This week we feature Alan Crabbe originally from Antrim, he founded Pozible, Australia’s first crowdfunding platform in 2010 that specialises in sourcing investment for the creative and community sectors.
Alan later went on to Co-found Birchal in 2017, whose platform has raised more than $95m across over 125 campaigns, accounting for roughly 70% of all successful crowdfunding campaigns in Australia.
Alan speaks about the challenges and successes of his journey abroad as an Irish tech founder, including how he went from feeling underemployed to creating a brand-new industry in Australia and how creating a business abroad can let you be yourself. 🚀
Here’s a quick 60-second preview of what to expect:
Enjoy Alan’s incredible story, especially a sneak peek into what he is working on for his newest startup idea. 👀
Can you tell me a bit about yourself, where you are from originally, what you were doing before moving abroad and why you decided to move to Australia?
Certainly! 🌍 I’m Alan Crabbe, originally from County Antrim. I moved to Australia in 2007 after studying at Queens Belfast. I initially planned to explore the world after gaining some experience, and I ended up getting a tech job through a holiday working visa. It wasn’t my original plan, but it worked out well. I started at Sage, a UK company in the financial systems space, and later moved to PwC, a prominent accounting firm in Australia.
What about your journey with Birchal/Pozible. What motivated you to launch that and what are some things you are most proud of?
It all started when feeling a bit underemployed at PwC, I began working on the side with a business partner I met on a road trip in Australia. We launched Pozible in 2010, one of the first reward-based crowdfunding platforms in Australia. With Birchal we obtained one of the first equity crowdfunding licenses in Australia in 2018 and grew rapidly. I am very proud of how we navigated the many challenges during COVID and came out stronger, as it turns out people like to invest in things when they cant spend their money on other things.
Getting things up and running at the beginning is always tough for every startup, so the earliest projects like New Matilda which raised $100,000 from around 400 people was special, it sort of put us on the map.
Alan Crabbe
Conversely, what have been the biggest challenges in starting a business abroad having emigrated from Ireland? Are there any unique challenges in this context?
Being a founder abroad comes with its challenges. Not having an established network in a new country means you have to be resourceful and build connections quickly. I’ve learned to be frugal with cash, a trait I attribute to my Northern Irish roots. However, the experience of being a founder abroad has been incredibly positive, it allowed me to play in a new market with more confidence and with fewer constraints. People in Australia are more open to trying unconventional ideas than in Ireland
You have started some new projects, what’s in store for that and where would you like these businesses to get to in the next few years?
Currently, I’m exploring building new projects centred around community building and sustainability, especially within the crowdfunding space. While it’s still under wraps, I’m excited about the potential they hold and aim to launch them soon. 🚀
Watch this space…
Who are some of the people/organisations that have helped you on your Australian Entrepreneurial journey?
Several individuals have been instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey. Particularly in the early days of Birchal where partners helped out with investment and advice. Kieran Hennessy, based in Melbourne, provided valuable support and connections early on. Another was Dom Pym, a very active angel investor and fintech leader, who offered insights and guidance. Additionally, the creative industries in Australia were always exceptionally open and inviting early on, helping us gain exposure through workshops and conferences.
What’s one bit of advice you would tell yourself when you first emigrated and What advice would you give to an Irish person thinking about starting a business abroad?
If I could advise my younger self or anyone thinking about starting a business abroad, it would be to just start doing something. Building a network is crucial, but taking the first step and experimenting is equally important.
Alan Crabbe
Embrace the freedom of being in a new country and leverage the opportunity to play with ideas without the baggage of expectations from friends and family.
What Does it Mean to be a Northern Irish Founder Abroad?
Being a Northern Irish founder abroad means pushing myself to achieve ambitious goals, not just for personal success but also to positively represent Irish and Northern Irish entrepreneurs. It’s about making a lasting impact and seeing how far I can take it.
What’s one thing you miss about home, or do you wish you could have been transported to Melbourne?
One thing I miss about home is the humour and camaraderie, especially over a pint of Guinness. In Dublin, the atmosphere and the ability to share a quick pint and chat with a friend is something I find unique. While Melbourne has its spots, there’s a special connection to the experience in Ireland that I occasionally long for. 🍻