Crowdfunding platforms in United Kingdom
The crowdfunding market in the UK is among the oldest markets in this field. It is therefore a surprise that there are about 100 crowdfunding platforms in the UK and, in addition, many foreign P2P marketplaces are active in the UK. Because the UK government learned about crowdfunding early on, its regulations are among the best worldwide. Indeed, the efforts the British government has made to regulate crowdfunding is a model for other countries.
It can take a lot of time to start finding the perfect crowdfunding platform. Each platform has unique offerings and applies different rates and returns. In this article, you can find out which crowdfunding platforms in the UK are reliable options and what these platforms have to offer. This way, it will be a lot easier to discover your ideal platform and you can get started investing via crowdfunding and building wealth faster.
Reviews
Crowd2Fund
Crowd2Fund is a crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom that offers various investment options to individuals. Founded in 2014, it provides opportunities for equity, debt, peer-to-peer lending, and reward-based investments. The platform primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as the industry it serves. One of the unique aspects of Crowd2Fund is that it allows investors to choose the British entrepreneurs they want to support. This feature sets it apart from other investment platforms in the UK. Since its establishment, Crowd2Fund has paid out over £6 million in interest to investors from more than 617 distinct investment opportunities, showcasing its success and reliability. The platform's website, available in English, provides all the necessary information and resources for potential investors. To get started, a minimum investment of £100 is required, enabling investors with various financial backgrounds to participate. Crowd2Fund advertises a return range of 6-18%, offering investors potentially attractive returns on their investments. Crowd2Fund caters to both retail and accredited investors, ensuring that individuals with different investment requirements and experience levels can participate. Whether one is new to investing or an established investor, Crowd2Fund offers a diverse range of investment opportunities that can suit different preferences and risk appetites. Overall, Crowd2Fund is a pioneering crowdfunding platform in the United Kingdom, bridging the gap between investors and exceptional British entrepreneurs in need of financial support.
Shojin
Shojin is a crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom that specializes in real estate investments. Founded in 2009, the platform offers investors the opportunity to invest in various real estate projects in the UK. Shojin aims to provide access to institutional-grade investment opportunities in the UK real estate sector to investors from around the world. Investors on the Shojin platform can participate in equity and debt investments in real estate projects. The platform supports both individual and professional investors, including retail investors, self-certified sophisticated investors, high net worth individuals, companies, and trusts. With a minimum investment of £5,000, Shojin allows investors to diversify their portfolio and gain exposure to the real estate market. The platform advertises a potential return ranging from 8% to 22.5% per annum, making it an appealing option for investors looking for attractive investment opportunities. Shojin's website is available in English, catering to a wide range of investors. This allows investors from different parts of the world to easily navigate and understand the investment opportunities provided by the platform. In summary, Shojin is a UK-based crowdfunding platform that offers investors the chance to invest in real estate projects. With its focus on the real estate industry, diverse investment types, and a wide range of investors it serves, Shojin provides accessible and attractive investment opportunities in the UK real estate sector.
CapitalStackers
CapitalStackers is a crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom that specializes in P2P lending within the real estate industry. Founded in 2010, the platform is primarily focused on enabling smaller investors to participate in property development alongside banks. On the CapitalStackers platform, investors have the opportunity to invest in property development projects and earn returns through P2P lending. The platform is designed to provide a secure and hassle-free way for individuals and corporations to invest in real estate. The website, available in English, offers detailed information about the investment opportunities available, as well as the ability to create an account and start investing. The minimum investment required to participate is £5,000, making it accessible to a range of investors. While the specific advertised return is not provided, the platform boasts a team of seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience in banking and real estate. This expertise ensures that investors can have confidence in the platform's ability to achieve successful investment outcomes. Both personal and corporate investors are eligible to participate on CapitalStackers, providing an opportunity for various types of investors to diversify their portfolios and potentially benefit from the returns generated by real estate development projects. In summary, CapitalStackers offers a peer-to-peer lending platform for real estate investment, allowing smaller investors to participate alongside traditional banks. With a minimum investment of £5,000 and a team of experienced professionals, the platform provides a secure and accessible opportunity for individuals and corporations to invest in property development projects.
