John Osborne, Founder of Funding charleston.com
March 12, 2013
John Osborne
Charleston area entrepreneurs have a new resource for funding their startup ideas, business expansion or growth projects. Fundingcharleston.com is launching to the public on Feb. 1 with a mission of connecting growing Charleston area companies with capital needed to fuel their growth.
Business owners use the crowdfunding website to create a project that needs funded. They set a fundraising goal and then tap their existing social networks and customer base for contributions. Projects stay on the site for up to 120 days, and at the end of the specified time period, the business receives a check for the funds raised. Fundingcharleston.com keeps 10% of the money raised.
Company founder John Osborne spent a decade in the finance industry. In his work as a commercial banker, he witnessed a shift in the industry and the challenges facing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses. On the flip side, he knew as an investment adviser it was difficult to find local opportunities in which people could invest. There was a desire among investors to diversify their money beyond the traditional stock market.
