Explore the top 12 crowdfunding sites for startups in 2025, designed to help entrepreneurs secure the funding they need to thrive.

Introduction

Crowdfunding has revolutionized the way startups raise capital, providing entrepreneurs with access to a broad base of investors and supporters. In 2025, the landscape of startup funding platforms continues to expand, offering diverse options tailored to various industries and funding needs. Whether you’re launching a tech innovation, a creative project, or a social enterprise, the right crowdfunding platform can make all the difference. This guide reviews and compares the 12 best startup funding platforms to help you choose the ideal partner for your crowdfunding journey.

1. StartEngine

StartEngine platform

Pricing:
5%–12% platform fee based on investment method and associated fees.

About:
StartEngine is a leading equity crowdfunding platform in the US, helping startups raise over $1.2 billion across more than 1,000 funding rounds.

Best For:
Startups with a long-term vision and growth-focused initiatives.

Pros:
– Excellent reputation in equity crowdfunding.
– Founders maintain control over their offerings.
– Immediate fund access after reaching $10,000.

Cons:
– Only available to US-based startups.
– Funding caps at $50 million under Regulation A+ and $1.07 million under Regulation Crowdfunding.
– Minimum funding goal of $10,000 required.

2. Indiegogo

Indiegogo platform

Pricing:
5% platform fee.

About:
Established in 2008, Indiegogo supports over 19,000 campaigns monthly, offering unparalleled flexibility and global reach.

Best For:
Early-stage startups aiming to reach a worldwide audience.

Pros:
– Available in over 200 countries.
– Flexible campaign requirements.
– Integrates with Facebook and Google for enhanced promotion.

Cons:
– Additional third-party payment processing fees.
– High volume of campaigns can lead to competition.

3. Kickstarter

Kickstarter platform

Pricing (US):
5% platform fee; 3% payment processing fee + $0.30 per pledge; 5% payment processing fee + $0.08 per pledge under $10.

About:
With over a decade of experience, Kickstarter boasts more than 15 million project backers and is renowned for its creative and tech-focused campaigns.

Best For:
Tech startups and ventures in art and design.

Pros:
– Trusted and well-known platform.
– Access to a global community of over 15 million backers.
– Supports campaigns in 25 countries.

Cons:
– Highly competitive with a rigorous approval process.
– Campaigns must fit within predefined categories.

4. Fundable

Fundable platform

Pricing:
$179/month subscription fee.

About:
Fundable provides both equity and rewards-based crowdfunding without taking a percentage of earnings, instead charging a flat monthly fee.

Best For:
High-growth tech startups based in the US.

Pros:
– Continuous funding opportunities through equity crowdfunding.
– Low flat monthly fee.
– Access to additional resources and support.

Cons:
– Funds not retained if goals aren’t met unless using equity crowdfunding.
– Monthly fees apply regardless of campaign success.
– Limited to US-based startups.

5. CircleUp

CircleUp platform

Pricing:
Commission varies based on the amount raised.

About:
Specializing in equity crowdfunding, CircleUp has facilitated over $390 billion for more than 500 companies since 2012, also offering credit financing and working capital loans.

Best For:
High-growth and consumer packaged goods (CPG) startups.

Pros:
– Exclusively for accredited investors, enhancing funding quality.
– High campaign success rate.
– Strict campaign acceptance improves funding likelihood.

Cons:
– Extremely rigorous application process.
– Primarily focused on CPG startups.

6. Patreon

Patreon platform

Pricing (US):
8%–12% platform fee depending on subscription plan; 2.9% standard processing fee + $0.30 per payment over $3; 5% micropayment fee + $0.10 per payment under $3.

About:
Patreon is designed for creators to receive ongoing financial support from their audience, having facilitated over $2 billion in funding.

Best For:
Art, lifestyle startups, and small businesses seeking monthly subscriptions.

Pros:
– Enables monthly subscription-based funding.
– Flexible options cater to creative professionals.
– Integrates easily with other promotion tools.

Cons:
– Higher platform fees.
– Less suitable for high-growth startups.

7. Wefunder

Wefunder platform

Pricing:
7.9% platform fee.

About:
Wefunder offers equity and debt crowdfunding, supporting startups anticipating venture capital growth with a high success rate of approximately 86%.

Best For:
Tech startups and high-growth companies seeking equity-based crowdfunding.

Pros:
– High campaign success rate.
– Provides legal and crowdfunding support resources.
– Open platform with fewer exclusivity barriers.

Cons:
– Increased legal requirements for equity campaigns.
– Not ideal for small businesses or lifestyle ventures.
– More regulations to navigate during fundraising.

