Crowdfunding for your vehicle-sharing business – what are the options & how to get started
July 18, 2022
min. read
Having a great business idea is rarely enough – you also need money to get the ball rolling. But what if you don't have tens of thousands just laying around to bootstrap your business? Or don't want to go the traditional way and attract VC funding in exchange for a large number of company shares?
This is where many founders choose to crowdfund.
Crowdfunding is a way of raising money for your business from a large number of people through online platforms. In 2000, ArtistShare became the first dedicated crowdfunding platform, and since then, crowdfunding has become one of the top funding sources for businesses, with the global market estimated to reach $300 billion by 2030.
If you're looking to fund your vehicle-sharing business, crowdfunding might be one of the options. It can not only help you attract money but also test your business idea in the first place. After all, if enough people are ready to back your idea, it's a clear sign it has a place in the market.
Screenshot from www.funderbeam.com crowdfunding platform.
Types of crowdfunding platforms & their investors
For your vehicle-sharing business, there are three main types of crowdfunding to consider – rewards, debt, and equity. Let's take a closer look at each of them!
Rewards
This is considered the “traditional” type of crowdfunding and is currently the most popular. The idea is simple – people contribute to a business idea, expecting to receive a reward, such as products or services, at a later stage.
Platforms for rewards-based crowdfunding (few examples):
- Kickstarter
- Indiegogo
Who are the backers?
Regular people with little or no experience in investing; early adopters – people who embrace new things before most other people do. Generally, these people invest because they truly believe in the idea and want to help it come to life, as well as because they just want to be the first in the world to receive the product.
Best for:
Businesses at early stages – idea or early development. Rewards crowdfunding is also for established businesses looking to launch a new product or expand to new markets.
Debt
Debt-based crowdfunding – also known as peer-to-peer (P2P) lending – means that the crowd lends money to a company, which it needs to repay with interest by a certain deadline. The idea is similar to borrowing a loan from a bank, except that in this case, there are many lenders instead of one.
Platforms for debt-based crowdfunding (few examples):
- LendingClub
- Honeycomb Credit
Who are the lenders?
Lenders that support companies via debt-based crowdfunding are individual investors looking to earn a higher profit on their cash savings and/or diversify their portfolio. These investors care about two things – whether the company will be able to repay the loan and how much they'll earn in interest payments. Everything else is secondary.
Best for:
Companies with a stable revenue that can more or less accurately predict their cash flow to repay their lenders. Generally, this is for companies at different stages when they've started to make a profit.
Equity
Equity-based crowdfunding allows businesses to give away a portion of their company to a number of investors in exchange for investment. Investors receive shares in the company based on how much money they've contributed.
Typically, equity-based crowdfunding is done in a way that first, the crowdfunding platform takes the company's equity, then sells the shares on their platform.
Platforms for equity-based crowdfunding (few examples):
- Funderbeam
- Seedrs
Who are the investors?
Typically, these are quite seasoned investors with experience in stock and/or startup investments who are now looking for higher-risk, higher-yield investments. These people might be less interested in the idea or cause behind the business and more in its potential future growth and profits.
Best for:
Businesses at all growth stages, except for the exit/acquisitions stage.
How much can you expect to raise with crowdfunding?
How much a successful crowdfunding campaign raises can differ greatly depending on the stage of your business and the type of crowdfunding you've chosen.
For example, according to the equity-based crowdfunding platform Seedrs, businesses with MVPs usually raise between €30k and €50k, whereas early-stage businesses – between €50k and €250k.
In the meantime, on Kickstarter, the rewards-based crowdfunding platform, the majority of successfully funded projects raise less than $10k. Tech products typically raise between €20k and €100k.
How about vehicle-sharing businesses? Here are two successful examples:
- Electric bike-sharing company Mobi raised €794,891 on Spark Crowdfunding.
- Scooter-sharing startup tretty raised €62,635 from 170 backers with their rewards-based crowdfunding campaign via StartNext.
- Bike and scooter sharing company Frog Mobility raised €138,814 – 40% of their set funding goal – via equity crowdfunding platform Spark Crowdfunding.
