We Found the Future of Funding and Made You a Map
SuperCrowdLA Was a Revealing Look at Solutions-Oriented Capitalism for Both Entrepreneurs and Impact Investors
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It's been a couple of months, but I'm still buzzing with the energy from SuperCrowdLA. For three whirlwind days back in May, my team and I had the privilege of bringing together some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met: founders building world-changing companies, investors putting their money where their values are, and all the brilliant folks building the ecosystem to support them. It was more than a conference; it felt like a movement coming into its own.
When an event like that ends, there’s always a fear that the momentum will fade. How do you capture that lightning in a bottle?
That’s the question I asked myself, and the answer is my latest project. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve edited and published The Big Ideas That Lit Up SuperCrowdLA, a book that distills the energy, wisdom, and practical advice from the event into a single, powerful volume. I’ve just approved the final proofs, and I have to tell you, this isn’t just a conference summary. It’s a practical guidebook for anyone who believes we can—and must—do better with our money.
The book is a deep dive into the world of impact crowdfunding. That’s my term for when we use regulated investment crowdfunding—where companies can raise capital from their own communities and supporters—to fund ventures that are solving the world’s biggest problems. It’s about that perfect alignment of capital and conscience.
And this book shows you exactly how it’s being done.
More Than Just a Good Idea
What I love most is that these aren't just theories. The insights come from the lived experiences of people who are in the trenches, doing the work every day. Inside, you'll find wisdom from marketing gurus who have raised millions, entrepreneurs building revolutionary products, and thought leaders who are redesigning finance to be more inclusive and regenerative.
For instance, I was excited to include a chapter from Jason Fishman, a marketing expert who has helped over 500 companies raise capital. He shares a playbook that is worth the price of the book alone. He emphasizes that a successful raise starts with strategy long before you launch. His analogy for a campaign’s opening day is brilliant: you want a line around the block. You achieve this by priming your network of friends, family, and true believers to invest right away, creating the social proof that attracts strangers to your cause.
Then there’s the incredible story of Aptera Motors, which raised over $100 million from its community. The chapter from their former CMO, Sarah Hardwick, shares the six principles that fueled their success. My favorite is the principle of "Belong". Aptera didn’t just find investors; they built a community of over 800 global ambassadors who volunteered their time to champion the brand. Why? Because Aptera gave them inside access and made them feel like they were co-creating the future. It’s a masterclass in turning investors into evangelists.
We also dove into a topic close to the hearts of many creatives: crowdfunding for independent films. In a fascinating discussion I led with industry veterans Ray Ellingsen and Michael Praver, we highlighted an amazing fact: a recent Best Picture winner was made for just over the $5 million cap for regulated investment crowdfunding. They broke down how filmmakers can overcome the classic catch-22 of needing money just to get a project "development-ready" for investors.
Michael shared his innovative approach for financing this early, high-risk stage using both personal and business credit. At the same time, Ray Ellingsen explained the importance of thinking like a producer from day one—planning your exit strategy and path to returns before you ever start shooting. It was a masterclass in how this new world of finance can empower storytellers to bypass traditional Hollywood gatekeepers, keep creative control, and bring their vision to the screen with the backing of a passionate crowd.
Real-World Impact, Real-World Returns
Putting this book together, I was determined to pack it with case studies that prove impact and profit can go hand-in-hand.
You’ll read about World Tree, a company that is literally crowdfunding a regenerative revolution. Their CEO, Doug Willmore, explains their model of partnering with small farmers to plant the Empress Splendor tree, the fastest-growing hardwood in the world. The model is a win-win-win: investors fund the planting, farmers get a major payout from the harvest, and the company helps restore ecosystems and sequester massive amounts of CO₂. Doug’s advice to "find your multiplier" is game-changing. For World Tree, the multiplier wasn't technology; it was the small farmer. By empowering them, a $17 million investment is poised to turn into $300 million in assets.
Then there’s the profoundly moving work of Dr. Canaan Van Williams, who has spent decades creating "second-chance housing" for people often overlooked by traditional landlords. He focuses on acquiring and revitalizing distressed properties to provide naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH). The book shares stories of his tenants, like Ms. Betty Jo, a disabled woman whose husband left her. Facing eviction, Dr. Van’s company lowered her rent until she got back on her feet. This is possible because his model has the flexibility to prioritize people. It’s a powerful example of how a business can be structured to deliver both steady returns and deep compassion.
