You decide whether to cancel—either directly in the project interface or using the buttons in the email. If you confirm before the funds are disbursed, Startnext will automatically handle the cancellation and refund. If you confirm after the funds have been disbursed, you will need to arrange the refund directly with the backer.
Why are you receiving cancellation requests?
As of June 19, 2026, supporters of "Thank You" rewards will have a cancellation button directly in their support details (Section 312g of the German Civil Code (BGB), EU Directive 2023/2673). The legal requirements for withdrawal in distance selling transactions have not changed—only the way in which supporters submit their withdrawal.
Here's how to do it
- 1Open the request using the link in the email or via the project interface (banner with pending revocation requests → list of supporters).
- 2Check whether the withdrawal is justified based on the content. For guidance, see our FAQ article “Can my supporters withdraw their support?”
- 3Click "Accept Cancellation" or "Reject Cancellation."
What your decision means
- Confirmation before payout: Startnext automatically cancels the contribution and initiates a refund to the contributor. The contribution will appear as a cancellation in your funding statistics.
- Confirmation after payment: The donation will remain in your statistics. You will handle the repayment directly with the donor.
- Rejection: The sponsor will be notified of the rejection via email. Please be aware of the legal risks associated with an unjustified rejection.
Important
- If you don't respond, you'll receive reminder emails after 5 and 10 days. After 14 days, the request is considered overdue, and the person seeking support will be asked to contact you directly.
- Startnext is not a contracting party and cannot make the decision for you.
- In cases where the legal situation is unclear, we recommend seeking legal advice from a trusted source—Startnext does not serve as a substitute for this.