When it comes to raising money for your film through equity crowdfunding, your choice of platform can make or break your campaign. Some platforms are built for startups. Others are designed for filmmakers and creative ventures. Each one comes with different rules, fees, features, and investor networks.
This guide compares the major equity crowdfunding platforms—Wefunder, Republic, Seed&Spark Equity, StartEngine, and MicroVentures—to help you choose the best fit based on your project’s size, structure, and audience.
Wefunder
| Best For | Creators launching a long-term studio or production company |
| Minimum Raise | $50,000 |
| Max Raise | $5 million (Reg CF limit) |
| Fees | 7.5% of total raise |
| Investor Minimum | $100 |
Platform Strengths
- Large investor pool—over 1 million users
- Good for companies with tech or growth potential
- Solid education for first-time campaigners
- Accepts LLCs and C-Corps
Limitations
- Less tailored to single film projects
- Strong competition from non-film startups
- High level of campaign polish required
Ideal if: You’re building a long-term brand or studio, not just funding one film.
Republic
| Best For | Filmmakers with a tech crossover, IP play, or big personal brand |
| Minimum Raise | $50,000 |
| Max Raise | $5 million |
| Fees | 6% of raise + 2% equity (in-kind) |
| Investor Minimum | $50–$150 |
Platform Strengths
- High-net-worth investor base
- Strong community of serial backers
- Advanced data dashboards for creators
- High trust and media visibility
Limitations
- Selective—your campaign must be approved through vetting
- Less support for one-off film projects
- High expectations for traction, team, and vision
Ideal if: You have a clear growth roadmap and want more than just capital—you want brand-building and potential future investors.
Seed&Spark Equity
| Best For | Filmmakers raising for a film, slate, or mission-driven production company |
| Minimum Raise | Varies by project |
| Max Raise | $5 million |
| Fees | Varies; typically more flexible than larger platforms Investor Minimum: Usually around $100 |
Platform Strengths
- Deeply filmmaker-focused (same team as Seed&Spark’s rewards crowdfunding)
- Great storytelling tools and campaign guidance
- Emphasizes community engagement alongside investment
- Accepts single-project LLCs
Limitations
- Smaller investor base compared to Wefunder or Republic
- Less visibility in traditional investor circles
- Still building momentum in the equity space
Ideal if: You want to speak directly to your fans and build a “creative investor” community without needing to explain the basics of indie film.
StartEngine
| Best For | Film-adjacent startups, streaming platforms, or studio brands |
| Minimum Raise | $10,000 |
| Max Raise | $5 million |
| Fees | 7% of raise + $10K in fixed costs (legal, compliance, etc.) |
| Investor Minimum | Typically $100 |
Platform Strengths
- Wide investor reach—large existing audience
- Allows Reg A+ for up to $75 million (if scaling later)
- Strong compliance support and legal tools
Limitations
- Not ideal for creative-only projects
- More rigid process than Seed&Spark
- Campaigns feel more like tech IPOs than creative showcases
Ideal if: You’re building a production company with tech features or offering a slate with large-scale plans.
MicroVentures
| Best For | Small slates, doc funds, or narrative features with niche appeal |
| Minimum Raise | $50,000 |
| Max Raise | $5 million |
| Fees | 5%–7% depending on deal type |
| Investor Minimum | Varies |
Platform Strengths
- More curated than high-volume sites
- Combines traditional and equity crowdfunding models
- Attracts more experienced investors
Limitations
- Less brand recognition than others
- Smaller user base
- May require personal network to drive early momentum
Ideal if: You have a niche project and want a tighter, higher-touch investor relationship.
Platform Matchmaker
| Platform | Best For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Wefunder | Startup-style studios, slate projects, growth-minded brands | One-off films without audience traction |
| Republic | IP-heavy or creator-brand-driven projects | Films without a clear financial roadmap |
| Seed&Spark | Filmmakers talking to fans who want to invest | Creators looking for huge investor pools or tech backers |
| StartEngine | Companies with crossover tech/streaming ambitions | Creators without corporate-scale strategy |
| MicroVentures | Niche filmmakers, curated campaigns, doc funds | Broad-reach consumer pitches or splashy genre launches |
Don’t Choose Based on Fees—Choose Based on Fit
Every platform charges fees. Every platform offers legal guidance. What matters most is audience alignment and support structure. Are you trying to raise from strangers or superfans? Are you building a one-time campaign or a multi-project pipeline?
If you’re a filmmaker aiming to raise $100K–$500K and want to retain creative control, Seed&Spark or Wefunder are usually your best bets. If you’re thinking big—like launching a creator-owned IP studio or AVOD platform—Republic or StartEngine can help you scale that vision.
Just remember: your platform should support your storytelling, your financial plan, and your community-building goals—in that order.
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