Monthly Deep-Dive

S ome of The Biggest Digital Platform-Based Private Financing Deals of All Time

Many early-stage companies focused on building the future usually need capital in order to see their ideas come to life. Compared to traditional fundraising methods, setting up a successful equity financing campaign on platforms like Jibrel.com or other types of private financing campaigns on alternative platforms is far more efficient and effective in getting the message out to the right people.

For example, since Jibrel.com will provide a single platform where vetted startups can connect with institutional investors as well as individual accredited investors, there is a mutual assurance of high quality on both sides, as well as reduced effort in making valuable connections.

With the global private financing platform market valued at $10.2 Billion in 2018, many startups have already taken advantage of this. Below are some of the biggest raises to date we have seen in the space:

Hibergene Diagnostics

Raised: $5,700,000

Hibergene develops, manufactures, and sells highly accurate molecular diagnostics for the urgent diagnosis of two potentially fatal human infectious diseases known as Meningococcal and Group B Streptococcus. Hibergene believes its solution allows for timely and informed clinical decisions to be taken based on highly accurate diagnosis, potentially saving time and money compared to existing alternatives.

Revolut

Raised: $3,900,000

Revolut is a digital banking app that was able to raise $3.9 million. It promises to be better than your traditional bank account with services like free international transfers, free ATM withdrawals anywhere in the world, and free money exchange in 25 currencies. It also accepts cryptocurrecies.

Pebble E-Paper Watch

Raised: $10,266,845

Pebble E-Paper Watch remains the most-funded campaign to date, far exceeding its goal of $100,000 to create an affordable smartwatch back in 2012 when the market was new. In fact, the product attracted so much excitement that it raised nearly $1 million in just the first day.

Ouya

Raised: $8,596,474

The Android-powered game console, Ouya, was one of the highest-grossing projects. With an open-source design, the micro-console promised affordable streaming of indie games. After the campaign closed in August 2012, Ouya delivered its product to backers in March 2013 and put it on the market in June.

Bitvore

Raised: $4,500,000

Bitvore launched a digital platform-based equity funding campaign that raised $4.5 million after closing in March 2014. The company is based on a data visualization software that allows businesses to more easily monitor and analyze big data. The platform collects data from social, email, web traffic, sales, and manufacturing logs and runs these simultaneously and continuously, ensuring that businesses are always kept to date on information and events regarding their sales and operations.

The Micro

Raised: $3,401,361

M3D, based in Bethesda, Maryland, is the company behind creating the Micro. They had a mission to create an affordable, easy-to-use 3D printer for mainstream consumers. As a 7.3-inch cube, the printer came in neon colors, and the accompanying software was expected to be a simple drag and drop. With a great design and low price point, they surpassed their goal of $50,000 in just 11 minutes.

The Dash

Raised: $3,390,551

Germany-based hardware company Bragi launched The Dash, wireless in-ear headphones. The earbuds are multi-functional through apps, Bluetooth, and other sophisticated sensors. They have a built-in music player of 1,000 songs, can stream music, do fitness tracking, function as a headset, and have noise-canceling capabilities.

Oculus Rift

Raised: $2,437,429

Prior to its $2 billion acquisition by Facebook, virtual reality startup Oculus Rift got its start on Kickstarter, closing on $2.4 million. The team was developing the “first truly immersive virtual reality” that meant a headset for video games with a high-resolution display and head tracking. The campaign targeted developers who could pledge for access to a developer kit and then integrate games into the device. Their first consumer product was released on March 28th, 2016.

3Doodler Pens

Raised: $2,344,134

The 3Doodler Pen uses 3mm plastic thread, which is heated within the device and then solidifies into any creation of your imagination. Thus, it enables users to take their drawings off of the page. The company shipped its patented product in March 2014 and continues to sell the pen, thread, and other accessories online. In its campaign, the company also partnered with Etsy artists to inspire users and offer their designs as rewards, with the goal of creating a community of artists to use and market the product.

Canary Smart Home Security

Raised: $1,961,663

Canary is a single device with an HD video camera and sensors to track motion, temperature, air quality, vibration, and sounds wherever placed, all controlled by a mobile app. The app notifies users when something is amiss, such as unexpected movement or temperature changes, and allows them to act on it while also providing data and analysis easily. After its platform-based private financing success, the company closed on a $10 million Series A funding round.