Funderbeam
Funderbeam is a crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom that focuses on equity investment in startups. Founded in 2013, Funderbeam aims to connect a global network of investors with carefully selected growth companies across various international markets. The platform also offers a unique feature called The Marketplace, which allows for the trading of private investments. Funderbeam's website is available in English, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. The minimum investment amount on Funderbeam is set at 250 EUR, providing opportunities for both small and larger investors. While the platform does not advertise a specific return on investment, it offers the potential for investors to benefit from the growth and success of the companies they invest in. Funderbeam welcomes a diverse range of investors, including retail investors, venture capital funds, angels, institutions, and companies. This broad investor base allows for a rich and collaborative investment ecosystem. Overall, Funderbeam provides a platform for individuals and organizations to support and invest in promising startups, while also having the potential to trade their private investments in the future. With its international reach and rigorous vetting process, Funderbeam offers a trusted and comprehensive crowdfunding solution for investors seeking to participate in the startup ecosystem.
Rebuilding Society
Rebuilding Society is a crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom, specifically designed for peer-to-business lending. The platform was founded in 2013 and focuses on facilitating investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With English as the primary language, Rebuilding Society provides a user-friendly website through which lenders and borrowers can connect. Their website, found at https://www.rebuildingsociety.com/, offers investors the opportunity to support businesses in need of financing. One notable feature of Rebuilding Society is its status as an approved ISA Manager. This means that they provide an Innovative Finance ISA, allowing business owners to utilize their ISA allowance to lend to their own businesses. This feature provides a unique opportunity for personal and corporate investors to support their own ventures while enjoying the benefits of tax-efficient investments. The minimum investment required to participate on the Rebuilding Society platform is £1,000 GBP, providing a wide range of investors the opportunity to get involved. Although the platform does not specify the advertised return, investors can expect competitive rates of return through their peer-to-business lending activities. Overall, Rebuilding Society offers a crowdfunding platform tailored to SMEs in the United Kingdom, with a focus on P2P lending. With its unique ISA feature and user-friendly website, the platform aims to facilitate connections between lenders and borrowers, offering opportunities for growth and support in the business community.
Simple Crowdfunding
Simple Crowdfunding is a crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom that specializes in equity and peer-to-peer lending investments in the real estate industry. Founded in 2013, the platform aims to make property investment accessible to a wide range of investors, while also supporting property developers in delivering more homes in the UK. With a focus on real estate, Simple Crowdfunding offers investors the opportunity to learn about various property investment strategies, including renovation, HMO conversions, planning gain, and new home construction. These educational resources provide investors with valuable knowledge and insights into the real estate market. The platform is available to both personal and corporate investors, allowing individuals and businesses to participate in the crowdfunding process. The minimum investment required to participate on Simple Crowdfunding is £100, making it accessible to a diverse range of investors. While the advertised return on investment is not specified, Simple Crowdfunding offers a transparent and user-friendly platform for investors looking to enter the real estate market. The website is available in English, catering to investors in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. Overall, Simple Crowdfunding provides an opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolios through real estate investments, while supporting property developers in delivering more housing options in the UK.
HNW Lending
HNW Lending is a peer-to-peer (P2P) crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom. It specializes in asset-based lending within various industries such as real estate, SMEs, mortgages, and maritime. The platform was founded in 2013 and has been facilitating loans for over eight years. HNW Lending has established itself as a trusted and reliable platform, having arranged more than 450 loans, totaling over £115 million to date. The company's website is available in English, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. Investors on HNW Lending can be individuals, corporates, ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts), or pension funds. The platform allows investors to participate in P2P lending by providing a minimum investment amount of 10,000 EUR. A key feature that sets HNW Lending apart is the Directors' first loss position in all loans. This means that the Directors of HNW Lending Ltd bear the initial risk in case of default, providing an added layer of security for investors. HNW Lending strives to deliver attractive returns to its investors, with an advertised return rate of 0.12. This indicates a potentially profitable investment opportunity for those seeking to diversify their portfolios in the real estate, SME, mortgages, or maritime sectors. With its extensive experience, reputable track record, and diverse investment options, HNW Lending offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to participate in P2P lending within the United Kingdom's thriving crowdfunding market.
