Directory
A
Angels Den
A unique platform that integrates angel funding and crowdfunding, offering equity funding, donations and loans.
Advanced info: This service connects angels to crowdfunding seekers. Charges start at around £799. Investors do not pay to use this service.
Investment Notes: Angels Den screens those seeking crowdfunding. It also provides feedback and help both in creating pitches and investor masterclasses. The service also offers regular special events.
Territory: UK projects, int'l investors
Sectors: Very wide brief, seems to offer businesses in most sectors
Twitter: @AngelsDen
Notes: 5% success fee and £1,600 admin fee. Has raised £16 million so far.
Interesting Projects: Bagrider -- a bag that turns into a childs car seat, great for travellers, raised £30k; Adthena (ads firm) raised £310k; currently booking North Sea Recovery (43% funded), a specialist salvage company that will reclaim metals from the North Sea
Contact: info@angelsden.com
Website: http://www.angelsden.com/
Investment Notes: Angels Den screens those seeking crowdfunding. It also provides feedback and help both in creating pitches and investor masterclasses. The service also offers regular special events.
Territory: UK projects, int'l investors
Sectors: Very wide brief, seems to offer businesses in most sectors
Twitter: @AngelsDen
Notes: 5% success fee and £1,600 admin fee. Has raised £16 million so far.
Interesting Projects: Bagrider -- a bag that turns into a childs car seat, great for travellers, raised £30k; Adthena (ads firm) raised £310k; currently booking North Sea Recovery (43% funded), a specialist salvage company that will reclaim metals from the North Sea
Contact: info@angelsden.com
Website: http://www.angelsden.com/
Art Fund’s Art Happens service
Crowdfunding to help UK museums and galleries raise money for projects, the service is run by the UK’s ArtFund but promoted as Art Happens.
Advanced info: Reward based crowdfunding site to enable art events, exhibitions and more - highly reputable -- invest in the arts!!
Minimum Investment: £5
Investment Notes: 100% of your donation and any gift aid reclaimed will go directly towards funding the Art Happens project you have chosen to support. The Art Fund will collect all monies (donations and gift aid) and transfer the total amount to the named museum to ensure they deliver the project as described. The Art Fund does not keep any part of the donation.
Territory: UK based
Sectors: Charitable/Social
Notes: The Art Happens website is not an open platform; projects featured have been selected by the Art Fund in collaboration with participating UK museums.
Interesting Projects: Key art event at the Bowes Museum in County Durham
Contact: arthappens@artfund.org
Minimum Investment: £5
Investment Notes: 100% of your donation and any gift aid reclaimed will go directly towards funding the Art Happens project you have chosen to support. The Art Fund will collect all monies (donations and gift aid) and transfer the total amount to the named museum to ensure they deliver the project as described. The Art Fund does not keep any part of the donation.
Territory: UK based
Sectors: Charitable/Social
Notes: The Art Happens website is not an open platform; projects featured have been selected by the Art Fund in collaboration with participating UK museums.
Interesting Projects: Key art event at the Bowes Museum in County Durham
Contact: arthappens@artfund.org
B
BackersClub
BackersClub is a global network of investors and entrepreneurs and our vision is that entrepreneurs should find funding.
Advanced info: A very simplified system -- not quite crowdfunding more an easy and secure way to try to find investors. £14 million available for investment, the company claims. Interest rate dependent on risk of transaction.
Investment Notes: Minimum arrangement fee of 2% calculated on the full amount of the facility. The funding period is 3 months to 5 years (with extensions considered)
Territory: UK only
Twitter: @BackersClub
Notes: Service claims to offer a reliable, advanced scoring system to rank projects for investment integrity.
Contact: contact@backersclub.com
Website: https://backersclub.com/about
Investment Notes: Minimum arrangement fee of 2% calculated on the full amount of the facility. The funding period is 3 months to 5 years (with extensions considered)
Territory: UK only
Twitter: @BackersClub
Notes: Service claims to offer a reliable, advanced scoring system to rank projects for investment integrity.
Contact: contact@backersclub.com
Website: https://backersclub.com/about
Bank to the Future
This interesting new UK site lets private individuals make business investments from only £10. Supported by Richard Branson. Reward, equity and interest funding available.
Advanced info: Promising to emerge from beta soon, this service lets investors manage portfolios of investments, which can be either reward-, equity-, or interest-based.
Minimum Investment: From £10
Investment Notes: Bank to the Future aims to enable "everyday people" to make investments
Twitter: @BankToTheFuture
Notes: Has raised over £1m so far -- preparing to launch "the most advanced development in Equity CrowdFunding yet".
Contact: info@banktothefuture.com
Website: http://bflanding.banktothefuture.com
Minimum Investment: From £10
Investment Notes: Bank to the Future aims to enable "everyday people" to make investments
Twitter: @BankToTheFuture
Notes: Has raised over £1m so far -- preparing to launch "the most advanced development in Equity CrowdFunding yet".
Contact: info@banktothefuture.com
Website: http://bflanding.banktothefuture.com
BloomVC
Collaborative funding for business startups, creative and community projects, social enterprises.
Advanced info: Bloom collects a 5% fee from successfully funded projects. Payments processing fees (c.3-5%) also apply.
Investment Notes: Categories: Art, Community, Design, Education, Enterprise.
Twitter: @bloomvc
Interesting Projects: Go Rural Scotland is a project aiming to raise funds to boost its message of agritourism in Scotland.
Contact: Eva@bloommvc.com
Website: http://bloomvc.com
Investment Notes: Categories: Art, Community, Design, Education, Enterprise.
