“Crowdfunding really added an extra dimension to the startup process. I felt like everyone was so excited and they’d really invested in me. Some people gave lots of money but others had just given me so much support and enthusiasm and encouragement. I think that really motivated me.”

Lauren Pears is the founder and creator of Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, London’s first Cat Cafe.  In 2013, Lauren not only raised £109K pounds from over 1600 backers but was also one of the initial catalysts of the cat cafe phenomenon that has spread around the globe.  Two years after opening their doors, the cat cafe continues to book up quickly.  

In this episode of Go Time, Lauren discusses how crowdfunding contributed to the success of the cat cafe. After being turned away for a loan by the banks, she decided to run a campaign on Indiegogo in order to raise funds for her cafe.

https://soundcloud.com/gotimepodcast/lady-dinahs-cat-emporium/s-h5FSI

Tune in to this week’s episode of Go Time to hear how Indiegogo helped Lauren raise funds, develop a large fanbase, find a space in a competitive market and receive outside investment.

Feeling inspired by these stories? Download the Crowdfunding Field Guide to get started on making your idea, a reality.