121M+Total Funded
Donation-based crowdfunding for causes and projects
Find the model that matches your funding goals
Types of crowdfunding explained
Crowdfunding at a glance
Different models serve different needs, from raising capital for startups to funding creative projects and community causes
10.6M+Interest paid
Reward-based campaigns for creative work
1.8K+Funded projects
Equity crowdfunding for startup investment
44.2K+Registered investors
Debt crowdfunding for lending and borrowing
€2.0M +Provision Fund
Real estate crowdfunding for property investment
Investors receiving payouts
Investors who received at least one interest payment each month.
Rated 4.5 / 5 based on 779 reviews. Showing our 4 & 5 star reviews.
How each model works
Each type has different rules, returns, and who can participate
Donation-based crowdfunding
No anticipated financial returns or profits from this investment opportunity
People contribute to causes they care about without expecting money back
Reward-based crowdfunding
Products or perks instead of money
Backers get early access, special editions, or exclusive rewards
Equity crowdfunding
Buy shares in early-stage companies
Investors get ownership stakes and potential returns if the company grows
Debt crowdfunding
Lend money, earn interest
Investors lend to businesses or individuals and receive regular payments
Real estate crowdfunding
Invest in property projects
Pool funds to invest in commercial or residential real estate
Royalty-based crowdfunding
Earn from future revenue
Get a percentage of sales or revenue instead of equity
Why the model matters
Different types come with different risks, timelines, and legal requirements
0% Legal restrictions vary by country
No fees for deposits, investments or withdrawals.
28,003 +Returns depend on the structure
A growing community built around transparent investing.
€1,712 +Timelines range from weeks to years
Average amount invested by active users each month.
€139 +Tax treatment differs across models
Average interest paid to active investors each month.
Popular platforms by type
Each type typically runs on specialized platforms with their own vetting and terms
Wholesale Electronics
Supplies consumer electronics to major retailers and telecomes like Technomarket and Magnum-D
- Loan Amount
- €600,000
- Term
- 16 months
- Yield (APR)
- 15.1%
JINTEKI
Processes, freezes and dries fruits and vegetables in a modern, fully equipped organic-focused production facility
- Loan Amount
- €900,000
- Term
- 14 months
- Yield (APR)
- 14.9%
Datra Ltd
Supply, installation and maintenance of agricultural and food equipment
- Loan Amount
- €950,000
- Term
- 12 months
- Yield (APR)
- 14.6%
Investment Calculator
Future value in 6 years€8000
Start with €50
Average annual return17.6%
Earned return€460
Promotions€0
Estimated returns based on target rate of 14.6% APY. Actual returns may vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What to check before choosing
Key factors that help you pick the right crowdfunding model
What you're funding
Projects, businesses, and causes work better with specific models
Who can invest
Some types have accreditation or income requirements
Expected timeline
Donations happen fast; equity deals can take months or years to pay off
Risk level
Equity and debt carry financial risk; donations and rewards typically don't
Minimum investment
Entry points range from a few dollars to thousands
Platform fees
Most platforms charge between 5% and 10% of funds raised
Liquidity
Most crowdfunding investments are illiquid until an exit or maturity
Tax implications
Interest, dividends, and capital gains are typically taxable
Browse active campaigns
View available investment opportunities in donation-based, rewards-based, equity, debt, and real estate crowdfunding sectors
View campaigns
Growth across models
Crowdfunding has expanded into nearly every sector, from tech startups to local businesses and creative projects
€12M+ +Secondary Market volume
Equity crowdfunding opened to non-accredited investors in 2016
9,308+ +Secondary Market participants
Debt crowdfunding now includes consumer and business loans
How to get started
Simple steps to launch or invest in a crowdfunding campaign
Pick the right model
Match your goal to the type
Choose a platform
Compare fees and audience
Review the terms
Check requirements and timelines
Investing vs. backing
Donation and reward models don't offer financial returns, while equity and debt crowdfunding do
Non-investment crowdfunding
Donations and rewards
Investment crowdfunding
Equity, debt, real estate
Hybrid models
Revenue sharing and royalties
Platform vetting
Due diligence varies widely
Join the community
About crowdfunding types
Crowdfunding models have evolved to serve different needs. Donation and reward campaigns support creative and social projects, while equity and debt models let investors fund businesses in exchange for returns.
What you should know
Not all crowdfunding is the same. Donation and reward models carry minimal financial risk, but equity and debt investments can lose value. Returns aren't guaranteed, and most investments are illiquid. Always check the platform's vetting process and fee structure before committing.
- Most equity deals are high-risk
- Debt defaults can happen
- Fees vary by platform
- Regulation differs by country
- Exit timelines are unpredictable
- Due diligence is your responsibility
Collateral and the
Provision Fund help reduce certain risks, but do not eliminate investment risk.
Common questions about crowdfunding types
Equity crowdfunding allows investors to purchase ownership shares in early-stage companies. In exchange, backers receive a stake in the business and potential returns if it grows. This model suits startups seeking growth capital while offering investors direct participation in company success.
Lenders provide capital to businesses or individuals and earn interest on repayment. Investors receive regular payments over a set term, making it a structured income approach. This model appeals to those seeking predictable returns without taking equity risk.
Reward-based campaigns benefit creators by funding projects upfront while backers receive exclusive perks or early access to products. No equity or debt obligation exists—supporters are motivated by tangible rewards or emotional connection. This model works well for creative ventures and product launches.
Real estate crowdfunding pools investor capital into commercial or residential property projects. Participants gain exposure to real estate markets with lower individual capital requirements. Returns typically come from rental income or property appreciation once the project completes.
Royalty-based models work best for content creators, musicians, and entertainment ventures seeking upfront funding. Backers earn a percentage of future sales or revenue rather than equity stakes. This approach aligns investor returns directly with project commercial success.