Stan, a Shopify for Creators, Backed by Forerunner; Microsoft’s Activision Deal Buys Ties to Streamers

This year I expect to see more creator economy startups expanding their offerings to become one-stop-shops for online performers. That approach will mark a change from the past few years, when startups largely focused on niches such as providing a fan membership app or banking tools, prompting creators to stitch together a patchwork of services. 

Stan is a startup that took this streamlined strategy from the start. It focuses on knowledge creators such as coaches and consultants who can set up their own Stan stores to sell digital products, such as e-books, memberships, online courses and one-on-one phone calls. Creators can also collect customer emails, track affiliate link income, as well as access web hosting and integrate their Google Calendar. Stan costs $29 per month, plus a 5% cut on any transactions.