10 startup funding platforms for UK businesses secure capital

With 90% of new startups failing (and 82% of them failing due to cash flow problems¹), the best startup funding platforms are designed to help businesses grow and scale. Looking for startup funding can be daunting with a number of options available.

In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of investment platforms for startups, the best startup funding platforms, how to choose the right startup financing option for your business, and tips for securing small business funding.

If you’re looking to scale your startup internationally, Wise Business can give you an efficient and cost-effective way to manage your international transactions with transparent and fair pricing.

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Different types of startup funding platforms

As you begin to explore early-stage investment options, you’ll discover that there is a whole range of different tools available to you. Depending on your business, you may be eligible for some, but not for others. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of small business funding offered in the UK.

Equity crowdfunding platforms

• What is it? Equity crowdfunding platforms are similar to personal crowdfunding and allow you to raise money from a large group of investors in exchange for equity in your company.
• Who’s it right for?

This type of startup funding could be right for you if:

• You have an existing community ready to support you
• You’re happy with lots of people having a small amount of equity in your company
• Your product is easy to understand and appeals to lots of customers

Debt crowdfunding platforms

• What is it? Debt crowdfunding platforms, also called crowdlending platforms, involve borrowing money from institutions or individuals which you then pay back with interest.
• Who’s it right for? These fundraising platforms may be the right option for you if:

• You would rather pay money back instead of giving away shares or equity in your business
• You’re a small business owner who needs cash flow support as you scale up

Grant platforms

• What is it? Some organisations, including the UK government, offer grants (which don’t need to be repaid) to companies which fit their specific criteria and requirements.

• Who’s it right for? This type of funding is great if:

• You’re a business that needs a lot of investment in research and development
• Your business fits the awarding body’s criteria

Angel investor networks

• What is it? Angel investors are wealthy individuals or groups who invest in early-stage companies, often providing mentoring too, similar to the model you might see on the BBC show Dragon’s Den.

• Who’s it right for? This type of early-stage investment may be the right for you if:

• You’re an early-stage startup with scaling potential
• You value expertise and guidance

Business loans

• What is it? A business loan allows you to borrow money from a bank or financial institution which you would then repay. There are now many platforms designed to borrow financing with ease.

• Who’s it right for? These investment platforms for startups are right for you if:

• Need a cash injection in order to invest in your business
• You have the means to repay the loan over the next one to five years

Venture capital

• What is it? This involves professional investment funds investing large amounts of money and expertise in exchange for equity and board involvement.

• Who’s it right for? These investment platforms for startups are right for you if:

• You’re a fast-growing business with a scalable model
• You’re happy to give up some equity and control
• You’re at the point of international expansion

💡 Read more about venture capital

Top startup funding platforms

Now that we've managed to establish potential options for how you might secure additional funding for your business, let's take a look at some specific platforms and examples. For each startup funding platform, we’ll look at its location, type of funding, features, cost, and who it’s best suited for.

1. Speedinvest

Founded in: 2011
Location: Germany
Platform type: venture capital

Features²:

• Focused on specific industries
• Provides capital and hands-on support
• Focus on emerging markets
• Access to Europe’s largest network of experienced founders, industry leaders, and operational experts

Cost: The cost of Speedinvest is not readily available online so may require further research as you prepare your pitch.

Best for: businesses in the deep-tech, fintech, health, climate, marketplaces and SaaS who need significant investment

2. Indiegogo

Founded in: 2008
Location: USA
Platform type: crowdfunding (including equity)

Features³:

• Customisable landing pages
• Flexible funding options
• Dedicated campaign manager
• Ability to offer investors perks
• Access to global community

Cost: Indiegogo charges a 5% fee on the money you raise plus a fee per transaction, determined by the currency you pay in⁴.

Best for: businesses wanting to validate their idea and create a global community around their product

3. Angel Investment Network

Founded in: 2004
Location: UK
Platform type: angel investor network

Features⁵:

• Pitch to over 375,000 investors worldwide
• Guidance to help you design the best pitch
• Investment from experienced business owners
• Access to your investor’s wider network⁶

Cost: pricing plans start from £179 per month⁷.

