How to crowdfund for a startup - GoFundMe (UK) (2024)

If you’re looking to crowdfund for a startup, here’s the place to be for tips and tricks on how to get started. Crowdfunding is an excellent tool to kickstart ideas you want to get off the ground, with people able to contribute what they can so that you can get going in an easy, fast and safe way. Start a GoFundMe today to get your crowdfunding going.

Types of business crowdfunding

There are a few different types of crowdfunding that apply when looking at raising money to start a business. You could go with equity-based crowdfunding, where you offer donors a slice of your business. This can be good for attracting investors, but it means that you are forfeiting portions of your project. Donation based crowdfunding means people donate expecting nothing in return. This might mean it’s harder to attract business minded investors, however. GoFundMe only offers donation based crowdfunding and you can read more about that here.

How to create an effective crowdfunding campaign for your startup

When you’re starting a crowdfunding campaign for anything, it’s incredibly important to have a clear page explaining what you are raising money for, when you need it by and any other details to inform and attract those who might want to make a donation.

Explain what your business is and why you need investment

The story on your crowdfunding page is a great way to announce what you’re up to and why you need an investment. When you’re writing it, try to get in as much detail as possible about what your idea is, what the purpose of it is and any plans on where you want to take it. Include information about any of the hard work you’ve done so far and any pictures or video that you can, too.

Be clear about your goals and budgets

Being clear about your goals and budgets is also useful to attract donors. Set a realistic target on your page and aim for transparency when it comes to where the money is going and how much you’ll need. It’s good to update donors on this as you go along, too.

Include images and videos to engage donors

As mentioned above, pictures and video are excellent tools when it comes to storytelling. Use as many of these as you can in your crowdfunding description and updates to really illustrate what your startup is about and what you’re up to.

Treat your crowdfunder as a marketing opportunity

When you’ve launched a crowdfunder for your startup, use it as an extension of your business. It’s important to be professional at all times on the page so making sure things are well written and polished to a certain extent is a must. And then it’s also important to spread the word far and wide about the page through social media. Share, share and share again on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. There are some tips here on social media and crowdfunding.

Acknowledge and thank your donors

An important step to remember for any sort of crowdfunding is to thank your donors. You can thank your donors on GoFundMe but sending an email or letter that is personalised is a lovely touch and may motivate people to donate again in the future. We’ve got some tips on writing a thank you letter here.

Successful business startup crowdfunders

So, you’ve decided you want to use GoFundMe to crowdfund for your business. Take a look at some previous successes here for a little bit more inspiration.

Fundraising for a vegan sushi bar

Zoe used GoFundMe to fundraise for her vegan sushi bar / street food dream. When the venue she usually traded at shut, she started this GoFundMe to raise money to create her own space. She initially wanted £3k but has so far raised more than £5k.

Help to start a coffee business

Eric and Candice met at a coffee trailer – and then thought they’d start their own. They started fundraising after some unexpected setbacks with equipment so they could buy a heater and a coffee brewer.

A new business and healthy journey

Fernanda started fundraising for her new business and journey after struggling with various health problems and getting a wake up call. After losing important jobs and clients due to ill health, she wanted to take a different route.

How GoFundMe’s donation-based crowdfunding can help your business startup

Using GoFundMe to crowdfund for your startup is a fast, easy and safe way to go about getting donations. Your page is easy to set up and easy to share when you’ve got other things on your mind – like getting a business off the ground! So start your GoFundMe today and get going.