Crowdfunding in MKE: An Update

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Earlier, we checked in with Milwaukee businesses using WeFunder to raise capital. MobCraft Beer reached its first fundraising milestone this week, raising half a million dollars in equity crowdfunding capital. The popular, Milwaukee-based brewery and taproom is now in its second stage of funding, with aims to meet a $2.25 million goal. The company is currently working on opening additional locations in Denver, Woodstock, Ill., and Watertown, Wis. Mobcraft Beer is offering a variety of investor perks that have proven to be popular with its fans. Investor levels begin at $250.

Milwaukee-based washbnb, a laundry service targeting Airbnbs and hotels, also reached the first stage of its funding goal this week. As of this writing, it has raised $164,000 of its $800,00 goal. The company believes it has the potential to become a unicorn investment, projecting it will hit $100 million in revenue in the next five years. In its fundraising materials, washbnb calls itself a “unicorn with zebra stripes,” referring to the term Zebra Company. While definitions of Zebra Company vary, most describe a lean, profitable company which is also socially aware. The company, accepted into the techstars_ Atlanta cohort, allows backers to begin investing in the company at $100.

Octane Coffee, the third local startup using WeFunder to generate capital, ended its campaign in February 2021 after raising $78,573 from 116 investors. The company, which designed an automated, drive-thru coffee shop, plans to open its first location this winter in Pewaukee.

We’ll continue to follow these companies as they move through the funding process. Is there a company you think we should be following? Send us a suggestion at info@MKEStartup.News