Best for: businesses wanting large investment from experienced business owners

💡 Explore angel investment pros and cons

4. StartUp Loan Company

Founded in: 2012
Location: UK
Platform type: business loan

Features⁸:

• Borrow up to £25,000
• Fixed interest rate of 6%⁹ ()
• Repayment terms between one and five years
• 12 months of free mentoring
• Backed by the UK government

Cost: the cost will depend on how much you borrow.

Best for: UK businesses who need an injection of cash and would benefit from mentoring

5. Maclear

Founded in: 2019
Location: Switzerland
Platform type: debt crowdfunding platform

Features¹⁰:

• Member of PolyReg Services GmbH SRO and adheres to all applicable Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements
• Company is vetted and ability to pay money back is assessed
• Multiple investors contribute to cover the loan cost
• Flexible repayment options¹¹
• Loans tend to have interest rates ranging from 13.5% to 15.8%¹²

Cost: cost varies depending on how much you borrow

Best for: businesses needing large amounts of money with flexible repayment options

6. VentureFounders

Founded in: 2014
Location: UK
Platform type: venture capital

Features¹³:

• Experienced team who provide guidance
• Patient capital and able to invest long-term
• Support companies they see as potential global leaders

Cost: Information about the cost to the borrower is unavailable online.

Best for: businesses who have the potential to be global leaders in their field

💡 Read more about venture capital pros and cons

7. Lendermarket

Founded in: 2019

Location: Ireland

Platform type: peer-to-peer lending

Features¹⁴:

• Seamless onboarding
• Access to growing investor base
• Streamlined cash flow management via the platform
• Cost-effective fee structure
• Dedicated marketing campaigns
• The average interest rate is 15.6%¹⁵

Cost: varies depends on how much you borrow but you only need to pay for the funds you actually use.

Best for: businesses who have the potential to be global leaders in their field

8. Angels Den

Founded in: 2007
Location: UK
Platform type: angel investors

Features¹⁶:

• Non-dilutative funding options
• Raise between £50,000 and £1 million for companies
• Invest post idea stage
• Transparent fees

Cost: There’s an onboarding fee of £495 followed by a 7.5% success fee on any funds raised¹⁶.

Best for: businesses with high growth potential with high funding needs

9. Crowdcube

Founded in: 2011
Location: UK
Platform type: crowdfunding

Features¹⁷:

• Access to over 1.8 million investors
• Financial Conduct Authority approved process
• Cost-effective
• Expert guidance available
• Available for all startup stages

Cost: Crowdcube has a number of pricing structures in place. If you choose to list your business, you’ll pay a listing fee of between £4995 and £9995¹⁸. If you gain all your desired fees, you’ll pay a success fee of either 8% or 5%¹⁸. There’s also a platform fee of 2.5% of all applicable money raised¹⁸. Finally, you’ll need to pay an annual Nominee fee of either £750 or £1000¹⁸.

Best for: startups at any stage of their funding journey

10. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Founded in: 2018
Location: UK
Platform type: grant body

Features¹⁹:

• Research and development focused
• Money doesn’t need to be paid back
• Invest in all areas of industry
• In-depth terms and conditions which need to be adhered to
• Findings need to be reported back

Cost: The amount you can apply for is unclear. However, as it’s a grant, you won’t have to repay any of the money.

Best for: UK startups in need of funding for research and development

How to choose the right funding platform for your startup

When deciding what sort of funding platform you want to pursue, there's lots to consider. Here are some of our key thoughts and suggestions.

1. Assess your startup's stage and needs

The point you’re at in your business’ lifecycle will determine what’s right for you. If you’re at the ideation stage, a government backed loan or grant may provide you the capital you need, while minimising the risk to you. However, if you’re already turning over a significant amount of money annually and looking to scale up, investment from an angel investor, crowdlending or venture capital may be better suited for you.