Bricksave
Anyone over the age of 18 with a minimum investment of 1,000 EUR can invest in Bricksave. The platform allows individuals to invest in real estate properties globally, providing them with the opportunity to gain higher returns. Bricksave was founded in 2015 and is based in the United Kingdom. The platform offers equity-based investments, allowing investors to become partial owners in institutional-grade properties. Bricksave boasts a user-friendly website available in English, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. The platform aims to make real estate investment hassle-free and low-risk by carefully selecting properties. Investors can expect an advertised return of up to 12% on their investments. Bricksave ensures that individuals have direct access to these high-quality real estate investments that were traditionally only available to institutional investors. This creates an opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolios and potentially generate significant returns. With its global real estate focus, Bricksave allows investors to choose from a variety of properties in different locations, mitigating the risk associated with investing solely in one market. By enabling individuals to invest in institutional-grade properties with relatively small amounts of capital, Bricksave democratizes real estate investing and provides a pathway for individuals to grow their wealth.
Unbolted P2P for Luxury Assets
Unbolted P2P for Luxury Assets is a crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2015, the platform offers P2P lending opportunities in the personal loans industry. With a focus on luxury assets, Unbolted allows individuals to invest in loans backed by high-value possessions held by the platform. The platform primarily operates in English, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. Their website, located at https://unbolted.com/uk/investing/, provides comprehensive information about their services, investment options, and terms. One of the notable features of Unbolted is its low minimum investment requirement of just 1 EUR, allowing investors with different budgets to participate. The platform advertises a return of 0.09, which implies a potential yield on investments. Investing on Unbolted provides an opportunity to earn a favorable return on investment by lending against luxury assets, thus diversifying one's investment portfolio. Unbolted welcomes investors from various backgrounds, providing an inclusive investment environment. Whether individuals are new to crowdfunding or experienced investors, Unbolted offers a platform for individuals looking to lend against luxury assets and potentially earn competitive returns. Overall, Unbolted P2P for Luxury Assets is a UK-based crowdfunding platform that facilitates P2P lending in the personal loans industry. With its focus on luxury assets and inclusive investment options, the platform offers an attractive opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to invest and diversify their portfolios.
REALTY BUNDLES
REALTY BUNDLES is a real estate crowdfunding platform founded in 2016 that operates in multiple countries across Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The platform offers opportunities to invest in real estate through equity investments. The platform provides carefully selected real estate portfolios that are managed by expert real estate agencies. These portfolios are designed to offer a reduced risk of loss, making them attractive options for investors. REALTY BUNDLES allows almost anyone, regardless of their budget size, to invest and generate passive income from real estate. Investing in real estate through REALTY BUNDLES is made easy and user-friendly. They offer a system that is as simple as buying a pair of shoes online. By offering bundles instead of specific properties, they help investors build a diversified property portfolio, reducing their exposure to risk. When investing with REALTY BUNDLES, investors become partial owners of all the properties in the bundle/portfolio, proportional to their investment. As the investment portfolio grows, it becomes possible to add more assets to the bundle. Overall, REALTY BUNDLES provides a convenient and accessible platform for individuals to invest in real estate and generate passive income, with the added benefit of reduced risk through diversified portfolios.
CapitalRise
CapitalRise, a crowdfunding platform based in the United Kingdom, was founded in 2016 to provide investors with the opportunity to invest in prime real estate projects. These investments primarily fund some of the finest real estate properties in London and the Home Counties. One of the key features of CapitalRise is the availability of tax-free returns through their Innovate Finance ISA. This allows investors to benefit from attractive investment opportunities while also enjoying tax advantages. To become an investor on the platform, individuals must have a UK bank account. CapitalRise primarily accepts UK residents as investors, although certain non-UK residents may also be eligible, subject to additional checks and depending on the specific jurisdiction. Companies can also invest on the platform. CapitalRise categorizes its investors into three categories as defined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): self-certified sophisticated investors, high net worth investors, and professional investors. These categorizations ensure that the platform maintains regulatory compliance and provides appropriate investment options based on the investor's risk profile and financial capability. The minimum investment required on CapitalRise is £1,000, offering a relatively accessible entry point for investors. Although the advertised return is not specified, investors can expect potential returns based on the performance of the real estate projects they invest in. Overall, CapitalRise offers a convenient and transparent platform for investors to participate in the lucrative real estate market, catering to both individual and corporate investors in the United Kingdom.
How do you choose a reliable crowdfunding platform in the United Kingdom?
To find your perfect crowdfunding platform in the UK, it is important that you pay attention to a few things. First, decide for yourself what form of crowdfunding suits you best so that you can look for platforms that match it in a targeted way. Next, it is important to look at the characteristics of a crowdfunding platform. Include the points below in your decision-making, so you can be assured of your perfect crowdfunding platform:
- What fees does the crowdfunding platform charge?
