Kickstarter has long been the go-to platform for entrepreneurs, artists, and inventors looking to bring their projects to life through crowdfunding. But what if your project doesn’t align with Kickstarter’s terms, or perhaps you’ve been there, done that, and want to explore new avenues? The good news is, Kickstarter doesn’t hold a monopoly on crowdfunding; there’s a multitude of other platforms ready and willing to host your big idea.
You might be wondering, why even consider straying from a platform as well-established as Kickstarter? Well, different platforms cater to different niches and offer unique features. For instance, some alternatives focus on charitable causes, while others are specifically geared towards tech startups or creative arts. Selecting a platform that’s a good fit for your specific project can significantly boost your chances of reaching your fundraising goal.
So, let’s dive in and break down the top contenders that could give Kickstarter a run for its money. Whether you’re new to the crowdfunding scene or a seasoned pro, this guide aims to arm you with the info you need to make an informed decision. Who knows? One of these Kickstarter alternatives might just be the launching pad your project has been waiting for.
Indiegogo
Indiegogo is an online crowdfunding platform that allows individuals and organizations to raise funds for various projects, products, and causes.
Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to launch a new business idea or a philanthropist seeking support for a charity initiative, Indiegogo provides a user-friendly and versatile platform to help you reach your fundraising goals.
Key Features
- Flexible Funding Options: Unlike some other crowdfunding platforms, Indiegogo offers both flexible funding and fixed funding options. With flexible funding, project creators can keep the funds raised even if they don’t meet their initial fundraising goal. This gives creators more flexibility and the ability to use the funds towards their projects. On the other hand, fixed funding requires projects to meet their fundraising goal in order to receive any funds.
- Global Reach: With a presence in over 235 countries and territories, Indiegogo allows creators from around the world to showcase their projects and gain support from a global audience. This international reach sets Indiegogo apart from other crowdfunding platforms, offering creators the opportunity to connect with backers worldwide.
- InDemand Program: Once a campaign ends on Indiegogo, creators have the option to continue raising funds through their InDemand program. This feature allows successful campaigns to transition seamlessly into an ongoing marketplace where they can continue accepting pre-orders or donations even after the initial campaign is over.
- Integrated Social Media Tools: Indiegogo provides robust social media integration tools that make it easy for project creators to promote their campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These tools enable creators to reach a wider audience and generate buzz around their projects.
- Dedicated Support Services: Indiegogo offers personalized support services for project creators at every stage of their campaign. From setting up a campaign page to marketing strategies and fulfillment guidance, Indiegogo’s team is there to assist and provide guidance for a successful fundraising campaign.
How Indiegogo Compares to Kickstarter
Indiegogo is often seen as a great alternative to Kickstarter due to its flexible funding options. Kickstarter only offers fixed funding, meaning that if a project fails to reach its fundraising goal, no funds are collected. In contrast, Indiegogo’s flexible funding allows project creators to keep the funds they raise, providing them with more opportunities to bring their ideas to life.
Moreover, Indiegogo’s global reach makes it an appealing choice for creators who want to engage with a diverse and international audience. With its presence in over 235 countries and territories, Indiegogo enables creators from all corners of the world to showcase their projects and gain support from backers worldwide.
Additionally, Indiegogo’s InDemand program sets it apart from other crowdfunding platforms. This feature allows successful campaigns to continue accepting contributions even after the initial campaign ends. It provides creators with ongoing opportunities for funding and allows them to maintain momentum beyond the initial campaign period.
Pricing
Indiegogo operates on a tiered pricing system. For campaigns using flexible funding, the platform charges a 5% platform fee on funds raised if the goal is met or 8% if it is not met. For fixed funding campaigns, the platform fee is always 5% of funds raised. In addition to the platform fees, there may be payment processing fees depending on the chosen payment gateway.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe is a popular crowdfunding platform that allows individuals to raise money for personal causes, charitable endeavors, and creative projects. With its user-friendly interface and wide reach, GoFundMe has become one of the leading alternatives to Kickstarter.
