This Entrepreneur Used Crowdfunding To Start The Global Cat Cafe Movement

November 18, 2016 · IGG

This Entrepreneur Used Crowdfunding To Start The Global Cat Cafe Movement

“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.

Some of the cats who you can visit at the cafe

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.

More IGG

An image of a photographer using the Finder TW2 to take a picture of the moon at twilight.

Finder TW2: A Telescope for All

Choosing the right telescope is daunting, and the Finder TW2 claims to have hit the ideal balance between performance and ease, making stargazing and astrophotography more accessible. Find out how easy set up and use was in our unboxing.

Unboxing: Kneeflow for knee pain relief in less than 15 minutes

Kneeflow claims to provide knee pain relief in just 15 minutes. We put this promise to the test, evaluating both the immediate effects and the sustained results over time. Read on to find out if Kneeflow delivers on its assurance of effective pain management.

Shipping. Guaranteed.

Two words you never thought you’d see in crowdfunding have arrived. Say “Oh Hello!” to Indiegogo’s Shipping Guarantee program – making sure your order ships on time or you get a full refund. (Available only on select campaigns.)