Yeon Jin-guk, an intern researcher at the Funding Institute. Filled with determination and passion, Yeon Jin-guk has finally been assigned his first task.
“Hey, intern researcher, would you like to write a funding research log?”
Yeon Jin-guk, who got scolded on his first day of work for confusing "cloud" with "crowd" (
How on earth did you end up becoming a research intern?Will he actually be able to carry out the mission successfully?Here begins Yeon Jin-guk’s Funding Exploration Journal.
Actually, I’ve had one dream that I’ve held onto since high school: “to become a maker.” When I interviewed for an internship as a research assistant, I even mentioned that launching a crowdfunding project was on my bucket list—and I got the job. (I guess this is what they call living your passion.)
Why do I want to launch a crowdfunding project?
I want to create something from scratch, piece by piece, with my own hands. And I want to experience the thrill of saying, “I did it!”
A real "business" that requires initial capital and consistent effort is intimidating. That's why I chose "trying my hand at being a maker" for my bucket list. And if I find it suits me, I might even start my own business!
As I wrote my crowdfunding research journal and looked into various projects, I noticed quite a few makers around my age. It’s already well-known that Gen Z—who values creative thinking and individuality—it’s already well-known that Gen Z (I’m actually Gen Z myself) is heavily involved in crowdfunding. But to think they’re also flocking to crowdfunding platforms as makers! I want to start pursuing my dreams right away, too.
Who exactly is Generation Z?
Gen Zers have a tendency. Taking on a "side persona" isn’t difficult for us. We also have a passion for diving deep into the things we love. That’s why challenges like starting a business or taking on guerrilla-style side projects aren’t a burden. In fact, they’re a source of joy.
Having been born in the digital age, using the internet and mobile devices is as natural to Gen Z as eating. As digital technology advances, the barriers to starting a business are lowering, and the range of possibilities is expanding. As a result, an increasing number of Gen Z members are aspiring to or already running their own businesses.
I’m not just saying this because I’m an intern at the Funding Lab, but crowdfundingis truly the perfect way for Gen Z to get started!
Crowdfunding is easy even for Gen Z
To run an online business, you need to gather various documents like a business registration certificate, build a website, and—given how fast-paced modern society is—stock up on products in advance to ensure fast delivery, and then… 😵 Anyway, there are countless things to do.
On funding platforms, even individuals without a business can launch projectsThis is possible because crowdfunding is based on the concepts of sponsorship and investment, rather than consumption and purchasing.
For us—Generation Z, who are at best just starting out in society—and who participate simply to fulfill a bucket list dream, business registration is a huge hurdle. Furthermore, Wadiz, even teenagers can launch projects.
Once a project is successfully funded and capital is raised, the product can be manufactured and shipped. This is an essential approach for Gen Z, who often lack sufficient initial capital. Furthermore, by applying this principle, Gen Z can bring their unique creative ideas to life, as demonstrated by students at Baejae University Today's Han-ssam is a prime example of this.
The makers behind the "Today's Bunch" project are students from the Department of E-Commerce at Baejae University. These student makers wanted to start an online business alongside their parents, who are farmers, after graduation.
But for a novice business owner just starting out, “jumping straight into the e-commerce arena” was an overwhelmingly difficult task. In particular, launching an idea like “customizable salad greens” was a real challenge, given that order volumes were unpredictable and the business required fast delivery. For makers, “crowdfunding” was the perfect way to test the viability of their ideas on a small scale.
Source: [Pick and Choose] 9 Unique Types of Mixed Lettuce for Wraps!
In addition, the funding platform offers a wealth of information tailored to first-time entrepreneurs. Since it’s a platform designed to support and assist new entrepreneurs, it naturally provides extensive resources—from essential documents to advertising and marketing.
Wadiz Cast: Tips on visual elements for your story, including images, concept colors, and fonts
How Gen Z Is Making Their Dreams Come True
“At work, I found myself doing only what I was told to do and what the clients wanted. I really wanted to do what I truly wanted to do. That’s why I started this.”
Eco-Friendly Sports Socks ProjectA young maker launching this project explained why they opened the crowdfunding campaign. It’s exactly why I want to be a maker!
In fact, it’s not uncommon to see posts on various online communities seeking backers for projects aimed at self-fulfillment or meaningful experiences. This suggests that many members of Generation Z—especially those just starting their careers—are drawn to crowdfunding for these very reasons.
Source: [Eco-Friendly Sports Socks] Sports socks made from PET bottles, designed with durability in mind
With crowdfunding, I, as the creator, have to handle everything—from project planning and product development to crafting the story, operations, and marketing. That’s why, if you’re the kind of person who thrives on taking the initiative and feels truly alive through this process, crowdfunding is an incredibly fun and exciting experience.
