Hummingbirds: Connecting Local Creators with Brands
Hummingbirds is a unique female-founded startup that has been making waves in the world of hyperlocal marketing. The platform serves as a bridge between content creators and locally-based brands, allowing creators to share products with their highly engaged communities via social media and earn rewards in return.
Recently, Hummingbirds announced a successful funding round of $5.4 million, bringing their total raised amount to $10 million. This influx of capital will fuel the platform’s expansion into 20 more cities by 2025, including key locations like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Denver.
Launched just last year, Hummingbirds focuses on localized and word-of-mouth marketing strategies, aiming to help small businesses connect with local customers in a more authentic way. By leveraging the power of local creators, such as “PTA moms” and other community influencers, Hummingbirds believes that brands can build trust and loyalty among their target audience.
Co-founder Charise Flynn highlighted the platform’s ability to drive in-store traffic for retailers and build brand awareness through engaging marketing campaigns. With over 300 brand partners on board, ranging from well-known names like Chop Local and Cutwater to smaller businesses like AE Dairy and Century Farm Distillery, Hummingbirds offers a diverse range of opportunities for creators to collaborate with.
Incentives play a key role in encouraging participation, with businesses offering rewards such as gift cards, complimentary experiences, free merchandise, and other perks to creators who share their products. While Hummingbirds does not take a commission from creators, brands are required to pay a fee to launch campaigns on the platform.
The platform’s focus on “nano creators” with smaller, more engaged followings has proven successful, with higher engagement rates compared to traditional influencers. By producing city-specific content, Hummingbirds claims to boost sales and enhance social engagement for brands significantly.
While similar startups have emerged in the market, Hummingbirds sets itself apart by targeting content creators primarily located in Middle America. Operating in over 20 cities, including Des Moines, Madison, Nashville, and Omaha, the platform aims to fill a gap in the market by helping brands reach customers in this often overlooked region.
Co-founder Emily Steele’s vision for Hummingbirds stemmed from her own experiences as a content creator in Iowa, where she saw the potential to support local businesses through social sharing. The company’s rapid growth over the past year, quadrupling revenue and doubling its creator community to 11,000 members, is a testament to the platform’s success.
With a strong roster of investors, including Allos Ventures, Ground Game, and M25 Fund, Hummingbirds is poised for further expansion and impact in the world of hyperlocal marketing. As the company continues to empower creators and connect them with brands in meaningful ways, it is clear that the hummingbirds are buzzing around town, spreading the word about exciting products and experiences.