Twitter: @bloomvc
Interesting Projects: Go Rural Scotland is a project aiming to raise funds to boost its message of agritourism in Scotland.
Contact: Eva@bloommvc.com
Website: http://bloomvc.com
Buzzbnk
Buzzbnk connects social ventures looking for start-up or growth capital with investors interested in social change. NB: Merging with Trillion Fund.
Advanced info: Has raised over £800,000 since launch in 2011
Investment Notes: No limit to length of offer, gift certificate supported, won a NEST innovation in giving award.
Twitter: @buzzbnk
Notes: Recommends projects be subdivided into goal posts to make them achievable.
Interesting Projects: Gaza Minibus Appeal is attempting to fund a minibus to bring children's health to the millions resident in the remains of the war zone.
Contact: hello@buzzbnk.org
Website: https://www.buzzbnk.org/
Investment Notes: No limit to length of offer, gift certificate supported, won a NEST innovation in giving award.
Twitter: @buzzbnk
Notes: Recommends projects be subdivided into goal posts to make them achievable.
Interesting Projects: Gaza Minibus Appeal is attempting to fund a minibus to bring children's health to the millions resident in the remains of the war zone.
Contact: hello@buzzbnk.org
Website: https://www.buzzbnk.org/
C
CrowdBnk
CrowdBnk is focused on business start-ups, offering investors rewards and equity.
Advanced info: Calls itself "Adventure Capital" and has some good investors and has raised some good funding figures. Projects are listed for 90-days and the service is very hands-on with people running projects.
Minimum Investment: From £10
Investment Notes: No charge for investing. Listing a project is free. Successfully funded projects are charged 5% of total funds raised, plus a payments processing fee of 3% of funds raised. Equity projects pay an additional 1% fee (capped at £10,000) to cover the preparation and processing of all legal documents concerning the project.
Territory: UK
Twitter: @crowdbnk
Interesting Projects: Styloola is clever -- it's omnichannel marketing for fashion brands as a company concept. Cellar Door is also quite neat -- an online wine merchant where you can buy direct from small vineries, no middle man.
Contact: Contact form available here.
Website: https://www.crowdbnk.com/
Minimum Investment: From £10
Investment Notes: No charge for investing. Listing a project is free. Successfully funded projects are charged 5% of total funds raised, plus a payments processing fee of 3% of funds raised. Equity projects pay an additional 1% fee (capped at £10,000) to cover the preparation and processing of all legal documents concerning the project.
Territory: UK
Twitter: @crowdbnk
Interesting Projects: Styloola is clever -- it's omnichannel marketing for fashion brands as a company concept. Cellar Door is also quite neat -- an online wine merchant where you can buy direct from small vineries, no middle man.
Contact: Contact form available here.
Website: https://www.crowdbnk.com/
Crowdcube
Crowdcube is the world’s leading equity crowdfunding site.
Advanced info: £25 million invested.121 funded business.
Minimum Investment: From £10
Investment Notes: Good base in tech, telecoms, less in retail, little in creative. Fees include initial listing fee of £250; Success fee of 5% of amount and £2,250 (+ VAT) for final legal.
Territory: Global
Twitter: @crowdcube
Notes: Crowdcube is backed by Balderton Capital. Since 2000, Balderton has invested in over 100 companies, principally across Europe, including Lovefilm and Betfair
Interesting Projects: Simplify The Law" is a service that will (if funded) help UK businesses exercise their legal rights at minimal legal costs.
Contact: support@crowdcube.com
Website: http://www.crowdcube.com
Minimum Investment: From £10
Investment Notes: Good base in tech, telecoms, less in retail, little in creative. Fees include initial listing fee of £250; Success fee of 5% of amount and £2,250 (+ VAT) for final legal.
Territory: Global
Twitter: @crowdcube
Notes: Crowdcube is backed by Balderton Capital. Since 2000, Balderton has invested in over 100 companies, principally across Europe, including Lovefilm and Betfair
Interesting Projects: Simplify The Law" is a service that will (if funded) help UK businesses exercise their legal rights at minimal legal costs.
Contact: support@crowdcube.com
Website: http://www.crowdcube.com
Crowdfunder
A UK rewards-based crowdfunding platform that connects businesses, communities, charities and individuals.
Advanced info: Good wide spread of local projects, start ups, social enterprise and product ideas here. Projects can raise money and ask for people’s time and skills.
Minimum Investment: From £5
Investment Notes: 5% + VAT admin charge (which funds Crowdfunder) and 0.5% transaction fees (GoCardless’ transaction charge). The PayPal fees are paid by the backers.
Territory: UK
Sectors: An extremely varied number of projects
Twitter: @crowdfunderuk
Notes: Also coaches and assists those seeking crowdfunding to make good bids
Interesting Projects: Under cabinet smart TV
Contact: support@crowdfunder.co.uk
Website: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk
Minimum Investment: From £5
Investment Notes: 5% + VAT admin charge (which funds Crowdfunder) and 0.5% transaction fees (GoCardless’ transaction charge). The PayPal fees are paid by the backers.
Territory: UK
Sectors: An extremely varied number of projects
Twitter: @crowdfunderuk
Notes: Also coaches and assists those seeking crowdfunding to make good bids
Interesting Projects: Under cabinet smart TV
Contact: support@crowdfunder.co.uk
Website: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk
CrowdMission
An equity-based crowdfunding platform for social and environmental businesses – make money making a difference.
Advanced info: Every business featured on the site provides a benefit to society, health or the environment. You invest in exchange for shares in business.
Minimum Investment: From £10
Investment Notes: Success fee of 5% plus VAT of the total amount. Administration and completion fee of £1,750 plus VAT (£1,250 for legal and £500 admin fee). Payment Processing feee of 0.5%. No fees if the bid fails.
