Young, innovative companies in particular are increasingly using crowdfunding to take their first steps onto the international stage. This can be a fantastic opportunity to build a global customer base very early on and gain visibility as a German startup. At the same time, however, it's also a real challenge. Project founders raising money for their product on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and other platforms shouldn't underestimate the effort involved in an international campaign.
After all, international marketing presents a host of challenges for founders. A product-based crowdfunding campaign with the classic pre-sale nature of a product must ultimately comply with many regulations, just as those that apply to traditional international business. Chambers of Commerce and Industry generally offer a good point of contact for all business questions related to international operations.
Don’t be afraid of customs, taxes, etc. – good preparation is everything
For example, anyone who sends goods from Germany to non-EU countries must be aware of the applicable Customs duties An overview of the currently applicable tariffs is provided by European Commission databaseIt's important to factor such costs into the prices of the items sent as thank-you gifts and to present them transparently to the backers. This prevents unpleasant surprises for both parties when shipping the products.
In addition, depending on the product and the destination country, different Import regulations Here, too, the database It's important to clarify within the EU what regulations apply to the respective target country. If these are very difficult to comply with for individual countries or products (as may be the case with food, for example), you should consider whether the effort is worth it and whether you really want to ship your product to these countries. If not, backers should be informed during the campaign that thank-you gifts cannot be sent there to avoid disappointment.
The topic Steer Crowdfunders should tackle these issues in a timely manner. Consulting a tax advisor is strongly recommended, as a crowdfunding campaign can be very complex from a tax perspective, especially if it is internationally oriented. Although the industry association German Crowdfunding Network provides Tax brochure However, this is only a guide and does not replace a tax expert.
Internationalization can be promoted
If you are clever, you can ask your local Chamber of Commerce and Industry which Funding opportunities There are opportunities for companies that want to start a business abroad. If the funding conditions are on your side, a global crowdfunding campaign can even be considered an internationalization strategy and eligible for funding.
For Bavarian startups, for example, “Go International!” program Exciting. Go International is a funding program of the Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Chambers of Skilled Crafts. It is designed to support SMEs in Bavaria in developing and implementing an internationalization strategy to develop new foreign markets. Recently, young companies have also been able to benefit from the program.
Your activities in one or two new target markets can be funded with up to €20,000 each. These can include trade fair participation, online presence, product certifications, employee training, or new brochures for the foreign market. An international crowdfunding campaign may also be partially eligible for this funding; for example, the creation of an English-language product video would be eligible.
The exact conditions for funding can be found on the Go International website or can be requested directly from the Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Commerce. They will also provide further Information on the project process and funding regulations and support companies in applying and completing the forms.
You can also read this article on Linette Heimrich's MUCrowd blog. There you'll regularly find exciting blog articles and interviews on the topic of crowdfunding and crowdsourcing.
If you are planning a crowdfunding campaign, you can also arrange a consultation with Linette Heimrich and get valuable tips and information about crowdfunding.
The Crowdfunding Night It is best to stay in the crowdfunding Facebook group stay up to date!
