Crowdfunding platform drives development of creative enterprises

Crowdfunding has become a global force in funding new business ventures by leveraging the power of social media platforms to create start-up capital. Global funding collected through crowdfunding is expected to reach R50 billion this year. Crowdfunding targets range from as little as R5000, up to targets of over R100 million.

Based in Cape Town, Thundafund.com is driving crowdfunding in South Africa and their focus is on the funding of creative and innovative ventures. The site is expecting the total raised to grow to as much R1 million over the next three months.

Projects

• Evolve Ybike (3-in-1 combination tricycle and balance bike) 65 supporters helped exceed the target of R30,000 to raise R49,070, a 165% crowd funded project - www.thundafund.com/ybike

• T2T Africa Expedition Team saw 82 supporters raise R61,150, exceeding its target of R13,500 by 453% - www.thundafund.com/t2tafrica

• Mooibos Vertical Gardens achieved R18,773 raised of a R10,000 target, equalling 188% crowdfunded with 37 supporters - www.thundafund.com/mooibos

• Benguela's 5th Album raised R10,770 on a R9,000 target to finalise recording costs, 120% crowdfunded by 44 supporters - www.thundafund.com/benguela

• Oranjezicht City Farm crowdfunded R30,950 of its R10,000 target, 310% funded, to assist the farms aim of a 'Veggielution' - www.thundafund.com/ozcf

• Open Streets Cape Town rallied up R40,720, within a crowdfunding community of 70 supporters - www.thundafund.com/openstreets

The launch is open to prospective entrepreneurs, investors, media and members of the public. It opens from 2-5pm with exhibitions, talks, project mini-launches, conversations on crowdfunding, creativity & entrepreneurship.

From 5.30-6.30pm, there is an official launch with guest speakers and from 6.30- 8.30pm attendees can meet the creatives, innovators and entrepreneurs who are changing the world.

For more information, go to www.thundafund.eventbrite.com.