Member Article

Leeds Beckett student seeks Professional help via a crowdfunding campaign

Entrepreneur and Leeds Beckett University graduate John Macleod has launched an online crowdfunding campaign in a bid raise £40,000 to invest in and expand his business magazine, The Professional.

The quarterly publication, which celebrated its first birthday in September, is a free content-driven 60-plus-page publication filled with features, profiles and business advice specific to Leeds.

The crowdfunding campaign is being hosted by Seedrs.com, which gives creative projects in need of a cash injection an online platform to garner public funding within an allocated timeframe. If the target amount is met by the deadline the project creator receives the public’s pledged cash.

Managing director John, aged 25, who graduated from Leeds Beckett with a BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching degree in 2010, commented: “As part of a five-city, five-year plan, The Professional is looking to expand rapidly, which includes launching in Manchester next Spring.

We also have plans to run a series of conferences that would bring to life the best of our features through a series of speakers and round-table discussions.

By investing in The Professional, it is an opportunity to become a part of our exciting future.“

The public have until late November to pledge to The Professional. Since the campaign launched last week more than £18,000 has already been pledged.

John added: “Investment through crowdfunding, which can be as little as £10, allows start-ups like The Professional to raise capital from friends, family and members of the business community. The chosen amount of investment can be made via Seedrs.com in exchange for a portion of the company’s equity.

“I’m really proud of The Professional and excited to see it grow. Alongside a quarterly print publication, content is also updated daily across web (www.the-professional.co.uk), tablet and mobile platforms.

“I created the magazine to champion the inspiring people and companies in the business community in Leeds and to celebrate the business and enterprise scene across the city through storytelling, rather than the reporting of news.”

To pledge your support to The Professional visit www.seedrs.com/startups/the-professional-magazine.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .