Everette Taylor reshapes Kickstarter's future as CEO
- Everette Taylor was named CEO of Kickstarter in 2022, making history as one of the few Black leaders in the tech industry.
- Under Taylor's leadership, Kickstarter has focused on enhancing creator education and expanding support for creative projects.
- Taylor's tenure has revitalized Kickstarter's culture and direction, resulting in consistent revenue growth and reflecting the diversity of its creative community.
In 2022, Everette Taylor was appointed as the CEO of Kickstarter, a pioneering crowdfunding platform known for its role in supporting creative projects. His appointment was significant, particularly in the context of the tech industry, which has historically seen limited representation of Black leadership at the executive level. By stepping into this role, Taylor became one of a select few Black CEOs leading a global tech company, marking a critical moment for diversity in the tech sector. Upon taking charge, Taylor quickly identified areas for improvement within Kickstarter, as the company was facing declining revenue, increased competition, and waning cultural relevance. He expressed a desire for Kickstarter to not only maintain its leadership in the crowdfunding sector but also to evolve into a prominent player in the creator economy. This vision included enhancing creator education and supporting creative founders beyond the initial funding stage of their projects, thus addressing their comprehensive needs throughout the project's lifecycle. Throughout his tenure, Taylor has introduced various initiatives aimed at revitalizing Kickstarter's internal culture to align more closely with the diverse creative community it serves. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in leadership roles, reflected in his choices for key positions, including appointing a Black woman as Chief Marketing Officer and a woman of color as head of social media. Such diversity in leadership is seen as integral in effectively reaching out to and serving a broad spectrum of creators, from independent artists to large brands like L’Oréal. Two years into his leadership, Taylor has successfully implemented changes that have led to consistent year-over-year revenue growth for Kickstarter. His focus on building a supportive environment where creators can launch projects and foster movements has resonated with many in the community. Taylor's journey from underrepresented backgrounds to a significant leadership role emphasizes the necessity of breaking barriers in the tech industry, inspiring others who aspire to leadership positions.