Kickstarter

Kickstarter (operating at kickstarter.com) is a global crowdfunding platform engineered for creative entrepreneurship. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York City, Kickstarter revolutionizes how independent creators and artists secure funding for their projects by eliminating traditional barriers to capital. Unlike conventional venture funding or bank loans, Kickstarter operates on a public-benefit model, enabling creators to validate demand and build communities around their work before production begins. Under the hood, the platform leverages a reward-based crowdfunding mechanism, where backers pledge financial support in exchange for early access, exclusive merchandise, or acknowledgment. This allows artists, filmmakers, designers, and musicians to bypass gatekeepers, tap into niche audiences, and launch projects with real-world validation. Backed by historically $10 million in funding, Kickstarter has become the leading ecosystem for creative projects spanning film, music, art, games, and beyond, fostering innovation while maintaining a transparent, mission-driven ethos.