Territory: UK only
Sectors: Social welfare only
Twitter: @crowdmission
Notes: Projects up for 60 or for 90 days
Interesting Projects: Power Predictor, excellent green energy research tool
Contact: team@crowdmission.com
Website: http://www.crowdmission.com/
Minimum Investment: From £10
Investment Notes: Success fee of 5% plus VAT of the total amount. Administration and completion fee of £1,750 plus VAT (£1,250 for legal and £500 admin fee). Payment Processing feee of 0.5%. No fees if the bid fails.
Territory: UK only
Sectors: Social welfare only
Twitter: @crowdmission
Notes: Projects up for 60 or for 90 days
Interesting Projects: Power Predictor, excellent green energy research tool
Contact: team@crowdmission.com
Website: http://www.crowdmission.com/
CrowdPatch
CrowdPatch combines donation-based crowdfunding with its own network of investors.
Advanced info: Social causes, Arts, business, science and tech
Investment Notes: 5% fee + transaction fee of 3.4%
Territory: UK
Sectors: Social causes, Arts, business, science and tech
Twitter: @CrowdPatch
Notes: Focuses on social projects, young people etc.
Interesting Projects: Hammering Down Homelessness
Contact: Via form available here.
Website: http://www.crowdpatch.co.uk/
Investment Notes: 5% fee + transaction fee of 3.4%
Territory: UK
Sectors: Social causes, Arts, business, science and tech
Twitter: @CrowdPatch
Notes: Focuses on social projects, young people etc.
Interesting Projects: Hammering Down Homelessness
Contact: Via form available here.
Website: http://www.crowdpatch.co.uk/
E
EnterpriseDen
A business funding service for investors and entrepreneurs
Advanced info: Equity based business funding from here, currently 100 percent free for investors and entrepreneurs.
Investment Notes: Has a network of 1,000 investors and is connected to more in various parts abroad
Territory: Has a network of sites worldwide
Twitter: @EnterpriseDen
Contact: enquiries@enterpriseden.co.uk
Website: http://www.enterpriseden.co.uk
Investment Notes: Has a network of 1,000 investors and is connected to more in various parts abroad
Territory: Has a network of sites worldwide
Twitter: @EnterpriseDen
Contact: enquiries@enterpriseden.co.uk
Website: http://www.enterpriseden.co.uk
Ethex
A not-for-profit ethical investment platform run by directors with extensive experience in social investment, funded by some big names in social enterprise.
Advanced info: Ethical investments, offering shares, bonds and contributions
Minimum Investment: From £1
Territory: UK
Sectors: Ethical investment, environment, social
Twitter: @ethexuk
Notes: This service is very focused on ethical investment, usually with a track record
Interesting Projects: Ethical Property Company, provides office space for social enterprises.
Contact: help@ethex.org.uk
Website: http://www.ethex.org.uk/
Minimum Investment: From £1
Territory: UK
Sectors: Ethical investment, environment, social
Twitter: @ethexuk
Notes: This service is very focused on ethical investment, usually with a track record
Interesting Projects: Ethical Property Company, provides office space for social enterprises.
Contact: help@ethex.org.uk
Website: http://www.ethex.org.uk/
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FundedByMe
Equity, reward and loan-based crowdfunding opportunities.
Advanced info: Multiple funding types: For equity; as a loan for interest, or smaller loans in exchange for a reward. No fees to lenders.
Minimum Investment: From c.£10
Investment Notes: Borrowers pay €500 to arrange Equity or loan based camapaigns, no charge for investors. 6% of money raised
Territory: European, based in Sweden, international offices.
Twitter: @fundedbyme
Contact: Contacts page here.
Website: https://www.fundedbyme.com/en/
Minimum Investment: From c.£10
Investment Notes: Borrowers pay €500 to arrange Equity or loan based camapaigns, no charge for investors. 6% of money raised
Territory: European, based in Sweden, international offices.
Twitter: @fundedbyme
Contact: Contacts page here.
Website: https://www.fundedbyme.com/en/
Funders Club
FundersCub is is built around a unique online marketplace that allows accredited investors to become equity holders in club-managed venture funds, funding pre-screened, private companies.
Advanced info: The platform combines industry-standard venture funds, with an easy-to-use web-platform that allows members to browse and screen fund investment opportunities, view investment profiles and sign legal documents.
Minimum Investment: $3,000
Maximum Investment: $100,000+
Investment Notes: Investments are made in venture funds set up for the startups, and therefore, the minimum check sizes are usually 8-30 times smaller than typical angel investments - $3K typically, vs. $25K-$100K.
Twitter: @FundersClub
Website: https://fundersclub.com/
Minimum Investment: $3,000
Maximum Investment: $100,000+
Investment Notes: Investments are made in venture funds set up for the startups, and therefore, the minimum check sizes are usually 8-30 times smaller than typical angel investments - $3K typically, vs. $25K-$100K.
Twitter: @FundersClub
Website: https://fundersclub.com/
Funding Knight
Fee-based peer-to-peer loans service links investors up with businesses who need money.
Advanced info: These are fee-based loans, site promises investors can achieve an APR c.10%. You can also buy slices of other people's loans.
Minimum Investment: From £25
Investment Notes: Loans normally run for between 6 months and 5 years, but it is possible to access your money earlier. Simply choose how much of each loan you want to sell, what the price should be and offer it for sale to other investors on our busy Loan Exchange. We charge a 1% fee to Lenders selling all or part of their investment on the Loan Exchange.
Territory: UK-based
Sectors: This is a very business focused service raising significant funds for sundry firms across multiple industries.
