MakerSupport went offline in 2018. They provided a crowdfunding platform.
Here are some alternatives:
- Patreon
- Venmo
- Viewly
- Flattr
- Gurucan
- Liberapay
- Cloud Patron
- buymeacoffee
- kickstarter
If you have a good idea and are a content creator there are ways to get funds.
Pros and cons
- Reduced financial risk: As the funds are collected from numerous contributors, the risk associated with a single investor is mitigated.
- Market validation: The success of a crowdfunding campaign may serve as an indicator of potential market interest, providing valuable insights for future product or service development.
- Cost-effective: Utilizing online platforms for crowdfunding typically requires lower upfront costs compared to traditional fundraising methods, such as seeking venture capital or bank loans.
- Increased exposure: A successful crowdfunding campaign can generate publicity and create a community of supporters, ultimately assisting in building brand awareness.
- Non-dilutive funding: In many cases, crowdfunding enables entrepreneurs to raise capital without giving up equity in their businesses, thereby retaining full ownership and control.
However, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks of crowdfunding, including:
- Limited funds: Crowdfunding campaigns may fail to meet their funding goals, resulting in insufficient capital to execute the proposed project or business plan.
- Tax implications: The funds raised through crowdfunding might be subject to income tax, depending on the campaign’s structure and the jurisdiction’s tax laws.
- Fees and regulations: Most crowdfunding platforms charge fees, and there may be regulatory requirements associated with raising funds through crowdfunding.