The Startnext API – FAQ for Beginners
Who is this article for?
For project creators who want to use their campaign data outside of Startnext—on their own website, in automations, 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 lets you 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 way to access data 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:
- Overview page: api.startnext.com
- Developer Guide (Step-by-Step Instructions): api.startnext.com/developer-guide.html
- API Reference (all endpoints interactive): api.startnext.com/openapi.html
You can create 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 bar on its own website so that fans can see the progress—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 information.
Example: A publisher lists its crowdfunding editions directly on its book website and provides a link to Startnext for those who want 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 supporters. As soon as someone supports 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
After your campaign is successful, you can download the complete list of your backers, their orders, and shipping addresses—directly into your shipping software, your CRM, or a spreadsheet.
Please note: You can only retrieve this data once the minimum amount (if applicable) has been reached.
Automate workflows (e.g., with Make or Zapier)
You can connect your Startnext data access 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 I NOT 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 not be available until the minimum amount you set has been reached. If you have a flexible campaign, you’ll have access from the very first contribution.
- No Web Scraping: The API is the only permitted way to retrieve 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 multiple projects. 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_)
| Scope | What you're retrieving with this |
|---|---|
project:read | Basic information about your project (title, description, funding status) |
incentives:read | Your Thank-You Gifts (with availability and stock levels) |
orders:read | Complete order details, including shipping addresses (only after 100% financing) |
fundings:read | Public posts as a stream (timestamp + name) |
subscribers:read | Fans and subscribers of your project |
blog:read | Your Project Updates / Blog Posts |
wall:read | Bulletin board posts for your project |
For your user API key (starts with snx_user_)
| Scope | What you're retrieving with this |
|---|---|
identity:read | Verification of your identity and active scopes (always included) |
projects:read | List of all your projects (your own and team projects) |
incentives:read | All active thank-you notes from your projects and team projects |
Are there any usage limits?
Yes. The API has query limits that vary depending on the plan:
| Rate | Per minute | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | 120 inquiries | 10,000 inquiries |
| Premium | 300 inquiries | 50,000 inquiries |
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 receive an error message and will have to wait a moment.
What legal considerations do I need to be aware of?
By using the API, you agree to the Startnext API Terms of Use: startnext.com/info/agb/api.html
An overview of the key points:
Data Protection (GDPR): As soon as you retrieve your supporters’ personal data via the API (for example, order data), you yourself become the data controller under data protection law. You need a GDPR-compliant privacy policy on your website if you process this data there.
Limited Use: Personal data may be used exclusively for contract fulfillment (sending thank-you notes, accounting)—not for advertising or disclosure to third parties.
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 Key Secure: You are responsible for keeping your API key secure. Do not share it with third parties. 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 knowledge—just an API key and a no-code tool.
Where can I get help?
- Official documentation: api.startnext.com
- Interactive API Reference (all endpoints to try out): api.startnext.com/openapi.html
- Startnext Support: Via the contact form on startnext.com