Platforms for sustainable crowdfunding
Are you looking for platforms where you can invest in sustainable crowdfunding projects? Europe has many popular platforms that offer opportunities through business loans, or equity investments in startups that have a focus on a better future. We listed some of the best ones for you in our overview.
Please note: investing on a crowdfunding platform involves risks, you can (partially) lose your investment.
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More and more investors are becoming aware of their environmental impact and choose not to invest in companies that do not focus on the future. When you put your savings in a fund or bank account, it invests it elsewhere to earn a higher return. With crowdfunding platforms, you can choose to invest your money directly in sustainable projects.
Sustainable crowdfunding platforms in Europe
There are many platforms to choose from. Below is a selection of the most popular crowdfunding sites that offer sustainable projects in Europe.
Invesdor is an European crowdfunding platform with a focus on sustainable projects, and fundraising for startups. Offers both bonds, loans and equity projects. Startups that have a sustainable or social mission get a special Oneplanetcrowd-label with their fundraising.
Lendahand is a crowdfunding platform on which you can invest in entrepreneurs in developing countries. You can earn up to 7% in annual interest. Start investing with just €50.
Through EthicHub, investors can invest in agricultural projects and receive returns on their investments. These projects are carefully selected and verified, and investors have the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of sustainable agricultural communities through smartcontracts.
Ener2Crowd is an equity and crowdfunding platform for sustainable projects, mainly in the energy sector. Founded in Italy in 2019 and with offices in Spain, the platform has financed over 24 million euros across 120 projects as of January 2024.
Is sustainable investing financially attractive?
Excluding certain companies or investments may limit your options, but sustainable investments do not necessarily yield lower returns. In fact, companies that plan for the future of their products or environment often prove to be a smart choice. By avoiding businesses that neglect environmental, social, or ethical responsibilities, you reduce certain risks.
Sustainable investments can even be more financially attractive. Sustainability is no longer just a marketing strategy or environmental concern—it is increasingly linked to innovation. New businesses understand that customers do not only evaluate their product or service but also the entire process, from sustainable production to recycling.
The same applies to investors. People invest in sustainable crowdfunding projects not only for tax benefits or social reasons but also to assess whether a company manages its entire process responsibly. Only by focusing on long-term innovation and stability can businesses continue to attract customers and stakeholders. This makes sustainable companies more likely to provide strong returns over time.
Types of crowdfunding projects: Equity vs. bonds
You can choose a platform based on the type of crowdfunding campaigns that are offered, as there are major differences between projects. Many projects focus on loans (bonds) for well-established businesses with a strong track record. These typically offer a fixed interest rate over a set period. While repayment is required, there is always a risk that a company may not be able to meet its obligations.
Crowdfunding is also well suited for startups developing new sustainable innovations. These companies often seek equity investments. While the potential returns are usually higher than with bonds and loans, the risk is also much greater. Guarantees are limited, and these projects are often quite risky. The chances of losing your investment are significant.
How to choose the best crowdfunding platform
If you want to invest in sustainable projects, there are multiple platforms to choose from. The list of platforms above is not in alphabetical order, which means we have a certain preference, though it may not match yours.
We focus strongly on the reliability of a platform, and take into account the achieved milestones. A platform with a longer track record, more completed projects, and a larger investor base ranks higher in our overview. However, this does not necessarily mean that the projects themselves are safer or better.
Additionally, we view sustainability in a broad sense. A platform with a strong social impact also earns points in our evaluation. If you prefer to support innovation and focus on startups, your preference may differ. There are also significant regional and sector-specific differences to consider when choosing the right platform.
