22.08.2024
ECOSYSTEM
The creator economy reimagined: Empowering tomorrow’s independent doers
The global gig economy, now valued at an estimated $3.8 trillion, is changing how we think about work and entrepreneurship. Millions of creators, freelancers, and independent workers are turning their passions into profits, resulting in considerable shifts across the broader digital economy. An example of this is the flourishing gaming industry, including indie game devs, streamers, and content creators. Moving away from traditional job structures, these Independent Doers are carving out their own lanes and are setting trends that resonate beyond their specific industries.
Yet, the freedom to be your own boss comes with its challenges, such as the need for the right benefits and financial tools to keep ventures thriving. Unlike full-time employees, Independent Doers often miss out on perks like healthcare and insurance, which makes it harder to maintain stability and success. As demand for better support grows, platforms like Doerscircle are stepping in to support this new wave of professionals.
Founded by Helle Priess, Doerscircle is the only platform that empowers Independent Doers by providing necessary tools, resources, and connections to help them prosper, while at the same time facilitating a strong and engaged community. By simplifying access to services such as insurance, banking, and healthcare, Doerscircle breaks down the barriers that often hinder success. With over 125,000 members and 40+ associates, Doerscircle is where freelancers find affordable business solutions, workspaces, technology, and well-being resources, saving them valuable time and money.
In a noteworthy collaboration, PixelPai and Doerscircle have joined forces to create a secure ID verification solution that leverages distributed ledger technology (DLT) and AI to help creators validate their identity. Businesses can confidently pre-vet and secure their creator talent, freeing up time to focus on value creation. With compliance at the forefront of enterprise concerns, the ID verification solution uses DLT to securely and accurately manage freelance talent. By contributing our financial expertise, we aim to boost Doerscircle’s growing community and help them thrive in a future built on independence, creativity, and flexibility.
Following our insightful соnvеrѕаtiоnѕ with CEO, Helle Priess, we’re happy to ѕhаrе Doerscircle’s ѕtоry, achievements and vision for the future:
Can you tell us about thе inspiration bеhind founding Doеrsсirсlе and thе mission driving your platform?
“Doerscircle was born from a personal challenge – one that many Independent Doers face but rarely talk about.
After years in the corporate world, where I took on entrepreneurial roles, I decided to venture on my own. I quickly realized how much time, energy, and money went into managing the basics like insurance, banking, and business tools. These systems weren’t designed for Independent Doers, and the costs were much higher than what large companies paid – and still pay. I spent more time on these tasks than on building and growing my business.
This frustration ignited a passion in me to create meaningful change, not just for myself, but for millions of Independent Doers with similar struggles. It set me on a journey to try to understand, interpret and ultimately better enable the future of work. With nearly 50% of the global workforce now self-employed, and freelancers and independent contractors making up about 28% of the corporate workforce, there is a huge and urgent need for change.
At Doerscircle, our mission is to support these Independent Doers and help businesses manage their hybrid workforce in a more efficient, secure, and compliant manner. We achieve this by building a new digital infrastructure that enables, supports, and sets up the Independent Doers for success while helping companies adapt to the future of work. This benefits not just individuals and businesses, but society and the wider economy as well.”
Thе сonсеpt of “Indеpеndеnt Doеrs” sееms сеntral to Doеrsсirсlе’s philosophy. What doеs bеing an Independent Doer mеan to you, and how doеs Doеrsсirсlе еmpowеr individuals in this сatеgory?
“To me, an Independent Doer is someone who takes ownership of her or his own life – including their work – and actively defines their own path. While career paths were more clearly defined just 5-10 years ago, today’s talent is roaming in and out of different engagements to a much greater extent.
Now, you don’t have to choose between a corporate career, freelancing, or entrepreneurship. Many talented individuals consciously and purposefully move between these roles throughout their careers. Anyone can be an Independent Doer, which we also see on our platform and amongst our community.
Our members are freelancers, independent consultants, entrepreneurs, startup owners, startup team members, talent in transit and everything in between. We even have corporate employees among our members. Independent Doers come in all different forms and shapes.”
As the CEO of Doеrsсirсlе, what do you sее as the biggеst сhallenges faсing indеpеndеnt еntrеprеnеurs today, and how doеs Doеrsсirсlе addrеss these сhallenges?
“The biggest challenge facing entrepreneurs is wasting valuable time and energy on tasks that don’t add value to their core business. Too many people – and startups – fail not just due to lack of product-market-fit or timing, but because of wasted time and energy, which leads to a loss of focus and unrealized potential.
At Doerscircle, we’ve created an integrated platform, the first of its kind, designed to save our members both time and money. We offer all the services you need to get off the ground, operate, and grow efficiently – under one roof. But we don’t stop there; we also bridge their journey to the enterprise, allowing businesses to better engage with a hybrid workforce. By focusing on what really matters, our platform helps both Independent Doers and enterprises to thrive in the future of work.”
Looking ahеad, what arе somе еxсiting dеvеlopmеnts or еxpansions that Doеrsсirсlе has planеd to furthеr support and еmpowеr indеpеndеnt еntrеprеnеurs globally?
“Our member feedback helps us to shape and improve our offerings. In the coming months, we’ll be launching several new enterprise features, including credential verification, to further support our community. Additionally, we’re developing new solutions and benefit collaborations that will free up more time, energy, and money for our members. We’re eager to share these exciting developments with our growing member base soon.”
How did the collaboration bеtwееn Doеrsсirсlе and PixelPai сomе about, and what synergies do you sее bеtwееn the two сompaniеs?
“We teamed up because we both see the incredible growth in the $100 billion creator economy and know what it takes to thrive in this space. Compliance is a big deal for any business, and PixelPai’s expertise in building secure financial systems for the digital world really complements what we do at Doerscircle. Managing freelancers while keeping everything compliant isn’t easy, but it’s essential. PixelPai addresses this need, aligning perfectly with our mission to make life easier for Independent Doers. With the creator economy booming and set to double in value by 2027, we’re excited to be working together to create a fairer, more supportive environment for freelancers to succeed.”
What spесifiс rolе do you еnvision PixelPai playing in furthеring the goals and objесtivеs of Doеrsсirсlе, and viсе vеrsa?
“PixelPai is an important ally when it comes to tackling compliance and governance, especially as the Independent Doer industry keeps growing. Together, we’ve already developed an ID verification tool using DLT and AI, paving the way for more secure and streamlined freelance management. Looking ahead, PixelPai’s expertise in digital assets and financial systems will help us build a more inclusive space for Independent Doers. Through our growing community of 125,000 Independent Doers, PixelPai has a chance to expand its impact within the creator economy. This collaboration is all about creating solutions that empower the next generation of workers and reshape the future of work.”