Whether you’re trying to fund medical expenses, support a charitable cause, or bring your creative ideas to life, GoFundMe provides the necessary tools and support.
Key Features
- Ease of Use: Setting up a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe is a breeze. The platform provides intuitive tools that allow you to customize your campaign page with compelling stories, images, and videos, making it easy to engage potential donors.
- Wide Reach: GoFundMe has a vast user base and a strong social media presence. This means your campaign will have exposure to millions of potential donors who are actively seeking ways to support causes they care about. Plus, the platform offers built-in sharing tools that make it simple to spread the word across various social media platforms.
- Flexible Funding: Unlike Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing funding model, GoFundMe allows you to keep the funds you raise even if you don’t reach your fundraising goal. This flexibility gives campaigners the freedom to access funds for their causes regardless of the total amount raised.
- Support for Personal Causes: While Kickstarter focuses primarily on creative projects and product development, GoFundMe caters to personal causes as well. Whether it’s raising money for medical expenses, educational pursuits, or disaster relief efforts, GoFundMe provides a platform that enables individuals to rally support from friends, family, and even strangers.
- Responsive Customer Support: GoFundMe offers responsive customer support via email and an extensive help center with FAQs and resources. If you encounter any issues or have questions about running your campaign effectively, their support team is there to assist you.
How Does GoFundMe Compare?
When comparing GoFundMe to Kickstarter, one of the key advantages lies in its wide range of supported causes. While Kickstarter focuses on creative projects, GoFundMe welcomes personal causes, such as medical expenses, memorial funds, educational support, and much more. This inclusivity makes GoFundMe a versatile platform that can cater to a broader audience.
Additionally, GoFundMe’s flexible funding model sets it apart from Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing approach. With GoFundMe, you have the flexibility to access the funds you raise, regardless of whether you reach your initial fundraising goal. This feature can be especially helpful for campaigns focused on urgent needs or ongoing support.
Furthermore, GoFundMe’s extensive social media integration and sharing tools make it easy to spread the word about your campaign and reach a wider audience. The platform’s wide user base and robust social media presence provide an excellent opportunity for exposure and increased donations.
Pricing
Signing up and creating a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe is free. However, they do charge a fee for processing payments and using their platform. The fees include a 2.9% + $0.30 per donation transaction fee for payment processing and 5% platform fee for using their services.
Patreon
If you’re a content creator, artist, or musician looking for a way to monetize your work and engage with your fans on a deeper level, then Patreon might just be the perfect platform for you.
Patreon is a popular crowdfunding platform that allows creators to receive recurring payments from their fans or patrons in exchange for exclusive content, perks, and behind-the-scenes access. It provides a sustainable way for creators to earn an income while building a community around their work.
Key Features
Here are the key features that make Patreon stand out among other crowdfunding platforms:
- Recurring Payments: Unlike most crowdfunding platforms that rely on one-time donations, Patreon allows creators to receive monthly payments from their patrons. This creates a more stable and predictable income stream.
- Tiered Membership Levels: With Patreon, creators can offer different membership levels or tiers to their patrons. Each tier comes with its own set of perks and rewards, allowing creators to provide exclusive content and experiences to their most loyal supporters.
- Community Engagement: Patreon encourages creators to interact with their community by offering features like private messaging, live chats, and Q&A sessions. This fosters a sense of belonging and connection between creators and their patrons.
- Analytics Dashboard: The platform provides creators with detailed analytics and insights about their patrons’ demographics, engagement levels, and payment history. This information helps creators make data-driven decisions about their content strategy and reward offerings.
- Integration with Other Platforms: Patreon integrates seamlessly with popular tools like YouTube, Twitch, WordPress, and Discord. This makes it easy for creators to connect their existing online presence with their Patreon campaigns.
How does Patreon compare to Kickstarter?
