Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a method of raising capital for projects or ventures by soliciting small contributions from a large number of people, typically via online platforms. It enables individuals, startups, and organizations to fund initiatives without relying on traditional sources like banks or venture capitalists. This approach often involves offering rewards, equity, or other incentives to backers in exchange for their support.
Developers should learn about crowdfunding when building platforms for fundraising, social impact projects, or startup ventures, as it provides a direct way to validate ideas and engage communities. It's particularly useful for tech startups seeking seed funding, open-source projects needing community support, or creative endeavors like game development and hardware prototyping. Understanding crowdfunding helps in integrating payment systems, managing backer relationships, and complying with financial regulations.