Crowdcube
UK-based equity crowdfunding platform founded in 2011 by Darren Westlake and Luke Lang. Over €1.5 billion facilitated for 1,300+ businesses, with a community of 1.7 million members. Notable raises include BrewDog, Monzo and Revolut.
General Information
Crowdcube is a UK-based equity crowdfunding platform established in 2011 by co-founders Darren Westlake and Luke Lang. Headquartered in Exeter with an additional office in London, the company has grown to become a significant force in the alternative finance sector. In February 2013, Crowdcube became the world's first equity crowdfunding platform to receive authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The platform is active and, as of 2025, operates across the UK, EU, and USA. By 2025, it had facilitated over €1.5 billion in funding for more than 1,300 businesses, supported by a community of over 1.7 million members. Notable brands that have successfully raised capital on the platform include BrewDog, Monzo, and Revolut.
How does it work?
Crowdcube's business model connects startups and growth-stage companies with a large pool of investors seeking to acquire equity. The platform operates on an 'all or nothing' basis, meaning a business must reach its predetermined funding target to receive any capital. Companies seeking investment create a detailed pitch on the platform. If the campaign is successful, Crowdcube deducts a commission fee before transferring the funds to the company. For UK-based companies, this is often supplemented by raises in Europe, with a combined cap of up to €13 million.
What do they offer?
Crowdcube's primary offering is equity in private companies, allowing investors to become legal shareholders in UK-based businesses. Many of these investments are eligible for significant tax relief through the UK's Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) or Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), which can offer up to 30–50% in tax rebates. The platform also occasionally facilitates debt-based investments through mini-bonds, such as a historical 6.5% bond for BrewDog.
As of November 2018, investors are charged a fee of 1.5% on their total investment, which is capped at £250. Returns are generated through company exits, such as an acquisition or IPO, which can take 5–10 years to materialise. While many startups fail, successful exits can produce high multiples for early investors, as seen with Monzo, whose early backers saw a 25-fold increase in value over three years.
Crowdcube has also introduced a secondary sales product, the Direct Community Offer, which allows early investors in some later-stage businesses to achieve an exit.
Who is it for?
Crowdcube is designed for investors who have a high-risk tolerance and are seeking to allocate a portion of their portfolio to high-growth, unlisted companies. The low minimum investment of £10 makes it accessible to a broad range of individuals, from retail to sophisticated investors. However, the nature of the investments means they are high-risk, illiquid, and long-term. There is a significant risk of total capital loss, as most startups fail, and there are no guarantees of dividends or successful exits.
Due to this risk profile, investments are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if the underlying company fails. The platform is suitable for individuals who do not need short-term access to their capital and who understand the importance of diversification. In line with regulatory guidance, the platform advises that non-professional investors should not commit more than 10% of their net assets to high-risk investments like equity crowdfunding.
Other Information
Crowdcube is distinguished by its pioneering role as the world's first regulated equity crowdfunding platform. Its success is underscored by the high-profile companies it has helped fund, including Monzo, Revolut, and BrewDog, which have become household names. The platform's scale is substantial, having cultivated a community of over 1.7 million members and facilitated over €1.5 billion in funding for more than 1,300 businesses by 2025.
A key operational feature is its ability to support dual fundraising campaigns in the UK and Europe, allowing companies to raise a combined total of up to €13 million. Investments are illiquid and high-risk, a fact Crowdcube highlights to its users in line with regulatory requirements.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice and should not be considered as such. In particular, it does not constitute personal advice — please consult a qualified financial adviser to address your particular personal requirements. Other Finance is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), its authors are not financial advisers and it is therefore not authorised to offer financial advice. This article is not intended as an offer, invitation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any investment, nor is its issuance intended to give rise to any other legal relations whatsoever and must not be relied upon for the purposes of any investment decision. The information contained in this article is subject to updating, revision and amendment.
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