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Devin: What is your superpower?
Sarah: Building community and starting movements based on values.
Equity crowdfunding is reshaping the investment landscape, breaking down barriers to capital and empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs. Sarah Hardwick, an entrepreneur and expert in equity crowdfunding, is at the forefront of this movement, leveraging her expertise to make Investing more accessible to all.
Sarah understands firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face in securing funding. “Traditional fundraising methods often exclude a vast majority of small business owners,” she said. “Equity crowdfunding provides a way for everyday investors to support businesses they believe in while giving founders a viable alternative to venture capital.”
Through her work with The Crowd, Sarah helps businesses navigate the complexities of launching successful crowdfunding campaigns. She emphasizes that equity crowdfunding is not just about raising Money—it’s about building a community of engaged supporters who become brand ambassadors. “When people invest, they feel a sense of ownership. They want to see the business succeed, and they help spread the word,” she explained.
Sarah highlighted the importance of transparency and storytelling in crowdfunding. A compelling narrative can make the difference between a successful campaign and one that struggles to gain traction. “Investors connect with authenticity. They want to know who they’re backing, why the business matters, and how it will make an impact,” she said.
The Crowd itself is leveraging equity crowdfunding to fuel its own Growth, showcasing the model’s effectiveness. By raising capital from the public, the company practices what it preaches, proving that this funding method can drive meaningful expansion.
As more entrepreneurs turn to equity crowdfunding, Sarah believes the financial world is moving toward greater inclusivity. “This is about democratizing investment. It’s about allowing more people to participate in wealth creation, not just the elite few,” she said.
For founders considering this route, Sarah offers clear advice: Be prepared, be transparent, and engage with your audience. With the right approach, equity crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for growth and impact.
tl;dr:
Sarah Hardwick shares insights on how equity crowdfunding is transforming access to capital for entrepreneurs.
The conversation highlights the importance of transparency and storytelling in building successful crowdfunding campaigns.
Sarah explains how The Crowd is leveraging equity crowdfunding to grow and empower other businesses.
She reveals her superpower, visionary storytelling, and how it helps businesses connect with investors.
Practical advice is shared on crafting compelling narratives to engage investors and build community support.
How to Develop Visionary Storytelling As a Superpower
Sarah Hardwick’s superpower is visionary storytelling. She has a unique ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with investors, turning ideas into movements and businesses into community-driven ventures.
“A great story isn’t just about facts—it’s about connection,” Sarah said. “Investors want to know the people behind the company, what drives them, and how their investment can make a difference.” Through her expertise in equity crowdfunding, she has demonstrated how storytelling transforms a fundraising campaign into a movement, making investors feel like they are part of something bigger.
One striking example of Sarah’s storytelling superpower in action was a campaign she helped structure for a mission-driven startup. The founder had an inspiring backstory but struggled to articulate it in a way that engaged potential investors. Sarah worked closely with them to refine their message, focusing on their journey, their impact, and their vision for the future. With a compelling narrative in place, the campaign exceeded its fundraising goals, proving the power of authentic storytelling.
For those looking to develop visionary storytelling as a skill, Sarah offers the following actionable tips:
Define your “why” clearly—investors want to understand your deeper purpose.
Be authentic—genuine passion and honesty build trust with potential supporters.
Keep it simple—Clarity and focus make your story easier to remember and share.
Use multimedia—videos, images, and testimonials enhance the emotional connection.
Engage consistently—interact with your audience and keep them updated throughout your journey.
By following Sarah’s example and advice, you can make visionary storytelling a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Sarah Hardwick (she/her):
Entrepreneur, Expert in Equity Crowdfunding , The Crowd
About The Crowd: The Crowd (JoinTheCrowd.co) is a values-driven crowdfunding consultancy dedicated to helping companies raise capital and build movements. Founded by Sarah Hardwick, a pioneer in values-based marketing, The Crowd goes beyond traditional fundraising to align purpose-driven brands with passionate investors. With a proven track record of helping companies like Aptera raise millions, The Crowd specializes in strategic storytelling, community engagement, and investor activation to turn crowdfunding campaigns into long-term success stories.
Website: sarahhardwick.com
Other URL: jointhecrowd.co
Biographical Information: Sarah Hardwick – Crowdfunding Expert & Marketing VisionarySarah Hardwick is a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience in values-driven marketing and crowdfunding. She founded Zenzi, pioneering purpose-led campaigns for brands like Nestlé and Chiquita, and later served as CMO of Aptera Motors, leading a record-breaking $140M crowdfunding campaign. Now, through The Crowd, Sarah helps ethical, mission-driven companies navigate equity crowdfunding, raise capital, and build engaged communities that drive lasting impact. With a background in Communication and Marketing from the University of Denver, she is dedicated to leveraging the power of community for both business success and social good.
X/Twitter Handle: @sarahz
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sarahhardwick
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, AMIBA, SuperCrowdLA and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | 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 April 15, 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, April 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Gene Massey, Chairman/CEO of MediaShares, will lead a session on “Secrets For Creating Great Content To Attract Investors.” He’ll share expert insights on crafting compelling content that engages and converts potential investors. Whether you’re launching a crowdfunding campaign or looking to enhance your storytelling strategy, this session is a must-attend! Don’t miss it!
SuperCrowdLA: we’re going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can’t-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!
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. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!
Community Event Calendar
Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET – Click on Events.
Igniting Community Capital to Build Outdoor Recreation Communities, Crowdfund Better, Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.
Asheville Neighborhood Economics, April 1-2, 2-25.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.
Call for community action:
Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the Small Businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.
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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