I have the same problem with that one as IndieGoGo. I think that the "get everything pledged at the end of the cycle" creates a few problems:
- The success of the project is at risk at the end because they didn't received the requisite funds.
- It lessens the need to plan as well, and execute on the bid, as the numbers are very fuzzy, and whatever you receive is going to you no matter what.
- It lessens the imperative from a contributors side as even though they like it, there's no real reason to fund if they're going to have to complete the project no matter what. You can more easily take the wait and see approach.
Of course, those are just my observations. But I think more targeted approaches to the venture site both are a good idea (they help to target the audience by the platform) and a bad idea (they dilute the critical mass of the crowd).
It's a cool looking site. One thing I don't understand is how to navigate, however, unless there are actually only two projects on there.
UPDATE: I figured out what the problem is. If you go to the site from the linked article, it actually goes to a subcategory. Go to the root of the site instead, and there is a browse link.