Aussie crowdfunder seeks up to $3m from loyal investors

Successful crowdfunder Birchal is raising capital for itself after helping launch fair fashion, electric car-sharing and honey empires.

The platform is aiming to raise $2 million to $3 million, depending on demand, after opening an expression of interest on Tuesday, Birchal told AAP.

Venture capitalists and smaller investors who want to live more sustainably or have a clear conscience about how goods are made often turn to the licensed equity crowdfunder.

Birchal allows innovators to talk to consumers directly, and investors can commit as little as $50 to be involved in early-stage businesses.

It has raised over $190 million for startups in the past five years from crowd-sourced funding campaigns.

Early successes include Outland Denim, the vegan-friendly fashion brand that shot to fame as a favourite of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who wore their Harriet black jean while visiting Dubbo in NSW with Prince Harry in 2018.

More recently, meat subscription service Our Cow, sustainable surf brand Boardsox and hemp products have found grassroots funding through Birchal.

There has also been a buzz around Australian Honey Ventures' medicinal honey and evee, which is a popular electric car rental app for those who want to try before they buy.

Cult food brand Belles Hot Chicken is sizzling with almost all of its $500,000 target raised ahead of its offer closing.

Birchal's previous capital raise, in 2022, achieved the maximum target of $3 million in approximately two hours.