Broad Radio, Australia's first women-led radio network, has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign in partnership with Birchal.

The campaign aims to raise funds for the platform's growth and the release of its app for female-led live radio and podcasts. Broad Radio is reaching out to individuals who believe in its mission of amplifying and connecting women's voices in media. The crowdfunding process includes specialty events such as webinars and soirees for interested investors.

The three-week Expression of Interest (EOI) period opens on 30 January, followed by a two-week offer opening on 20 February to those registered during the EOI period, before opening publicly on 22 February. The funds raised will be used to release the Broad Radio app, expand programming and distribution, and invest in commercial partners.

"My vision for Broad Radio was always about having intelligent, inspiring, funny and, most importantly, real women on the air," said Jo Stanley, Founder of Broad Radio. "Opening the company to other real people who share our core values is such a special way to help us grow. Quite literally, everyone can become a shareholder.

"The crowdfunding process has been streamlined and the potential is really exciting for us. We've taken the opportunity to organise specialty events such as webinars and soirees for interested investors. It will be so great to see our community coming together in the flesh."

Stanley also flagged more exciting plans for the future of Broad Radio, "including our purpose-built app that means our listeners will be able to listen wherever they are. Crowdfunding with Birchal will be an imperative part of making these plans happen."