Twitter: @fundingknight
Interesting Projects: Yoogia -- live online yoga studio.
Contact: info@fundingknight.com
Website: http://www.fundingknight.com
Minimum Investment: From £25
Investment Notes: Loans normally run for between 6 months and 5 years, but it is possible to access your money earlier. Simply choose how much of each loan you want to sell, what the price should be and offer it for sale to other investors on our busy Loan Exchange. We charge a 1% fee to Lenders selling all or part of their investment on the Loan Exchange.
Territory: UK-based
Sectors: This is a very business focused service raising significant funds for sundry firms across multiple industries.
Twitter: @fundingknight
Interesting Projects: Yoogia -- live online yoga studio.
Contact: info@fundingknight.com
Website: http://www.fundingknight.com
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Gambitious
Crowdfunding aimed specifically at investors seeking who want to take position in independent games developers.
Advanced info: Gambitious has a strict follow-through contract and rigorous application review process selecting only high-quality proposals
Investment Notes: Gambitious charges investors a € 4.95 ($ 5.95) non-refundable fee. Fund seekers are also charged a fee, the extent is not disclosed but seems to change depending on how much funds are raised
Territory: International
Sectors: Games
Twitter: @GambitiousInc
Notes: A Swiss developer raised €250k
Interesting Projects: Train Fever
Contact: andy@gambitious.com
Website: http://www.gambitious.com/
Investment Notes: Gambitious charges investors a € 4.95 ($ 5.95) non-refundable fee. Fund seekers are also charged a fee, the extent is not disclosed but seems to change depending on how much funds are raised
Territory: International
Sectors: Games
Twitter: @GambitiousInc
Notes: A Swiss developer raised €250k
Interesting Projects: Train Fever
Contact: andy@gambitious.com
Website: http://www.gambitious.com/
GoFundMe
A crowdfunding website for personal and charity fund raising — people use it to raise cash for medicine, college and home repairs.
Advanced info: Really this is about raising money for medical procedures, school fees, emergencies and pet care on the one hand, or for social welfare projects.
Investment Notes: This site takes 5% of donations and a small 3% processing fee. You keep all the funds you get given. there are no charges to donors *though you will see money taken off the amount they donate.*
Territory: US, UK, Canada, Australia and any European country that deals in Euros
Twitter: @gofundme
Contact: Contact form is available here.
Website: http://www.gofundme.com
Investment Notes: This site takes 5% of donations and a small 3% processing fee. You keep all the funds you get given. there are no charges to donors *though you will see money taken off the amount they donate.*
Territory: US, UK, Canada, Australia and any European country that deals in Euros
Twitter: @gofundme
Contact: Contact form is available here.
Website: http://www.gofundme.com
GrowthFunders
GrowthFunders connects entrepreneurs with investors and aims at businesses which show high growth potential — however the site seems to consistently offer only a limited ...
Advanced info: Works with entrepreneurs to ensure businesses are investment ready, structured correctly to accept investment from the crowd together with co-investors and SEIS and EIS scheme compliant where possible.
Minimum Investment: From £100
Investment Notes: GrowthFunders passes on any money earned by the shares - dividends, floatation or sale proceeds - direct to you, less a 7.5% fee
Territory: UK
Twitter: @growthfunders
Interesting Projects: Showmecats, a social media platform for cat owners.
Contact: enquiries@growthfunders.com
Website: https://www.growthfunders.com
Minimum Investment: From £100
Investment Notes: GrowthFunders passes on any money earned by the shares - dividends, floatation or sale proceeds - direct to you, less a 7.5% fee
Territory: UK
Twitter: @growthfunders
Interesting Projects: Showmecats, a social media platform for cat owners.
Contact: enquiries@growthfunders.com
Website: https://www.growthfunders.com
H
Hubbub
hubbub provides whitelabel crowdfunding platforms for schools, colleges and universities.
Advanced info: These people also provide technology to education establishments to enable them to create their own crowdfunding sites.
Investment Notes: Hubbub charges no fees.
Territory: UK
Sectors: Mainly education, but the projects can be ancillary to that.
Twitter: @hubbubnet
Notes: This is a crowd-sponsorship solution for the education sector.
Interesting Projects: Wimbledon College of Art degree show
Contact: Jonathan.May@hubbub.net
Website: http://www.hubbub.net/
Investment Notes: Hubbub charges no fees.
Territory: UK
Sectors: Mainly education, but the projects can be ancillary to that.
Twitter: @hubbubnet
Notes: This is a crowd-sponsorship solution for the education sector.
Interesting Projects: Wimbledon College of Art degree show
Contact: Jonathan.May@hubbub.net
Website: http://www.hubbub.net/
I
Ice Dragons
Equity funding service helps entrepreneurs secure finance and motivated shareholders to get involved in developing new ideas and technologies.
Advanced info: Investors are required to invest a mimum £1,000 per year under FCA requirements, site claims
Minimum Investment: £100
Investment Notes: Success fee of 6% of the target amount raised, investors get charged on profit when they sell shares
Territory: UK
Sectors: Equity
Twitter: @ICEDragonsUK
Notes: This is an equity funding solution. Ice Dragon's Investment Panel reviews and approves every listing that appears on the platform to ensure the pitch is "fair, clear and not misleading."
Contact: adrian.walker@icedragons.co.uk
Website: http://www.icedragons.co.uk/
Minimum Investment: £100
Investment Notes: Success fee of 6% of the target amount raised, investors get charged on profit when they sell shares
Territory: UK
Sectors: Equity
Twitter: @ICEDragonsUK
Notes: This is an equity funding solution. Ice Dragon's Investment Panel reviews and approves every listing that appears on the platform to ensure the pitch is "fair, clear and not misleading."
