All investorsCrowdfunding PlatformsEquity CrowdfundingLeading Equity Crowdfunding Platforms for 2023

https://www.crowdfunding.guide/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bestCrowdfundingPlatforms-1-2_1.png

Covid-19 introduced many challenges during 2020, not the least of which a drastic downturn in economic activity that has all but dried up most fundraising channels. However, out of this environment that is in shock, crowdfunding emerged as a successful alternative. Unlike its conventional counterparts, crowdfunding provides key advantages such as faster access to capital, a larger audience, and a more affordable process. This trend continued strongly in 2021, with more capital, more startups, and more platforms joining the online equity crowdfunding scene.

Having been estimated to reach USD 8.5BN in 2020, the latest data reveals that the 6,445,080 crowdfunding campaigns last year raised a total of USD 34BN. With diverse audiences from serious investors to inexperienced people supporting a community project, companies seeking funding need to leverage the appropriate platforms to reach those who want to invest in equity crowdfunding.

Top Equity Crowdfunding Platforms for 2023 (Our Picks)

Platform

Our Rating

Target ReturnFeesAccount minimum

Learn More

10/10Varied
(typically 10% – 20%)
2%$100Wefunder.com
StartEngine9/10Varied
(typically 10% – 20%)
3.5%$100Startengine.com
10/10Varied
(typically 10% – 20%)
0%$100Republic.com
9.5/10Varied
(typically 8% – 12%)
0%$100Mainvest.com
seedinvest 9.5/10Varied2%$500Seedinvest.com
A Unique Way to Invest

While there are other ways to acquire equity in companies, equity crowdfunding is unique in that investors can buy shares in very small increments – less than a hundred dollars, for example. And, while anyone can buy small amounts of stock market shares, equity crowdfunding allows individual investors to buy equity in startups and small companies that are a long way from listing on the stock market.

Risk and Return

Companies that list on equity crowdfunding platforms are often at a very early stage with no guarantee of successful growth. As a result, when you invest in equity crowdfunding, it is a high-risk investment that could potentially provide no return at all.

That said, if you choose wisely and invest in the best startups, you stand to gain significantly. In order to maximize your chances of a good return on equity crowdfunding, make sure you’re in touch with all the opportunities on the market. If you’re looking for the top equity crowdfunding investments, here are the most active equity crowdfunding platforms in the United States and Europe in 2023.

Leading Equity Crowdfunding in the United States

 

   
Wefunder

Year Founded: 2012 Minimum Investment: $100
Primary Location: San Francisco, United States Fees: 2%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)
Startups get a 13.3% discount on success fees on Wefunder by using this link:

Wefunder states that it is the largest portal for equity crowdfunding both by investment volume and a total number of investors. To date, it has raised over USD 122M for Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns, USD 36M for Regulation D fundraising, and over USD 9M for Regulation A+ campaigns. These significant figures can be largely attributed to the broad range of startups it attracts, such as an online encyclopedia, a bionic pancreas, and a film production.

The platform accepts funds from international investors, with a flat 3.5% service fee, reduced to 2% if transfers are made using a credit card alternative. US-based startups can apply to join the platform, the charge is a flat 7.5% and only if funding succeeds, which covers all brokerage fees. Wefunder’s strength may well lie in its openness to startups of all colors – indeed, Wefunder is open to any company pursuing the American Dream.

Pros

  • Low investment minimums
  • Diverse investment opportunities: Wefunder offers investments in a wide range of businesses, from tech startups to local breweries, giving investors a lot of options to choose from
  • Strong investor protections

Cons

  • Limited liquidity
  • High fees
  • Uncertainty around returns

 

StartEngine   
StartEngine

Year Founded: 2015 Minimum Investment: $100
Primary Location: Los Angeles, United States Fees: 3.5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

StartEngine claims to be the largest equity crowdfunding platform in the market. With 190,040 individual investments made during 2020, the platform saw an increase of 241% from their 76 investments in 2019. StartEngine carries listings of every shape and size, with a wide range of environment-friendly startups plus plenty of tech companies and a couple of CBD companies too.
As an investor you won’t pay any fees to participate in a StartEngine listing, as companies listing on StartEngine are charged a fixed fee plus a dollar percentage of the capital raised – and an equity share. International investors can participate, but the platform only accepts listings from companies based in the US.

StartEngine is unique in that they also give investors the opportunity to trade shares in startups via StartEngine Secondary. The concept of this is similar to the stock market –  investors buy and sell shares of your startup, and they also have the option to convert shares to cash. These shares come with a 5% sell fee.

