goodbyehello- Digital crowdfunding platform

Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn, a ski resort in Austria, needed to modernize its outdated gondola lift system dating back to 1991. To replace it with a new, state-of-the-art 10-seater gondola, the company faced a significant funding challenge that traditional financial avenues could not meet. This need for financing and digital transformation led Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn to seek the expertise of the EDIH “Crowd in Motion.”

The resort's goal was to launch an innovative crowdfunding campaign that went beyond simple fundraising. They aimed to digitally engage the community, including local businesses, loyal visitors, and residents, to actively participate in the project. This approach was designed not only to gather financial support but also to create a sense of ownership among stakeholders.

EDIH provided the tools and expertise needed to develop a robust digital crowdfunding platform, combining advanced marketing techniques and community-building strategies. The campaign included targeted social media outreach, influencer partnerships, and both online and offline events to maximize engagement and reach. The challenge was not just technical but also involved creating a compelling narrative that resonated with the community, transforming them from passive supporters into active investors in the resort’s future.

Through EDIH’s support, Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn successfully launched its campaign, exceeding the initial funding goal by engaging over 200 supporters and raising over €600,000. This project highlighted the power of digital transformation and community involvement, setting a new standard for funding large-scale tourism projects.

To tackle the funding challenge, Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn collaborated with the EDIH “Crowd in Motion” to develop a digital crowdfunding solution using the 1000x1000.at platform. The EDIH provided expertise in digital marketing, community engagement, and campaign management, helping the resort craft a compelling crowdfunding story, set up a landing page, and launch targeted social media and email campaigns. The campaign aimed to build community involvement, turning supporters into active contributors.

The “goodbyehello” campaign raised over €600.000, exceeding its initial goal of €200.000. It attracted 206 contributors, including tourists, local businesses, and stakeholders, demonstrating a high conversion rate. The inclusive supporter packages and events strengthened community bonds, creating a sense of shared ownership. Engagement metrics showed a significant increase in social media activity: Facebook followers grew from 42.175 to 43.640, and Instagram followers rose from 18.100 to 21.900, highlighting the effectiveness of the digital strategy.

The solution fostered community cohesion and economic impact by enhancing local engagement and attracting visitors. The public/private investment model combined public funding for the platform with private community contributions, reducing financial risk for Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn and aligning community interests with the project’s success. This hybrid approach proved that digital transformation could mobilize substantial support, setting a new standard for innovative funding in the tourism sector.

The collaboration between Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn and EDIH “Crowd in Motion” delivered significant results, highlighting the impact of digital transformation in addressing funding challenges. The crowdfunding campaign raised €604,000 from 206 supporters, exceeding the initial target of €200,000 by over 300%. This success was driven by a combination of digital marketing, community engagement, and innovative crowdfunding strategies.

Quantitative Results:

• Raised €604,000, accounting for 2% of the project’s total volume, demonstrating the significant impact of crowdfunding on overall financing.

• Engaged 206 contributors, including local businesses, residents, and visitors, showcasing the high conversion rate driven by strategic outreach.

• Social media metrics showed strong engagement: Facebook followers grew from 42,175 to 43,640, and Instagram followers increased from 18,100 to 21,900 during the campaign.

Qualitative Benefits:

• The campaign transformed Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn’s approach to financing, enabling them to leverage community support alongside traditional methods. The inclusive packages and events fostered a sense of shared ownership among contributors.

• Economically, the digital approach provided substantial marketing effects that would have been significantly more expensive through traditional channels. The cost savings in advertising amplified the campaign's value, as the resort effectively reached its audience through social media and direct engagement.

• The campaign enhanced the resort’s brand image and strengthened ties with the community, establishing a loyal base of supporters invested in the project’s success.

Impact on the Customer:

• Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn gained new skills in digital engagement, data-driven marketing, and community outreach, equipping them for future projects.

• The experience demonstrated that crowdfunding could serve as a powerful tool for rapid capital injection, reducing the need for loans and minimizing financial risk.

• The modernization of the lift infrastructure is expected to enhance the visitor experience, contributing to increased tourism and supporting local economic sectors such as hospitality and recreation.

Impact on EDIH:

• The project highlighted EDIH’s expertise in driving digital transformation through innovative funding models, reinforcing its role as a key advisor to SMEs.

• The success provided EDIH with a strong reference case, showcasing the effectiveness of combining digital marketing and community involvement to achieve substantial results.

Public/Private Funding Overview:

• Public funding supported digital platform development and advisory services, while private contributions financed the gondola, demonstrating a balanced investment approach.

• The crowdfunding campaign served as an effective model for integrating public and private funding, aligning community interests with project goals and reducing overall financial risk.

Return on Investment:

• The combined investment approach provided a high return on investment, exceeding funding targets and minimizing costs through direct community engagement.

• Financially, the resort benefited from reduced marketing expenses, as the campaign’s organic reach and social media success replaced the need for more costly traditional advertising methods.

• The campaign’s success sets a precedent for future digital funding initiatives, highlighting the significant economic and social benefits achievable through strategic public/private partnerships.

Overall, the partnership enabled Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn to leverage digital tools to achieve substantial financial and community engagement outcomes, demonstrating that innovative funding solutions can drive positive change and set new standards for the tourism sector.