Michelle Battersby is gross and wants to make you rich

Michelle Battersby has created the pretty Patreon for those who make content and know their worth.

The former Bumble exec launched her own tech company, this year, with co-founder Lucy Mort, (former Hinge exec). Together, they found a gap in the content market and went for it.

Who is Michelle Battersby?

You'd be familiar with her viral movement, “Gross Girl Tok”. Her first video chalked up more than 2.9m views and now the hashtag is even catching the attention of fashion labels.

However Battersby is not an influencer, she's influential. Sure, she has the talent for being in front of the camera, but it's behind-the-scenes where she shines.

What is Sunroom?

A platform where people make money online with their original content. It has a TikTok style, and safety and freedom of expression front of mind. ‘Sunblock technology’ prevents screenshotting so content doesn't get leaked or ripped.

Battersby recalls speaking with numerous creators who have been penalised on other social platforms for sharing content centred on sexual health or body positivity. Sunroom sought to create a space for creators to peacefully exist online — without the red tape.

Show me the money

Creators cash in through the app in three key ways: Getting members (a monthly subscription) "Tips" which operate like paid DMs between creator and user "Cheers" (a paid 'like' function)

"The word 'influencer' was becoming kind of dirty yet it's a big business… [but] this is the way the world is going so we really want to unlock that third revenue stream for creators."

An online revolution

Sunroom launched four months ago with about 100 creators on board and one of the investors is "angel" venture capitalist Cyan Banister, who was one of the initial investors in Uber.

Flying the coup

To make Sunroom successful, Battersby packed up her life and relocated to LA - mid pandemic. Covid, Battersby said, led to platforms breaking through. Her departure was a loss to the Australian start-up space, but she felt the environment here wasn't ripe enough, yet.

"Right now we get the best of both worlds because we already have an understanding of the Australian market so we're able to focus on both, we're just based in LA because there's a bit going on over here."

WORDS: Jenna Clarke PRODUCER: Bianca Farmakis Learn more