Massimo G. Colombo, Chiara Franzoni, and Cristina Rossi-Lamastra examine the role of internal social capital in crowdfunding success. They argue that early contributions in crowdfunding campaigns create a self-reinforcing cycle that accelerates project success. Their analysis of 669 Kickstarter projects shows that internal social capital—developed within the crowdfunding community—significantly influences early contributions and campaign success. This internal social capital is distinct from external social capital, such as that from family or friends. The study finds that internal social capital positively affects both the number of early backers and the amount of early capital raised. These factors fully mediate the relationship between internal social capital and campaign success. The research also shows that external social capital has a smaller effect on early contributions compared to internal social capital. The study highlights how internal social capital, built through interactions within the crowdfunding community, helps attract early support, which in turn increases the likelihood of campaign success. The findings suggest that internal social capital is a key factor in the success of crowdfunding campaigns.Massimo G. Colombo, Chiara Franzoni, and Cristina Rossi-Lamastra examine the role of internal social capital in crowdfunding success. They argue that early contributions in crowdfunding campaigns create a self-reinforcing cycle that accelerates project success. Their analysis of 669 Kickstarter projects shows that internal social capital—developed within the crowdfunding community—significantly influences early contributions and campaign success. This internal social capital is distinct from external social capital, such as that from family or friends. The study finds that internal social capital positively affects both the number of early backers and the amount of early capital raised. These factors fully mediate the relationship between internal social capital and campaign success. The research also shows that external social capital has a smaller effect on early contributions compared to internal social capital. The study highlights how internal social capital, built through interactions within the crowdfunding community, helps attract early support, which in turn increases the likelihood of campaign success. The findings suggest that internal social capital is a key factor in the success of crowdfunding campaigns.