Contact: adrian.walker@icedragons.co.uk
Website: http://www.icedragons.co.uk/
IndieGoGo
One the biggest global platforms for creative, entrepreneurial or cause-related projects. Currently offering reward-based opportunities but expected to break into equity funding “soon”.
Advanced info: Reward based funding
Minimum Investment: No minumum
Investment Notes: Two fees; flexible and fixed funding. Flexible funding costs 9% but lets you keep money raised up to the target amont; fixed funding has no charges until you reach your goal. In both cases if you reach goal you hit 4% fee (and flexible fund seekers don't have to pay 9%). Additional charges include 3-4% for credit transactions and a one off $25 wire fee to send money to funded projects.
Territory: Int'l
Sectors: Across sectors
Twitter: @Indiegogo
Notes: Highly established player in this sector with a wealth of available projects
Interesting Projects: Solar Roadways was an interesting project, but there's a wealth of interesting projects to explore on this service.
Contact: liz@indiegogo.com
Website: http://www.indiegogo.com/
Minimum Investment: No minumum
Investment Notes: Two fees; flexible and fixed funding. Flexible funding costs 9% but lets you keep money raised up to the target amont; fixed funding has no charges until you reach your goal. In both cases if you reach goal you hit 4% fee (and flexible fund seekers don't have to pay 9%). Additional charges include 3-4% for credit transactions and a one off $25 wire fee to send money to funded projects.
Territory: Int'l
Sectors: Across sectors
Twitter: @Indiegogo
Notes: Highly established player in this sector with a wealth of available projects
Interesting Projects: Solar Roadways was an interesting project, but there's a wealth of interesting projects to explore on this service.
Contact: liz@indiegogo.com
Website: http://www.indiegogo.com/
Investing Zone
Equity crowdfunding platform founded by a team with experience in early stage VC investment.
Advanced info: Service aimed at unlisted companies and professional investors. Appointed representative and partner to venture capital firm, E-Synergy which has been investing in the early-stage sector for 13 years.
Minimum Investment: £100
Maximum Investment: No max
Investment Notes: Expensive. Upon successful fund-raising 5% of funds raised + VAT.* Transaction fees £1,500 ** Payment processing GoCardless fees of 1% per investor transaction, capped at £2. InvestingZone option InvestingZone Ltd will take options over 1% of the equity issued in your funding roundExpensive. Upon successful fund-raising 5% of funds raised + VAT.* Transaction fees £1,500 ** Payment processing GoCardless fees of 1% per investor transaction, capped at £2. InvestingZone option InvestingZone Ltd will take options over 1% of the equity issued in your funding round
Territory: UK unlisted
Sectors: Start ups for profit
Notes: All pitches are subject to an initial review by InvestingZone. These could be very good to watch for future strong businesses but they don't seem to get many through -- likely because of their fees which are the highest I've seen as of 22/05.
Interesting Projects: Rockstar Data Storage https://www.investingzone.com/pitch/108/rockstar-data-storage-ltd
Contact: info@investingzone.com
Minimum Investment: £100
Maximum Investment: No max
Investment Notes: Expensive. Upon successful fund-raising 5% of funds raised + VAT.* Transaction fees £1,500 ** Payment processing GoCardless fees of 1% per investor transaction, capped at £2. InvestingZone option InvestingZone Ltd will take options over 1% of the equity issued in your funding roundExpensive. Upon successful fund-raising 5% of funds raised + VAT.* Transaction fees £1,500 ** Payment processing GoCardless fees of 1% per investor transaction, capped at £2. InvestingZone option InvestingZone Ltd will take options over 1% of the equity issued in your funding round
Territory: UK unlisted
Sectors: Start ups for profit
Notes: All pitches are subject to an initial review by InvestingZone. These could be very good to watch for future strong businesses but they don't seem to get many through -- likely because of their fees which are the highest I've seen as of 22/05.
Interesting Projects: Rockstar Data Storage https://www.investingzone.com/pitch/108/rockstar-data-storage-ltd
Contact: info@investingzone.com
K
Kickstarter
Kickstarter offers a heady and international selection of reward-based projects
Advanced info: Backers get rewards, project runners keep 100 percent of what they do. Kickstarter is not about equity and returns.
Minimum Investment: No minimum
Maximum Investment: No max
Investment Notes: Investors/donors pay nothing, the funded pay 5% fee.
Territory: International
Sectors: Everything
Twitter: @kickstarter
Notes: Anything
Interesting Projects: Catlateral Damage; A game described as "The world's first destructive cat simulator". And already half funded.
Website: http://www.kickstarter.com
Minimum Investment: No minimum
Maximum Investment: No max
Investment Notes: Investors/donors pay nothing, the funded pay 5% fee.
Territory: International
Sectors: Everything
Twitter: @kickstarter
Notes: Anything
Interesting Projects: Catlateral Damage; A game described as "The world's first destructive cat simulator". And already half funded.
Website: http://www.kickstarter.com
M
Microgenius
A platform for community share offers, supporting the sale of shares in enterprises serving a community purpose.
Advanced info: There is no legal definition of community shares. All the same the site lets you take a virtual share investment which can later be withdrawn from the investment.
Minimum Investment: £1/share (typically)
Maximum Investment: £20,000 max per community group
Investment Notes: Community shares are a little riskier than standard shares. For starters they aren't regulated by the FSA. Secondly you can lose all your investment as there's no legal protection. In some way supported by CrowdCube. The intention is to enable small societies/community based organisations to raise funding to help finance community projects. Microgenius is run by the Community Shares Unit, a UK government-backed programme delivered by Co-operatives UK and Locality.
