Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform for creative projects, enabling artists, musicians, filmmakers, and inventors to raise funds directly from their communities.
The Story
Kickstarter is a public-benefit corporation and the world's leading crowdfunding platform for creative projects. Founded in 2009 by Perry Chen, Charles Adler, and Yancey Strickler, the company launched with a mission to democratize creative funding and help people bring their artistic, musical, cinematic, and technological ideas to life.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Kickstarter has funded over 155,000 projects worldwide, earning recognition from The New York Times as "the people's NEA" and from Time magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2010. Unlike traditional investment platforms, Kickstarter operates on a patronage model where backers support projects in exchange for creative rewards, not equity.
This community-first approach has made it the largest funding platform for creative work globally, with a fully remote workforce and a reputation for championing independent creators over commercial interests.
Key Facts & Metrics
Platform
Kickstarter Crowdfunding Platform
The leading crowdfunding platform for creative projects, enabling artists, musicians, filmmakers, and inventors to raise funds directly from their communities.
Visit WebsiteCompany Timeline
2009 — Kickstarter launched
Kickstarter launched on April 28, 2009, by Perry Chen, Charles Adler, and Yancey Strickler.
2010 — Named Best Invention by Time Magazine
Time magazine recognized Kickstarter as one of the Best Inventions of 2010.
2011 — Named Best Website by Time Magazine
Time magazine named Kickstarter one of the Best Websites of 2011.
2014 — Moved to Brooklyn headquarters
Kickstarter moved its headquarters to 58 Kent Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
