How do you raise millions without giving up control to VCs or signing your life away to the bank? For Kirstin Hunter, CEO of Birchal, the answer is community.
Kirstin’s career has zig-zagged through medicine, law, consulting, co-founding Future Super, and leading Techstars in Sydney before stepping into the CEO seat at Birchal, Australia’s largest equity crowdfunding platform. With more than 300 campaigns and $200 million raised, Birchal is now a powerhouse for ecommerce founders who want to scale while activating their most loyal customers as shareholders.
Kirstin believes crowdfunding isn’t just a financial mechanism. It’s about turning customers into co-owners, building movements around products, and levelling the playing field for diverse founders who don’t fit the narrow VC mould.
Only 2% of venture funding goes to women-only founding teams. Crowdfunding is how we change that.
Today, we’re discussing…
- How Birchal helps ecommerce brands like Outland Denim, Zero Co and Sneaker Laundry raise millions by turning loyal customers into investors
- The sweet spot crowdfunding occupies between Kickstarter, bank loans and VC: without the headaches of fulfilment or personal guarantees
- Why ongoing shareholder communication is the secret to future raises and brand loyalty
- How crowdfunding campaigns act as marketing campaigns, boosting awareness, employer brand, and even sales
- The brutal stats on gender and diversity in funding, and why crowdfunding can close the gap for underrepresented founders
- Kirstin’s vision for a future where Australian crowdfunding creates thousands of new millionaires, just like Revolut in the UK
6:01 How Crowdsourced Equity Funding Works
12:30 Benefits Beyond Capital
19:19 The Importance of Communication with Investors
26:53 The Power of Crowdsourced Funding
31:44 Gender and Funding
45:36 Advocacy and Change in Investment
51:04 Crowdfunding Success Stories & Advice
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