Micro-investment crowdfunding venture SOUP to launch in Huddersfield

SOUP, the international crowdfunding venture, is launching in Huddersfield.

After raising more than $120k to help kick-start new ideas, projects and businesses in Detroit, SOUP will be set up over the pond in Huddersfield.

Spearheaded by Brent Woods, chief executive of The Media Centre, Huddersfield, SOUP will bring people together to make micro-investments in new startups and projects.

The SOUP events started to to pop-up in the UK last year following on from the success it generated in the US.

At a SOUP event, attendees each pay a small donation in return for a bowl of soup and the chance to hear four local people pitch their four minute presentations. There’s then time for questions before each audience member votes for their favourite pitch.

The winning idea will receive the money raised that evening and use it to fund their ventures, with the promise they return three months later to report on their progress.

With the first Huddersfield SOUP set to take place this autumn, Brent explained: “We will be announcing an open call for proposals in September so we’re encouraging everyone to follow our Facebook page, Twitter feed and join our email list to be notified when submissions are open.

“We’ll also be assembling a team of judges who will sift through the long-list of proposals before selecting the four that will pitch on the night.

“Then the decision is in the audience’s hands at every quarterly event thereafter.”

Commenting on the reason behind the launch, Brent added: “Huddersfield is home to so much talent and innovation, but many ideas lie untapped because people haven’t had the opportunity to showcase their potential. Sometimes it comes down to funding; in other instances it’s about being connected to the people who can help you grow.

“Collectively, people from the town and surrounding areas have the power to bring these ideas to life. I hope Huddersfield gets behind its SOUP.”

SOUPs have already been launched from Brighton to Glasgow, but Brent is collaborating with Sheffield SOUP to help build a more coordinated network of events across the country.