Kickstarter crowd-funding launches in Ireland

Kickstarter, the world's biggest crowd-funding community, launches in Ireland today, enabling people here to seek funding for projects in 15 categories.

This is part of a European expansion that will also see it launch in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, making Kickstarter available in 10 countries.

After Kickstarter introduces its service to creators today, they will have five weeks to put together projects before going live for funding on October 21st to backers from around the world. Categories include film, design, music, journalism and games.

Clear goal

Kickstarter is a conduit for creators to seek funding for projects with a clear goal, like making an album, a book or artwork.

The creators keep full ownership of their work and Kickstarter cannot be used to offer financial returns or equity or to solicit loans. Kickstarter charges creators a 5 per cent commission for its services.

It launched in 2009 and has 90 people based in Brooklyn. To date, more than $1.3 billion (€1 billion) has been pledged via Kickstarter by about seven million people to help fund 69,000 creative projects around the world.

No staff in Ireland

Company Registration Office records shows that Kickstarter Crowd Funding Ltd was formed here in March 2011 but dissolved in January last year. A spokeswoman for the company said it would not be employing staff in Ireland following its launch here.

Kickstarter chief executive Yancey Strickler said: "We can't wait to see what amazing, ingenious and unique ideas will now be part of the Kickstarter universe. We're so excited to welcome Irish creators to the Kickstarter community."