Indiegogo is set to introduce a new “Express Crowdfunding” format that will allow creators to start shipping products while their campaigns are still live, eliminating the need to wait until the campaign concludes. According to Indiegogo spokesperson Maciej Kuc, this update comes after the company transitioned to new infrastructure under its owner, Gamefound, which specializes in board game crowdfunding.
Switching to a completely new technology has its challenges. The platform Indiegogo is now developing was originally designed for Gamefound, which follows a more traditional crowdfunding model. In this model, creators typically run a campaign to secure funding and then wait at least two weeks before entering the pledge manager phase—this is when orders are finalized, additional pledges are added, and shipping addresses are collected.
A notable example of issues with the current system was highlighted by Android Authority during Ayaneo’s campaign for its new Pocket AIR Mini retro gaming handheld. Ayaneo had initially aimed to start shipments by the end of November, but due to “platform policy requirements,” they couldn’t collect shipping addresses until December 5th. Specifically, they were unable to request the transition to the Pledge Manager phase, where these addresses are gathered, until December 2nd, and that request needs about three days for review. Consequently, shipments are now expected to begin “around” December 10th.
Kuc mentions that the new Express Crowdfunding format “should be available” in early February.
