Brownbag series recap
Date: 28 January, 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM SGT
Presenters: Say Keong, Keith – NUS undergrad students
This session introduces Fundl’s Data Plugin ecosystem, a new approach to decentralized fundraising that transforms static crowdfunding pages into real-time, verifiable growth dashboards. We will explore how Fundl aggregates live signals from sources such as GitHub, Stripe, Google Analytics, social platforms, and market benchmarks to surface trustworthy indicators of momentum and execution. The discussion will cover the challenges of reducing information asymmetry in early-stage investing, the design of high-trust data plugins layered on top of decentralized fundraising and the strategic rationale behind a data-first model. Participants will gain an inside look at how Fundl enables backers to identify high-potential projects earlier, perform deeper due diligence, and participate in crowdfunding with venture-grade insight at mass-market scale.
Fundl’s Data Plugin ecosystem
Market Opportunity
Crowdfunding platforms represent a US$2.14 billion market (2024) dominated by incumbents like GoFundMe and Kickstarter. Fundl positions itself as a blockchain-powered alternative capable of disrupting the space by offering greater transparency, accessibility, and efficiency.
Key Features of Fundl
1. Decentralised fundraising
On-chain transparency showing how much funding is raised and how funds are used
Smart contracts enabling programmable accountability
Cross-border participation with reduced reliance on traditional banking systems
Open participation for both creators and backers
2. Benefits for project creators
Lower platform fees (2.5% vs ~5% on traditional platforms)
Open access without centralized gatekeeping
Streaming payments, where pledged funds are released over time through smart contracts
3. Benefits for funders
Transparent and trackable transactions on the blockchain
Refund mechanisms via majority voting
Early adopter benefits such as lifetime pricing or priority access
Real-time execution metrics (e.g., GitHub activity, revenue signals)
Credibility Through Verified Data
Fundl integrates external platforms such as Stripe, GitHub, and Google Analytics to create a system of record for project metrics. These integrations help:
Prevent inflated metrics
Provide objective benchmarks for comparing projects
Replace narrative fundraising with verifiable evidence of traction
Reduce perceived risk for backers
Strategic Feedback from Discussion
Participants suggested potential enhancements:
Introduce fixed donation tiers and flexible contribution models
Enable non-monetary contributions (e.g., coding, marketing) with rewards such as revenue share or project equity
Explore an always-on fundraising model structured in seasons or batches to maintain engagement
Fundl next steps:
1. Complete remaining integrations and prepare for mainnet deployment
2. Conduct targeted outreach to creators already active online or building publicly
3. Leverage startup ecosystems such as Product Hunt, accelerators, and university entrepreneurship programs
Key Takeaway
Fundl aims to redefine crowdfunding by combining blockchain transparency, programmable funding mechanisms, lower fees, and verified performance metrics, positioning itself as a credible next-generation funding platform.