Fintech is changing our relationships with money; the way we manage it, the way we access it; how we invest it, and so on. For business, getting startup capital might be the most significant challenge; for individuals bank loans imply hard application processes and long waiting periods; crowdfunding is changing that.
Crowdfunding connects small investors with people that needs money, and through digital platforms provides updates of the project developments.
If you have a big idea you want to put out there, or are just in desperate need for cash, here are 5 crowdfunding apps to make it happen.
Kickstarter
This app is focused mainly on funding creative projects and it’s managed through pledges and rewards: backers pledge money helping creators to bring projects to life, creators in return share unique or limited pieces with the people that funded them. However, funding on Kickstarter is all or nothing: if you don’t get your target funding, you get zero funding.
Kickstarter takes 5% out of each donation you get, and a 3% fee for each transaction.
Indiegogo
This crowdfunding ap covers more categories than Kickstarter does and has two types of funding: the all or nothing model and the flexible funding platform. Flexible funding means that you get to keep the funds you raised even if you didn’t reach your goal, but you have to choose between these two models before launching your campaign.Indiegogo’s platform fee on all funds raised is 5%
Patreon
Patreon is a membership platform for creatives, through an ongoing funding model it connects artists with patrons who contribute to ensure that their favorite artists keep producing the work they love. Patreon takes a 5% commission on pledges.
GoFundMe
For small projects or enterprises, or even to get out of an emergency, GoFundMe can be used to raise capital for anything, but is mostly used to create funds for personal emergencies. There are no deadlines or limits on how much you can raise. GoFundMe takes 5% out of each donation you get, and a 3% fee for each transaction.
Crowdcube
This platform allows anyone to become an investor: individuals, professionals and venture capital firms can start their portfolio by investing in startups.Crowdcube lets you find projects you want to back, and your investment is accepted only if the project reaches its funding target. Crowdcube takes 7% commission of the total amount you raise.
The Fintech sector is bringing changing the rules of the game; opening financing channels it’s a huge step on the direction of financial inclusion.
Crowdfunding is a great alternative to get funds, for whatever you need, as long as you can make your case and have a specific audience that might be interested on backing you. It’s a more accessible source of financing and a less risky investment platform than the ones traditional systems offer.
There are many different alternatives to get those much-needed funds you have been aching for, if crowdfunding apps are the way to go which model would you choose?
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