- Mount, a PaaS for Airbnb hosts to offer shared vehicles to their guests, raised $133,460 via WeFunder.
To start a bike-sharing or scooter-charing business with 40 vehicles, you should aim for at least €40k. This is doable with all types of crowdfunding models if done right.
Now, let's see what “right” means and how to make your crowdfunding campaign a success.
How to succeed with your crowdfunding campaign
A successful crowdfunding campaign can help you get your business off the ground and raise even more funds than you had expected. The harsh reality, however, is this: as many as 85% of crowdfunding campaigns fail and never reach their set goal.
To increase your chances of a successful crowdfunding campaign here's your basic to-do list:
- Choose the right platform
This depends on your funding goal, the stage of your business, the type of your product, and even your target market. For example, AppBackr is an app-specific crowdfunding platform, StartNext is for products for the German market, while Kickstarter is only available to creators in 25 countries.
- Understand your investors
People backing projects on Kickstarter vs Funderbeam can differ greatly. For example, on Kickstarter, people are more interested in the “coolness” of the product, whereas investors funding companies via debt-based or equity-based crowdfunding platforms care more about the company's projected growth and cash flow, and the money this investment is going to make them. Keep this in mind when crafting your pitch!
- Start preparing early
One of the key secrets to launching a successful crowdfunding campaign is investing heavily in pre-campaign lead generation. Start building a community and an email list of supporters as early as you can – these people will give your campaign the necessary first push to succeed. You should aim to collect 30% of your funding goal within the first week – then, the campaign is likely to reach the goal.
- Craft a compelling pitch
Good storytelling is the key to your campaign's success, no matter who your investors are. That said, the stories they want to hear differ. For a reward-based campaign, craft a story around your product that evokes emotions – make people laugh, help them imagine themselves with your product, or be angry about the issue it's going to solve. For an equity-based campaign, you should focus more on highlighting your team's strengths, market knowledge, and long-term vision.
- A range of rewards
Apart from an option to buy your product, it's recommended to include some lower-priced options for people who just want to support you. For example:
- Weekly or monthly subscriptions to your service
- Free credits to use your service
- Ad space on your product
- Partnership packages
- Priority delivery of the product or access to the service
- Product accessories
- Guided city tours
Other things that can help you launch a successful crowdfunding campaign include:
- Professional visuals – this is essential for making a good first impression
- Videos – they help issuers earn 105% more
- Posting regular updates – those boost your chances of raising 126% more
- Data and stats that make you look reliable – previous successful projects, business traction, existing customer reviews, and testimonials
- Social media presence – when you share your project on social media platforms, your probability of success increases. For example, if you share to 100 or 1,000 followers, the probability of success increases by 20% and 40%, respectively.
To conclude
One of the biggest mistakes founders make is assuming that it's enough to have their campaign launched on the chosen crowdfunding platform, and people will come and invest in it.
The reality, however, is this:
A successful campaign requires a lot of work outside the crowdfunding platform – you need to proactively and systematically look for supporters and persuade them to invest. So, to improve your chances of succeeding, start preparing months before the launch of the campaign.
Interested in launching your own mobility platform?
Click below to learn more or request a demo.
Blog
7 proven ways to boost your car sharing ratings
🚗 Want to keep your car sharing ratings high? Customers expect reliability, transparency, and great service - and their reviews reflect it. From AI-powered photo verification to seamless IoT connectivity, here are 7 game-changing solutions to improve your ratings and build trust with your users.
March 25, 2025
min. read
Car sharing can be a tough business. Your fleet is constantly in motion, customers have high expectations, and every review can impact your reputation. The difference between a good business and one that struggles often comes down to customer satisfaction – and that means keeping your ratings high.
So, what are the best ways to improve ratings in car sharing? Here are some smart solutions that can make a real impact.
