PledgeMe
PledgeMe is a Wellington-based, FMA-licensed crowdfunding platform operating since 2012 in New Zealand and Australia, offering reward-based project, equity, and peer-to-peer lending campaigns to founders, SMBs, community groups, and retail investors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersWellington, New Zealand
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What PledgeMe does
PledgeMe NZ Ltd is a Wellington-based, privately held crowdfunding platform that has operated since 2012 as the longest-running such platform in Australia and New Zealand. It runs three campaign formats on a single AWS-hosted (ap-southeast-2) web platform: PledgeMe.Project (reward-based crowdfunding for individuals, SMBs and community groups), PledgeMe.Equity (equity raises for growth-stage NZ and Australian companies), and PledgeMe.Lend (peer-to-peer lending via loan notes). It is licensed by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority as a Financial Service Provider (FSP359926) for both equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending, and is a participant in the Financial Services Complaints Limited (FSCL) dispute resolution scheme. PCI-compliant payments are processed through Flo2Cash, with on-platform investor verification and AML/CTF checks built into the equity/lend workflow to satisfy the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and AML/CFT Act 2009.
The platform earns outcome-based success fees on funded campaigns — 5%+GST on project campaigns and 7.5% (zero-rated for GST) on equity and lend campaigns — plus a $5,000+GST mandatory six-session preparation programme (CrowdfundingU) required for first-time equity/lend issuers, with a $400+GST self-paced CrowdfundingU Lite entry product and a credit-card pass-through fee of 2.5%+25c on pledgers. Its go-to-market is hybrid: self-serve sign-up and campaign creation online, with sales-led onboarding for equity/lend issuers routed through CrowdfundingU and supported by the government-funded Regional Business Partner Network (Management Capability Development Fund).
Cumulative platform metrics reported on the homepage include NZ$81,189,800 pledged, 178,847 pledges, 1,800+ successfully funded campaigns, and an 80% success rate on investment campaigns over the prior year. Notable equity customers include Parrotdog (NZ$3M across two raises), Ethique (NZ$700K), Ocho (NZ$2M from 3,549 shareholders — the largest single pledger count on record), Food Connect Shed (NZ$2.1M), CDA Health (NZ$1.5M) and Invisible Urban Charging (NZ$1.3M). The company is small (1–10 employees, with three disclosed directors — Anna Guenther, Steven York and Terry Shubkin — and a CEO, Claire McGowan), and has raised approximately NZ$1.45M in disclosed funding rounds between 2014 and 2018, with no external capital event since.
PledgeMe firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PledgeMe
- Legal name
- PledgeMe NZ Ltd
- Website
- https://pledgeme.co.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- PledgeMe is a Wellington-based, FMA-licensed crowdfunding platform operating since 2012 in New Zealand and Australia, offering reward-based project, equity, and peer-to-peer lending campaigns to founders, SMBs, community groups, and retail investors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PledgeMe industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Crowdfunding Platform
- NAICS
- Depository Credit Intermediation (5221)
- SIC
- Loan Brokers (6163)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Creator Fundraising & Crowdfunding Platforms (Recurring/Project-Based) (MPACAFAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- P2P Lending Infrastructure & White-Label Platforms (FSAKAHAO)
Keywords
Where PledgeMe is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wellington
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
PledgeMe business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Success fees on project campaigns: 5% success fee (plus GST) of total funds raised, charged to the campaign creator only if the project's funding goal is met by the deadline.
- Success fees on equity and lend campaigns: 7.5% success fee (zero-rated for GST) of total funds raised on successful equity or lending campaigns, charged to the issuer. AML third-party costs (~$4.50/investor) are also on-charged.
- CrowdfundingU preparation programme fees: Mandatory six-session preparation programme for all equity/lend campaigns at $5,000 + GST per campaign; part-fundable via the Management Capability Development Fund / Regional Business Partner Network.