While both Kickstarter and Patreon are crowdfunding platforms, they cater to different types of projects and funding models. Kickstarter is primarily focused on funding one-time creative projects, such as the production of a film or the development of a new gadget. In contrast, Patreon is designed for ongoing support of creators and their content.
Patreon allows fans to support their favorite creators on a long-term basis by becoming patrons and receiving exclusive benefits in return. This model is particularly well-suited for individuals or small teams who produce regular content, such as webcomics, podcasts, or YouTube videos.
For example, let’s say you’re a musician looking to fund the production of your first album. Kickstarter would be a great option to raise funds for the initial project costs. However, if you’re planning to continue making music and want to engage with your fans on an ongoing basis, Patreon offers a sustainable way to generate income and build a community around your music.
Pricing
Patreon offers different pricing tiers for creators based on their needs:
- Lite: 5% transaction fee + payment processing fees
- Pro: $8 per month + 5% transaction fee + payment processing fees
- Premium: $300 per month (or $900 per quarter) + 5% transaction fee + payment processing fees
Creators can choose the plan that best aligns with their goals and expected income. The transaction fee includes access to all Patreon features, while additional fees may apply for payment processing.
Fundable
Fundable is a crowdfunding platform that helps entrepreneurs raise capital for their startups and small businesses. Whether you need seed funding to get your idea off the ground or growth capital to scale your business, Fundable provides a range of tools and resources to help you reach your fundraising goals.
Key Features
- Equity Crowdfunding: Unlike Kickstarter, Fundable allows businesses to offer equity in exchange for funding. This means that investors can become partial owners of your company and potentially benefit from its success in the future.
- Rewards-based Crowdfunding: Similar to Kickstarter, Fundable also supports rewards-based crowdfunding campaigns. This allows entrepreneurs to offer backers various rewards in exchange for their support, such as early access to products or exclusive experiences.
- Robust Investor Network: Fundable has built a vast network of qualified investors who are actively looking for investment opportunities. By leveraging this network, you can connect with potential investors who are interested in your industry or niche.
- Campaign Support and Guidance: The team at Fundable understands that running a successful crowdfunding campaign can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why they provide personalized campaign support and guidance to help you optimize your messaging, video content, and overall campaign strategy.
- Additional Funding Opportunities: Beyond the initial crowdfunding campaign, Fundable also offers additional funding opportunities through their partnerships with venture capitalists and angel investors. This opens up the possibility of securing follow-on funding rounds to further fuel your business growth.
How does Fundable compare to Kickstarter?
While both Fundable and Kickstarter are popular crowdfunding platforms, Fundable stands out as a great alternative for entrepreneurs who are looking to raise capital for their startups or small businesses. Here’s why:
- Equity Crowdfunding: Fundable’s ability to offer equity crowdfunding sets it apart from Kickstarter, which only supports rewards-based crowdfunding. This means that if you’re looking to give investors a stake in your company, Fundable is the platform for you.
- Investor Network: Fundable has a robust network of investors actively looking for investment opportunities. This gives you a higher chance of connecting with potential backers who are interested in your industry or niche.
- Campaign Support: Fundable goes above and beyond by providing personalized campaign support and guidance. They understand the challenges of running a crowdfunding campaign and offer expertise to help you maximize your chances of success.
- Additional Funding Opportunities: Unlike Kickstarter, Fundable offers additional funding opportunities through their partnerships with venture capitalists and angel investors. This can be incredibly valuable for businesses seeking follow-on funding rounds to fuel their growth.
Pricing
Fundable offers two pricing options:
- Standard Plan:
- $179 per month
- No upfront fees
- 6% success fee (deducted from funds raised)
- Fundraising Concierge Plan:
- Customized pricing based on individual needs
- Personalized campaign strategy and support
It’s worth noting that Fundable operates on an all-or-nothing model, meaning if you don’t reach your fundraising goal, the funds are returned to your backers.
Crowdcube
If you’re looking for an alternative to Kickstarter that offers a different approach to crowdfunding, then look no further than Crowdcube. Crowdcube is a platform that allows entrepreneurs and startups to raise capital by selling shares of their business to a community of investors.
