Broad Radio’s equity crowdfunding campaign has raised $357,000 with over 250 investors, in what is being called a “huge success for the startup”.
The radio network – run by women, for women – revealed that it has secured over 250 investors in line with International Women’s Day, after launching the campaign with Birchal in January.
When it came to raising the money, the Broad Radio team reached out to individuals who believe in the network’s mission of amplifying and connecting women’s voices in media.
The funds will allow the network to release its app, introducing a platform for female-led live radio and podcasts. It will also be used to expand programming and distribution, and invest in commercial partners.
Ahead of the launch of the fundraising push, Broad Radio founder Jo Stanley said that crowdfunding was the best way to bring creatives and listeners of the network together.
“My vision for Broad Radio was always about having intelligent, inspiring, funny and, most importantly, real women on the air,” Stanley said.
“Opening the company to other real people who share our core values is such a special way to help us grow. Quite literally, everyone can become a shareholder.
“The crowdfunding process has been streamlined and the potential is really exciting for us. We’ve taken the opportunity to organise specialty events such as webinars and soirees for interested investors. It will be so great to see our community coming together in the flesh.
“We have so many exciting plans for the future of Broad Radio, including our purpose-built app that means our listeners will be able to listen wherever they are. Crowdfunding with Birchal will be an imperative part of making these plans happen.”
With only 27% of voices on the radio being women, Broad Radio is aimed specifically at Australia’s 5 million-strong female-over-35 audience. Since launch, the network has live-streamed over 100 hours, reaching over a million people.