- CrowdfundingU Lite self-paced course: $400 + GST one-time fee for a five-video self-paced preparation course, fully refundable against the full CrowdfundingU programme when the issuer is ready.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Pay-as-you-go | Project creator: 5% + GST success fee on funds raised if goal met |
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Pay-as-you-go | Equity / Lend creator: 7.5% success fee (zero-rated) + ~$4.50/investor AML pass-through |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | CrowdfundingU: $5,000 + GST for a 6-session programme (required for equity/lend) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CrowdfundingU Lite: $400 + GST one-time (self-paced intro course) |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Pledger credit card fee: 2.5% + 25c per transaction attempt |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels9 records
PledgeMe product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PledgeMe is New Zealand's longest-running crowdfunding platform, offering three campaign types — reward-based PledgeMe.Project, equity-based PledgeMe.Equity, and peer-to-peer lending via PledgeMe.Lend — that enable individuals, SMBs, and community organisations to raise capital from a crowd. The platform integrates KYC/AML verification, PCI-compliant payment processing via Flo2Cash, real-time campaign progress, and a secondary share market for equity raises. It is licensed by the NZ Financial Markets Authority (FSP359926) for equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending services, and operates across New Zealand and Australia.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PledgeMe.Project: Project/reward-based crowdfunding campaign type offered on the PledgeMe platform.
- PledgeMe.Equity
- PledgeMe.Lend
- Tā Koha
- CrowdfundingU
Products and services
- PledgeMe.Project Reward-based crowdfunding campaign type on the PledgeMe platform, allowing individuals, small businesses, and community organisations to raise modest amounts (typically under NZ$1M) for creative, product or community projects by offering rewards to backers. Open globally for backers (credit card easiest), 5% + GST success fee charged to the creator only if the project's funding goal is met.
- PledgeMe.Equity Equity crowdfunding campaign type on the PledgeMe platform for NZ/AU growth-stage and established companies raising capital from a crowd of retail and wholesale investors in exchange for shares. Issuers must be incorporated, vetted, and complete the mandatory CrowdfundingU programme; backed by built-in KYC/AML verification and a secondary share market for trading equity stakes. 7.5% success fee (zero-rated for GST) on funds raised plus ~$4.50/investor AML pass-through.
- PledgeMe.Lend Peer-to-peer lending (crowdlending) campaign type on the PledgeMe platform, allowing NZ/AU companies and organisations to raise debt-style capital from a crowd in exchange for loan notes. FMA-licensed under the same FSP359926 framework as PledgeMe.Equity. 7.5% success fee on funds raised if the goal is met.
- Tā Koha A dedicated Māori-led crowdfunding pathway on the PledgeMe platform designed for Māori entrepreneurs to raise capital by involving their whānau, communities and supporters. Aims to build an equitable and inclusive funding landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- CrowdfundingU Mandatory six-session preparation programme for first-time equity or lending crowdfunding campaigners on PledgeMe, priced at $5,000 + GST per campaign. Up to half the fee is fundable via the NZ government's Regional Business Partner Network Management Capability Development Fund. Delivered by Anna Guenther and the PledgeMe team, with 70+ alumni organisations across NZ and Australia.
- CrowdfundingU Lite Self-paced introductory preparation course for founders preparing for an equity crowdfunding campaign on PledgeMe. Includes five videos (~30–45 minutes each) with associated worksheets and templates, plus personalised support. Priced at $400 + GST, fully refundable against the complete CrowdfundingU programme fee.
Quantifiable outcome
- $81,189,800 total pledged through the platform
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use PledgeMe
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
PledgeMe technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature5 records
PledgeMe partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Flo2CashcorePCI-compliant payment gateway used by PledgeMe to process all credit card pledges. All card data is held by Flo2Cash — PledgeMe has no access. Pledgers pay a 2.5% + 25c credit card transaction fee that is passed through to Flo2Cash. Declined payments are retried within 10 days of a project's close.
- Google (Analytics, AdWords, Tag Manager)coreGoogle Analytics Advertising features (Search Console, Demographics and Interest Reports) are enabled to collect general audience information; Google Analytics, Google AdWords conversion tracking and Google Tag Manager are listed as third-party analytics tools. An opt-out browser add-on is offered.
- Facebook (Meta)coreFacebook Connect powers social login and Facebook profile photos on PledgeMe accounts. The site also embeds Facebook "Like" and "Share" widgets, and uses Facebook Ads conversion tracking. Commenting on projects requires a Facebook account.
- Regional Business Partner Network (RBP) / Management Capability Development FundcoreFunded by the New Zealand government, the RBP Network connects small businesses with capability development training. PledgeMe's CrowdfundingU is registered with the Management Capability Development Fund, meaning eligible NZ companies can have up to half the $5,000 + GST CrowdfundingU course paid for through their local Growth Adviser.
- Deloitte (or equivalent)minorPledgeMe's conflict-of-interest policy specifies that if PledgeMe Limited self-funds on its own platform, Deloitte (or equivalent) must be appointed to manage and run the campaign in all respects. No active Deloitte engagement is documented in the data.