Territory: UK
Sectors: Aimed at community interest groups to provide an easy to use digital service for fundraising and member's involvement.
Twitter: @Microgenius1
Notes: No fees to investors as currently grant-funded. There is a 0.5% payment processing fee levied by the payment processing company. EIS compatible (ie you get 30% tax relief)
Interesting Projects: Hastings Pier, http://www.microgenius.org.uk/project/hastings-pier-15 The Hastings Pier charity raised £500,000 for the rebuilding of the pier.
Contact: hello@microgenius.org.uk
Website: http://www.microgenius.org.uk
Minimum Investment: £1/share (typically)
Maximum Investment: £20,000 max per community group
Investment Notes: Community shares are a little riskier than standard shares. For starters they aren't regulated by the FSA. Secondly you can lose all your investment as there's no legal protection. In some way supported by CrowdCube. The intention is to enable small societies/community based organisations to raise funding to help finance community projects. Microgenius is run by the Community Shares Unit, a UK government-backed programme delivered by Co-operatives UK and Locality.
Territory: UK
Sectors: Aimed at community interest groups to provide an easy to use digital service for fundraising and member's involvement.
Twitter: @Microgenius1
Notes: No fees to investors as currently grant-funded. There is a 0.5% payment processing fee levied by the payment processing company. EIS compatible (ie you get 30% tax relief)
Interesting Projects: Hastings Pier, http://www.microgenius.org.uk/project/hastings-pier-15 The Hastings Pier charity raised £500,000 for the rebuilding of the pier.
Contact: hello@microgenius.org.uk
Website: http://www.microgenius.org.uk
Money & Co
Lenders can lend money to firms carefully vetted by Money & Co credit analysts.
Advanced info: More conventional crowd funding outfit, seemingly aimed at major investors. This organisation take due diligence out of the equation with a serious vetting process for applicants.
Minimum Investment: £10
Investment Notes: Has an informative crowdfunding news feed, worth watching for ideas
Territory: UK
Sectors: Blue chip business
Minimum Investment: £10
Investment Notes: Has an informative crowdfunding news feed, worth watching for ideas
Territory: UK
Sectors: Blue chip business
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Plum Alley
Plum Alley is the destination site where women entrepreneurs and innovators succeed with crowdfunding, commerce and experts
Advanced info: Plum Alley crowdfunding is a way for women to raise money, large or small amounts, to fund a specific project, product, or company. No ownership equity is given to the funder, but rather, the funder is given rewards, recognition or products.On Plum Alley, project creators have up to 60 days to raise funds. We hold an ‘all-or-nothing’ funding policy, meaning that a project must reach its funding goal before any money is collected and dispensed. Funders’ credit cards will only be charged if a project meets its monetary goal.
Investment Notes: Projects that are accepted are posted without a fee. However, if a project raises its funding goal, Plum Alley will receive 5% of the total amount raised. A separate credit card processing fee of 2.9% is independently collected by the third party processor. If the funding goal is not met, no amount will be charged.
Territory: Global
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plumalleyco
Interesting Projects: https://plumalley.co/en/smartwoman
Contact: info@plumalley.co
Website: https://plumalley.co
Investment Notes: Projects that are accepted are posted without a fee. However, if a project raises its funding goal, Plum Alley will receive 5% of the total amount raised. A separate credit card processing fee of 2.9% is independently collected by the third party processor. If the funding goal is not met, no amount will be charged.
Territory: Global
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plumalleyco
Interesting Projects: https://plumalley.co/en/smartwoman
Contact: info@plumalley.co
Website: https://plumalley.co
Propagator
Connecting high growth businesses with equity investors searching for innovative organisations.
Advanced info: Currently in beta. Propagator supports the business to ensure that the business plan is delivered as effectively as possible.
Investment Notes: Propagator takes a 5% commission from successfully funded projects to cover running and administration costs. Our bespoke growth support packages are priced at £5,000 and if you opt in, this is simply added to your funding target.
Territory: UK
Interesting Projects: Find My Workout -- cheaper gym access deals for people in London http://www.thepropagator.co.uk/business/find-my-workout
Contact: info@thepropagator.co.uk
Investment Notes: Propagator takes a 5% commission from successfully funded projects to cover running and administration costs. Our bespoke growth support packages are priced at £5,000 and if you opt in, this is simply added to your funding target.
Territory: UK
Interesting Projects: Find My Workout -- cheaper gym access deals for people in London http://www.thepropagator.co.uk/business/find-my-workout
Contact: info@thepropagator.co.uk
PubSlush
Crowdfunding for writers: Platform allows authors to raise money, test ideas and find support.
Advanced info: Provides access to capital for authors. They also give books to children as books are sold through the platform.
Investment Notes: Pubslush takes 4% of succesful campaign pluse a 3.5% processing fee.
Territory: International
Contact: hello@pubslush.com
Investment Notes: Pubslush takes 4% of succesful campaign pluse a 3.5% processing fee.
Territory: International
Contact: hello@pubslush.com
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RocketHub
A large US reward-based international crowdfunding service, the big difference being that it enables those who don’t achieve project targets to still get paid.
Advanced info: Those who hit targets get a 4% commission fee + 4% credit card handling fee. Those who fail to reach target still get paid, but fees rise: 8% commission fee + 4% credit card handling fee.
Investment Notes: Many many funded projects -- up there with Kickstarter and Indiegogo
Territory: International
Twitter: @rockethub
Interesting Projects: Penn State University's "Lunar Lion" - the first ever university-led mission to the Moon. Project Link.