In addition to their equity crowdfunding platform, StartEngine also has a collectible investment program. These collectible investments are structured under Reg. A+ and currently have a $500 minimum investment. Some of the collectibles currently available include luxury art, rare trading cards, and fine wine.

Pros

  • Wide range of investment opportunities
  • Low investment minimums
  • Investor perks: Many StartEngine campaigns offer unique perks to investors, such as discounts on products or services or exclusive access to events.

Cons

  • Limited liquidity: As with any private investment, there is limited liquidity in StartEngine campaigns, making it challenging to sell shares if the company does not go public or get acquired.
  • High fees
  • Limited track record

 

Republic
 
Year Founded: 2016 Minimum Investment: $100
Primary Location: New York, United States Fees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

Republic, part of the Angel List family, was set up in 2016 in response to Title III of the JOBS Act, which enabled individual investors on average incomes to start investing in startups for the first time. The platform is geared towards everyday investors, with an investment minimum of just $10. Investors pay no fees when investing via Republic and the platform accepts investments from non-US citizens.
Despite only US-based companies being listed on Republic, investors will find an array of startups on Republic ranging from health and wellness to fintech – including cryptocurrency startups. Companies that raise funds on Republic pay a 6% charge on funds raised, only if the funding goal is reached while an optional 2% is charged if a company participates in Republic’s Crowd Safe program.

Pros

  • Variety of investment opportunities: Republic offers investments in a range of industries, including technology, real estate, and entertainment, giving investors a diverse range of options.
  • Low investment minimums
  • Experienced management team

Cons

  • Limited investment options for non-accredited investors
  • Limited liquidity: As with any private investment, there is limited liquidity in Republic campaigns, making it challenging to sell shares if the company does not go public or get acquired.
  • Limited track record

 

Mainvest
 
Year Founded: 2018 Minimum Investment: $100
Primary Location: Salem, Massachusetts, United States Fees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 8% – 12%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 1 – 5 years)

Mainvest allows anyone to invest in small businesses across the United States while simultaneously deploying community capital into the neighborhoods they live, visit, and enjoy.
Mainvest aims to empower the future of brick and mortar retail & hospitality businesses by connecting local entrepreneurs with investors who are looking to diversify into a previously inaccessible asset class. More than $11M has been invested through the platform to date.

Pros

  • The unique opportunity for small businesses to access funding through crowdfunding
  • The platform allows investors to support local businesses in their communities
  • Has a low minimum investment amount of $100

Cons

  • Only available to investors in certain states in the US
  • The platform is relatively new and has a limited track record
  • The platform is not regulated by the SEC, which could increase the risk of fraud or other issues
seedinvest
SeedInvest
 
Year Founded: 2011 Minimum Investment: $500
Primary Location: New York, United States Fees: 2%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

Accepting only 1% of the startups that apply to the platform, SeedInvest is an exclusive marketplace that raised a total of $5.1M in 2020. While the platform submits startups for intense vetting, investors can take part in the action with as little as $500 with 2% in fees. Capped to USD 300, fees are refunded if the listing does not reach its fundraising goal.
SeedInvest has listed a broad range of company’s looking for funding, from robotics through to food and beverage alongside a number of interesting healthcare startups. All listed companies are in the United States and SeedInvest accepts investments from outside the United States as long as local laws and requirements are met.

Pros

  • A user-friendly interface and provides educational resources to help investors make informed decisions
  • Offers a secondary market
  • A registered broker-dealer and is regulated by the SEC, providing greater investor protection.

Cons

  • Only available to accredited investors
  • Requires investors to have a relatively high net worth and income
  • The platform has a limited number of investment opportunities available at any given time, which could restrict investors’ options

 

microventures
MicroVentures
Year Founded: 2019 Minimum Investment: $100
Primary Location: Austin, United States Fees: 1%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 5 years)

While MicroVentures offers a broad choice of investment services, readers will be attracted to its range of equity crowdfunding opportunities – some with investment minimums as low as USD 100. Crowdfunding listings have an investor cost of 5% and investors can look forward to a broad range of funding rounds including robotics, healthcare and entertainment. Overall, MicroVentures says it has been responsible for over USD 220m in investments and hopefully, over time, more of these will be in the shape of equity crowdfunding.

