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Aiming for the Goal: Contribution Dynamics of Crowdfunding

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Abstract

We study reward-based crowdfunding campaigns, a new class of dynamic contribution games where consumption is exclusive. Two types of backers participate: buyers want to consume the product while donors just want the campaign to succeed. The key tension is one of coordination between buyers, instead of free-riding. Donors can alleviate this coordination risk. We analyze a dynamic model of crowdfunding and demonstrate that its predictions are consistent with high-frequency data collected from Kickstarter. We compare the Kickstarter mechanism to alternative platform designs and evaluate the value of dynamically arriving information. We extend the model to incorporate social learning about quality.

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  • Joyee Deb & Aniko Oery & Kevin R. Williams, 2018. "Aiming for the Goal: Contribution Dynamics of Crowdfunding," Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers 2149, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University.
    • Handle: RePEc:cwl:cwldpp:2149
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthew Ellman & Michele Fabi, 2022. "A Theory of Crowdfunding Dynamics," Working Papers 1349, Barcelona School of Economics.
    2. Fabian Gerstmeier & Yigit Oezcelik & Michel Tolksdorf, 2023. "Rebate rules in reward-based crowdfunding: Introducing the bid-cap rule," Working Papers 202304, University of Liverpool, Department of Economics.
    3. Anton Miglo, 2022. "Theories of Crowdfunding and Token Issues: A Review," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-28, May.
    4. Boyarchenko, Svetlana, 2021. "Inefficiency of sponsored research," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    5. Gerstmeier, Fabian & Oezcelik, Yigit & Tolksdorf, Michel, 2023. "Rebate rules in reward-based crowdfunding: Introducing the bid-cap rule," VfS Annual Conference 2023 (Regensburg): Growth and the "sociale Frage" 277698, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Crowdfunding; Contribution Games; Dynamic Models; Kickstarter;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups

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