With a focus on equity crowdfunding, Crowdcube provides an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to access funding and grow their ventures.
Key Features
- Equity Crowdfunding: Unlike Kickstarter, which primarily focuses on rewards-based crowdfunding, Crowdcube specializes in equity crowdfunding. This means that instead of offering backers rewards or products in exchange for their contributions, businesses can offer actual shares in their company. This opens up possibilities for long-term investment and allows backers to become shareholders in the success of the business.
- Investor Network: With over 1 million registered investors on the platform, Crowdcube provides access to a diverse network of potential backers who are actively looking for investment opportunities. This can help businesses gain exposure and attract funding from individuals or groups who are interested in supporting innovative ideas.
- Supportive Community: Crowdcube fosters a community-driven approach to fundraising by providing entrepreneurs with feedback, advice, and support from experienced investors and industry professionals. This collaborative environment can be invaluable in refining business ideas, building networks, and increasing the chances of success.
- Flexible Funding Models: Whether you’re looking to raise a small seed investment or secure larger funding rounds, Crowdcube offers flexible funding options to meet your needs. From early-stage investments to larger-scale campaigns, businesses can choose the model that aligns with their growth plans and financial goals.
- Marketplace Visibility: By launching a campaign on Crowdcube, businesses not only gain access to capital but also benefit from increased visibility within the marketplace. A successful campaign can generate media attention, attract potential customers and partners, and boost overall brand recognition.
How Crowdcube Compares to Kickstarter
While Kickstarter is widely known for its rewards-based crowdfunding model, Crowdcube offers a different approach by focusing on equity crowdfunding. This key distinction makes Crowdcube a great alternative for entrepreneurs looking to raise capital while giving backers the opportunity to become shareholders. Unlike Kickstarter, where supporters receive rewards or products in exchange for their contributions, Crowdcube allows individuals to invest in promising businesses and potentially reap financial returns.
For example, imagine you have a brilliant tech startup that requires substantial investment to bring your product to market. Instead of offering backers early access or discounted products through Kickstarter, you can opt for Crowdcube and offer shares in your business. This not only provides you with the necessary capital but also gives investors the potential to benefit from future growth and success.
Pricing
Crowdcube operates on a fee-based model where they charge a percentage of the funds raised during a successful campaign. The fee varies depending on the size of the campaign and other factors.
StartEngine
StartEngine is an innovative crowdfunding platform that focuses specifically on connecting investors with early-stage startups. With a strong emphasis on supporting startups in various industries, StartEngine provides a range of features and benefits that make it a great alternative to Kickstarter.
Key Features
- Focused on Early-Stage Startups: StartEngineis dedicated to helping startups at the early stages of their journey. It provides a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and connect with accredited investors who are interested in backing promising ventures.
- Equity Crowdfunding: Unlike Kickstarter, where backers typically receive rewards or pre-orders in exchange for their support, StartEngine allows investors to buy equity in the startups they fund. This provides an opportunity for investors to potentially earn returns if the startup succeeds.
- Rigorous Selection Process: StartEngine conducts thorough due diligence on each startup before accepting them onto the platform. This helps maintain a high-quality standard and ensures that only viable and promising ventures are showcased to potential investors.
- Secondary Market Access: StartEngine offers a secondary market where investors can buy and sell shares of private companies they’ve invested in. This feature provides liquidity and flexibility, allowing investors to exit their investments if needed.
- Education and Resources: Alongside its crowdfunding platform, StartEngine provides educational resources and support for entrepreneurs, including webinars, blog articles, and networking events. These resources can be invaluable for startups looking to learn from experienced professionals and expand their networks.
How Does StartEngine Compare to Kickstarter?
While both Kickstarter and StartEngine serve as crowdfunding platforms, they cater to different types of projects and funding models. Kickstarter primarily focuses on creative projects such as films, music albums, or art installations, offering backers rewards in return for their support. On the other hand, SeedInvest is specifically designed to connect investors with early-stage startups seeking equity investment.
