How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
- 01
Before you back
Read the story and the milestones. Check that the amounts add up and that each step has something concrete to prove. If anything is unclear, ask in chat first.
- 02
While the dream runs
You can support a dream milestone by milestone. When proof is posted, you are notified and can review it, ask questions, and decide whether to send the next payment. You can back anonymously.
- 03
If something goes wrong
Because you pay directly and can give milestone by milestone, you remain in control and never have to fund unproven steps. You can report a dream or block a user at any time.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a hardware gadget dream with a goal of $50,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$10,000 · 20%
Prove the key function
Post a bench demonstration, a component shortlist and measured results showing the gadget’s main function in a basic prototype.
Milestone 2
$12,500 · 25%
Refine the physical design
Share enclosure drawings, revised circuit photos and assembly notes showing fit checks and changes from the first prototype.
Milestone 3
$20,000 · 40%
Build the pilot batch
Upload pilot unit photos, supplier invoices and a build record tracking assembly issues and component substitutions.
Milestone 4
$7,500 · 15%
Complete reliability checks
Post test logs, inspection photos and final assembly instructions with a summary of unresolved limits and planned support.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Parts become unavailable
A chosen component may disappear before the pilot build. Record suitable alternatives during design work and leave budget for checking substitutions before ordering a batch.
- R2
Enclosure fit problems
A circuit that works on a bench may not fit its case or connectors. Use the second milestone for physical fit checks before committing the largest share to pilot production.
- R3
Pilot units fail testing
Repeated use may expose faults absent from a single demonstration. Define reliability checks before the pilot build and retain testing budget for inspection and redesign work.
Questions and answers
Can I see how my money was used?
Yes. Each milestone shows the Dreamer's proof and confirmed support. You stay in control by choosing to send direct payments only for milestones you have personally reviewed.
Can I raise support before I know the final unit design?
Show the function you have demonstrated and the design questions still open. Separate prototype refinement from pilot production so Backers can review fit checks before the largest manufacturing commitment.
Is a pilot batch the same as being ready for mass production?
No. A pilot batch helps reveal assembly problems, component issues and testing needs at a limited scale. State its intended size and evidence clearly without presenting it as proof that larger production is ready.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a hardware gadget dream in Houston, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$50,000
- Design and prototype iterations$12,500 · 25%
- Components tooling and pilot production$22,500 · 45%
- Testing and design verification$10,000 · 20%
- Packaging and support preparation$5,000 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $50,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$7,500
- You receive
- $42,500
Ready when you are
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