What are the advantages of using crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo for startups?

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer startups significant advantages, primarily allowing entrepreneurs to retain 100% equity in their company. This means founders maintain complete control over their timeline, life, and business decisions without external investor pressure. Additionally, these platforms connect entrepreneurs directly with customers rather than just investors. This creates healthy pressure to deliver quality products, as you're accountable to actual users. Unlike traditional investment models where you might 'mess around in the lab,' crowdfunding encourages product-focused development and establishes a customer base from the beginning, making it particularly effective for hardware projects and commercial products.