CrowdfundingPlattformen

Crowdfunding platforms are online marketplaces that enable fundraising by aggregating small contributions from a large number of backers. They connect individuals, nonprofits, and startups with audiences willing to support ideas, products, or causes, and they provide tools for campaign creation, payment processing, and backer communication.

Most platforms support several funding models: rewards-based, donation-based, equity-based, and lending-based. Rewards-based campaigns offer non-financial rewards, donation-based campaigns seek charitable contributions, equity-based campaigns offer shares in a company, and lending-based platforms provide loans with promised repayment.

Campaigns begin with a project submission that states a funding goal and deadline, supported by media and a budget. After review, the campaign page goes live and backers pledge funds. If the goal is met, funds are released to the creator, minus platform and payment processing fees.

Advantages include democratizing access to capital, market validation, and community-building. Risks include campaign failure, misrepresentation or delays, and, in equity or lending models, investment losses and regulatory compliance requirements for participants.

Notable platforms include Kickstarter and Indiegogo (rewards), GoFundMe (donations), Seedrs and Crowdcube (equity), and various lending platforms for debt-based funding. Regulation varies by country and may involve consumer protection and securities laws.