Mashable Breaks It Down: The King of Crowdfunding

In this economy, a new business or project is lucky to score a dollar here, a nickel there. But Kickstarter is helping ideas reach and even exceed their funding goals by tapping you, the crowd.

By now, you may have heard of the record-smashing Pebble e-paper watch for iPhone and Android. The blockbuster project is the most-funded project in Kickstarter history, earning $9.8 million in pledges, an astounding figure when you learn its initial funding goal was only $100,000.

Kickstarter is a testament to the web’s viral nature, proving that even business projects can earn millions of fans. In 2011, Kickstarter welcomed 30.6 million visitors to the site, where they pledged $99.3 million in support of projects and endeavors they believe in.

Take a look at more astounding Kickstarter facts and figures in the infographic below, courtesy of our friends at Statista. Where do you think Kickstarter is headed next? Does it have room to grow?