Kickstarter in the UK | Virgin Media Pioneers

Great news for British businesses. After much anticipation, Kickstarter is in the UK. From 31^st October, entrepreneurs in the UK will be able to launch their projects on Kickstarter but don’t worry Pioneers, you can already start building your project on the Kickstarter site.

More about Kickstarter

Why is the fact that Kickstarter is in the UK so exciting for entrepreneurs? Kickstarter is the world’s largest funding platform when it comes to creative projects. The premise is simple. You upload information about your project and how much funding you’re hoping to raise and the Kickstarter community decide whether they’d like to invest in your idea. If members of the community would like to support your idea, they make a pledge and if you manage to raise the amount of funding you were hoping for then you get to keep the pledges.

What if I don’t hit my funding target?

Kickstarter in the UK will work exactly the same as Kickstarter in the US. If you don’t hit your funding target, they won’t release the funds. It may sound harsh but there’s a good reason for it – if you only receive part-funding, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to carry out what you promised in terms of your business which isn’t fair on your investors either. Manage to raise the funding and you know you’re not the only person who thinks your business plan has potential.

What kinds of projects receive funding?

Tens of thousands of people pledge millions on a weekly basis to creative projects from the worlds of music, art, film, design, food, publishing and technology so there are plenty of Pioneers that can benefit. Two of the most recent US projects to reach their Kickstarter target are Pedale Design’s deck of bespoke designed and illustrated playing cards and a top secret burger sauce  by the Gotham Sauce Co.

How do I get started?

Pioneers are able to get started ahead of the 31^st October launch of Kickstarter in the UK. Simply go to the Kickstarter Start page, click on the ‘Start a new project’ button and select ‘UK’. If you’re not sure of the best way to present your project, don’t worry. There are plenty of tips on the ‘Defining your project’ section.

Good luck Pioneers! Don’t forget to share links to your Kickstarter projects and to let us know how you get on.