1. AI-powered photo verification to prevent surprises
No one likes picking up a car and finding it scratched, dented, or dirty. AI-powered photo verification helps prevent these problems before they affect your ratings. The system ensures that users take proper photos before and after their ride. If a car is parked badly or a photo doesn’t show the vehicle correctly, the system flags it. This reduces disputes, increases accountability, and improves overall service quality.
Users also feel more secure knowing that they won’t be held accountable for damage they didn’t cause. This small step significantly improves trust in your service, which in turn helps maintain higher ratings over time.
Want to integrate this? Check out how ATOM Mobility supports smart integrations.
2. Customer support that actually helps
Fast and effective customer support is a game changer. Users expect quick answers, especially when they’re locked out of a car or facing a technical issue. Integrating tools like Zendesk, Intercom, or Mavenoid provides live chat, automated AI-powered answers, FAQs, and even emoji-based responses to make communication smoother. Happy customers leave better ratings – it’s that simple.
A great support system also means fewer negative reviews, as frustrated users are less likely to vent online when they can quickly get the help they need. Plus, automated FAQs help users solve minor issues on their own without waiting for a response.
3. Great IoT connectivity for a better experience
A smooth, uninterrupted experience is one of the biggest factors in user satisfaction. Vehicle connectivity solutions ensure that cars are always accessible when needed. Imagine a user trying to unlock a car, but the IoT lags or the car doesn’t respond. Frustrating, right? Integrating reliable IoT solutions minimizes these issues, making your service more dependable. ATOM Mobility supports a wide range of IoT modules like Teltonika, Geotab, INVERS and several others. This means your fleet remains connected, responsive, and reliable no matter what car models you have in your fleet.
A connected fleet also allows operators to quickly detect vehicle malfunctions, battery levels, and maintenance needs, ensuring cars remain in top condition before issues escalate.
See how seamless connectivity makes car sharing better.
4. Let users rate their ride
Giving customers a voice is essential. By allowing them to rate their ride, you get valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not. Did they like the cleanliness? Was the car easy to access? Was the trip smooth? This data helps you adjust and improve, keeping your service top-notch. Plus, users appreciate being heard, which encourages them to leave better reviews.
Encouraging feedback also lets you identify problem areas before they turn into frequent complaints. A proactive approach keeps customers engaged and boosts loyalty.
5. Clear and simple pricing
Surprise fees are a surefire way to get bad ratings. Users want transparency when it comes to pricing. Make sure your app clearly displays all costs upfront, including any deposits, insurance fees, or extra charges. Simple and honest pricing leads to trust, and trust leads to better reviews.
It also helps to offer clear explanations of what happens in case of late returns, damages, or toll fees. When users know what to expect, they’re less likely to be upset when additional charges apply.
6. Keep your fleet in top shape with preventive maintenance
It might sound obvious, but maintaining your vehicles properly is a huge factor in customer satisfaction. No one wants to deal with a car that smells weird, has a flat tire, or makes strange noises. Regular inspections, automated maintenance tracking, and in-app damage reporting help keep your fleet in top condition. Implementing task automation can further improve fleet maintenance, ensuring vehicles are always in optimal condition with minimal manual intervention. Well-maintained cars, happy customers, higher ratings.
Adding small touches like air fresheners, charging cables, and regular interior cleaning can elevate the user experience. Even if a vehicle is a few years old, good upkeep makes all the difference in perception.
7. All-in-one dashboard for smarter management
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. An advanced dashboard lets you track vehicle performance, monitor customer feedback, and optimize operations in one place. ATOM Mobility’s dashboard solution provides detailed analytics, helping you stay on top of issues before they affect your ratings.
By leveraging data insights, operators can identify peak rental times, adjust pricing models, and plan fleet expansions accordingly. A well-optimized system keeps operations efficient and users satisfied. Additionally, vehicle damage management helps customers easily report damages, allowing operators to address issues faster and improve overall service quality.
Improving your car sharing ratings isn’t rocket science, but it does require the right tools. By integrating AI-powered photo verification, enhancing customer support, ensuring seamless connectivity, and keeping your fleet well-maintained, you can significantly boost user satisfaction. And when customers are happy, your ratings – and your business – will thrive.