Contact: support@rockethub.com
Website: http://www.rockethub.com
Investment Notes: Many many funded projects -- up there with Kickstarter and Indiegogo
Territory: International
Twitter: @rockethub
Interesting Projects: Penn State University's "Lunar Lion" - the first ever university-led mission to the Moon. Project Link.
Contact: support@rockethub.com
Website: http://www.rockethub.com
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Seedrs
Seedrs is a leading online platform for investing in startups and is open throughout Europe.
Advanced info: Seedrs does review loan requests and only publishes those it says are fair, clear and not misleading.
Minimum Investment: £10
Territory: Pan-European
Sectors: Investing in startups
Interesting Projects: IncuBus -- a startup incubator on a bus, https://www.seedrs.com/startups/incubusldn NearDesk - rent desk space across london by the week, day, hour, https://www.seedrs.com/startups/NearDeskB
Contact: alysia.wanczyk@seedrs.com
Minimum Investment: £10
Territory: Pan-European
Sectors: Investing in startups
Interesting Projects: IncuBus -- a startup incubator on a bus, https://www.seedrs.com/startups/incubusldn NearDesk - rent desk space across london by the week, day, hour, https://www.seedrs.com/startups/NearDeskB
Contact: alysia.wanczyk@seedrs.com
ShareIn
Service offering equity investments in technology and bioscience sectors, launches summer.
Advanced info: There's not so many pitches here at present but the service promises it will reveal some "exciting" investment opportunities later in the summer.
Minimum Investment: £10
Investment Notes: Not reward based, this is equity funding so you don't get presents you get a slice of the action (if there is any action)
Territory: UK
Sectors: Consumer products, environmental products, health, hitech and telecoms
Twitter: @sharein
Notes: All the companies listed on ShareIn are: UK Technology & Health Companies who want to raise more than £40,000 in equity finance AND want to change the world AND offer an exciting proposition to investors AND have applied for EIS or SEIS advanced approval from HMRC.
Interesting Projects: Worth watching due to strong seeming management team and focus on SEIS and IES.
Contact: Jude@sharein.com
Website: http://www.sharein.com/
Minimum Investment: £10
Investment Notes: Not reward based, this is equity funding so you don't get presents you get a slice of the action (if there is any action)
Territory: UK
Sectors: Consumer products, environmental products, health, hitech and telecoms
Twitter: @sharein
Notes: All the companies listed on ShareIn are: UK Technology & Health Companies who want to raise more than £40,000 in equity finance AND want to change the world AND offer an exciting proposition to investors AND have applied for EIS or SEIS advanced approval from HMRC.
Interesting Projects: Worth watching due to strong seeming management team and focus on SEIS and IES.
Contact: Jude@sharein.com
Website: http://www.sharein.com/
SquareKnot
Equity, loan and reward based crowdfunding investments in UK firms.
Advanced info: Investors can stake between £100 and £10,000. Squareknot takes 5% commission from any equity dividends paid and any capital gains on the sale of shares. It also take a commission fee equivalent to 1% of the initial amount of any debt deducted on a proportional basis each time a repayment is made by a borrower. This fee structure is designed to only levy charges when investors make a return on their investments.
Minimum Investment: £100
Maximum Investment: £10,000
Investment Notes: Both equity and debt funding. Reward-based funding. NB: Businesses who raise total investment of £100,000 or more, may be required, as part of their funding agreement, to allow an independent Business Observer access to their business on a regular basis
Territory: UK
Sectors: Electronics, Beverages, Travel and Leisure, Sports -- only listed categories at present.
Twitter: @SquareknotUK
Interesting Projects: Darlington Football Club https://www.squareknot.co.uk/pitch/darlington-football-club/185
Contact: derekb@squareknot.co.uk
Website: https://www.squareknot.co.uk/
Minimum Investment: £100
Maximum Investment: £10,000
Investment Notes: Both equity and debt funding. Reward-based funding. NB: Businesses who raise total investment of £100,000 or more, may be required, as part of their funding agreement, to allow an independent Business Observer access to their business on a regular basis
Territory: UK
Sectors: Electronics, Beverages, Travel and Leisure, Sports -- only listed categories at present.
Twitter: @SquareknotUK
Interesting Projects: Darlington Football Club https://www.squareknot.co.uk/pitch/darlington-football-club/185
Contact: derekb@squareknot.co.uk
Website: https://www.squareknot.co.uk/
StartSomeGood
Crowdfunding for non profits and social entrepreneurs
Twitter: @StartSomeGood
Interesting Projects: Plastic Oceans film, http://startsomegood.com/Venture/plastic_oceans/Campaigns/Show/plastic_oceans__a_documentary
Contact: hello@startsomegood.com
Website: http://startsomegood.com
Interesting Projects: Plastic Oceans film, http://startsomegood.com/Venture/plastic_oceans/Campaigns/Show/plastic_oceans__a_documentary
Contact: hello@startsomegood.com
Website: http://startsomegood.com
Syndicate Room
SyndicateRoom combines crowd and angel-based funding
Advanced info: There's plenty of due diligence in the offers here. These are big ticket numbers and you see plenty flagged with EIS or SIIS status (for tax breaks).
Minimum Investment: £1,000
Investment Notes: Equity crowdfunding, you end up investing in projects alongside experienced business angels.
Territory: UK
Sectors: Health, renewables, consumer electronics, security and assistive technologies seem to be the thing here so far. All big numbers
Twitter: @SyndicateRoom
Interesting Projects: Time for Medicine,https://www.syndicateroom.com/timeformedicine
Contact: contactus@syndicateroom.com
Website: http://www.syndicateroom.com/
Minimum Investment: £1,000
Investment Notes: Equity crowdfunding, you end up investing in projects alongside experienced business angels.