2. Understand platform fees and requirements

With any of these options, excluding grants, some level of payment will be required. It’s important to understand exactly what the terms and conditions are, whether interest rates are set or likely to change, and how you’re charged. You may want to avoid transaction-based fees as they can add up quickly.

3. Evaluate platform success rates and reviews

As with any decision, it’s essential to spend time researching the options available in order to see which is the best fit for you. It’s well worth exploring reviews and success stories in order to see what the user experience is like and how likely you are to receive investment.

4. Consider your target investor audience

Different startup funding platforms are suited to different stages. If you already have a ready-made community or have a product likely to create a buzz, a crowdfunding platform could be an excellent option. However, if you’d appreciate ongoing business support, an angel investor or government-backed loan may be better.

Tips for a successful funding campaign

Now we've considered some of the different options available to you in exploring greater funding potential, what are some other key things to bear in mind when putting together your dream funding campaign

1. Develop a strong business plan and pitch deck

This is a fresh opportunity to sell your business and convince investors. By spending time on your business plan, including your financial plan, and pitch deck, you can address any objections and highlight the potential return on investment. The benefits stretch beyond the potential investment and give your business a firm foundation to continue building from.

2. Build a compelling online presence

Most investors will check your online presence as part of their due diligence. By ensuring it’s up to date and professional, you can continue to build an image of a cohesive business which is ready for investment, growth and scalability.

3. Build with potential investors

A successful investment often depends on the relationship between the investor and the entrepreneur. By taking time to establish what you need from an investor, you can focus on partnerships which are most likely to serve you well. In addition, some investment options may give you access to wider networks and business support, all further opportunities to supercharge growth..

4. Understand legal and regulatory compliance

As part of your research, make sure you understand the legal obligations which come with securing the funding. You’ll also want to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable platform which is regulated by an appropriate financial authority.

5. Prepare for challenges such as valuation, due diligence and attracting investor interest

Securing investment can be a rigorous process where your business is put through its paces. You can pre-empt some of these challenges by ensuring your business valuation is realistic, ensuring you carry out your own due diligence into any potential investors, and think about questions or objections potential investors may have. If in doubt, seek further advice and clarity before pursuing an option that you are unsure about.

As a startup, securing funding can be the difference between your business flourishing and failing. There are a number of startup funding platforms you can use in the UK to secure capital. As you weigh up your options, here are some final things to think about:

• The amount of money you require
• How you’ll repay the money
• Whether you need additional business support
• Whether you’re willing to exchange equity in your company for capital

If you’re ever unsure which option is right for you, you may benefit from seeking financial or legal advice from a trusted professional.

Grow your startup with Wise Business:

Wherever you choose to get your funding from, it’s important to have efficient and cost-effective ways to manage your finances. This is particularly important if you’re dealing with international payments or receiving funds in different currencies, for instance, if you’re using a non-UK platform or want to attract global investors. A Wise Business account can help you manage international payments quickly and affordably with:

• No monthly fees
• The ability to make international payments at the mid-market exchange rate
• The ability to manage multiple currencies in one place

Register for Wise Business ✍️

All figures and sources are accurate at the time of writing (15/10/2025)

Sources used:

1. Review 42, What Percentage of Startups Fail? [30+ Stats for 2024]
2. Speedinvest
3. Indiegogo, Start a campaign
4. Indiegogo, Fees & pricing for campaigners: how much does Indiegogo cost?
5. Angel Investment Network, How it works
6. Angel Investment Network, Entrepreneurs FAQ
7. Angel Investment Network, Entrepreneurs FAQ
8. British Business Bank, Startup loans
9. British Business Bank, Startup loans
10. Maclear, Crowdlending
11. Maclear, The ultimate guide to crowdlending
12. Just P2P, Maclear review 2025
13. Venture Founders
14. Lendermarket, For loan originators
15. Lendermarket, Loan statistics
16. Angels Den, Get funding
17. Crowdcube, Raise on Crowdcube
18. Crowdcube, What fees does Crowdcube charge for raising finance on the platform?
19. UK Research and Innovation
20. UK Research and Innovation, Manage your award

Last checked on 15-Oct 2025