27 June 2012 by Tina
In the run-up to the 2012 Smarta 100 awards we have
caught up with previous winners to find out how they benefited from
scooping the award.Here Luke Lang, the co-founder of crowdfunding
platform Crowdcube explains what winning the Smarta 100 meant and
how the business has developed since then.
What stage was your business at when you won
the Smarta 100?
Crowdcube
was still in its early stages but it was showing very
encouraging signs of progress with two deals already completed
when we won the Smarta 100 award last year.
Why did you enter the awards?
These awards are a showcase for the brightest, smartest and
inspirational businesses in the UK and I felt that Crowdcube had
the potential not only to be smart and inspirational, but to
transform an age-old business and make a significant difference to
other start-up businesses.
What was the experience like?
It was fantastic! It was the first award that Crowdcube ever
won, so it was hugely significant on a personal level but also
great to be recognised and appreciated by such a distinguished
organisation and judging panel.
How has your business benefited from being a part of
Smarta 100?
We went on to fund another Smarta 100 winner - Righteous - who
successfully raised £75,000 on Crowdcube in March 2012. We are
also talking to other Smarta 100 winners about helping them to
secure investment.
What has your business achieved since being named a
Smarta 100 winner?
Since funding our first business in July 2011 we have raised
over £2.8 million for UK businesses.
What is your top tip for any company thinking of
entering Smarta 100 this year?
Go for it! If you're good enough to win then your business
will undoubtedly benefit as a result.
For all the information about the Smarta 100 and how to enter,
click here.