- Financial Services Complaints Limited (FSCL)corePledgeMe is a participant in the FSCL independent dispute resolution scheme. FSCL contact details (fscl.org.nz, 0800 347 257, PO Box 5967, Wellington 6145) are published on the website as an alternative complaint channel.
- Jacky LavertycoreCo-author with Anna Guenther of the 2026 Physical Product Report, a field guide for NZ founders raising investment for physical product businesses (40 years of NZ product company stories, full funding pathway map, case studies on Parrotdog, Ethique and DoseBuddy).
- Anna Guenther (Co-founder, PledgeMe)coreAnna Guenther is PledgeMe's co-founder and primary public spokesperson; co-author of the 2026 Physical Product Report. She hosts free one-on-one founder chats ("Book into our founder Anna's calendar") and leads CrowdfundingU delivery.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PledgeMe competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Kickstarter: Global reward-based crowdfunding pioneer. Directly comparable to PledgeMe.Project in mechanics (all-or-nothing reward-based campaigns, success fees) and creator audience (creatives, SMBs, community projects).
- Indiegogo: Global reward-based crowdfunding platform with flexible funding options. Directly comparable to PledgeMe.Project across SMBs, tech hardware, and creative projects.
- GoFundMe: Donation and community crowdfunding leader. Comparable to PledgeMe's community-cause and SMB survival campaigns (e.g., Willi's Kitchen Covid case).
- Seedrs: UK-regulated equity crowdfunding platform. Directly comparable to PledgeMe.Equity on retail-investor equity raises, regulatory licensing, and secondary share trading.
- Crowdcube: UK equity crowdfunding platform with a regulated nominee structure. Comparable to PledgeMe.Equity on retail/wholesale investor participation and growth-stage issuer base.
- Republic: US equity crowdfunding platform operating under Reg CF/A+ and a secondary market. Directly comparable to PledgeMe.Equity on retail investor access and early-stage capital raising.
- StartSomeGood: Australia/NZ-focused impact crowdfunding platform. Direct regional peer of PledgeMe on community and impact-focused project campaigns, with overlap on Australian expansion.
- Equitise: Australian/NZ equity crowdfunding platform. Closest direct regional competitor to PledgeMe.Equity on licensed equity raises across the trans-Tasman market.
Broad incumbents
- LendingClub: US public peer-to-peer lending marketplace. Broader incumbent relevant to PledgeMe.Lend on debt-style crowd-funded loans and platform risk/credit infrastructure, though at vastly larger scale.
Emerging players
- Patreon: Subscription-based creator funding platform. Emerging adjacent player relevant to PledgeMe.Project on recurring creator/community funding, though on a different monetization model (subscription vs one-time).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses2 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PledgeMe social profiles
Digital presencePledgeMe financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PledgeMe leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
PledgeMe funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PledgeMe M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PledgeMe
What does PledgeMe do?
PledgeMe is New Zealand's longest-running crowdfunding platform, offering three campaign types — reward-based PledgeMe.Project, equity-based PledgeMe.Equity, and peer-to-peer lending via PledgeMe.Lend — that enable individuals, SMBs, and community organisations to raise capital from a crowd. The platform integrates KYC/AML verification, PCI-compliant payment processing via Flo2Cash, real-time campaign progress, and a secondary share market for equity raises. It is licensed by the NZ Financial Markets Authority (FSP359926) for equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending services, and operates across New Zealand and Australia.
Is PledgeMe a public or private company?
PledgeMe is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was PledgeMe founded?
PledgeMe was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is PledgeMe based?
PledgeMe is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does PledgeMe make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Success fees on project campaigns are the primary driver. The others are success fees on equity and lend campaigns, crowdfundingU preparation programme fees and crowdfundingU Lite self-paced course.
Who are PledgeMe's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Kickstarter, Indiegogo, GoFundMe, Seedrs, Crowdcube, Republic, StartSomeGood and Equitise. LendingClub is listed as a broad incumbent. Patreon is listed as an emerging player.
Does PledgeMe have an API?
No public API is recorded for PledgeMe.
What industry is PledgeMe in?
PledgeMe's product category is Crowdfunding Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACAFAJ, Creator Fundraising & Crowdfunding Platforms (Recurring/Project-Based), with a secondary code of FSAKAHAO, P2P Lending Infrastructure & White-Label Platforms. Its NAICS code is 5221 and its SIC code is 6163.