API for Projects & Profiles

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June 5, 2026

The Startnext API – FAQ for Newcomers

Who is this article for?

For project creators who want to use their campaign data outside of Startnext—on their own website, in automated workflows, or for data export. You don’t need any coding knowledge to understand what’s possible.

What exactly is the Startnext API?

The Startnext API is an interface that allows you to retrieve your project data programmatically—for example, your current funding status, your thank-you gifts, or your backers. You or a developer can then display this data on your own website, feed it into other tools, or use it for automation.

API stands for Application Programming Interface—think of it as a secure data access point that you control and can close at any time.

Who can use the API?

The API is available starting with the Pro plan. Basic and Legacy projects do not have access.

In addition, according to the Terms of Use, the API may only be used by business owners (whether employed or self-employed)—not by private individuals acting as consumers in the legal sense.

Where can I find the API?

You can find the official API documentation here:

You can generate the API key for your project directly in the project interface → Administration → API Keys.

What can I do with the API?

Embed the funding status on your own website

You can embed a live widget on your website, blog, or campaign page that automatically displays the current funding total, the number of supporters, and the progress made.

Example: A band embeds a funding progress bar on its own website so that fans can see how the campaign is going—without having to visit Startnext directly.

Display your thank-you messages in your own store or on a landing page

You can retrieve your thank-you gifts from Startnext and display them on your own website or online store—with real-time availability and inventory updates.

Example: A publisher lists its crowdfunding editions directly on its book website and provides a link to Startnext for those who wish to support the project.

Host a Live Supporter Stream

During a campaign launch event, livestream, or gala, you can display a real-time feed of new backers. As soon as someone backs your project, their name appears immediately.

Example: During a fundraising event, a venue displays a live ticker on a screen.

Export supporter and order data

Once your campaign is successful, you can download a complete list of your backers, along with their orders and shipping addresses—directly into your shipping software, CRM, or spreadsheet.

Please note: This data retrieval is only possible once the minimum amount (if applicable) has been reached.

Automate workflows (e.g., using Make or Zapier)

You can connect your Startnext account to no-code automation tools. To do this, you'll need the API key and will need to integrate it with an HTTP integration in your automation tool.

Example: Every new supporter is automatically added to a Mailchimp segment—tagged with their chosen thank-you level.

What can't I do with the API?

  • No write access: You can only read data via the API; you cannot write data. This means you cannot create projects, modify orders, or send messages.
  • No data from other projects: The Project API Key only grants access to your own project. You cannot retrieve data from other starters.
  • No access to order data until the minimum amount is reached: If you started in all-or-nothing mode, the order data (including full details such as addresses) will only be available once the minimum amount you set has been reached. If you have a flexible campaign, you have access from the first contribution onward.
  • No web scraping: The API is the only permitted method for retrieving data automatically. Manually or automatically extracting data from the Startnext website (scraping) is prohibited.
  • No disclosure or misuse of data: Personal data (such as names and addresses from orders) may only be used for processing thank-you gifts and accounting purposes—not for advertising, newsletters without consent, or disclosure to third parties.

What are the two types of API keys?

Project API Key (snx_proj_...) For accessing a specific project. Ideal if, for example, you want to embed the funding status of a single project on your website. You can create it under Project Dashboard → Administration → API Keys.

User API Key (snx_user_...) For accessing all your projects at once—useful for automations that need to access your projects across the board. You can create it under Settings → API & Integrations.

What permissions (modules) are available?

When creating an API key, you select which data can be accessed—known as scopes. You only enable what you actually need.

For your project API key (starts with snx_proj_)

For your user API key (starts with snx_user_)

Are there any usage limits?

Yes. The API has query limits that vary depending on the plan:

For typical use cases, such as an embedded widget on your website, these limits are more than sufficient. If you exceed the limit, you'll see an error message and will need to wait a moment.

By using the API, you agree to the Startnext API Terms of Use: startnext.com/info/agb/api.html

Key points at a glance:

Data Protection (GDPR): As soon as you retrieve your supporters’ personal data via the API (such as order details), you become the data controller under data protection law. You must have a GDPR-compliant privacy policy on your website if you process this data there.

Limited Use: Personal data may be used solely for the purpose of fulfilling the contract (sending thank-you notes, accounting) – not for advertising or disclosure.

Trademark Protection: You may not use "Startnext" in the name of your application or domain (e.g., "startnext-shop.de" is not permitted). You are permitted to include a descriptive note stating that your application uses the Startnext API.

No cloning: The API may not be used to build your own crowdfunding platform or to imitate Startnext.

Keep your API key secure: You are responsible for keeping your API key safe. Do not share it with anyone else. If it has been compromised, revoke it immediately in the dashboard.

Do I need to know how to program?

No. For simple use cases—such as embedding a funding widget—copying and pasting code snippets from the Developer Guide is sufficient. A developer can implement this quickly.

For more complex integrations (such as automations using Make or Zapier), you don't need any programming skills—just an API key and a no-code tool.

Where can I get help?

Still need help? Write to us directly.

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