New Crowdfunding Platform StartMe.co.za Successfully Funds 3 Innovative Projects

Online, November 14, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Three South African Entrepreneurs now have a reason to smile. The StartMe.co.za crowdfunding platform has enabled them to link up with investors to fund their business dreams. Collectively the three projects raised R19 795. The smallest investment was just R5 which shows the true power of collective investing. Every little bit counts.

Ben Bertil's idea to recycle lead batteries was one of StartMe.co.za 's first success stories. Ben can refurbish old lead batteries and make them 100% serviceable again. The success of Ben's venture will have a broad sustainability impact. He can profitably supply 'as new' recycled batteries, with a 6 month warranty, at 35% less than the cost of a new battery. Recycling batteries also prevents them ending up in landfills and polluting precious land and water resources. Ben has identified a growing demand for recycled batteries. His project received 100% funding of R3400. This will enable Ben to equip and grow his business to meet growing customer demand.

In just 6 days on StartMe.co.za, Edward Berridge, founder of I LOVE RSA raised 104% of his target. The R6295 will help expand I LOVE RSA's production. It will equip Edward to meet the growing demand for the beautiful hand crafted bags that are his business creation. Edward's dream is to empower and help care for the local communities through I LOVE RSA. A percentage of profits go to supporting TAFTA (The Association for the Aged) in Kwa-Zulu Natal. In addition, Edward runs skills clinics to teach unskilled people the basics in fashion manufacturing. I LOVE RSA will continue to change people's lives thanks to START ME investors.

One of StartMe.co.za 's more ambitious projects is Urban Turbine. The project received R10 100, 101% of its funding target. The money will be used to develop a prototype for a vertical wind turbine with a capacity to generate 4000 to 6000kWh of electricity. As South Africa's electricity prices continue to soar, alternative energy generation will become increasingly attractive to business and home owners. Brian Mawdsley from Urban Turbine showed his commitment to the project by personally contributing R750 to the project's funding. In addition Brian received a contribution for free website development and hosting to help him get Urban Turbine off the ground.

Internationally crowdfunding platforms are fast becoming the go-to place for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for funding. As an example Kickstarter.com was founded in April 2008. Since then the platform has raised more than $350 million, through 2,5 million funders for more than 30 000 creative projects. This demonstrates the power and potential of crowdfunding.

StartMe.co.za now brings the concept of crowdfunding to South Africa. It brings together local entrepreneurs and investors and provides an effective platform to raise capital to grow or start a new business. StartMe.co.za is an easy to use online platform. It provides entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their ideas and attract investors. Any investor making a contribution, big or small has the opportunity to help develop and grow businesses in South Africa.

For more information contact Ben Botes at StartMe. Tel: 0861 722 877 or 076 154 3048. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.startme.co.za. Address: West Wing, Birchwood Court, 43 Montrose Street, Vorna Valley, 1682.