Pros

  • The platform thoroughly vets companies before listing them on the site, reducing the risk of investing in scams or fraudulent ventures
  • Provides detailed information about each company on its platform
  • Has a track record of successful investments

Cons

  • The secondary market on MicroVentures is relatively illiquid
  • Requires investors to be accredited
  • The investment minimums on the platform can be relatively high

 

Netcapital
Netcapital
Year Founded: 2014 Minimum Investment: $99
Primary Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States Fees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: US Only Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 5 years)

In a relatively novel twist to equity crowdfunding, Netcapital offers investors the opportunity to buy shares in unlisted, established companies from as little as USD 99. If you are interested in investing somewhere other than the latest, the trendy startups on Netcapital may be of real interest. Listings are concentrated around cutting-edge tech and healthcare businesses.
Netcapital investors pay no fees to invest, with all funds paid to Netcapital used to acquire shares. Companies listed on Netcapital pay a 4.9% fee. International investors can participate, though only US companies can list on Netcapital.

Pros

  • Wide Range of Investment Opportunities
  • Low Investment Minimums
  • Transparent Fees: Netcapital charges transparent fees for its services, which makes it easier for investors to understand the costs of investing.

Cons

  • Limited Due Diligence
  • Limited Liquidity: As with most private investments, liquidity can be limited on Netcapital. Investors may not be able to sell their shares easily, and it may take time to find a buyer.

 

Fundify
Year Founded: 2019 Minimum Investment: $10
Primary Location: Austin, Texas, United States Fees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: US Only Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

Fundify is a tech-driven equity crowdfunding platform that enables almost anyone in the U.S. to invest in startups and other early stage companies with as little as $10. They’re on a mission to simplify startup funding and investing with technology and by pairing qualified startups with an expert in their field for review and comment.

Pros

  • Selective Project Listings: Fundify is highly selective in the projects it lists on its platform.
  • Focus on Social Impact: Fundify focuses on projects that have a positive social impact, such as renewable energy, education, and healthcare.
  • User-Friendly Platform

Cons

  • Limited Information Available
  • Limited Liquidity

 

FanVestor
Year Founded: 2018 Minimum Investment: $250
Primary Location: Los Angeles, United States Fees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

Fanvestor enables entertainment and sports celebrities to capitalize on their social media
fan basis. The Fanvestor platform allows their fans to invest in their businesses and take part in their success. Some of the celebrities featured on Fanvestor in 2020-2021 include: The Jonas Brothers, DJ Khaled, the LA Dodgers, Ryan Seacrest, Jackson Wang, Hamilton the Musical, and more.

Pros

  • Celebrity-Driven Projects: Fanvestor focuses on projects that are associated with celebrities or well-known brands. This means that investors can invest in projects that they are passionate about and that have a higher likelihood of success due to their existing fan base.
  • Low Investment Minimums

Cons

  • Limited Project Listings
  • Limited Due Diligence

 

Localstake
Localstake
Year Founded: 2013 Minimum Investment: $100
Primary Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Fees: Varied
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 5% – 10%)
Country Available: US Only Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 5 years)

If you want to support a local business while enjoying a return on your investment, Localstake might be just what you’re looking for. The US-based startups seeking funds on Localstake typically operate in food and beverage, real estate, or energy and healthcare; all with a local focus. There are no fees charged to investors.
Localstake platform does not publish any restrictions on the location of investors, though it does appear as if it is only US-based companies that are listed as investment opportunities. Investors can also choose from revenue share loans, convertible debt, and traditional loans in addition to an equity investment.

Pros

  • Local Focus: Localstake focuses on connecting investors with local businesses, which can provide a sense of community and a greater understanding of the businesses in which they are investing.
  • Strong Due Diligence
  • User-Friendly Platform

Cons

  • Limited Availability: Localstake is currently only available in certain states.
  • High Fees: Localstake charges high fees for its services, which can eat into investors’ returns.

 

Bioverge
Bioverge
Year Founded: 2016 Minimum Investment: $2,500
Primary Location: San Francisco, United States Fees: 0%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: US Only Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

The world’s healthcare needs have evolved drastically. As the healthcare innovation required to meet these needs continues to grow, it stands to reason that investors want to be in on the action. US-based Bioverge offers a highly vetted list of healthcare startups across the US, covering everything from drug development through to medical devices and crowdsourced medical expertise.
Bioverge states that its Dynamic Diligence process makes use of a decision-analysis model to determine the risk-adjusted return of unique science startups. Companies listing on Bioverge are charged a one-off sum to cover setup fees plus 8% of funds raised which includes equity coverage courtesy of Crowd Safe.