Territory: UK
Sectors: Health, renewables, consumer electronics, security and assistive technologies seem to be the thing here so far. All big numbers
Twitter: @SyndicateRoom
Interesting Projects: Time for Medicine,https://www.syndicateroom.com/timeformedicine
Contact: contactus@syndicateroom.com
Website: http://www.syndicateroom.com/
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Trillion Fund
Dedicated to raising funding for renewable energy projects worldwide. Currently merging with Buzzbnk.
Advanced info: Site has extensive blogs and information resources. These are straight bond or debenture investments.
Minimum Investment: £5
Investment Notes: Good mix of debentures and bonds.
Territory: Worldwide
Sectors: Renewable energy projects
Twitter: @trillionfund
Interesting Projects: Engynious Schools (solar panels on 19 UK schools) http://trillionfund.com/investment-projects/engynious-schools/
Contact: contact@trillionfund.com
Website: www.trillionfund.com
Minimum Investment: £5
Investment Notes: Good mix of debentures and bonds.
Territory: Worldwide
Sectors: Renewable energy projects
Twitter: @trillionfund
Interesting Projects: Engynious Schools (solar panels on 19 UK schools) http://trillionfund.com/investment-projects/engynious-schools/
Contact: contact@trillionfund.com
Website: www.trillionfund.com
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UK Crowdfunding Association
UK association of crowdfunders — every investor should bookmark this.
Advanced info: Industry group, not specifically crowdfunding
Territory: UK
Territory: UK
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Venture Giant
Service links start-ups with angel investors and venture capitalists seeking the next big thing
Advanced info: This one is interesting -- it works on equity funding as per usual and covers various startups, but also lets those seeking funding take a look at the investors to see who they might want to approach. Not only this, but Venture Giant does not charge a commission on any money raised.
Investment Notes: There's a range of investment opportunities here, everything from seed funding/start ups to more mature business seeking cashflow for this that or the other.
Territory: UK
Twitter: @VentureGiant
Notes: Has found over £2 million in investment so far. Very interesting feature lets you check other investors, where you'll find some big league players.
Interesting Projects: Robotic Android-controlled teddy bear, http://www.venturegiant.com/proposal-9872-affordable-robotics.aspx
Website: http://www.venturegiant.com
Investment Notes: There's a range of investment opportunities here, everything from seed funding/start ups to more mature business seeking cashflow for this that or the other.
Territory: UK
Twitter: @VentureGiant
Notes: Has found over £2 million in investment so far. Very interesting feature lets you check other investors, where you'll find some big league players.
Interesting Projects: Robotic Android-controlled teddy bear, http://www.venturegiant.com/proposal-9872-affordable-robotics.aspx
Website: http://www.venturegiant.com
Volpit
An online startup investment platform that matches entrepreneurs with investors.
Advanced info: Total funded is c.£200,000, 6 active start ups seeking funding at time of writing. Not much (not any) accessible information on the site regarding costs, limitations or anything.
Investment Notes: There's a series of questions the site asks to determine if you are an investor aware of the risks. Unfortunatley I blew them.
Territory: UK
Contact: team@volpit.com
Investment Notes: There's a series of questions the site asks to determine if you are an investor aware of the risks. Unfortunatley I blew them.
Territory: UK
Contact: team@volpit.com
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Yimby
Yimby is from the people behind JustGiving and offers chance to invest in social good
Advanced info: Crowdfunding for social good. Projects have 30-days to raise the cash they need, if they fail they get no cash. Project runners pat a 5% fee and 1.3% processing costs. The service checks bank details and electoral roll info for people requesting cash. People making donations aren't charged until project funding goal is reached.
Minimum Investment: £2
Maximum Investment: £100,000
Investment Notes: A JustGiving front. A nice idea, and 5% profitable, too.
Territory: UK
Sectors: Charitable donations for good works, innit.
Twitter: @WeAreYimby
Interesting Projects: Wanting £300 to train an assitance dog for their disabled son https://www.justgiving.com/yimby/rosieandben
Contact: jack.sheldon@justgiving.com
Website: http://www.yimby.com/
Minimum Investment: £2
Maximum Investment: £100,000
Investment Notes: A JustGiving front. A nice idea, and 5% profitable, too.
Territory: UK
Sectors: Charitable donations for good works, innit.
Twitter: @WeAreYimby
Interesting Projects: Wanting £300 to train an assitance dog for their disabled son https://www.justgiving.com/yimby/rosieandben
Contact: jack.sheldon@justgiving.com
Website: http://www.yimby.com/
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Zequs
International reward-based service for causes, campaigns, charities and personal projects.
Advanced info: 100 percent free fundraising for campaigns and charities. 55 day fundraising camapaign (max). Fundraisers can offer rewards.
Minimum Investment: no min
Maximum Investment: no max
Investment Notes: No fees for campaigns. No fees for pledges, however pledge payment is made immediately and only offered to the fundraiser at the end of the campaign.
Territory: International
Sectors: Charitable donations, campaigns, personal projects
Interesting Projects: Building a wall at a blind school in Africa to protect blind children from intruders and natural predators. Campaign Link
Contact: hello@zequs.com
Minimum Investment: no min
Maximum Investment: no max
Investment Notes: No fees for campaigns. No fees for pledges, however pledge payment is made immediately and only offered to the fundraiser at the end of the campaign.
Territory: International
Sectors: Charitable donations, campaigns, personal projects
Interesting Projects: Building a wall at a blind school in Africa to protect blind children from intruders and natural predators. Campaign Link
Contact: hello@zequs.com