StartEngine’s emphasis on equity crowdfunding sets it apart from Kickstarter. By allowing investors to buy shares in startups, StartEngine aligns the interests of entrepreneurs and backers more closely, creating a potential for long-term financial gains. This appeals to both investors seeking opportunities for high returns and entrepreneurs who are willing to offer equity in exchange for funding.
Furthermore, StartEngine’s rigorous selection process ensures that only viable and high-potential startups are showcased on their platform. This provides a level of quality control that may give investors greater confidence in the startups they choose to invest in.
Pricing
StartEngine charges a placement fee of 6% of the total funds raised if the campaign is successful. Additionally, there might be certain legal and regulatory fees depending on the specific requirements of each fundraising round.
Kiva
Kiva is a unique crowdfunding platform that aims to alleviate poverty by connecting lenders with borrowers around the world. With a mission to create opportunity and empower individuals, Kiva enables people to lend support to entrepreneurs, students, and artisans who lack access to traditional financial services.
Key Features
- Global Reach: Kiva operates in over 80 countries, allowing users to support borrowers from diverse backgrounds and locations.
- Microfinance Model: Unlike traditional crowdfunding platforms, Kiva focuses on small loans (as low as $25) that have a significant impact on the lives of borrowers.
- Social Impact: By lending through Kiva, you empower individuals and communities to create positive change. Your funds can help start or expand businesses, fund education, improve housing conditions, or support sustainable agriculture.
- Transparency: Kiva provides detailed profiles and stories of borrowers, giving you insight into their aspirations and the specific impact your loan will have.
- Repayment Rate: Kiva boasts an impressive repayment rate of 96.8%, ensuring that your funds continue to empower others in need.
How Does Kiva Compare to Kickstarter?
While Kickstarter primarily focuses on creative projects and entrepreneurial ventures seeking funding in exchange for rewards or equity, Kiva takes a different approach. It emphasizes social impact by connecting lenders directly with borrowers who lack access to financial resources.
Unlike Kickstarter campaigns that may offer speculative rewards or future returns on investment, lending through Kiva offers the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a tangible difference in someone’s life. Both platforms serve different purposes – Kickstarter for creative projects and startups seeking funding for development while Kiva provides microloans for individuals in need.
For example, if you are passionate about supporting education initiatives in developing countries or want to help entrepreneurs in underserved communities, Kiva offers a more focused and impactful alternative. Through Kiva, you can support a specific borrower and track their progress as they work towards achieving their goals.
Pricing
Joining Kiva and lending money to borrowers is free. However, it’s important to note that while lenders typically do not receive interest on their loans, the funds are repaid to your Kiva account over time, allowing you to relend or withdraw them.
FundRazr
FundRazr is a crowdfunding platform that allows individuals and organizations to raise funds for personal, creative, and charitable projects. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, FundRazr has become a popular alternative to Kickstarter.
Key Features
- Flexible Funding Options: FundRazr offers both fixed and flexible funding options, allowing project creators to choose between an all-or-nothing approach or keeping whatever funds they raise, regardless of the target goal.
- Social Media Integration: The platform seamlessly integrates with popular social media channels, making it easy to share campaigns and engage with potential backers.
- Mobile Optimization: FundRazr’s mobile-friendly design ensures that campaigns can be accessed and supported from any device, maximizing reach and accessibility.
- Innovative Rewards System: Project creators can provide unique rewards in exchange for support, incentivizing backers to contribute at various levels.
- Advanced Analytics: FundRazr provides detailed analytics and reporting tools, allowing campaign creators to monitor their progress and make data-driven decisions.
Comparison to Kickstarter
While Kickstarter is undoubtedly one of the most well-known crowdfunding platforms, FundRazr offers several advantages that make it a great alternative:
- Flexible Funding Options: Unlike Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing model, FundRazr provides the flexibility of retaining funds even if the target goal is not reached. This can be beneficial for projects where partial funding still allows for progress.
