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.

In this module, you’ll explore how to prepare for a successful campaign, including how much time you should expect to spend and how much money you should seek to raise. By looking at the different types of rewards and reward levels, you’ll be able to weigh the benefits and costs of reward types for your campaign, and find the right balance that will work for your budget. Then you’ll learn about both successful strategies and common pitfalls in preparing for your crowdfunding campaign, such as the use of helpers or consultants. By the end of this module, you’ll have built effective strategies for preparing and budgeting your crowdfunding campaign, and be able to tackle any issue that your campaign might face in achieving its goal.

This module was designed to help you develop and manage a live crowdfunding effort, from pitching your idea to ensuring long-term success. By discussing examples of both high-quality and low-quality pitches, you’ll learn what makes messages memorable and be able to craft an effective pitch for your campaign. You’ll assess the differing benefits of showing prototypes and teaser trailers, and explore some of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs have faced when delivering their projects and how to avoid them. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to employ a toolbox of approaches to craft a convincing pitch, and be prepared with the best solution to any situation.