Pros

  • Focus on Biotech and Healthcare: Bioverge specializes in biotech and healthcare investments, providing investors with access to a high-growth sector with potentially significant returns.
  • Experienced Management Team
  • Diverse Investment Opportunitie

Cons

  • High Minimum Investment
  • Limited Track Record

Leading Equity Crowdfunding in the UK

crowdcube
Crowdcube
Year Founded: 2011 Minimum Investment: £10
Primary Location: Exeter, Devon, UK Fees: 0.5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: UK Only Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)
 Startups: Click here to receive a 10% discount on CrowdCube fees 

 

For years Crowdcube has dominated equity crowdfunding in the UK with one of the broadest range of startups listed. Ranging from technology outfits through to brewing companies and car clubs. Mostly for UK investors and startups, it accepts funds from international investors in some cases but may require additional documentation. Startups that are headquartered in Europe can apply for a listing on Crowdcube, with a minimum investment threshold of GBP 50,000 – though one startup, BrewDog, raised a phenomenal GBP 10m.

Startups are eligible to a 10% discount on all fees if they mention they were referred by CrowdFunding.Guide.

Pros

  • Wide Range of Investment Opportunities
  • Low Minimum Investment
  • Strong Community

Cons

  • Risky Investment: many of the companies listed on the platform are early-stage startups with an uncertain future.
  • Limited Investor Protection
  • Limited Availability: Crowdcube is currently only available to UK investors.
 Startups: Click here to receive a 10% discount on CrowdCube fees 

 

Seedrs
Year Founded: 2009 Minimum Investment: £10
Primary Location: London, England, UK Fees: 7.5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

With 2020 being its most successful year to date, Seedrs raised GBP 239M last year alone. Starting your equity crowdfunding investment is particularly easy with Seedrs. The platform accepts investments from as little as GBP or EUR 10. You won’t pay any fees when you invest, instead Seedrs charges a flat 7.5% on any profits you make. Startups pay a 6% commission on funds raised and a completion fee. If you’re investing from outside the UK you will need to self-certify as an accredited investor as determined by your local jurisdiction, though everyday investors in the UK and EU can participate in Seedrs.
Investors have access to startups located across Europe, with investments denoted in both GBP and EUR. Every startup on Seedrs has a tech or novel edge to it, but they are sector agnostic. If you want to invest in equity crowdfunding, you can find anything from a premium drinks company to mobile banking and mental health apps.

Seedrs has been acquired by the US based Republic, but currently still operates under the Seedrs brand, as before.

Pros

  • Highly transparent with clear fee structure and detailed risk warnings.
  • User-friendly and intuitive platform with easy navigation and investment process.
  • Strong track record of successful crowdfunding campaigns and positive reviews from investors.

Cons

  • Limited liquidity as most investments are long-term with no guaranteed returns.
  • Limited international reach with a focus on UK-based startups and small businesses.

 

crowdforangels

Crowd for Angels Ltd.
Year Founded: 2019 Minimum Investment: $150
Primary Location: London, England, UK Fees: 7%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 8% – 12%)
Country Available: Worldwide (except the US) Term of Investment: Varied (typically 1 – 5 years)

Smaller in size than Seedrs and Crowdcube, London-based Crowd for Angels still offers an interesting line-up of equity crowdfunding listings, including the opportunity to participate in bond offerings. Equity listings qualify for UK EIS tax relief, and investors pay no fees to Crowd for Angels. The platform accepts international investors, with the exception of investors in the United States.
On the flipside, companies seeking funds via Crowd for Angels pay a 7% success fee and a fixed completion fee. Startups that raised funds on Crowd for Angels include a Swiss watch brand, a content monetization platform as well as an outdoor web retailer and a Namibian oil explorer. All in all Crowd for Angels offers a very eclectic mix.

Pros

  • The company has a secondary market where investors can sell their investments to other investors.
  • Has a transparent fee structure with no hidden charges.

Cons

  • The company has a relatively small selection of investment opportunities compared to other crowdfunding platforms.
  • Focused on investors in the UK and Europe, limiting its potential investor base.

