Funding the Future of the Planet Through Crowdfunding

Digital communication technologies have significantly altered product creation and consumption paradigms, transforming end-users into co-designers and even entrepreneurs. In this context, crowdfunding, which emerged as a subset of crowdsourcing, enables individuals and organizations to fund projects through small contributions from many people, typically via online platforms. This chapter describes the fundamental aspects that govern crowdfunding and subsequently the various types of crowdfunding (i.e., Donation-based, Reward-based, Loan-based, and Equity crowdfunding). For each type of crowdfunding, examples of circular economy projects funded through these methods are highlighted, thus showcasing the potential of crowdfunding to drive sustainable development. The chapter concludes its analysis of crowdfunding by presenting one of the most recent evolutions in the sector: the advent of platforms exclusively specialized in supporting projects dedicated to social initiatives and environmental sustainability.