Why supporters contribute to reward-based crowdfunding

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the motivation of supporters to contribute resources to reward-based crowdfunding campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports results from a survey combining open and closed questions, addressing supporters of reward-based crowdfunding campaigns in the field of video game development. Publicly available data from a large crowdfunding website complements the approach.

Findings

Two groups of supporters emerge from the data: one group derives motivation almost exclusively from a purchasing motive, the other group displays the purchasing motive alongside an altruistic and involvement motive. There is little indication that social acknowledgement plays a role for supporter motivation. Supporters rely on the evaluation of previous activities of an entrepreneur to judge trustworthiness.

Originality/value

The manuscript offers empirical insights into the previously scarcely researched question why supporters contribute to reward-based crowdfunding. These insights inform research on reward-based crowdfunding and help entrepreneurs considering reward-based crowdfunding as a way to fund entrepreneurial activities.

Citation

Steigenberger, N. (2017), "Why supporters contribute to reward-based crowdfunding", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 336-353. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-04-2016-0117