8. IFW

IFW platform

Pricing:
5% platform fee; 3%–5% payment processing fee.

About:
IFW is dedicated to women entrepreneurs, offering a keep-what-you-raise model along with private coaching, networking, and grant opportunities.

Best For:
Women-led, purpose-driven startups in the food and beverage sector.

Pros:
– Tailored support for women-led businesses.
– Additional resources beyond funding.
– Allows founders to retain all raised funds.

Cons:
– Typically lower capital raised.
– Limited data on campaign success rates.

9. GoFundMe

GoFundMe platform

Pricing:
2.9% payment fee + $0.30 per pledge.

About:
GoFundMe is ideal for social entrepreneurs and nonprofits aiming to fund initiatives that make a positive impact, such as medical, animal, and eco-friendly startups.

Best For:
Social and eco-friendly startups engaged in personal fundraising efforts.

Pros:
– No platform fee required.
– Funds retained regardless of campaign goals.

Cons:
– Low success rate due to high saturation.
– Strict campaign eligibility requirements.

10. Crowdcube

Crowdcube platform

Pricing:
7% platform fee + 0.75%–1.5% completion fee.

About:
Crowdcube is a prominent equity crowdfunding platform in Europe, supporting a variety of funding models and ensuring reliable portfolio diversification.

Best For:
Early-stage and growth startups based in Europe.

Pros:
– Low minimum investment requirements.
– Platform manages all legal paperwork and tax certifications.
– Mandatory quarterly updates for businesses.

Cons:
– Requires investors to be educated.
– Limited to educated investors.
– Primarily serves European startups.

11. MicroVentures

MicroVentures platform

Pricing:
5% commission fee, 2% equity fee, $1,000 or 35 basis points for escrow fee (whichever is greater).

About:
MicroVentures blends equity crowdfunding with early and late-stage investment opportunities, having supported renowned startups like Airbnb, Slack, Uber, and Lyft.

Best For:
Tech startups at various growth stages looking for both accredited and non-accredited investment.

Pros:
– Accessible to both accredited and non-accredited investors.
– Low minimum investment of $100.
– Rigorous due diligence ensures high-quality opportunities.

Cons:
– Limited number of investment opportunities annually.
– Lacks extensive educational resources for investors.

12. Mightycause

Mightycause platform

Pricing:
0.95% platform fee + $0.29 average processing rate.

About:
Mightycause focuses on nonprofit fundraising, providing comprehensive tools like donor CRM, data management, and marketing resources.

Best For:
Nonprofits seeking an all-in-one fundraising solution.

Pros:
– Extensive free resources for nonprofits.
– Lower commission rates for members.
– Robust fundraising tools and support.

Cons:
– Limited potential for high investment returns.
– Primarily serves nonprofit organizations.

How Does Crowdfunding Work?

Crowdfunding enables startups to gather funds from a large pool of individuals, typically online. Entrepreneurs create a campaign detailing their business idea, funding goals, and incentives for backers. Supporters contribute varying amounts, often receiving rewards or equity in return. Successful campaigns secure the pledged funds, which can be used to launch or grow the business.

Types of Crowdfunding for Startups

Choosing the right type of crowdfunding is crucial for aligning with your startup’s goals:

Equity Crowdfunding

Offer a share in your business for investment. Ideal for long-term, growth-focused startups.

Rewards Crowdfunding

Provide gifts or rewards in exchange for contributions. Suited for creative and early-stage projects.

Debt Crowdfunding

Obtain loans from multiple investors, to be repaid with interest. Best for startups with predictable cash flows.

FAQs

What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding involves raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, usually via the internet, to fund a project or venture.

What are crowdfunding sites?
These platforms connect startups with investors, facilitating the funding process through various features and support mechanisms.

How do crowdfunding sites make money?
They typically charge fees for listing campaigns and take a commission on the funds raised. Some platforms may also charge investors for transactions.

Is crowdfunding a good way to raise money?
Yes, it can be an effective method, especially for validating market interest and securing initial capital without relinquishing significant equity.

What are alternatives to crowdfunding for startups?
Options include venture capital, angel investing, and traditional bank loans, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Conclusion

Selecting the right crowdfunding platform is a pivotal step in securing the necessary funds to launch and grow your startup. Each platform offers unique features, fee structures, and support systems tailored to different types of businesses and fundraising goals. Carefully evaluate your startup’s needs, target audience, and long-term objectives to choose the platform that best aligns with your vision.

Ready to take the next step in your funding journey? Visit Flight Story to explore innovative media and investment opportunities that can help your startup thrive.