Crowdfunding remains a genuine way to test market demand before committing fully to an idea, and a real alternative to traditional funding routes for South African entrepreneurs. The specific platforms worth knowing have shifted meaningfully over the years though, some prominent names from earlier in the decade no longer operate, which makes it worth confirming current status before building a funding plan around any single platform.
Need more information on crowdfunding and how it can benefit your business? Read Crowdfunding in South Africa.
Platforms to know about
1. The People’s Fund (royalty-based)
The People’s Fund is a black-owned crowdfunding platform connecting individuals, stokvels and corporates with entrepreneurs, funders buy an asset for a business and receive a royalty from that asset over an agreed period. The platform has continued to grow, recently entering a multi-year partnership with SEFA aimed at funding thousands of SMEs.
Every entrepreneur with a live campaign has pitched competitively and been vetted for business viability and a realistic funding ask. Funding amounts have historically ranged from the low hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of rand.
2. Thundafund (rewards-based)
One of the country’s longest-running crowdfunding platforms, Thundafund operates on a rewards-based, all-or-nothing model: project creators presell rewards, retail items, recognition or experiences, to backers in exchange for financial contributions.
Thundafund targets creative and innovative projects across categories including art, design, food and beverage, film, music and technology. Campaigns typically need a clear pitch, a South African bank account, unique backer rewards, an active social media presence and a defined campaign plan. Funding asks have historically ranged from R5,000 into the millions, depending on the project and its backer profile.
3. South African Angel Investment Network (membership model)
This paid membership platform connects entrepreneurs with angel investors, family offices and venture funds, both locally and internationally. Entrepreneurs pitch their business and set their own capital requirements and minimum investment amounts, with the platform’s matching system connecting pitches to investors based on amount, region and sector.
Membership tiers carry a monthly or quarterly fee, confirm current pricing directly on the platform, and investors transfer funds directly with no additional commission charged by the network.
4. Jumpstarter (rewards-based)
A South African non-profit crowdfunding platform, Jumpstarter funds creative projects for individuals, businesses and charities on an all-or-nothing basis, a project must be fully funded before its deadline or no money changes hands.
Categories span art, design, fashion, film, food and technology. Campaigns require a clear funding goal, deadline, defined reward tiers and a project description, video and FAQ. Jumpstarter charges a facilitation fee on successfully funded campaigns, typically lower for registered non-profits and schools than for-profit projects.
Platforms that no longer operate
Two platforms previously featured prominently in South African crowdfunding coverage are no longer viable options, worth flagging explicitly since older articles and search results may still reference them as active.
Uprise.Africa, once the country’s first equity crowdfunding platform, is no longer operating, its website currently returns a server error.
Livestock Wealth, the “crowdfarming” platform connecting investors to livestock and agricultural assets, was placed into final liquidation by the Gauteng High Court in June 2026, following a defaulted loan and a failed business rescue attempt, after a Financial Sector Conduct Authority investigation into its licensing that had run for roughly two years. If you have an existing investment through Livestock Wealth, the liquidation process is the relevant channel for any claim, not the platform itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is Livestock Wealth still a viable crowdfunding platform?
No. It was placed into final liquidation in June 2026 after a failed business rescue attempt. Do not build a funding plan around this platform.
What happened to Uprise.Africa?
It has ceased operating, its website now returns a server error, treat any reference to it as outdated.
Which crowdfunding model suits a creative project rather than a business raising capital?
Rewards-based platforms like Thundafund and Jumpstarter suit creative projects specifically, backers receive a tangible reward rather than equity or a royalty.
Do I need to give up equity to raise money through crowdfunding?
Not necessarily. The People’s Fund uses a royalty model and Thundafund and Jumpstarter use rewards-based models, none of which require giving up equity, unlike a traditional equity crowdfunding platform.
How much can I realistically raise through South African crowdfunding platforms?
It varies considerably by platform and project, from a few thousand rand on Jumpstarter or Thundafund to tens of millions through The People’s Fund or the Angel Investment Network, matched to your specific funding need and campaign strength.
Choosing the right platform
Match your project type and funding model preference against the platforms above, and confirm current terms and status directly before committing time to a campaign, crowdfunding platforms in South Africa have shown they can shut down or face regulatory trouble with little warning.
Originally published in February 2018. Updated September 2026 to remove Uprise.Africa and Livestock Wealth, both no longer operating, Livestock Wealth was placed into final liquidation in June 2026. Platform status changes, so confirm current standing directly before committing funds or campaign effort.
