Fund Me, KC: Lawrence outdoor gear startup fights poverty, the elements

Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Equinox & Solstice CEO Alex Delaney — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters.

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Who are you?

My name is Alex Delaney and I am the CEO & Co-Founder of Equinox & Solstice Outdoor Co.

Previous to starting E&S I had started many other service-based businesses. I am also a graduate of both Leadership Lawrence and Leadership Kansas. Through these experiences, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of issues that kids living in poverty are suffering with and be connected to the resources to help alleviate those issues to help kids in communities around the United States have a better standard of life.

A lot of people are unaware that the lack of proper clothing in childhood can lead to bullying, truancy, hyperthermia, and low self-worth. Clothing is the easiest identifier of poverty. This ostracizes kids from social interaction and can push good kids with good grade down bad paths. I grew up as one of these kids, and my goal is to change remove this barrier for kids in the United States.

What does Equinox & Solstice do?

We call it Wear One, Share One. We make outdoor apparel that is on par with the North Face, Marmot, or Columbia. What makes E&S different, though, is that with every product we sell, the same product is given to a kid in need of properly fitting, weather appropriate clothing within 50 miles of the purchaser. This hyper-local impact means when you buy from us it’s possible that you could actually see the very kid you bought something for in your community. We have over 230 non-profit allies nationwide that identify the kids in need for us. Then we get those kids gift cards to get the clothes they like and need.

How much do you hope to raise?

Our goal is $30,000. We are able to unlock other color options for the Northward Jacket if we meet stretch goals of $100,000 or more.

What do you plan to use the funds for?

The money raised with our Indiegogo will be used for purchasing inventory and designing new products.

How are you differentiating your campaign?

We’re running our campaign now so that our products will deliver in time for Back to School for the kids. Also, we have the benefit of being able to work through our non-profit allies to get our message out nationally. Being so strongly focused on social good is a pretty good differentiator, too.

Is there anything quirky with your campaign?

We’re offering a $5,000 backer perk that provides a Northward Jacket and Nascent backpack not only to the purchaser but to a whole classroom of kids in their community. That’s 30 kids that will have a great coat and backpack in time for school!

What’s some advice you have to others launching a crowdfunding campaign?

Work the hardest 3-6 months before the campaign begins. Crowdfunding is all about laying a very solid base of backers that are ready to buy on Launch Day.

Be true to your brand. It helps when people can feel the excitement you have about your campaign through the campaign page. Tell your story.

Really leverage your collective social network. You’ll definitely be able to tell who your true friends are when the campaign ends.

Finally, don’t skimp on the video. It might be the only thing many people see about your brand or product.

If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com