Skip to content

Spacehive raises $2m for ‘future cities’ crowdfunding

Civic crowdfunding platform Spacehive has raised $2m as the ‘future cities’ sector heats up.

The London-based startup lets users crowdfund civic projects, which have so far included free wi-fi networks and street art.

The investment has come from the Belgian SI² Fund and Big Society Capital.

‘Enormous potential’

Spacehive hopes to help the UK become a global leader in services that improve the efficiency and ‘livability’ of cities.

Founder Chris Gourlay believes the business is well on its way to achieving that goal:

The first part of our journey – to prove civic crowdfunding works – is complete.

From high street water slides to free public wi-fi networks, sports facilities and major new parks, the possibilities afforded by civic crowdfunding are enormous.

High profile backers

Projects on Spacehive have already received some high profile backing.

They have included Kevin McCloud, the Grand Designs presenter, Danny Boyle, the film director, and David Bailey, the photographer.

Gourlay added that the investment will now let the platform “bring our model to scale and deliver a real impact in communities”.

Topics

Register for Free

Get daily updates and enjoy an ad-reduced experience.

Already have an account? Log in