List of Crowdfunding Platforms in India

India has a growing crowdfunding ecosystem with platforms serving different needs: donation-based platforms for medical and social causes, reward-based platforms for creative projects and startups, and equity/debt platforms for registered businesses. This article lists the main platforms operating in India across these categories, explains how they differ, and what to check before starting a campaign.

Types of Crowdfunding in India

India has four main types of crowdfunding, and each type has its own set of platforms:

Donation-based – people give money without expecting anything in return, usually for medical, social, or emergency causes.
Reward-based – backers receive a product, service, or perk in exchange for funds, often used by creators and small businesses.
Equity-based – investors receive shares in a company, regulated by SEBI in India.
Debt/peer-to-peer (P2P) – individuals lend money to businesses or individuals, also regulated by RBI.

Major Donation-Based Platforms

These platforms are the most common for personal and social causes. They charge a platform fee (usually 5–10%) plus payment gateway charges (2–3%).

Ketto – one of the largest, known for medical crowdfunding. You create a campaign, share it on social media, and funds go directly to the beneficiary or a verified hospital.
Milaap – similar to Ketto, popular for medical, education, and social causes. They verify campaigns and have a large donor base.
ImpactGuru – focuses on medical fundraising, with a team that helps with campaign promotion and hospital verification.
GiveIndia – primarily a donation portal for NGOs, but also hosts personal fundraisers for verified causes.
FuelADream – supports both donation and reward-based campaigns, including social causes and creative projects.

Reward-Based and Creative Platforms

These platforms are for projects that offer perks or pre-orders. They are useful for artists, inventors, and small businesses testing demand.

Wishberry – one of the first Indian reward-based platforms, focused on creative projects like films, music, and art. They take a commission on successful campaigns.
FuelADream – also works for reward-based campaigns, allowing you to offer tiered rewards.
Kickstarter – not India-specific but open to Indian creators with a bank account in a supported country. It uses an all-or-nothing model.
Indiegogo – similar to Kickstarter, with flexible funding options, also available to Indian creators.

Equity and Debt Platforms (For Startups and Businesses)

These platforms are regulated by SEBI (equity) or RBI (P2P lending). They are not for personal causes; they are for registered companies raising capital.

Tyke – SEBI-registered equity crowdfunding platform that allows startups to raise funds from retail investors.
Termsheet – another SEBI-registered platform for equity and debt crowdfunding, focusing on startups and SMEs.
Lendbox – an RBI-registered P2P lending platform where individuals lend to borrowers for higher returns.
Faircent – one of the oldest P2P lending platforms in India, also RBI-registered.
Ketto and Milaap – also offer “loan� options for medical emergencies, but these are interest-free loans from donors, not regulated P2P lending.

How to Choose the Right Platform

With so many options, the right platform depends on your goal, audience, and urgency.

Type of cause – medical emergencies: Ketto, Milaap, ImpactGuru. Creative projects: Wishberry, Kickstarter. Business funding: Tyke, Termsheet.
Fees – compare platform fees (5–10%) and payment gateway charges (2–3%). Some platforms charge extra for “expert� promotion.
Verification process – donation platforms require documents (medical reports, hospital estimates). Start early.
Withdrawal rules – some platforms allow flexible withdrawals (you keep what you raise), others are all-or-nothing (you must reach 100% to get funds).
Reach and support – bigger platforms have built-in donor traffic, but you still need to share your campaign actively.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Many first-time fundraisers make the same errors:

Thinking the platform will do the promotion – platforms provide tools, but you must share your campaign on WhatsApp, Instagram, and other networks.
Ignoring payment gateway fees – a 2% gateway fee on ₹5 lakh is ₹10,000, which adds up.
Setting an unrealistic target – donors are more likely to fund a ₹1 lakh campaign than a ₹50 lakh one unless you have a strong network.
Not updating donors – regular updates build trust and encourage repeat donations.

Safety and Legality

Donation-based crowdfunding is legal in India, but it is not heavily regulated. Be cautious:

Only use reputed platforms with clear fee structures and a track record.
Never share personal bank details directly with donors; use the platform’s payment system.
For equity crowdfunding, ensure the platform is SEBI-registered (you can check SEBI’s website).
For P2P lending, ensure the platform is RBI-registered.
Beware of platform “experts� who promise guaranteed success for a fee – no one can guarantee crowdfunding results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crowdfunding legal in India?

Yes, donation-based and reward-based crowdfunding are legal. Equity crowdfunding is legal but regulated by SEBI, and P2P lending is regulated by RBI. Always use registered platforms for equity or lending.

How much does it cost to start a crowdfunding campaign in India?

Most platforms charge no upfront fee. They deduct a platform fee (usually 5–10%) and payment gateway charges (2–3%) from the funds raised. Some platforms offer paid “promotion� packages, but these are optional.

Can I withdraw money if I don’t reach my target?

It depends on the platform. Ketto and Milaap allow you to keep whatever you raise (flexible funding), while Kickstarter uses all-or-nothing. Check the platform’s terms before starting.

How long does it take to get funds after a campaign ends?

Typically 7–15 business days after the campaign ends, depending on the platform and verification. Some platforms offer faster withdrawal for medical emergencies if you submit hospital documents.

Can a foreigner donate to an Indian crowdfunding campaign?

Yes, many platforms accept international donations. However, foreign donations to NGOs may require FCRA registration – personal fundraisers for medical causes are generally exempt, but check with the platform.

What documents do I need to start a medical crowdfunding campaign?

You typically need the patient’s ID, medical reports, hospital estimate, and a bank account in the patient’s name or a family member’s name. Platforms have specific verification teams that guide you.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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