- Social Media Integration: FundRazr’s seamless integration with social media platforms makes it easier for campaign creators to reach a larger audience. Sharing campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can significantly boost visibility and increase the chances of attracting backers.
- Mobile Optimization: With an increasing number of people accessing the internet from mobile devices, FundRazr’s mobile-friendly design ensures that campaigns are easily accessible and can be supported on the go. This accessibility factor gives FundRazr an edge over Kickstarter, which does not have a dedicated mobile app.
- Innovative Rewards System: FundRazr allows project creators to create unique rewards at different funding levels, incentivizing backers to contribute more. This feature can help campaigns stand out and attract more support compared to Kickstarter’s standard reward system.
- Advanced Analytics: FundRazr provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools that enable campaign creators to track their progress and gain valuable insights into donor behavior. Kickstarter, on the other hand, does not offer such in-depth analytics, limiting the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Pricing
FundRazr operates on a tiered pricing system based on the funding goal of the project. The platform charges a service fee ranging from 5% to 7% of funds raised, along with payment processing fees.
CircleUp
If you’re looking for an alternative to Kickstarter that focuses on equity crowdfunding, then CircleUp may be just the platform you need. Founded in 2012, CircleUp is a leading investment platform for consumer brands and retail companies. It connects entrepreneurs with accredited investors who are interested in supporting innovative startups.
Key Features
- Equity Crowdfunding: Unlike Kickstarter, where backers receive rewards or products in return for their support, CircleUp allows investors to actually own a stake in the companies they back. This opens up exciting opportunities for individuals who are passionate about investing in early-stage consumer brands.
- Curated Investment Opportunities: CircleUp carefully selects the companies that can raise funds on its platform, ensuring that only high-potential businesses with proven track records and potential for growth are featured. This reduces the risk for investors and provides them with access to promising investment opportunities.
- Robust Due Diligence: Before being listed on CircleUp, companies go through a rigorous due diligence process that includes financial analysis, market research, and assessment of their growth potential. This helps to ensure that investors have access to reliable information when making investment decisions.
- Investor Network: CircleUp has built a strong network of accredited investors who have expertise in the consumer goods industry. This community provides valuable insights and resources to the startups raising funds on the platform, enhancing their chances of success.
- Secondary Marketplace: In addition to facilitating fundraising, CircleUp also offers a secondary marketplace where investors can buy and sell shares in private companies. This provides liquidity and flexibility to investors who may want to exit their investments before an IPO or acquisition.
How does CircleUp compare to Kickstarter?
While Kickstarter is primarily focused on rewards-based crowdfunding for creative projects like films, music albums, or art installations, CircleUp caters specifically to consumer brands and retail companies seeking equity funding. CircleUp provides investors with the opportunity to invest in early-stage companies and potentially benefit from their growth, while Kickstarter offers backers the chance to support projects and receive rewards in return.
For example, if you’re passionate about the consumer goods industry and want to invest in a promising startup that is developing a new innovative product, CircleUp would be a better fit for your needs. On the other hand, if you’re an artist looking for support to produce your next album or film, Kickstarter would be more suitable.
Pricing
CircleUp charges fees based on the amount raised by a company. These fees include an initial listing fee and a success fee that is a percentage of the funds successfully raised. The exact pricing structure can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each fundraising campaign.
Summary
In summary, while Kickstarter has been a pioneering force in the crowdfunding realm, it’s far from being your only option. Each alternative platform brings something unique to the table, whether it’s a different funding model, a focus on a particular niche, or specific tools to help you succeed. The key to effective crowdfunding lies in aligning your project’s needs with the platform that can best meet them.
So, have you found your project’s perfect match? Whether you’re a novice entrepreneur or a crowdfunding veteran, venturing beyond Kickstarter’s domain can open new doors and provide unexpected opportunities. Don’t be afraid to diversify your crowdfunding strategy; sometimes the path less traveled leads to the most rewarding destinations.
