Crowdfunding in Spain: My Experience and Keys to Success

To talk about crowdfunding in Spain is to enter a world that has evolved rapidly in recent years. I tell you from experience: I have been there, fighting to get my projects to see the light thanks to crowdfunding! And believe me, it's not an easy road, but with the right strategy, you can achieve amazing goals.

What is crowdfunding?

To begin with, let's go to the basic, but fundamental. Crowdfunding is a form of crowdfunding. It consists of raising funds through small (or not so small) contributions from many people, usually using online platforms. If you have a project but don't have enough capital, crowdfunding is a fantastic tool to seek that financial support. In Spain, this system has gained popularity among entrepreneurs, artists and even NGOs.

Do you know the best thing? Anyone can launch a crowdfunding campaign, and every euro counts. But be careful, not everything is rosy. It's not enough just to launch your idea on the web and hope that the tickets magically arrive. You need a good communication plan, an attractive proposal and, above all, a community that believes in what you do.

Types of crowdfunding in Spain

There are several types of crowdfunding, and although they all seek to raise funds, they do not work the same. Below I tell you a little about the most popular in Spain.

1. Reward crowdfunding

This is the king in Spain, especially on platforms such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo. The idea is simple: backers or donors receive a reward in exchange for their contribution. It can be the product you are developing, an early access or even a special thank you. It's my favorite, as it not only implies that people trust your project, but that you also have the responsibility to give something back.

2. Donation crowdfunding

This type is more common in NGOs or non-profit projects, where people contribute without expecting anything in return. In Spain, platforms such as Migranodearena and Teaming lead this type of campaign. Here, the focus is on social causes or charity projects, and they tend to strike a chord with people.

3. Investment or equity crowdfunding

This model allows backers to become investors in your project. That is, in exchange for their contribution, they acquire a stake in the company. Socios Inversores and Startupxplore are two examples of platforms that offer this option in Spain. It is ideal for technology startups and other projects seeking long-term growth.

4. Crowdlending

Crowdlending is a modality where investors lend you money, expecting to obtain an economic return. In Spain, platforms such as Housers and MyTripleA specialize in this type of crowdfunding. It is very useful if you are looking for funding for a real estate project or for the growth of an SME.My first experience with crowdfunding

I tell you my personal story. A few years ago, I decided to launch a campaign for an augmented reality project. Truth be told, I thought that having a good idea was enough, but I got a reality check! It's not just about the idea, it's about how you sell it.

For a campaign to succeed, you need to build a community that believes in your project before launching it. I made the mistake of not working hard enough on this and my first campaign fell short of the goal. But I learned, and in my second campaign, I prepared myself better: I networked, published constant updates and, above all, asked for help from everyone I knew. And it worked!

Popular platforms in Spain

Not all platforms are the same, and choosing the right one is vital. Here I mention some of the most relevant:

• Kickstarter: One of the most popular for creative projects. It is of American origin, but has a great impact in Spain(.
• Indiegogo: Another very popular option, which allows more flexibility, since you can raise funds even if you do not reach the goal(.
• Goteo: Specifically focused on social, educational and cultural projects. If your idea has a social impact, this is the best option.
• Housers: Perfect for real estate. Investors lend money for projects and in return get profitability(.

Strategies to succeed in your campaign

After several campaigns, some successful and others not so much, I have come to identify certain key strategies to succeed in crowdfunding. If you plan to launch a campaign in Spain, these tips will come in handy:

1. Prepare the ground before launching. Community is the most important thing, so make sure you have followers interested in your project before your campaign is online.
3. Tell an exciting story. It's not enough to just say what you do, you have to connect emotionally. People want to be part of something bigger, and your story should reflect that.
5. Offer attractive rewards. If you're in a reward campaign, make sure the incentives are attractive enough to get backers excited.
7. Promote your campaign constantly. It's not enough to just create the campaign and forget about it. Publish updates, use social networks and generate interest.
9. Be transparent. People don't like to feel cheated. If something is not going well, explain it. If you're on the right track, celebrate with your supporters.

Is crowdfunding for you?

Crowdfunding in Spain is an incredible tool. But it's also true that it's not for every project or every person. If you're wondering if you should give it a try, here's a final thought: if you have passion for what you do and you're willing to work hard to build a community that supports your project, then yes, go for it. If you are looking for quick money without effort, this is not the way.

Conclusion

Crowdfunding in Spain has revolutionized the way projects are funded. From small entrepreneurs to large organizations, everyone has the opportunity to make their dreams come true. The key is to know how to sell your idea, work your community and not give up at the first change. I wish you all the success on your way!

I wish you all the success on your way!