- 01
Gifts, not investments
A backing is a voluntary gift towards a goal. Nothing is sold, no ownership changes hands and no return is promised. Backers support a person; you keep control.
- 02
Why milestones still matter
Without contracts, Backers rely on transparency. Money is held per milestone and released only when you prove progress, so they can give with confidence.
- 03
What you owe Backers
Honesty: a true story, proof for each milestone and updates in chat. Not profits or repayment. If you cannot finish, unreleased money goes back to Backers.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to release their share or ask for more. Money not released in time goes back to the Backer.
15% fee, deducted — never added
Backers pay exactly what they choose. The 15% fee comes out of each backing: CN¥1,000 gives the Dreamer CN¥850. The fee is kept if money is returned.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a mountain expedition dream with a goal of CN¥200,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
CN¥40,000 · 20%
Assess route and readiness
Post a route outline, expedition logistics quotes and a skills preparation plan, omitting sensitive location and personal details.
Milestone 2
CN¥60,000 · 30%
Acquire and test equipment
Share equipment receipts, packed-kit photos and field test notes showing how essential items performed before departure.
Milestone 3
CN¥30,000 · 15%
Confirm field logistics
Post redacted transport and support confirmations, a supply inventory and a dated departure readiness checklist.
Milestone 4
CN¥70,000 · 35%
Document expedition fieldwork
Share a dated route log, field photos and logistics receipts, explaining the route taken and any turnaround decisions.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a mountain expedition dream in Beijing, shown in CNY. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
CN¥200,000
- Field support and transportCN¥70,000 · 35%
- Technical equipment and clothingCN¥60,000 · 30%
- Training and expedition preparationCN¥50,000 · 25%
- Route access and communicationsCN¥20,000 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- CN¥200,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −CN¥30,000
- You receive
- CN¥170,000
Risks to plan for
- R1
Conditions force retreat
Weather or route conditions may make the planned objective unsuitable. Define fieldwork proof independently of reaching the summit and include time for a conservative turnaround in the itinerary.
- R2
Kit fails in testing
Equipment that fits at home may fail under expedition loads. Place field testing before final departure commitments and reserve equipment funds for repairs or necessary replacements.
- R3
Approach delays
Transport disruption can reduce the available mountain window. Build spare approach days into the logistics plan and explain which field activities remain feasible if the schedule contracts.
Questions and answers
Must I reach the summit to complete the dream?
Define the scope before publication: preparation, travel and documented expedition activity need not promise a summit. Your final report should explain conditions, decisions and the route actually completed, including any retreat.
Why is the final expedition milestone the largest?
Field transport, support and time on the route can represent the largest delivery stage. Separate earlier kit and preparation proof from the final field log and receipts so Backers can see what that larger stage covered.
Do I have to pay Backers back?
No. Money released for completed milestones is yours. Money still held for unfinished milestones can go back to Backers under the Backing Policy, minus the platform fee.
Ready when you are
Sign in or create an account to publish a dream or back the ones you believe in.
Sign in / Create account