How Public Build Works
A transparent, time-bound early money platform where builders commit to deadlines and early customers vote on completion.
Execution is Everything
Worried about copycats? Don't be. Ideas are cheap; execution is hard. By building in public, you build a loyal audience that trusts YOU. A copycat can steal an idea, but they can't steal your community or your vision.
Builders Create Projects
Indie hackers post their idea with a minimum usable feature and choose a deadline: 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month. No vague promises—just concrete commitments.
- Set a early money goal and reward tiers (early access, lifetime deals, etc.)
- Define specific features to ship within the deadline
- Commit to weekly progress updates
Example Project
Features to ship:
- • User authentication
- • Dashboard UI
- • API integration
Early Money Progress
Early Customers Fund the Project
Early supporters pledge money to get exclusive benefits like discounted pricing, lifetime access, or priority support. Funds are held in escrow—not released to the builder until the work is verified.
Your money is protected. If the builder fails to deliver, you get a full refund.
Exclusive Access & Insight
Early customers get access to a private discussion channel. Share insights, request features, and shape the product directly with the builder.
- Direct line to the creator
- Vote on feature priorities
- Locked for non-backers
Early Customer Discussion
Love the progress! Can we get a dark mode toggle in the next update?
Great idea, John! I'll add it to the Week 2 roadmap.
Weekly Updates Required
Builders must post progress updates every week. This keeps the community informed and holds builders accountable. Updates can include screenshots, videos, or demos.
- Show real progress with proof (screenshots, code, demos)
- Engage with backer questions and feedback
- Missing updates = red flag for early customers
Authentication System Complete!
Finished implementing OAuth login with Google and GitHub. Here's a demo...
Early Customer Voting
Once the builder marks the project as "Shipped", early customers have 3 days to review and vote.
If >50% vote "Accept", funds are released to the builder.
Community Verifies Delivery
When the deadline arrives, the builder submits the finished product. Early customers then vote on whether the promised features were delivered. Democracy decides if the builder gets paid.
Success
Majority accepts → Funds released
Failed
Majority disputes → Full refund to early customers
Ready to Build in Public?
Join a community that values transparency, accountability, and shipping fast.