Cannondale-Drapac/Slipstream crowd funding

[Elefantino]

Vaughters says he's $7 million short of being able to run the team next year. Assuming one of the Waltons doesn't chip in some pocket change, the team has opted to gauge interest in crowd funding.

I'm in and urge any and all who have enjoyed this team over the years to raise your hands, if you are able to help.

https://slipstreamsports.typeform.com/to/TveqQM

[45K10]

So what happens if JV doesn't get enough money to keep the team going? Do people get their money back?

Personally, I wouldn't let JV hold my coffee much less give him any money but I would hate to see another pro team fold. The simple the fact is other than Uran's performance at the TDF this year the team has been a joke for awhile now.

[peanutgallery]

Why would I want to support a dude that dresses like an English fop?

If he got a rebate of some sort from dopers he just had to pay a salary - like CVV, TD and DZ he could probably cover a season. I would say his schtick got old, ran its course and now he has to find a new scam

No thanks

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by peanutgallery

Why would I want to support a dude that dresses like an English fop?

If he got a rebate of some sort from dopers he just had to pay a salary - like CVV, TD and DZ he could probably cover a season. I would say his schtick got old, ran its course and now he has to find a new scam

No thanks

Yup, I would hope he takes little to no salary to help his 'team' survive..he's noted for not only big $ wardrobe but also things like big $ wines and such.

http://pelotonmagazine.com/racing/at...ghters-part-1/

[GregL]

If a business needs to resort to crowd funding (or an IPO...) just to survive, it does not have a viable business plan. Any money donated to this venture will have a lower ROI than time spent at a casino. Sadly, pro cycling is more a rich person's hobby than a business. Other than a select few entities (e.g., ASO), no one makes money.

Greg

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by GregL

If a business needs to resort to crowd funding (or an IPO...) just to survive, it does not have a viable business plan. Any money donated to this venture will have a lower ROI than time spent at a casino. Sadly, pro cycling is more a rich person's hobby than a business. Other than a select few entities (e.g., ASO), no one makes money.

Greg

Maybe Tinkoff will buy it?

[colbyh]

They have more American riders than any other team, they show up to every race this side of the pond, and they are really starting to be fun to watch again. Hope it doesn't have to come down to crowdfunding but if it does I'm happy to chip in personally.

[dgauthier]

Originally Posted by 45K10

So what happens if JV doesn't get enough money to keep the team going? Do people get their money back? (...)

My apologies to the original poster, but I wouldn't participate in crowdfunding. Crowdfunding campaigns can and do go belly up, and when that happens all donations are lost.

Here are a few high profile examples:
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/2...ney-shuts-down

https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/06/sk...dmits-its-over

https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/s...#ixzz4GxIfTvk3

[colbyh]

Originally Posted by dgauthier

My apologies to the original poster, but I wouldn't participate in crowdfunding. Crowdfunding campaigns can and do go belly up, and when that happens all donations are lost.

This is completely dependent on the funding platform and the terms of the deal. Most set a goal and return all donations should the goal not be hit, but not all.

[Black Dog]

Pro cycling is a business. Giving them money is simply corporate welfare. Give your hard earned money to a charity that really makes the world a better place or buy a bike for a kid who needs one.

[dgauthier]

Originally Posted by colbyh

This is completely dependent on the funding platform and the terms of the deal. Most set a goal and return all donations should the goal not be hit, but not all.

I hear ya, but that requires a *lot* of trust. Which platform has a spotless record of refunding all donations for failed projects?

Kickstarter, Indiegogo -- a quick Google search shows no end of pain:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/tech...ail-no-refunds

https://techcrunch.com/2015/10/14/a-...ir-3d-printer/

[Vientomas]

From a purely selfish and extremely narrow perspective...I depise the POC helmets and glasses...If the team does survive - I hope they do away with that sponsor.

Resume regular high brow and socially sensitive programming...

[peanutgallery]

All he's missing in that interview is a Sherlock Holmes hat and a pipe

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Yup, I would hope he takes little to no salary to help his 'team' survive..he's noted for not only big $ wardrobe but also things like big $ wines and such.

http://pelotonmagazine.com/racing/at...ghters-part-1/

[adub]

Pro cycling is a dying business.

[dougefresh]

Originally Posted by Black Dog

Pro cycling is a business. Giving them money is simply corporate welfare. Give your hard earned money to a charity that really makes the world a better place or buy a bike for a kid who needs one.

this