Three years ago, we launched Crowdstart to help crowdfunding creators build sustainable businesses. Today, we are taking the next step: Crowdstart becomes Hanzo, a complete commerce platform for the modern era.
Why the Change
Crowdstart solved a specific problem well. But our customers' needs expanded:
- Creators became brands with full product lines
- One-time campaigns became subscription businesses
- US-focused operations went global
- Simple storefronts required enterprise features
We could patch Crowdstart indefinitely, or we could build the platform our customers actually need. We chose to build.
What is Hanzo
Hanzo is a commerce platform built on three pillars:
Commerce Engine
The transaction core that powers everything:
- Multi-currency, multi-language by default
- Subscription and one-time in the same cart
- Complex pricing rules and promotions
- Tax compliance for 190+ countries
Intelligence Layer
AI and analytics integrated throughout:
- Real-time dashboards and alerting
- Automated recommendations
- Predictive inventory management
- Marketing optimization (Earle)
Developer Platform
APIs and tools for custom experiences:
- RESTful and GraphQL APIs
- Webhooks for event-driven integrations
- SDKs for web, mobile, and server
- Headless commerce capabilities
Migration Path
Existing Crowdstart customers migrate seamlessly:
- All data transfers automatically
- URLs redirect properly
- Existing integrations continue working
- New features unlock immediately
No action required. Your Crowdstart account is now a Hanzo account.
Pricing
Hanzo maintains Crowdstart's straightforward pricing:
- Starter: Free for small volumes
- Growth: Percentage of revenue, all features
- Enterprise: Custom pricing, dedicated support
No seat licenses. No feature tiers. No surprises.
The Name
Hanzo references the legendary ninja Hattori Hanzo, known for precision and effectiveness. Our platform should work silently in the background, handling complexity so you can focus on your business.
What's Next
This is a foundation, not a finish line. Coming soon:
- Mobile SDKs (iOS and Android)
- Expanded payment methods
- Advanced fraud detection
- Deeper analytics
Thank you to every Crowdstart customer who helped us get here. The next chapter begins now.
Zach Kelling is the founder of Hanzo Industries.
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