Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor: Why Crowdfunding Should Come Before VC

In this episode of Build Mode, host Isabelle Johannesen interviews Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor about the evolving role of crowdfunding in entrepreneurship. Taylor argues that crowdfunding is not just a fallback for founders who can't secure venture capital, but a strategic first step that can validate ideas, build community, and generate early revenue. He shares his own unconventional journey into entrepreneurship, growing up in Richmond, Virginia, far from the tech hubs of Silicon Valley. Taylor discusses how crowdfunding can serve as a precursor to traditional funding, allowing founders to retain more control and prove demand before approaching VCs. He also highlights success stories from Kickstarter and how the platform has adapted to support creators across various industries. The conversation delves into the misconceptions about crowdfunding and why more founders should consider it as a viable alternative or complement to venture capital. Taylor's insights offer a fresh perspective on funding strategies for startups.