Startnext — a creative crowdfunding platform for cultural projects and European initiatives
Sometimes a project doesn’t need one large grant; it’s more important that it has community support, trust, and the opportunity to develop gradually. This resource works on precisely this logic. The platform brings authors and audiences together around cultural, social and research initiatives, creating a space where funding becomes part of a dialogue rather than merely a transaction.
A European focus and a strong community.
The platform is considered one of Germany’s leading crowdfunding systems and is actively used throughout Europe. It is aimed at artists, designers, musicians, research groups and independent projects with a cultural and social focus. Unlike global general-purpose platforms, it has won a loyal European audience that is sensitive to the context of art, culture and social processes.
Flexible funding formats.
The resource supports various fundraising scenarios. Authors can launch classic crowdfunding campaigns, collect donations or work with a rewards system. This approach allows the format to be adapted to the specifics of the project — an exhibition, publication, research, festival or long-term initiative — without strict requirements for minimum amounts and campaign structure.
A curatorial approach and audience trust
. All projects are moderated, which increases the level of trust on the platform. The audience actively supports initiatives related to art, culture, social change and ecology. This creates an environment where ideas with long-term value are valued higher than mass-market goods or commercial products.
Technical requirements and partnership
model. Registration is available to authors from the European Union and the European Economic Area. To receive funds, you must have European bank details or a Stripe account registered in the EU. For authors from outside Europe, it is common and legal to work through a partner — an organisation, institution or individual based in the EU who officially acts as the project host. This model is often used in cultural and research initiatives and allows campaigns to be launched in a European context without violating the platform’s rules.
Campaign tools
and support The platform provides basic promotion tools, analytics and social media integration, helping to create campaigns, test communications and find the first supporters. This is particularly important for projects focused on engaging with the audience, rather than solely on fundraising.
Which projects is the platform particularly suitable for?
The resource is well suited to authors collaborating with European partners, as well as to exhibition, publishing, research and socio-cultural initiatives. It is particularly useful for projects implemented in Germany or aimed at a German-speaking and European audience, where trust, transparency and reputation are important.
