Crowdfunding That Works: Lessons from RISE Robotics’ Record-Breaking Campaign

Crowdfunding has transformed the way businesses raise capital, connect with their audience, and accelerate growth. Few companies illustrate this better than RISE Robotics, whose record-breaking Regulation CF campaign has raised over $4 million, engaged thousands of investors, and set new benchmarks for startup funding. 

In the latest episode of The TAGLine Podcast, host Justin Starbird sits down with Hiten Sonpal, CEO of RISE Robotics, to unpack the strategies, challenges, and lessons behind their crowdfunding success. Hiten joins the show to provide an insider’s perspective on how careful planning, community building, and transparent communication can turn a funding campaign into a powerful engine for growth.

1. Treat Crowdfunding as Change Management

RISE Robotics approached its campaign as a structured process of change management. This means they didn’t just launch a funding page, they guided stakeholders through a journey: educating investors about their technology, managing expectations about timelines and outcomes, and gradually building momentum. For business leaders, this highlights that crowdfunding is not simply transactional; it’s relational.

Key takeaway: Prepare your audience for change and educate them on the value you’re offering. Think of your campaign as a transformation, not just a fundraising effort.

2. Build a Pre-Launch Community

Before raising a single dollar, RISE had already cultivated a community of 1,500 followers who were genuinely interested in the company’s mission. They ran a “Testing the Waters” campaign, which allowed potential investors to express interest without committing money. This early engagement generated $800,000 in pre-commitments and validated market interest.

Key takeaway: Identify and engage your core supporters before launch. A pre-existing community can provide credibility, momentum, and initial capital that sets the tone for your campaign.

3. Leverage Strategic Momentum

Crowdfunding campaigns can lose steam if momentum isn’t actively managed. RISE used multiple strategies to sustain interest: monthly updates, social media engagement, and highlighting milestones such as trade shows, pilot projects, and even setting a Guinness World Record for business development. These achievements reinforced credibility and encouraged additional investment.

Key takeaway: Keep your audience engaged with frequent updates, proof points, and milestones. Crowdfunding success depends on sustained visibility and momentum.

4. Use Feedback as a Growth Engine

A unique aspect of crowdfunding is its social nature. Investors and community members provide ongoing feedback, and RISE used this input to inform product development, marketing strategies, and investor relations. They embraced questions, suggestions, and even skepticism as opportunities to educate and strengthen their offering.

Key takeaway: Crowdfunding isn’t just about raising money, it’s an opportunity to learn from your audience and iterate quickly. Treat investor feedback as a strategic asset.

5. Align Internal Teams for Maximum Impact

Successful campaigns require tight coordination across departments. RISE ensured that business development, marketing, product, and leadership teams were aligned, creating a unified approach to messaging and execution. Transparency and clear priorities allowed them to balance ongoing operations with the demands of the campaign.

Key takeaway: A cohesive internal strategy is critical. Align resources, roles, and priorities so that your crowdfunding campaign amplifies rather than disrupts business operations.

6. Plan for Scalability and Follow-Up Rounds

RISE’s crowdfunding campaign didn’t end when they hit their initial targets. By strategically extending their campaign based on demand, they raised additional capital and prepared the ground for future investment rounds at higher valuations.

Key takeaway: View crowdfunding as part of a larger funding strategy. Build flexibility into your campaign to accommodate momentum and future rounds.




Crowdfunding isn’t just a way to raise capital, it’s a powerful tool for building community, validating your market, and accelerating growth. As RISE Robotics’ record-breaking campaign shows, success comes from preparation, transparency, and strategic engagement with your audience. By thinking beyond the dollars and focusing on momentum, education, and social proof, business leaders can turn crowdfunding into a launchpad for long-term success. 

Whether you’re a startup testing the waters or an established company exploring new growth avenues, the lessons from RISE Robotics prove that with the right strategy, crowdfunding can transform not just your balance sheet, but your entire business trajectory!

Hear more from Hiten on The TAGLine Podcast: The Crowd-Fueled Startup: Lessons from RISE Robotics’ Record-Breaking Campaign