Berkeleyside is trying something that has never been tried before by a news organization: asking our readers to become shareholders to ensure a robust future for our award-winning local news site.
On Nov. 3 we announced a direct public offering to raise $800,000 in capital to invest in Berkeleyside. In just over three weeks, we have raised over $260,000 from over 62 investors.
Now we’ve set ourselves — and our community — a challenge: to get half way there and raise $400,000 by Dec. 31.
Visit invest.berkeleyside.com to learn more and invest.
Supporting independent journalism is more important than ever. Berkeleyside will continue to bear witness and hold the powerful accountable during these uncertain times, and keep you informed about everything that’s going on in the city. In the past few weeks alone, Berkeleyside’s tiny team reported 167 stories on the Berkeley elections; unveiled serious mail delivery problems in the city, and the need for a new bike lane after a near-fatal accident. We also told you about the deer that jumped into the King pool during a kids’ swimming lesson, the plight of the monarch butterflies, and the coming together of hundreds of people in the “greatest little city in America” after the election for a sunrise unity gathering.
The only requirement to becoming an investor is being a California resident.
If just 140 of our readers invest in the next four weeks at the minimum $1,000 level, we will reach our goal by year-end. There are perks as well as benefits for investors, including gourmet Berkeley food and wine baskets, custom t-shirts, and an annual investors’ cocktail party.
In this giving season, consider what you value locally. Become a founding investor in Berkeleyside, or, if you want to support us another way, become a member with a monthly contribution, big or small.
We believe every city gets the newspaper it deserves — this is our chance to show the rest of the country that Berkeley is committed to supporting a free press. We hope the idea takes hold nationwide.
Learn more about how a direct public offering works and sign up to become a founding investor at Invest.Berkeleyside.com. Or contact us directly at invest@berkeleyside.com, tel. 510-671 0380.