The book doesn’t shy away from the tough questions, either. A whole chapter is dedicated to the number one question on every investor’s mind: “How do I get my money back?”. The expert panel from that session stresses that founders must plan their exit from day one. Interestingly, they overwhelmingly favored strategic acquisitions by values-aligned companies over the glamour and risk of an IPO. It’s the kind of candid, practical advice you rarely get.
Your Invitation to Join the Movement
As the editor, I could talk about every chapter, but the real magic is in the authors' own words.
The Big Ideas That Lit Up SuperCrowdLA is organized thematically, so you can jump directly to the topics that matter most to you, whether it’s marketing, real estate, film financing, or the art of the pitch.
This book is for you if:
You’re a
founder who wants to raise capital without losing your soul.
You’re an
investor who wants to find and fund companies that are making a real difference.
You’re an
ecosystem builder who wants to help reshape how capital flows to be more equitable and regenerative.
Putting this book together was a labor of love, and it serves as a record of an event, yes, but more importantly, it’s a guide for action and a source of profound inspiration. If you’ve ever felt that our current system of capital is broken or that business could be a greater force for good, this book will show you that you’re not alone—and that a better way is already being built.
The full day’s video recording of the content from the book is still available for free. Watch it here. You are likely to find the book easier to use as a guide and ready reference.
Welcome to the SuperCrowd. Let’s fund the future—together.
You can grab your copy of The Big Ideas That Lit Up SuperCrowdLA here.
Now, Let’s Do It Again—Even Bigger: Join Us for SuperCrowd25!
If The Big Ideas That Lit Up SuperCrowdLA left you inspired, then you're going to love what’s next. SuperCrowd25 is coming this August—and it builds directly on the momentum and magic of SuperCrowdLA.
Over two packed days, we’re bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders for the largest virtual impact crowdfunding event of the year. This time, we're broadcasting 18 hours of high-impact content across e360tv, YouTube, and Substack, making it easier than ever to tune in from anywhere in the world.
Best of all, it’s free to watch. But we strongly encourage you to register now for free so you don’t miss a minute. By registering in advance, you’ll get full access to the schedule, streaming links, reminders, and a front-row seat to the future of finance.
Like SuperCrowdLA, this event will feature exclusive interviews, a live pitch (apply here), and SuperCrowd Conversations—dynamic panel discussions that get to the heart of how we can align capital with conscience. The themes remain powerful: equity, sustainability, innovation, and access to opportunity for all.
But SuperCrowd25 goes further. We’ve created a VIP experience designed for those ready to take the next step. For just $25, VIP attendees receive:
A bonus webinar with me, Devin Thorpe, covering actionable insights from my book Crowdfunding Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital Using AI Tools.
A backstage pass to the speakers and show producers during the event.
An exclusive VIP LinkedIn group, connecting you with fellow changemakers and potential collaborators.
A structured networking session, designed to create real relationships—not just random Zoom breakout rooms.
Access to our VIP Directory, putting a powerful new contacts list at your fingertips.
Whether you’re a founder looking to raise capital, an investor searching for impact-aligned opportunities, or a community builder hoping to reshape how money flows, SuperCrowd25 is your hub for connection, insight, and inspiration.
If SuperCrowdLA was the spark, SuperCrowd25 is the fire.
Register for free now at TheSuperCrowd25.com! Or unlock the full VIP experience for just $25 and elevate your impact.
Let’s keep building the movement—together.
Support Our Sponsors
Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, Rancho Affordable Living, Emerald Prairie Home and SuperCrowd25. Learn more about advertising with us here.
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, August 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "Your Portal, Your Future: How to Choose the Right Reg CF Platform." With so many investment crowdfunding portals available today, selecting the right one can be overwhelming for both founders and investors. In this session, Devin will break down the critical factors to consider—such as platform fees, audience demographics, compliance support, industry focus, and overall user experience. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or an investor exploring where to put your dollars to work, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate and choose the platform that best aligns with your goals. Don’t miss this practical, insight-packed hour designed to help you take your next step in the Reg CF ecosystem with confidence.
SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Apply for the Live Pitch here. VIPs get access to our better-than-in-person networking, including backstage passes, VIP networking and an exclusive VIP webinar! Get your VIP access for just $25. A select group of affordable sponsorship opportunities is still available. Learn more here.
Community Event Calendar
Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.
Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com’s monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern.
Future Forward Summit: San Francisco, Wednesday, June 25 · 3:30 - 8:30 pm PDT.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.
Impact Accelerator Summit is a live, in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
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