for freelance writers to raise funds for their projects. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to fund your freelance writing projects and grow your freelance writing business.
See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Writer
Nonprofit Executive Director
A Nonprofit Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of a nonprofit organization. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for nonprofits to raise funds and build support for their mission. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to raise funds for your nonprofit organization and achieve your mission.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Executive Director
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works to bring people together to address a common issue or goal. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for community organizers to raise funds and build support for their initiatives. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to organize your community and achieve your goals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer
Political Campaign Manager
A Political Campaign Manager is responsible for managing a political campaign. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for political campaigns to raise funds and build support for their candidate. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to raise funds for your political campaign and get your candidate elected.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Campaign Manager
Artist
An Artist creates original works of art. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for artists to raise funds for their projects and build support for their work. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to fund your artistic projects and grow your career as an artist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Artist
Musician
A Musician creates and performs music. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for musicians to raise funds for their projects and build support for their music. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to fund your musical projects and grow your career as a musician.
See salaries and explore the career path for Musician
Filmmaker
A Filmmaker creates and directs films. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for filmmakers to raise funds for their projects and build support for their work. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to fund your film projects and grow your career as a filmmaker.
See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker
Writer
A Writer creates written works such as books, articles, and scripts. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for writers to raise funds for their projects and build support for their work. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to fund your writing projects and grow your career as a writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Teacher
A Teacher educates students. Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for teachers to raise funds for their classrooms and projects. This course can help you learn how to use crowdfunding to fund your teaching projects and improve the learning experience for your students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Crowdfunding.
Cover image
Startup Boards
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to venture capital financing, which related topic to crowdfunding.
Startup Boards: A Field Guide to Building and...
Hardcover
$$
Startup Boards: A Field Guide to Building and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Provides a framework for building a successful startup, which is relevant to crowdfunding as it can help entrepreneurs to validate their ideas and raise funding.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Startup Checklist
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to launching a successful crowdfunding campaign for your startup. It covers everything from developing a compelling pitch to building a strong online community. It valuable resource for any startup that is considering launching a crowdfunding campaign.
The Startup Checklist
Paperback
Check
The Startup Checklist
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Art of Startup Fundraising
Save
Provides a practical guide to fundraising for startups, which is relevant to crowdfunding as it can help entrepreneurs to craft a compelling pitch and raise funds.
The Art of Startup Fundraising
Paperback
Check
The Art of Startup Fundraising
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Business Expert's Guidebook: Small Business Tips,...
Save
Provides a guide to crowdfunding for small businesses. It covers everything from the different types of crowdfunding platforms to the legal and financial considerations involved. It valuable resource for any small business that is considering launching a crowdfunding campaign.
Business Expert's Guidebook: Small Business Tips,...
Paperback
Check
Business Expert's Guidebook: Small Business Tips,...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Unicorn's Shadow
Save
Provides a look at the future of crowdfunding, examining the trends and developments that are shaping the future of crowdfunding.
The Unicorn's Shadow
Paperback
Check
The Unicorn's Shadow
Kindle Edition
Check

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University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Ethan Mollick
Language
English
Transcripts
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Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops core skills in crowdfunding, which is highly relevant to entrepreneurs and startups
Teaches essential strategies for preparing, budgeting, and managing crowdfunding campaigns
Provides insights from successful crowdfunding campaigns and campaign creators
Led by Ethan Mollick, a recognized expert in crowdfunding
Examines the science behind crowdfunding, including group decision-making and fraud detection
May require prerequisite knowledge or experience in fundraising or entrepreneurship
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