Understanding Crowdfunding

Types of crowdfunding

There are three main types of crowdfunding that your business could use. Let’s look at each of them in turn.

Donation-based crowdfunding

Donation-based crowdfunding is a way to raise finance for your business or project by asking a large number of people to donate a small amount of money individually.

Social and environmental groups and not-for-profit organisations often use this type of crowdfunding. Donors invest because they support the cause without expecting anything in return. However, you could decide to give them non-monetary rewards, such as gifts, regular news updates and invitations to exclusive events.

Examples of donation-based crowdfunding platforms include Just Giving and You Caring.

Equity crowdfunding

With equity crowdfunding, investors get shares in your business in exchange for their investment (think Dragon’s Den). They become shareholders and have partial ownership of your business.

The value of their stake in your business can go up or down, as with any investment shares. Early-stage and growing businesses often use crowdfunding.

It’s a good idea to consider whether you want to give up partial ownership of your business in exchange for investment. If the answer is no, it might be better to secure investment in another way.

Crowdcube is just one example of the many equity crowdfunding platforms your business could use.

Debt crowdfunding

Debt crowdfunding (or peer-to-peer lending) enables your business to receive crowdfunded loans, which you would repay with interest.

It is often used by established smaller businesses that want to bypass traditional banks and lenders, or have been turned down for finance. Debt crowdfunding can offer lenders improved rates of return, while your business can benefit from reduced fees.

Examples of debt crowdfunding platforms include Funding Circle and Lending Club.

Which one is best for my business or organisation?

There really is no perfect match and you may choose to combine a number of different methods. You will need to consider whether the platforms you want to use will allow you to crowdfund through them if you are not established as a business.

If you are right at the start of your project, you will likely need to keep costs low, and look to other forms of fundraising such as grants or loans. See our guide on fundraising strategy to think about this in more detail. 

How does crowdfunding work?

You’ll need to register your new business or project with one or more crowdfunding platforms to start raising finance. Most platforms will vet your business to make sure you meet their rules for fundraisers.

Before registering with a crowdfunding platform, it’s essential to research the different costs, rules and benefits associated with each platform. For example, some platforms offer a wider range of features to help you reach more potential investors, such as tools to promote campaigns or optimise fundraising pages.

After you register with a crowdfunding platform, it’s time to create your pitch or fundraising campaign.

Most pitches include the following information:

• An overview of your business or the project you are raising finance for.
• Your funding target.
• Details of what you will give investors in return.
• How many people have already invested.
• How much finance you have raised so far.
• How long the pitch will be open.
• The share in your business you are offering. This only applies if you are using equity crowdfunding.

Most crowdfunding platforms allow you to register and set up a pitch for free. Crowdfunding platforms usually charge fees based on the amount of finance raised. Fees are typically 4-5% of the total amount raised for your project or business via the platform.

If you don’t meet your fundraising target, the money pledged is usually returned to the investors.

Advantages of using crowdfunding

• It can be a quick way to raise finance with no or low upfront fees.
• Crowdfunding platforms are an effective way to reach a large audience, including potential investors.
• It is an alternative finance option if traditional lenders have turned down your business.
• You can test the viability and popularity of your idea.
• People who invest in your business via crowdfunding will often become your customers once you launch your product or service.

Disadvantages of using crowdfunding

• The platform could refuse your application to join.
• Your business may receive no funding if you don’t meet your fundraising target.
• You’ll need to invest significant time and resources to promote your crowdfunding campaign.
• It’s important to protect your idea, such as with a patent or copyright, as someone could copy it after seeing it on a crowdfunding platform.

Case studies

Go Fund Me have a huge amount of success stories which they have shared. They are not the only platform of course, but it demonstrates the power of crowdfunding!

Are you reading this page as part of our Guide for Opening, Running and Growing a Cultural or Community Space? Have a look at Understanding Debt Finance next. 

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DISCLAIMER While all reasonable efforts have been made, the publisher makes no warranties that this information is accurate and up-to-date and will not be responsible for any errors or omissions in the information nor any consequences of any errors or omissions. Professional advice should be sought where appropriate.