Boomstarter Voice: Crowdfunding a House
You have already heard about Alexey and his project “Dome house Vegetary”, as we have written about it in the “Top-3 unexpected crowdfunding ides” article. The house is able to produce its own food and help you to go green! The campaign is still live, go check it here.
How did you come to Boomstarter?
We needed to raise funds for the project documentation of House, and we decided to use crowdfunding opportunities. We had to choose between Boomstarter, Planet (another Russian platform) and Kickstarter. We instantly declined Kickstarter as there were many pitfalls to launch a campaign, Planet was not the choice because it didn’t allow to make an “Author Contribution” and finish a project that didn’t achieve the goal. Moreover, the start of the project on Boomstarter seemed to be more comfortable and cheaper. So picked this very platform.
How did Boomstarter help you project? Were you able to raise money without crowdfunding?
Boomstarter allowed us to launch the project relatively fast. We’ve got more than 10% of sponsors from Boomstarter for now. Of course, we could start a campaign on our own, but that would mean making our own website, which requires money and time.
Your project has attracted more than 66 investors from Russia so far. Do you think the project would be interesting abroad and would your task simplify if you raised money in other countries?
Yes, and we plan to start a Kickstarter campaign to go global. If Boomstarter provides favorable conditions, we’ll be pleased to use it. Popularity plays an important role, too. We know some cases when a project raised million dollars in a short period. But Kickstarter has its issues. If Boomstarter starts to promote projects worldwide, to translate texts into other languages, it will be an excellent benefit for Boom.
Have you faced any financial problems during the campaign?
Yes, that’s what we’ve faced. Our rewards cost 20000–30000 RUB (300–450$), and the only way to pay available to our backers is a credit card. Some people want to support us by other means of payment, including e-payments, but they can’t do it, as the pledge limit is 15000 RUB (220$).
Were there people who liked your idea, but they didn’t have money to support you? We are launching a new technology called crowdmining. People will support the project with their computing power, without direct investments.
People often ask if they can get the drafts without paying, but earning it. Or ask what they have to do to get them because they don’t have money. Mining crypto, in that case, is fascinating. I’m only afraid it’ll take longer to do so.
Boomstarter transfers money to authors within 30 days. Is that long for you? Or would you like to get them right after the end of the campaign to get started?
Osf course, instant money transfers are far more convenient; it allows to implement the project instantly and pay the suppliers. Payment delays bring inconveniences. But if 30 days term is respected, we can plan the budget.
Are you planning to start a new project in the nearest future?
Yes. We’ve realized the efficiency of this method, and we’re satisfied with the work conditions. We have some more projects we want to launch. These are globalizing the dome house, automatically sets to grow plant all the year round, “Aero Flora,” and the production of a unique organic pesticide — “Liquid Rich Soil,” and smart lamps of total Sun spectrum “Sweet Sun.” There are lots of useful projects. Crowdfunding helps to implement plans in a fast way, together and for the sake of other people!
Alexey Balakin and “On the Earth 24” project team.
