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    Columbus Crowdfunding Roundup – April 2016

    March proved to be another rough month for business Crowdfunding in Columbus. For the second month in a row, none of the featured campaigns hit their goal. Those numbers also mean it might be time to change things up…

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    Starting this month, we’re slimming down the campaigns included in the roundup. As the crowdfunding field becomes increasingly crowded, we’ll be vetting campaigns down to a more curated list based on factors like well-thought out campaigns with ample information, a website or presence outside of the crowdfunding platform, or established presence in the Columbus business community.

    April brings one of the most interesting and promising campaigns of recent months. If you’ve ever been faced with leaving your phone, wallet, etc. unattended at the beach or anywhere else, this one is for you. Two new product launches bring coasters and dice. Columbus could get another escape room, a community-favorite needs your help and a Downtown business gets a reboot. Keep reading to decide which might be worth of your dollars.

    Coming Soon! Theft-Proof Drawstring Backpack

    Touted as “the bag that everybody, at some point in their life, wishes they had” the Flack Sack offers a slash-resistant locking backpack with waterproof pocket. Loctote Industrial Bag Co. has essentially found a way to turn a drawstring backpack into a mobile safe. Secure the backpack around a stationary object and walk away knowing your stuff is safe. The businesses has sourced all the materials to manufacture the first 1,000 units (almost all from within the U.S.), and the crowdfunded dollars will go towards crossing the finish line of manufacturing.

    Custom Engraved Puzzle Trivet & Coasters

    Custom wood furniture and accessories business GameNightGeek is looking to expand its product line with a puzzle trivet and coaster set. The campaign will help to launch the product and make it available on GNG’s website with two versions available – plain and engraved with the Autism Speaks logo. If successful, the business hopes to donate proceeds from future purchases to Autism Speaks.

    Gunmetal Polyhedral RPG Dice In Complete Sets

    Easy Roller Dice Company introduces its seven-piece Gunmetal Dice sets. The polyhedral dice are made of solid zinc alloy and of black nickel plating emblazoned with colorful numbers. The company is jumping on the trend of metal dice, looking to expand their accessibility. Pre-order your own set of dice by backing the product.

    Lockdown Columbus

    A trio of friends are ready to introduce Columbus to another escape room adventure. Following the gather friends, get locked in a room, you have an hour to escape model, Lockdown Columbus is raising funds to cover operating expense for the first few months as the business gets its feet under them.

    Downtown Bike Shop

    The Downtown Bike Shop is making sure that central Columbus doesn’t go for long without a bike shop after B1 Bicycles closed for good in October 2015. Bike enthusiast Chad Shepherd is raising funds to get the shop of the ground. Campaign money will go towards shop tools, basic inventory, necessary fixtures and a POS system.

    Help Red Velvet

    The Pickerington community is rallying ’round to help Red Velvet. The cafe and cupcake mecca has faced a few hardships – a move to a new location, a bum second-hand espresso machine and personal challenges. To help the business stay in the community and up and running, other local businesses are raising funds to help.

    Failed or Funded March 2016

    CBus Improv Theatre – Failed: $6,926 raised / $15,000 requested
    *current status, campaign still open

    Bungalow Supply Co. – Failed: $0 raised / $2,200 requested

    Infinity Aerial – Failed: $1,460 raised / $10,000 requested
    *current status, time remains on campaign

    Miggy’s Tacos & More – Failed: $45 raised / $10,000 requested
    *current status, time remains on campaign

    A Chef to the Homeless – Failed: $100 raised / $4,500 requested
    *current status, campaign still open

    Freight Farm Production – Failed: $10 raised / $100,00 requested
    *current status, campaign still open

    Woods Market – Failed: $50 raised / $60,000 requested
    *current status, campaign still open

    Whiskey Bear Comedy Festival – Failed: $2,445 raised / $4,000 requested

    The Great Samboni – Failed: $25 raised / $66,000 requested

    Novel – Failed: $173 raised / $5,000 requested
    *current status, time remains on campaign

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    Susan Post
    Susan Post
    Susan is the editor of The Metropreneur and associate editor of Columbus Underground, and also covers small business and entrepreneurial news and the food scene in Central Ohio.Susan holds a degree in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing from The Ohio State University. She sits on the board of the Central Ohio Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and loves coffee, whiskey, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
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