​​Eco-startup Zero Co crashes crowdfunding servers as shares go on sale

Zero Co founder Mike Smith poured his life savings into the start-up.

Eco startup Zero Co has broken the Australian record for the largest crowdfund in Australian history as it has raised $5 million in recorded time – six hours. 

The unprecedented high volume of traffic – 3082 investors of which 2500 are pre-registered, caused a delay on the crowd-sourced funding platform Birchal. Five minutes into the raise, Zero Co successfully raised $1 million, marking the fastest raise in the country. In less than 50 minutes, the rising startup became the fastest in Australia to raise $3 million. 

“We’re so humbled by the support of our customers and everyday Aussies who have decided to invest their money in our audacious mission,” said Mike Smith, founder of Zero Co. 

“We’re looking to grow this business by expanding our product range, scaling our operations and launching globally so that we can eliminate single-use plastic from every kitchen, laundry and bathroom.”

Ahead of the crown-funding campaign, the company has also secured a $6 million investment from global investment firm Square Peg. 

Launched last year, Zero Co’s focus was to produce a range of refillable personal-care and home-cleaning products. About 10 months after its launch, Zero Co has signed up more than 40,000 Aussie households and has recently reached monthly sales of AU$1 million. Zero Co’s celebrity customers include Ian Thorpe, Osher Gunsberg, Donna Hay & Layne Beachley

The fund raised will support the company to expand its reach globally next year. New shareholders will join the company’s list of current investors such as Koala founders, Dany Milham and Mitch Taylor, and former St George Bank CEO, Rob Chapman.

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