A Comparative Analysis of Online Crowdfunding Platforms in USA, Europe and Asia

The aim of this study is to provide a global and regional analysis of online crowdfunding platforms and projects by looking at Kickstarter.com in the United States of America (Northern America), Crowdfunder.co.uk in United Kingdom (Europe), and Crowdonomic.com in Singapore (Asia). Findings suggest that regardless of a degree of system standardisation, smaller online crowdfunding platforms can impose themselves as obligatory passage points locally and regionally by providing more differentiated services compared to standard best-practices like Kickstarter, taking into consideration the specific needs and characteristics of the communities and regions where they are based. An important indicator suggested by this study to evaluate online crowdfunding platforms and networks is the funding ratio (average sum of pledges per fundraising goal). Subject to future research, fundraisers, funders and other stakeholders are encouraged to consider carefully not only the fees and features of each crowdfunding platform, but also the degree of fitness in terms of system interface, projects and associated crowds using them.