Veterans Get Start Up Cash from New Crowd Funding Platform

Military-only crowdfunding website launches to serve Veterans

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RepayVets (www.RepayVets.com) is a new crowdfunding platform built specifically for veterans looking for assistance to fund start-up projects or raise money for a personal cause.

The idea was born after founders Marlon Terrell, a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy reserves, and good friend and business partner, Avery Robinson, were intrigued by the idea of crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Through market research, they quickly realized the void that needed to be filled—a niche for veterans.

After serving the country, veterans are given a chance to pursue their dreams, but they often lack the necessary funding and/or the appropriate channel to connect to capital sources. Terrell and Robinson thought, “How can we use this crowdfunding model to help our American heroes?” RepayVets is the answer. By creating RepayVets, veteran projects are able to stand out among the masses of competing projects on larger crowdfunding sites, thus giving veteran projects attention they might not otherwise receive.

RepayVets officially launched in April 2013, and since then has helped veterans raise money for personal causes and get start – up projects off the ground.

Veteran Bill McNeely sought to raise $790 to attend TechStars Patriot Bootcamp, an organization that provides seed funding from over 75 top venture capital firms and angel investors who are vested in the success of your startup as well as intense mentorship from hundreds of the best entrepreneurs in the world. McNeely reached his goal in 14 days and was able to attend TechStars Patriot Bootcamp in Washington D.C.

RepayVets also helped David Hunt raise money for Crossrope, the world’s first interchangeable jump rope. Hunt’s target goal of $2,000 was achieved in 30 days and has led to a successful business venture. Crossrope has even been featured in national publications including GQ and Men’s Fitness.

What is Crowd Funding?

Crowdfunding (alternately crowd financing, equity crowdfunding, crowd-sourced fundraising) is the collective effort of individuals who network and pool their money, usually via the Internet, to support efforts initiated by other people or organizations. Crowdfunding is used in support of a wide variety of activities, including disaster relief, citizen journalism, support of artists by fans, political campaigns, startup company funding,[3] motion picture promotion, free software development, inventions development, scientific research, and civic projects.

Veteran supporters, friends and families make success stories like McNeely and Hunt possible. By donating to a “campaign,” you aren’t only helping a veteran turn their dream into a reality; you’re repaying them for their dedication and service to our country, and every week, amazing people contribute to help military veterans live out their dreams in a variety of campaigns.

Now it’s your turn. By signing up with RepayVets and creating a campaign, you’ll have the opportunity to start that project you’ve always wanted, and do things that might not be possible without the support of fellow veterans and your community. If you’d like to create or donate to a campaign, visit RepayVets.com.