Simple, Transparent Pricing
No upfront costs for founders. A transparent 1% investor platform fee. We only succeed when you succeed.
For Investors
Investor Platform Fee
A 1% fee is charged on top of your investment at the time you invest. The full investment amount goes directly to the startup — the fee is separate platform revenue that funds compliance, due diligence, and investor services.
Example
The full $1,000 is invested in the startup. The $10 fee is charged separately and does not reduce your equity stake or contribution to the campaign raise.
What the fee covers
What you never pay
For Founders
No upfront costs. Pay only when you successfully close your campaign.
For founders who want faster launch, priority support, and campaign coaching.
For companies raising $1M+ who need white-glove service and reduced platform fees.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Who Pays | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee (Founder) | 3.5% of funds raised | Founder | Upon successful campaign close |
| Payment Processing | 0.5% + $0.30 per transaction | Founder | Deducted from raised amount |
| Investor Platform Fee | 1% of investment amount | Investor | Added on top at time of investment |
| Account Opening / Annual | $0 | Investor | Never |
| Withdrawal / Transfer | $0 | Investor | Never |
| Failed Campaign Refund | $0 (full refund) | Investor | Automatic within 5 business days |
Pricing FAQs
Is there a fee for investors?
Yes — investors pay a 1% platform fee, charged at the time of investment. The fee is added on top of the amount you choose to invest: if you invest $500, you are charged $505 total ($500 goes to the startup, $5 is the platform fee). You will see the exact fee breakdown before you confirm any investment.
Is the investor fee deducted from my investment or added on top?
It is added on top. Your full intended investment amount goes to the startup — your equity stake and contribution to the campaign raise are based on the investment amount, not the total charged. The 1% fee is a separate charge that does not reduce what you put into the company.
Is the investor fee refunded if a campaign fails?
Yes. If a campaign does not reach its minimum funding target by the deadline, your investment is returned in full and the investor platform fee is also refunded. You will not be charged anything for an unsuccessful campaign.
When exactly do founders pay the platform fee?
The 3.5% platform fee is deducted from the funds raised before they are transferred to your company. You never owe us money upfront — we only get paid when you successfully raise capital.
What happens if my campaign doesn't reach its goal?
If your campaign closes without reaching its minimum funding target, all investor funds are returned in full automatically. You owe Seedling nothing, and investors are not charged.
Are there payment processing fees on top of the 3.5%?
Yes — we use a third-party payment processor (Stripe) that charges 0.5% + $0.30 per transaction. These fees are also deducted from the raised amount, not charged to investors.
Can I negotiate the platform fee for a large raise?
Yes. Contact our Enterprise team for campaigns raising over $1 million. We offer reduced rates for Enterprise plan clients.