The term “creator economy” surged in popularity in 2021 as creators, venture capitalists (VCs), and entrepreneurs capitalized on the thriving industry. With over 70,000 mentions online between January and September 2021, the creator economy has evolved beyond influencer marketing, attracting investments worth billions of dollars.
Driving Forces Behind the Creator Economy
Investments pouring into startups like Linktree and LTK, valued at $1.3 billion and $2 billion respectively, underscore the industry’s exponential growth. Creators themselves, along with entities like esports team Faze Clan, are also attracting investors. This robust growth is fueled by the influx of millions of dollars into creator-focused startups.
The Investment Landscape
In the US alone, more than $5 billion was invested in creator-focused startups in 2021. While the market dynamics have shifted slightly, investors continue to seek startups offering practical tools for creator businesses. Notable investments include July’s $2.3 million pre-seed round led by Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six fund.
Unveiling the Pitch Decks
Pitch decks play a pivotal role in securing investments for creator economy startups. Each startup adopts a unique approach tailored to its target investors. For instance, Lumanu, a creator-focused financial startup, emphasizes a conversational pitch deck approach. On the other hand, Skye, a career-coaching startup, customizes its pitch decks based on the investor’s preferences.
Insights from Founders
Founders shed light on their pitch deck strategies, revealing the decks they used to secure substantial funding. Here are some notable examples:
Restream: $50 million Series A (14 pages)
Pearpop: $18 million Series A (18 pages)
Spoon Radio: $17 million Series A (15 pages)
Kyra: $15 million Series A (20 pages)
Lumanu: $12 million Series A (8 pages)
Hype: $10 million Series A (13 pages)
Slip.stream: $7.5 million Series A (13 pages)
Scenario: $6 million Seed (8 pages)
Authoritive: $5 million Seed (11 pages)
Brag House: $5 million Series A (24 pages)
The Road Ahead
With startups like these raising millions of dollars, the creator economy continues to flourish. As the industry evolves, innovative solutions and strategic investments are expected to drive further growth and opportunities for creators worldwide.