- How long has the platform been in existence and is the platform regulated by the government?
- How much return can you expect per year?
- What types of loans can you invest in?
- Are there any additional features, such as Auto-invest and a secondary marketplace?
What are the best crowdfunding platforms in the UK?
With about 100 crowdfunding platforms in the UK alone, it can be difficult for an investor to choose the right ones. Each crowdfunding platform has its own returns, risks, and additional features, making finding the ideal platform a big job. To make your search a little easier, we have highlighted six crowdfunding platforms in the UK below. This will allow you to learn more about these P2P marketplaces and discover why these platforms can be an attractive investment.
Crowd2Fund
If you are an investor looking to contribute to businesses nationwide, Crowd2Fund is a suitable crowdfunding platform in the UK. This British platform targets British businesses and allows investors to earn returns by lending their assets. In total, the platform has already paid out more than £6 million in interest. These returns have been earned through over 600 loans made.
Investors have been able to use the British crowdfunding platform since 2014, with a relatively low entry threshold. Starting from £100, it is possible to start investing in loans through Crowd2Fund. The returns on this platform vary from project to project and the amount depends on different aspects. Returns range from 6% to 18%, which is a relatively high return compared to most traditional investments.
Lendwithcare
UK-based Lendwithcare may be based in the UK, but investors can invest in loans from companies from 11 different low-income countries. This crowdfunding platform brings together the social and financial and allows small businesses in low-income countries to be funded. The unique feature of this platform is that lenders can borrow money for as little as £15.
Lendwithcare was founded by the charity CARE International UK, an organization dedicated to fighting poverty. Lendwithcare's platform is very straightforward, making it easy to study all the applications and get a lot of information. The unique thing about this platform is that it is all about the social aspect and not about increasing your wealth. You can improve the world with your wealth, but not make returns with the loans provided at Lendwithcare.
LendInvest
In the field of real estate finance, LendInvest is a very popular crowdfunding platform in the United Kingdom. Since 2008, LendInvest has been bringing together supply and demand and facilitating many loans. Over £3 billion worth of credit has been extended during this period! The entry threshold of this platform is a lot higher than other platforms, as you can invest from £5,000 on LendInvest.
Property financing through this platform covers a variety of real estate projects. For example, parties can apply for loans for buy-to-let projects or residential real estate, as well as short loans for real estate financing or property development. The duration and yields of these investments vary, so it is wise to have an investment plan in advance and research the loan applications carefully so you can get started on increasing your wealth well-prepared.
Shojin
Another reliable and popular crowdfunding marketplace in the UK is Shojin. This P2P lending company focuses on projects in the UK real estate sector. As regulations regarding buy-to-let have changed, more and more investors are looking for alternative real estate investments. Crowdfunding platforms such as Shojin are responding to this and ensuring that attractive returns can still be achieved from real estate investing.
Shojin is a suitable crowdfunding platform for both companies and individuals. On this P2P marketplace, you can discover different loans that carry different risks and returns. These yields range from 8% to over 25%, and the loans in question have terms ranging from 6 months to 3 years. This makes Shojin a suitable platform to invest in different types of loans and better hedge your risks as a result.
CapitalStackers
These days, it is increasingly difficult for banks to secure real estate financing, which is why they need partners. CapitalStackers enables banks to provide loans and, as a result, investors can help provide credit. This unique partnership ensures that large real estate projects can be financed. The minimum amount to invest through CapitalStackers is £2500, making it higher than most crowdfunding platforms.
Since 2010, CapitalStackers has been bringing together supply and demand to successfully fund real estate projects. For investors, investing through CapitalStackers can be a very lucrative way to build wealth, as returns can be as high as 20%. The minimum return on this platform is 5%. These percentages are all based on annual returns.
Funderbeam
Funderbeam is a crowdfunding platform authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The platform brings companies and investors together and arranges funding. The companies applying for loans through this platform are well vetted growth companies, operating in international markets. Funderbeam has ambitious plans in this area and says here that its mission is to shake up traditional models of financing.
The convenient thing about Funderbeam is called The Marketplace, part of the platform where investors can trade their investments. When you plan to stop investing or need liquidity for new market opportunities, The Marketplace allows you to trade your investments and free up funds to use for your new plans.