 

Growthfunders

GrowthFunders
Year Founded: 2012 Minimum Investment: £100
Primary Location: London, England, UK Fees: 5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

Having raised GBP 4,9M in 2020, GrowthFunders offers investors the chance to get started with as little as GBP 100. Registration is free and the platform does not list any fees for investors. Startups, on the other hand, pay 5.5% to cover fundraising fees and payment processing, plus a fixed fee to cover legal costs.
GrowthFunders does not publish any restrictions on the domicile of its investors, while it does appear as if opportunities listed on GrowthFunders are all located in the United Kingdom. Previous successful rounds include a workforce engagement platform and modular housing project – in tune with GrowthFunders’ stated intent to focus on social and environmental investment opportunities.

Pros

  • Specializes in growth equity investments, which can provide longer-term support for businesses to scale and expand.
  • Offers a personalized approach to working with portfolio companies, with a focus on building relationships and providing support beyond just funding.

Cons

  • Limited information available on the platform’s fees and charges.
  • Poor community

 

Leading Equity Crowdfunding in the EU

 

Companisto

Companisto
Year Founded: 2012 Minimum Investment: €5 – €500
Primary Location: Berlin, Germany Fees: 5% for companies; 10% for investors
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 5% – 10%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

Looking to invest in Germany’s cutting-edge startups? Companisto accepts investments from as little as EUR 1,000, and anyone of legal age can invest, no matter where they are in the world – with the exclusion of investors based in the US. Over EUR 70m has been invested in Companisto listings, with more than 100,000 investors participating.

Companies listed on Companisto are not visible to non-members, but successful investment rounds on Companisto have included a unique digital marketing solution, cutting-edge VR technology as well as a novel dental startup specializing in a patented orthodontic system.

Pros

  • Access to early-stage investment opportunities
  • Diversification: Investors can invest in multiple startups on the platform, which can help spread the risk and diversify their portfolio.
  • User-friendly platform

Cons

  • Limited liquidity: Investing in early-stage startups can be risky, and there is no guarantee of a return on investment.
  • Limited customer support

SeedBlink
Year Founded: 2019 Minimum Investment: €100
Primary Location: Bucharest, Romania Fees: 5% – 7%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: EU, UK, and Switzerland Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

SeedBlink is a full-service investment platform that enables everyday and accredited investors to access curated European tech startups via equity crowd-investing and angel syndicates. Seedblink’s focuses on innovative technologies and VC-grade screening process. On the investor side, they partnered with many EU based VCs and angel groups. They are growing rapidly and aim to be the largest in the EU.

They started in December 2019, and they’re now counting a community of 7.000 like-minded investors enrolled on their platform, from 47 countries. Recently, they have surpassed 33M EUR collected in 57 campaigns, with almost 12M EUR raised directly through crowdinvesting in their 20 months of activity.

Pros

  • Wide selection of investment opportunities
  • Positive track record

Cons

  • Limited geographic focus
  • Limited information on the platform

 

Startupxplore
Year Founded: 2014 Minimum Investment: €100
Primary Location: Valencia, Spain Fees: 5% – 10%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 5 years)

Looking to invest in startups in Spain? Startupxplore may be your best bet, the platform claims it has raised over EUR 9.79M for 44 startups from 33,947 investors. It offers an interesting proposition for investors: 0% in initial brokerage fees, but the company charges 10% on any capital gains made through an investment, once sold.
Though startups on Startupxplore are concentrated around Spain, the platform lists opportunities from across Europe. Companies can register on the platform simply for visibility – or to raise capital. Opportunities on Startupxplore include home food delivery, a cosmetics startup and a GPS sensor for seniors.

Pros

  • Provides investors with detailed information about the companies available for investment
  • Has a good reputation among investors and is well-regarded in the crowdfunding community

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Limited user base

 

wiseed

WiSeed
Year Founded: 2008 Minimum Investment: €100
Primary Location: Paris, France Fees: an initial 0.9% investment fee; a further 5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 5% – 10%)
Country Available: Worldwide (non-French speakers
with limitations)
Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 5 years)

In contrast to many other equity crowdfunding platforms, WiSeed offers individual investors the opportunity to also invest in mature companies and SMEs, all based in France – alongside the ability to invest in startups. WiSeed says that the platform concentrates on environmental, healthcare and tech startups.
The investment minimum is EUR 100, with an initial 0.9% investment fee, with a further 5% in charges for equity investments. The platform also charges a 10% fee on any income distributed to investors. Though fees may appear high, Wiseed has raised EUR 261M from 19,000 investors.

Pros

  • User-friendly platform
  • Diverse investment opportunities
  • Focus on sustainability

Cons

  • Limited geographic focus
  • Limited availability
  • Limited transparency

 

funderbeam

Funderbeam
Year Founded: 2013 Minimum Investment: €100
Primary Location: Tallinn, Estonia Fees: 5% – 7%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

Estonia’s digital-first approach to society makes it a natural home for an equity crowdfunding platform. Funderbeam lists a range of European startups with a strong focus on food products and companies that benefit society – think STEM education, and smart street benches. Investors are charged 5% plus a fixed once-off fee.
Investors in turn pay 3% where funding is successful. An interesting aspect of Funderbeam is that it also acts as a secondary market, adding an element of liquidity that is often lacking in equity crowdfunding. Anyone can invest in a Funderbeam listing with the exception of residents of the United States and a couple of other countries.

Pros

  • Offers a secondary market for investors
  • Transparency

Cons

  • High fees
  • Limited availability

 

FundedByMe
Year Founded: 2011 Minimum Investment: €100
Primary Location: Stockholm, Sweden Fees: 2.5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 5% – 10%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 7 years)

With press coverage in publications including Wired, the Guardian and TechCrunch plus over EUR 72M invested into companies, Sweden’s FundedByMe is clearly a serious player in the European equity crowdfunding space. At the time of writing FundedByMe had ten live investment opportunities ranging from food and beverage to furniture, travel and fashion with companies from all over Europe.
The minimum investment amount on FundedByMe is EUR 100. The platform does not appear to charge investors any fees. But companies listed on FundedByMe pay a listing fee and 8% of any amount successfully raised. FundedByMe accepts investments from international investors.

Pros

  • International reach
  • Low minimum investment

Cons

  • High fees
  • Regulatory challenges: FundedByMe has faced regulatory challenges in some countries, which could affect its ability to operate in those regions.

 

sowefund

Sowefund
Year Founded: 2014 Minimum Investment: €100
Primary Location: Paris, France Fees: 2.5% – 6%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 2% – 10%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 7 years)

Whilst the Sowefund website is strictly French language-only, the platform impresses with the numbers quoted – EUR 45M raised, 50 startups financed, and 72,000 members. Sowefund lists an interesting mix of startups with a strong social and environmental undertone, think photovoltaic balloons, and raw materials made from insects.
Sowefund charges investors 4.5% to 6% of funds invested, with an investment minimum of EUR 1,000. It doesn’t publish any restrictions on who can participate in a Sowefund listing, though the French language nature of Sowefund may prove to be an obstacle. Non-accredited investors can invest up to €2,000 per startup and €5,000 per year.

Pros

  • Approved by French regulators
  • The platform allows investors to invest in early-stage startups with as little as €100, increasing accessibility to investment opportunities.

Cons

  • Only available to French investors
  • Charges high fees

 

invesdor

Invesdor
Year Founded: 2012 Minimum Investment: €100 – €1,000
Primary Location: Helsinki, Finland Fees: 1% – 5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 5 years)

With offices in Helsinki and Stockholm, Invesdor appears to make a good effort to cover startup investment opportunities in the Nordics. It has a track record of multi-million euro investment rounds across businesses as diverse as clothing, bicycle repair, and a smart medical needle – mostly located in Northern Europe.
Fees for investors are reasonable at just 1%, only charged when an investment round is successful. Companies, on the other hand, are charged a variable fee likely to be in line with industry standards. Invesdor publishes no restrictions on investor status or location, but some restrictions may apply.

Pros

  • Provides a user-friendly interface
  • Provides a unique opportunity for investors to support startups and other businesses and potentially earn high returns.

Cons

  • Poor customer support
  • Invesdor is based in Finland, which may limit investment opportunities for investors in other regions.

 

leapfunder

Leapfunder
Year Founded: 2012 Minimum Investment: €1000 – €10,000
Primary Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Fees: 4% and a one-time legal fee of €250
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 5% – 10%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 5 years)

With offices in Amsterdam and Berlin, Leapfunder gives private investors the opportunity to invest in some of Europe’s most interesting startups – starting from as little as EUR 1,000. The platform does not state any restrictions around the domicile of investors, while startups listed on Leapfunder appear to be located in The Netherlands and nearby.
Run by CEO Tienko Rasker, Leapfunder has funded 118 rounds since 2014 with many startups receiving multi-million euro investments via the platform. Startups on Leapfunder are tech-first, covering areas such as AI-powered consumer advocacy through to digital VAT refunds.

Pros

  • Provides a way for startups to connect with a wide range of investors, including angels, family offices, and venture capital firms.
  • Has a strong presence in the European startup ecosystem.

Cons

  • Relatively small platform compared to some of its competitors.
  • The issue with the company’s customer support team.

 

greenrocket

Green Rocket
Year Founded: 2019 Minimum Investment: €250
Primary Location: Luxembourg Fees: 5% – 12%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 10% – 20%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 5 years)

Investors looking to participate in the sustainability movement should take a look at Green Rocket. Europe’s first equity crowdfunding platform for startups in energy, the environment and associated health and mobility issues. Successful rounds include companies across the healthcare, environment and energy sectors.
The Green Rocket website is in German language only, but potential investors would be glad to know that the minimum investment is just EUR 250, while the platform does not charge fees to investors. However, you must reside in Germany or Austria to invest with Green Rocket. Companies listing on Green Rocket can expect to pay a maximum of 12% in fees plus an annual service fee of 1.5%.

Pros

  • Low account minimum
  • User-friendly platform

Cons

  • High fees
  • Limited availability

 

symbid

Symbid
Year Founded: 2011 Minimum Investment: €20 – €100
Primary Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands Fees: 1% – 6%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 7% – 12%)
Country Available: EU; may be limited for international investors Term of Investment: Varied (typically 3 – 5 years)

Based in Rotterdam, Symbid gives private, individual investors the opportunity to invest in startups and growing businesses – via either an equity investment or convertible bonds. So far, Symbid has raised EUR 33M from over 55,673 investors across 219 deals. With a low minimum investment of EUR 20 and just 1% in investment fees Symbid may be an attractive proposition.
Symbid does not aim to be a home for any specific type of business – instead, recent completed funding rounds include a smartphone app for music artists, a renewable energy project, and a company producing seaweed food products.

Pros

  • A long track record and experience in the industry
  • The platform has a large network of investors, startups, and partners.

Cons

  • There are limited details available on the platform’s fees and charges
  • Difficult for investors to understand the costs of investing

 

capitalcell

Capital Cell
Year Founded: 2012 Minimum Investment: €100
Primary Location: Barcelona, Spain Fees: 5% – 7%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 7% – 12%)
Country Available: Spain & EU; may be limited for international investors Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 5 years)

Headquartered in Barcelona with an office in Cambridge. Capital Cell is focused purely on crowdfunding companies that operate in the life sciences space. The platform says its unique vetting process puts it in prime position to select the best healthcare and biotech startups. Capital Cell’s niche angle does limit active investment opportunities, with four listed at the time of writing.
The Spanish-language website for Capital Cell contains more details on how the platform works. The minimum investment is just EUR 100, while investors do not pay any fees to invest in a Capital Cell startup. International investors can participate, but not if they are located in a country designated as a tax haven by the Spanish government. Companies listed on Capital Cell pay up to 7.5% of funds raised in fees.

Pros

  • Specializes in biotechnology and life sciences
  • Strict vetting process

Cons

  • Limited range of investment opportunities
  • Limited liquidity

Bolero
Year Founded: 2014 Minimum Investment: €5,000
Primary Location: Brussels, Belgium Fees: 0% – 4.5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 3% – 10%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 7 years)

Backed by Belgium’s KBC Group, Bolero has EUR 22M in investment deals across 72 funding rounds under its belt. The website is only available in French or Dutch. But it clearly explains investment requirements – minimum investment of EUR 5,000 and no fees for investors, though companies listed on Bolero pay 4.5%. Non-accredited investors can invest up to €5,000 per project.
The platform lists a broad range of investment options. From a bicycle factory based in Belgium through to property and finance investments. You’ll also find fintech startups alongside the typical crowdfunded food and beverage businesses on Bolero.

Pros

  • Offers a wide range of investment opportunities, including equity and debt crowdfunding.
  • Provides a simple and user-friendly platform for investors.

Cons

  • The platform only operates in Belgium
  • Charges high fees

 

seedmatch

Seedmatch
Year Founded: 2011 Minimum Investment: €250
Primary Location: Dresden, Germany Fees: 5% – 7%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 6% – 10%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 7 years)

Claiming an average return of 15% p.a., Seedmatch promises investors a unique opportunity to get a stake in German startups. So far, the platform has raised EUR 57m and investors can get on board with as little as EUR 250. Investors are not charged any fees for investing with Seedmatch.
Companies listing on Seedmatch pay 5% to 10% in fees on funds raised, but only if the investment round is successful. Listings cover the startup remit, from mobility through to healthcare and food and beverage. There are no restrictions on who can invest, Seedmatch just requires that you’re over 18, but non-accredited investors can invest up to €1,000 per project.

Pros

  • Low minimum investment
  • Availability for international investors

Cons

  • Limited investing options for non-accredited investors
  • High fees

 

happycapital

Happy Capital
Year Founded: 2016 Minimum Investment: €100
Primary Location: Paris, France Fees: 3% + VAT
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 3% – 10%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 5 – 7 years)

Investors can choose from a range of innovative startups of all shades. Most companies on Happy Capital are clustered around Paris. There is a substantial number of startups to choose from – it is a very active platform.
The investor fee on Happy Capital is 3%+VAT, with investment opportunities starting from just EUR 100. Companies, in turn, pay between 6% and 8% of the total amount raised on the platform. Note that investments must be kept for a minimum of five years, and non-accredited investors can invest up to €2,000 per project.

Pros

  • Offers both equity and lending-based crowdfunding options
  • Offers a unique profit-sharing model for investors

Cons

  • May limit investment opportunities for non-French investors
  • Has limited track record

 

Leading Equity Crowdfunding in Israel

 

exitvalley

ExitValley
Year Founded: 2015 Minimum Investment: $100
Primary Location: Tel Aviv, Israel Fees: 5%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 7% – 15%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 1 – 5 years)

ExitValley has raised over USD 30m across more than 69 campaigns, with an eclectic range of startups under its roof. Investors have funded biotech outfits, an on-demand shopping platform as well as an art gallery. Note however that unlike other equity crowdfunding platforms, minimum investments on ExitValley are relatively high. In the range of several thousand dollars, at least.
Anyone in Israel or the EU can invest, and ExitValley accepts investments from accredited US investors. Investors are charged a 5% sales commission when shares are sold. While companies listing on ExitValley pay an establishment fee of USD 3,500 plus 10% of the funds raised, if successful.

Pros

  • Provides an easy-to-use platform for investing in high-potential startups and businesses.
  • Offers flexible investment options, including equity and debt investments.

Cons

  • Focuses on investors who are based in Israel.
  • Primarily focuses on early-stage startups, which may not be suitable for investors who are looking for more stable and established investment opportunities.

 

togetherweinvest

Together
Year Founded: 2015 Minimum Investment: NIS 1,000 – 5,000 (apprx. $300 – $1,500)
Primary Location: Tel Aviv, Israel Fees: 5% – 8%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 8% – 20%)
Country Available: Israel Term of Investment: Varied (typically 1 – 5 years)

Looking to get in on the action in the Israeli startup scene? Together offers a unique proposition, with a range of startups based in Israel – all open for investment. Healthcare and property investments appear to be the overriding theme, with several active funding rounds at the time of writing.
Together does not specify what the fees for investors are, only stating that companies listing on the platform will pay a commission on funds successfully raised. Minimum investment thresholds are relatively high on some listings – up to USD 20,000 in one instance, and non-accredited investors can invest up to NIS 20,000 per year.

Pros

  • Wide range of investments
  • High expected target return

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Lack of detailed information on the website

Leading Equity Crowdfunding in the UAE

bambucorn

Bambucorn
Year Founded: 2017 Minimum Investment: $50 – $1,000
Primary Location: Dubai, UAE Fees: 3% – 10%
Non-Accredited Investors? Yes Target Return: Varied (typically 8% – 12%)
Country Available: Worldwide Term of Investment: Varied (typically 2 – 7 years)

Bambucorn is a regulated equity crowdfunding marketplace for investments in private securities, enabling early-stage ventures to raise equity financing by issuing tokenized securities through the platform. Bambucorn’s vision is to be a catalyst to encourage effective cross-pollination, allowing investors to access private equity deals in other geographies with legal structures that they are comfortable with and vice versa.

Pros

  • Low minimum investment
  • Availability for non-accredited investors

Cons

  • High fees
  • Has limited track record

Final Verdict:

In contrast to general crowdfunding, equity crowdfunding offers participants a way to obtain equity in a business or venture. Instead of receiving a thank you or a physical product, investors in equity crowdfunding rounds get a share of the action, owning a portion of the company that they invest in.

Invest in an equity crowdfunding campaign and expect benefits like future dividends and capital appreciation. In other words, once a company is sold or goes public, investors get paid for their shares. This means investors stand to gain if the company has grown in valuation.

Leave a Reply

Back to Crowdfunding.Guide home