How FullCircle Launched a Global Story-Sharing Platform From Scratch

FullCircle
Image Credit: Leonardo.ai

Summary

Objective
Grow revenues while controlling costs. Establish the necessary infrastructure to build and maintain a diaspora-size digital platform that connects Mother Africa and the Diaspora through Black storytelling and cultural exchange.

Pivotal Insight
Declare a big vision, but build it in bite-size parts.

Essential Change
Leave room for everyone to be a builder and an ambassador.

Valued Outcome
Readied the concept/demo for fundraising and identified $1 million in revenue opportunities.


Approach

What began as a conversation became a brief, then a brand, then an organization. To found, fund, build, and introduce an international non-profit organization for long-term growth and sustainability, we immersed ourselves in research, conducted 100+ interviews, penned future-state stories, developed brand guidelines, established an operational infrastructure, recruited a global board of directors and an advisors forum, created storyboards, hired a fundraising team, implemented social media campaigns, protected intellectual property rights, contracted with partners, prototyped a demo, build relationships with HBCUs and tech-centric universities, museums, platform providers, and over 30 specialists who help us grow in key areas, penned donor memos, presentations, and budgets, and structured a product backlog. 

As we left the concept phase, we switched from single-benefactor financing to a four-part fundraising approach, including crowdfunding, corporate donors, individual philanthropy, and grants. Through strategic recruitment and smart technology decisions, we’ve reduced costs by over $400k. 

We’ve built trusted relationships with HBCUs and tech-centric universities, museums, platform providers, and over 30 specialists who help us grow in key areas.  

 

Mike is a superb visionary, communicator and business strategist. FullCircle would simply not exist without him. I’m grateful to Mike beyond measure.”

Want to help? It’s OK, you can!

Our 2024 goal is to raise $300k to fund final research and begin platform buildout. Learn more about the concept at the website and make a donation on Indiegogo (please, FullCircle needs the money ;–)

Storyminers is honored to work with these contributors:

Site Design: 57South
Photography: Cindy Brown, Green Media Works

Chief of Staff: Mikah Calingo

Other Contributors:
Alan Bergstrom, Amanda Setilli, Barbara Deskey, Bob Westrop, Bombich Software, Bryan Beard, Calendly, Cathy Gucker, Chuck Reaves, Cindy Brown, Darcy Bevelacqua, Daniel Wise, Dave Rifkin, David Ing, Dez Thornton, Ecamm, Emeka Rajis, Emmanuel Umoh (in memorium), Greg Rutledge, Hannah Wittenstein, Isaac Wittenstein, Jackie Goldstein, Jakrey Myers, Jason Bernstein, Jon Ferrara, Jørn Nielsen, Julia Michaels, Keith Finger, Kelly Berdine, Kathryn Smith, LevelUp, LeonardoAI, Lois Wittenstein, Lori Erlich, Lou Carbone, MacPaw Software, Marcia Piacentino, Maria Moraes Robinson, Marilena Amorim Ferreira Piva, Mark Michelson, Michael Bowers, Mike Werner, Milt Thomas, OpenAI, Peter Drucker (in memorium), Ray Killebrew, Renee Himel, Saurel Quettan, Simon Robinson, Stefan Osthaus, Stephen Haeckel, Tami Puckett, Thom Milkovic, Tyrae S. Campbell, Valeria Farre (in memorium), Vuthinann (Dan) Hay, Waya Seaparke (in memorium), WPEngine.

Let’s Talk About Your Vision

Your next business adventure is waiting. Let’s make it creative, practical, and rewarding–together. As your guide, I’ll help sharpen your ideas and support your team as they bring them to life. Ready to take the next step?