In particular, the opportunity to experience everything from A to Z provides students—who have been thoroughly prepared through a robust K-education curriculum—with a practical platformwhere they can explore their dreams.
Students majoring in Cosmetics Brand Management at Seokyeong University created the brand “Scoble” to showcase what they have learned and experienced over the past four years. Through their major courses, the students have steadily built up professional skills in product planning, ingredient science, and manufacturing practices. And finally! They have created “Scoble,” a brand that showcases their abilities, and as a platform for this crowdfundingas their platform.
In the Maker Story, you can see the dedication and care that the students poured into every step of the process, from product planning and development to production. (Have I ever been this passionate? I found myself reflecting on that for a moment. 😅)
Because crowdfunding campaigns run and close within a specific timeframe, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in operations, customer service, shipping, settlement, and post-sale support all within a short period. I am confident that this experience will serve as a valuable asset as they pursue their future aspirations.
Putting Values into Action Through Gen Z Funding
Gen Z is sensitive to social values. They are so interested in environmental, social, and governance issues that the term “ESG awareness” is often cited as a defining characteristic of Generation Z.
Generation Z doesn’t stop at mere interest. They take it a step further by incorporating values-driven and principled consumption into their daily lives. According to one study, among Gen Zers who follow a vegan diet, “consideration for animal rights” ranked as the second most common reason.
In today’s fast-paced world, where new opportunities are constantly emerging, the self-driven Generation Z is moving beyond the small flutter of “consumption” to create a powerful wind of “production,” actively putting their values into practice. Crowdfunding is the perfect tool for this!
Previously Day 2 of the Exploration Journal, we confirmed that there is a public willing to contribute both money and heart to causes that make the world a better place. With genuine intent, it is relatively easy to raise funds through crowdfunding. There is also a public that is always open to that sincerity. Couldn’t these two factors be the reason why Gen Z turns to crowdfunding to put their values into practice?
A high school student who loved lizards founded the shoe brand "Roemb" to promote the globalization of hanji, environmental protection, and the conservation of endangered animals a crowdfunding project. After learning that many lizards are facing extinction due to environmental issues, the creator pondered what they could do to protect their beloved animal friends. This led them to the root cause—the environment—and ultimately inspired them to create shoes using eco-friendly hanji.
Since this was my first business venture, I faced many challenges in getting past the hurdle of mass production. However, thanks to the funds I raised through crowdfunding, I was able to make my dream a reality.
ZEST – Forest Green: Eco-friendly shoes made from hanji leather / Source: Roemb Eco-friendly hanji shoes
The creator reportedly intended to use the funds raised—if the campaign was successful—to save endangered lizards in Korea and, furthermore, to support their restoration efforts. In fact, the funds raised were actually used for environmental conservation! It’s a moment that makes me feel small—me, who used to feel so proud of myself for carrying a reusable bag and emptying my mailbox regularly.
In addition, Gen Zers are taking the initiative to a project to support abandoned animals, projects to protect endangered animals and other social and environmental initiatives, putting their values into practice.
Starting a business is no longer the exclusive domain of seasoned adults with ample capital and experience. Members of Generation Z, who create their own meaning and value, are launching their own businesses in a variety of forms based on their ideas.
Yeah, crowdfunding is a shortcut to making dreams come true. That’s why we saw so many Gen Z creators on the platform.
This time With the revamp of the crowdfunding service,, making it much easier for individuals to launch projects.
Now is the time. It’s time to start my bucket list.
That wraps up Day 4 of my funding exploration log. I'm going to go work on my project now.
View other logs 👀
Episode 1: “My First Assignment Has Been Assigned”
Episode 2: “Funding: One Name, Several Meanings”
Episode 3: “A Single Story Filled with Sincerity: No Need to Envy Ten Features”
Episode 5: “Is There Such a Thing as This Kind of Crowdfunding? People Deeply Dedicated to a Single Cause”
Episode 6: “Is There Such a Thing as This Kind of Funding? Everyone’s Own Way of Thinking About the Environment”
Episode 7: “Let’s Go on a Special Trip with Crowdfunding”
Episode 8: “Workation: I’m Going on One Thanks to Crowdfunding!”
Episode 9: “SNS Hotspots and Must-Try Restaurants Make Their Crowdfunding Debut!”
Episode 10: “Showcasing Delicacies from Across the Country Through Crowdfunding!”
Episode 11: “Crowdfunding: A Dash of Excitement for Your Best Life”
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