Yael Inbar

My Research: Social dynamics and communities on crowdfunding platforms

The Public Will Pay: The phenomenon of crowdfunding is becoming an attractive way to fundraise for various entrepreneurial endeavors. The method involves many people donating small sums online, which, combined, fund a particular venture. In my research, I investigate how communities are formed on crowdfunding platforms, what social dynamics exist on these platforms – between the entrepreneur and the funder and amongst funders – and how they influence fundraising. One of the dynamics found was reciprocity: Entrepreneurs who had supported other ventures prior to launching their own received support in return from the entrepreneurs they funded as well as from the greater community.

“The academic world is full of intellectual challenges, and you quickly realize that the more you study a topic in depth, the more there is to learn.”

Everything Is an Option: I grew up in a home that encouraged excellence and education, which gave me a great launching pad toward my life as an academic. What other occupation allows you to wake up in the morning, think to yourself ‘I’d really like to look into this issue,’ go to your office and research exactly that? The academic world is full of intellectual challenges, and you quickly realize that the more you study a topic in depth, the more there is to learn.

Challenges and Fulfillment: I hope to always work in a place that continually challenges me and allows for self-actualization while maintaining a happy family life. 

Yael is a PhD student in Management of Technology and Information Systems at the Faculty of Management.

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