Member Article

City escape idea gathers £600,000 through crowdfunding

A London-based start-up has declined traditional venture capital investment, and raised £600,000 via Crowdcube.com.

Escapethecity.com aims to help professionals make exciting career transitions, supporting a community of more than 65,000 people by helping them find new jobs, start businesses and go on adventures.

Founders Dom Jackman and Rob Symington quit their management consultancy jobs in 2010 and set up the business.

The pair were reluctant to rely on city financing, given Escape’s “leaving the city” premise, and therefore turned to crowdfunding.

Dom said: “We have rejected an offer from one of London’s top Venture Capital firms. We want to remain independent and allow our own members to get involved in a very real way as shareholders.”

The funding they have received will be used to build a ‘discovery network’ where people can set their aspirations in order to be matched with relevant opportunities, people and information.

Rob added: “We are really thrilled to be one of the startups spearheading equity crowdfunding in the UK. We think it is a fantastic way to democratise start-up investment and fund exciting ideas.”

Escape the City’s New York Partner, Mike Howe, said: “We want to help people plan exciting career moves that fit not only their experience, but the future that they want for themselves. We are essentially building a forward-looking Linkedin.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .