Top crowdfunding platforms have revolutionized the way innovators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re launching a cutting-edge tech gadget, a creative art project, or a community initiative, the right platform can make all the difference between success and obscurity. Sorting out your finances is very important for every business!
With so many options available, choosing the best fit for your goals can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the 7 top crowdfunding platforms that offer the tools, reach, and support you need to fund your next big idea. Dive in and discover which platform could help turn your vision into reality!
7 Top Crowfunding Platforms in 2025.
But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the right one for your next big idea? Here are seven standout crowdfunding platforms, each offering unique features and communities to help you turn ambition into reality.
1. Kickstarter
Top crowdfunding platforms are often measured by their impact, and Kickstarter stands out as the definitive leader for creative projects. Since its inception in 2009, Kickstarter has launched over 651,000 projects worldwide, with nearly 42% of them successfully reaching their funding goals—a testament to the platform’s vibrant and engaged community. The total amount pledged on Kickstarter has soared past $8.5 billion, with almost $7.9 billion going to fully funded projects, making it a powerhouse not just in scale but in real-world results.
Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing funding model is a cornerstone of its success. This approach means that creators only receive funds if they meet or surpass their set goal within a fixed timeframe. This system, designed to protect both creators and backers, ensures that projects have the necessary resources to be realized and that supporters only invest in ideas likely to come to fruition.
The platform’s reach is global, allowing backers from around the world to support projects, even though creators must be based in a select number of countries. Its influence extends beyond funding. Some of the most iconic crowdfunding stories—such as the Pebble smartwatch, which raised over $20 million, and the viral card game Exploding Kittens—originated here, demonstrating the platform’s ability to turn niche ideas into global phenomena.
2. Indiegogo
Since its founding in 2008, Indiegogo has cultivated a reputation for welcoming a wide array of projects—from cutting-edge technology and design to social impact initiatives, arts, and charitable causes—giving it one of the most diverse portfolios in the crowdfunding world5.
A defining feature of Indiegogo is its dual funding model. Creators can choose between fixed funding (all-or-nothing, similar to Kickstarter) and flexible funding, which allows them to keep whatever amount they raise, even if they don’t reach their original goal. This flexibility is especially beneficial for projects that can still move forward with partial funding or for creators who want to test the waters and gauge public interest before committing to full-scale production.
However, the flexible funding model can sometimes reduce the sense of urgency for backers, which may impact campaign momentum and overall success rates—estimated to range between 18% and 30% overall, with technology campaigns performing slightly better.
Indiegogo is also known for its openness to projects at various stages of development. Unlike Kickstarter, which requires a working prototype, Indiegogo will accept concept-stage projects, opening the door to early-stage innovators and startups who may only have detailed renderings or plans. This inclusivity, combined with a post-launch review process and fewer restrictions on project types (including some charitable and cause-based campaigns), makes Indiegogo a welcoming platform for unconventional and experimental ideas.
3. GoFundMe
GoFundMe is widely recognized as the top crowdfunding platform for personal and charitable causes, making it the first choice for individuals and organizations seeking support for emergencies, medical expenses, community projects, education, or simply helping others in need. Unlike platforms focused on business or creative ventures, GoFundMe is designed to connect people with compassionate donors who want to make a direct impact.
One of GoFundMe’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. It’s completely free to start and manage a fundraiser, with no platform fees for organizers in most countries—including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and much of Europe. This means that nearly every dollar raised goes directly to the cause, minus only a standard transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation, which covers secure payment processing and the safe transfer of funds.
For charities, the transaction fee is even lower, at 2.2% plus $0.30 per donation. Donors are also given the option to leave a voluntary tip to support GoFundMe’s operations, but this is entirely optional and can be set to zero.
GoFundMe’s platform is built around storytelling and sharing. Fundraisers are encouraged to tell their story with photos, videos, and regular updates, making it easy to connect with donors on a personal level.
Another advantage is GoFundMe’s flexibility. There are no deadlines or minimum fundraising goals, and organizers can withdraw funds at any time, regardless of how much has been raised.
4. Patreon
Unlike traditional crowdfunding sites that focus on one-off campaigns, Patreon operates on a membership model: supporters, known as patrons, subscribe to a creator’s page by pledging a monthly fee in exchange for exclusive content, early access, behind-the-scenes updates, and other perks tailored to each membership tier.
This ongoing support structure is transformative for creative professionals. Instead of relying on unpredictable ad revenue or sporadic sponsorships, creators on Patreon can count on a steady, predictable income that allows them to focus on their craft and experiment with new ideas.
Patreon’s community is both vast and engaged, with over 6 million active patrons supporting more than 213,000 creators each month. The platform’s flexibility allows creators to set up multiple membership tiers, each offering different benefits—ranging from exclusive videos, music, or artwork, to live Q&A sessions, merchandise, or direct interaction with the creator. This tiered approach not only incentivizes higher levels of support but also fosters a close-knit community around each creator’s work.
For fans, being a Patreon member means more than just supporting a favorite creator—it’s about gaining access to a private, interactive community and enjoying exclusive experiences that aren’t available anywhere else. This sense of belonging and direct connection is a major draw for both patrons and creators, making Patreon one of the top crowdfunding platforms for those seeking creative independence and genuine engagement.
5. Fundable
Unlike many general-purpose crowdfunding sites, Fundable’s entire model is built around business growth and entrepreneurship, making it a go-to choice for founders ready to scale their ventures or bring innovative products to market.
One of Fundable’s standout features is its dual approach to crowdfunding: entrepreneurs can choose between reward-based and equity crowdfunding campaigns. With reward-based fundraising, companies offer backers perks or early access to products in exchange for their support, following an “all-or-nothing” model—meaning funds are only collected if the campaign meets its target.
Fundable’s reach is impressive: the platform supports campaigns across a diverse range of industries, including technology, health and beauty, food and beverage, fitness, and more, and can handle campaigns seeking up to $10 million in funding.
However, there are some important considerations. Fundable operates on a subscription-based pricing model, charging companies a monthly fee (typically $179 per month) rather than taking a percentage of funds raised. While this can be cost-effective for larger campaigns, it may be less attractive for businesses seeking smaller amounts of capital.
Additionally, only accredited investors can participate in equity campaigns, and the platform does not perform in-depth due diligence on companies, placing the responsibility for vetting and valuation on investors themselves.
6. Crowdcube
Crowdcube has firmly established itself as one of the top crowdfunding platforms for startups and growth-stage businesses seeking equity funding, particularly across the UK and Europe. Based in the UK but now open to entrepreneurs throughout the European Economic Area, Crowdcube specializes in equity crowdfunding—enabling startups to raise capital by offering shares to a large pool of individual and institutional investors.
What sets Crowdcube apart is its mission to democratize investment. By allowing investments from as little as £10, Crowdcube makes it possible for everyday people, not just venture capitalists or angel investors, to own a stake in exciting new companies.
Crowdcube is known for its rigorous vetting process and strong investor protections. Before a company is listed, it undergoes comprehensive due diligence, including scrutiny of business models, financials, legal documentation, and management teams. The platform also ensures full transparency by requiring detailed disclosures, such as financial statements and risk factors, so investors can make informed decisions.
The platform charges a success fee—typically around 7% of funds raised—only if the campaign meets its target, with no upfront costs, making it accessible for startups at various stages.
7. StartEngine
Founded in 2014 and based in California, StartEngine operates under SEC regulations, allowing companies to raise capital through Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), Regulation A+, and Regulation D offerings. This regulatory compliance ensures that startups can legally and transparently raise funds from the general public, democratizing access to early-stage investment opportunities that were once reserved for venture capitalists and institutional investors.
What sets StartEngine apart is its inclusivity: anyone over 18 can invest, with minimum investments starting as low as $100, making startup investing accessible to everyday people. Non-accredited investors are subject to annual investment limits based on their income or net worth, while accredited investors face no such restrictions.
The platform charges a commission that typically ranges between 5.5% and 13% of funds raised, depending on the offering type and campaign specifics. While this is a significant cost, it covers the extensive support and regulatory compliance required for successful capital raises.
How to Choose the Best Crowdfunding Platform for You
Selecting the best crowdfunding platform is a crucial step that can determine the success of your fundraising campaign. With a wide range of options available—each catering to different goals, audiences, and project types—it’s important to approach your decision strategically.
- Start by clearly outlining what you want to achieve. Are you launching a new product, funding a creative project, supporting a personal cause, or raising capital for a business or nonprofit? Your campaign’s purpose will significantly influence which platform is best suited for you.
- Explore the major platforms and their specialties.
- Each platform has its own fee model, including platform fees, payment processing fees, and sometimes monthly charges. For example, Kickstarter charges a 5% platform fee plus transaction fees, while GoFundMe only charges payment processing fees. Carefully compare these costs to ensure you maximize the funds you raise.
- Choose a platform whose user base aligns with your target backers. Some platforms cater to specific regions (like Crowdcube in Europe), while others have global reach (like Indiegogo and Kickstarter). Also, consider whether the platform’s community is engaged with projects similar to yours.
- Look for features such as campaign analytics, marketing tools, fulfillment support, and customer service. Platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter offer robust tools for campaign management, while GoFundMe is known for its ease of use and customer support. A user-friendly interface can make your campaign easier to launch and manage.
- Read case studies and reviews of similar campaigns to gauge the platform’s effectiveness. Also, review each site’s terms, eligibility requirements, and policies to ensure your project complies with their guidelines.
- Some platforms, like Indiegogo with its “InDemand” feature, allow you to continue raising funds after your campaign ends. This can be valuable if you anticipate ongoing needs or want to build a long-term relationship with your supporters.
| Your Goal/Project Type | Best Platform(s) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Creative/Product Launch | Kickstarter, Indiegogo | All-or-nothing, reward-based, global reach |
| Personal/Charitable Cause | GoFundMe | No deadlines, donor protection, easy setup |
| Ongoing Creative Work | Patreon | Monthly memberships, exclusive content |
| Startup/Small Business | Fundable, Indiegogo | Equity/reward options, business tools |
| Equity Investment | Crowdcube, StartEngine | Equity crowdfunding, investor networks |
| Nonprofit/Social Enterprise | GoFundMe | Nonprofit tools, flexible fundraising |
The best crowdfunding platform for you depends on your project’s purpose, target audience, funding model, and the tools and support you need. Take the time to define your goals, research your options, compare fees and features, and review platform success stories. This thoughtful approach will help you choose the platform that maximizes your chances of crowdfunding success.