Thought-Wired announced on Wednesday the launch of its PledgeMe campaign. The New Zealand social enterprise is currently seeking $200,000 through the initiative as it looks to fund the next stage of commercializing its thought sensing software.
Launched in 2011, Thought-Wired’s product nous is described as a piece of communication software for those who cannot move or talk due to physical disabilities. Sharing details about the software, Thought-Wired CEO, Dmitry Selitskiy, stated:
“We really believe that the world should be universally accessible to everyone regardless of their differences in abilities. We believe we can do that through our technology.”
Selitskiy also revealed the reason for the crowdfunding campaign:
“We need the funding to finish building version 1 of nous to get it out to our first customers. It’s an important next step because it allows us to validate the product in the world with paying customers and takes on board everything we’ve learnt so far.”
Thought-Wired’s shares are $1 each with a minimum investment of $500. Investors will receive non-voting shares, discounts on software, and recognition on the organization’s website. Just one day after its launch, the campaign has received nearly $80,000. Selitskiy commented:
“The first day has been amazing. It’s encouraging to see the mix of people coming on board. It’s a combination of people from our existing crowd and people who we’ve never met before and already joining in a big way. Up until this point, we’ve done everything through our circle of close supporters. It’s amazing to see new people joining in.”
PledgeMe CEO Anna Guenther added:
“We love seeing companies that are not just trying to make a financial return for their shareholders, but a social impact on New Zealand and the world. Thought-Wired holds true to its values of helping the unheard communicate. That’s the great thing about companies that focus on social good, they are so easy to share and support because it’s about more than the money. We can’t wait to see who comes in to support the Thought-Wired crew during their campaign and afterwards when they commercializing their product.”
The campaign is set to close next month.
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