Blog
Sign-up made easy: ATOM Mobility adds Apple and Google login options
At ATOM Mobility, we’re always looking for ways to improve the user experience. One of the most requested features from our customers has been alternative login options. And now, we’re happy to announce that Apple and Google sign-in options are finally here!
March 11, 2025
min. read
Why is this important?
Most mobile apps rely on phone number verification for sign-ups and logins. This is also the case for ATOM Mobility, where users verify their phone number using a One-Time Password (OTP). We use trusted partners like Twilio, Dexatel, and others to ensure secure phone verification. Big companies like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive also follow this method because it helps prevent fraud and unauthorized access.
However, we know that not everyone wants to use their phone number every time they log in. Some users prefer quicker options, especially if they’re alreadyuse Apple or Google on their devices. That’s why we’ve now added these alternatives.
The popularity of Apple & Google sign-in
According to global data, a significant number of people prefer logging in with their existing accounts rather than typing in a phone number. Research shows that about 60-80% of users choose social logins if given the option. That’s a huge number! By adding Apple and Google login, we’re making it even easier for users to sign up and start using your app instantly.
Many popular apps and platforms already offer these sign-in options because they reduce the time it takes for users to access services. The fewer steps involved, the more likely users are to complete registration rather than abandoning the process midway. For businesses, this translates to higher conversion rates and more engaged users.
What this means for your business
Adding Apple and Google login options isn’t just about convenience. It has real benefits for operators as well:
- Fewer support tickets – Phone number verification can sometimes fail due to network issues, wrong numbers, or SMS delays. With Apple and Google sign-ins, users can skip these problems entirely.
- Better user experience – The easier it is to sign up, the more likely users are to complete registration and start using the service.
- More successful registrations – Reducing friction at the sign-up stage means more people will complete the process, leading to higher conversion rates.
- Higher user retention – If signing in is fast and easy, users are more likely to return rather than be discouraged by a slow login process.
Security considerations
It’s important to note that phone number verification still plays a big role in fraud prevention. If users sign in without verifying their number, there’s a higher risk of fake accounts. That’s why we’re keeping the OTP method as the default while offering Apple and Google login as an alternative.
Many companies, including ATOM Mobility, prioritize fraud prevention. While Apple and Google sign-in reduce the risk of failed logins, they also require additional monitoring to ensure that the platform remains secure. Implementing fraud detection measures alongside these sign-in options can help maintain a balance between user convenience and platform security.
How it works
The updated login screen will now include Apple and Google sign-in buttons alongside the phone number option. Users can choose their preferred method, making the process faster and more flexible.
If you are an ATOM Mobility customer, enabling this feature in your app settings is simple. Once activated, users will see the Apple and Google login buttons immediately when they open the app. This small but powerful change can lead to more completed registrations and a smoother onboarding experience.
What’s next?
This is just one of the many improvements we’re bringing to ATOM Mobility. We’re constantly working on new features to enhance the user experience and streamline operations. Check out our other top features:
- Integrations – Connect with various third-party services like Zendesk, Intercom, and Mavenoid to improve customer support.
- Connectivity – Our platform supports multiple IoT devices and vehicle models, ensuring seamless operation.
- Dashboard – Manage your fleet and users efficiently with a feature-packed admin panel.
Future possibilities
At ATOM Mobility, we believe in continuous innovation. Now that Apple and Google login options are live, we are exploring other ways to simplify user access and improve security. Some potential future developments include:
- Biometric authentication – Using Face ID or fingerprint scanning for even faster logins.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Adding an extra layer of security for high-value users.
With Apple and Google login now available, signing up for ATOM Mobility-powered apps is easier than ever. Whether users prefer OTP verification or a simple one-tap login, they now have more choices. This update is all about making the experience smoother and increasing the number of successful registrations.
If you’re an ATOM Mobility customer, make sure to enable this feature and give your users the flexibility they want. And if you need any help, feel free to reach out to our team!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve the platform!
Driver App demo credentials - Email: test@atom.com, Password: driver
