Kickstarter wins the Crunchie For
Kickstarter has opened up the possibilities for makers of this and future generations. It has democratized the production of hardware, movies, software and other creative endeavors. Its ability to tap funding sources who eventually become its consumers is a big plus. The company fostered a sense of ownership and community around product development and acted as a way for makers to open up about the successes and setbacks of transforming and executing a product.
In 2013, Kickstarter had 3 million crowdfunders pledge $480 million with 19,911 successfully funded projects. It continues to illustrate the desire of people to be directly involved in helping makers to make.
Late last year, the company announced that co-founder Perry Chen would step down as CEO and move to a chairman role. Co-founder Yancey Strickler has stepped into the CEO slot.