Got a great business idea but need some cash to get it off the ground? You’re not alone. Finding money can be super tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. Luckily, there are these things called crowdfunding platforms that let everyday people chip in small amounts to help big ideas happen. It’s like a bunch of mini-investors all coming together. We’re going to check out 6 of the best places online where you can try to get funding for your business idea.
Key Takeaways
- Crowdfunding lets you raise money from many individuals, not just one big investor.
- Each platform has its own rules, like how much they charge or if you have to hit a certain goal.
- Some sites are better for creative projects, while others focus on tech or general causes.
- It’s not just about money; crowdfunding can also help you see if people actually want your product.
- Be sure to pick a platform that fits what you’re trying to do, so you have the best shot at success.
1. Kickstarter
Kickstarter is definitely one of the most recognizable names in the crowdfunding world. Since it started back in 2009, it’s helped fund a ton of projects – we’re talking about digital products and physical ones too. It’s known for being a place where creative projects can really take off.
What’s cool about Kickstarter is that it uses a reward-based system. People who donate get cool stuff like early access, discounts, or even just a shoutout. Sometimes, the bigger the donation, the better the reward. But here’s the catch: it’s all-or-nothing. If a project doesn’t hit its funding goal, nobody pays up. This can be a bit risky, but it also means that backers can trust that the project is actually going to happen if it gets funded. It’s a great platform for those with a clear vision and the ability to get people excited about their idea. You can find many freelancing platforms online, but Kickstarter is unique.
2. Indiegogo
Indiegogo is another popular choice, and we think it’s pretty cool. It’s helped launch over 800,000 ideas since 2008. One thing that sets Indiegogo apart is its flexible funding options. You can choose to keep the money you raise even if you don’t hit your goal. This can be a lifesaver if you need some early-stage capital and don’t want the pressure of an all-or-nothing campaign.
Indiegogo is known for supporting tech and innovation projects. They also provide marketing tools to help you get noticed. It’s a big site, so there’s a lot of competition, but the potential reach is huge. Plus, they have a program that lets you keep raising funds even after your initial campaign ends. If you’re looking for online communities to help you grow, Indiegogo is a great place to start.
3. Crowd Supply
Crowd Supply is interesting because it’s not just for any idea; it’s really focused on hardware and electronics projects. If you’re trying to get a new gadget or piece of tech off the ground, this might be the place for you. Their mission is to “bring original, useful, respectful hardware to life,” and they seem to be doing a pretty good job.
One thing that stands out is their success rate. They claim a much higher percentage of launched projects get fully funded compared to some other platforms. Plus, the average amount raised per successful project is also significantly higher. It’s also worth noting that they say almost all of their successfully funded campaigns have actually delivered to backers, which is a big deal. No one wants to back a project and then never see the product. If you’re looking for side hustle tools to help you launch, this could be a good option.
Crowd Supply helps with everything from launching the campaign to marketing, customer support, and even fulfilling orders. Of course, they take a cut – usually around 12% of gross campaign sales, not including processing fees.
4. GoFundMe
GoFundMe is a pretty well-known platform, especially if you’re trying to raise money for something personal or charitable. Unlike some other sites, GoFundMe often doesn’t charge a platform fee, which is a big plus if you’re trying to keep costs down. It’s not really meant for commercial stuff, but if you’re a small business owner facing a tough time, it could be an option.
We’ve seen people use it for everything from medical bills to education costs. It’s all about that altruistic vibe, you know? People donate because they want to help, not because they expect something in return. Plus, it’s easy to share your campaign on social media, which can really help get the word out. If you are looking to connect with other entrepreneurs, there are other platforms that might be a better fit.
GoFundMe is great for personal fundraising, so anyone can start a campaign. People who donate usually support campaigns from their own networks, local communities, or causes they care about. Even if people don’t donate, they might share your campaign, which can really boost its reach. It’s worth a shot if you’re facing a personal challenge and need some help raising funds. You can also use it to fund charitable causes.
5. Patreon
Patreon is a bit different from the other platforms we’ve looked at. It’s not really for funding a specific project, but more for providing ongoing support to creators. If you’re a podcaster, artist, writer, or anyone who makes stuff regularly, Patreon could be a great fit. It allows your fans to become paying members, giving you a steady income stream in exchange for exclusive content and perks.
Think of it as a subscription service for your biggest fans. They pledge a certain amount each month (or per creation) to support your work, and in return, they get access to things like bonus content, early access, or even just a shout-out. It’s a way to build a community around your work and get paid for doing what you love. Lucy Guo had some interesting thoughts on Patreon’s valuation, and it’s definitely a platform worth considering if you’re looking for a sustainable way to fund your creative endeavors. Patreon supports various payment methods like credit card, Apple Pay, PayPal and Venmo.
6. CircleUpstart
CircleUpstart is another platform we’ve been looking at for a while. It’s designed for equity crowdfunding, which is a bit different than just asking for donations or pre-selling products. CircleUpstart focuses on startups and growing businesses, connecting them with both accredited and non-accredited investors.
What’s cool is that they support multiple rounds of fundraising, so if you need more capital later on, you can potentially go back to the well. They also say they provide marketing support to help get your campaign noticed. It seems like a good fit for businesses anywhere from the seed stage all the way to Series A+ funding. It’s always good to find online communities that can help you grow your business.