Startnext offers two types of discounts: limited-time discount codes from marketing campaigns and automatic tiered discounts for higher funding amounts. Both reduce the success fee—not Stripe’s transaction fees. In addition, private and nonprofit fundraising projects are already subject to lower rates. You can find details on the Startnext fees page ↗.
Here's how to get your discount code
Join our community, get involved, and get an exclusive discount code for your project. We don't want great ideas to fall through because of budget constraints. That's why we offer several ways to get a discount code for your project. Depending on your situation, you can save a significant percentage on the success fee.
Stay informed—save automatically
Subscribe to our newsletter or the Starter Letter (which you’ll receive automatically when you create a project)! We regularly share exclusive discount codes with our community there. As a thank-you for joining us, you’ll get access to limited-time offers.
Take Advantage of Current Campaigns
Keep an eye out for our seasonal promotions and special events! Whether it's Launch Day, The Grand Final, or other highlights—we offer attractive discount codes to participants on these occasions.
Contact us directly
Are you already in touch with someone from the Startnext team? Perfect! Whether at an event, during office hours, or in a one-on-one conversation—our team can offer you personalized discount codes tailored to your project’s needs. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive one!
Follow us on social media
We also regularly share promo codes with our community on LinkedIn and Instagram. It's worth following us so you don't miss out on any promotions!
Redeem discount code
- Redeem: Enter the code during the onboarding process on the Pricing page—or later on the Cost Overview or Upgrade page.
- Validity: A code becomes valid when your project starts within the code's validity period. You can also receive a code later and activate it immediately; when upgrading, you can enter a new code.
Here's how the discount code is applied
- Effect: The discount is applied as a percentage of the success commission for the plan and crowdfunding type associated with the code.
- Calculation: The adjustment is made at the end, when the funds are disbursed. The discount is applied to the total funding amount after deducting returns and collection errors. The project interface initially displays the standard commission rate.
Volume discounts for larger funding amounts
For larger funding amounts, the success fee is automatically reduced—on a sliding scale based on the amount financed:
| Amount Financed | Discount on the success fee |
|---|---|
| starting at 25,000 € | 5% |
| starting at 50,000 € | 15% |
| starting at €100,000 | 20% |
| starting at €500,000 | 30% |
| starting at €1,000,000 | 50% |
The tiered discount is a relative discount on the commission (e.g., 5% on a 10% commission = 9.5%). Code discounts and tiered discounts are multiplied together; the order in which they are applied does not matter. Example: With a 10% commission, a 20% discount code reduces the commission to 8%. If the 5% tiered discount also applies, it drops to 7.6%. Stripe’s transaction fees are excluded from both discounts.
You can find all the details about the fees on Startnext's fees page ↗.
Frequently Asked Questions About Discount Codes
Can I add codes together?
No. Only one code can be applied at a time.
Can I replace a code?
Yes, but only by upgrading. It's not possible to delete a code. You can also wait for a code to expire and then enter a new one.
My code runs out before my project starts. Can I transfer the code?
No. Either you get your project up and running quickly so you can use the code, or you keep an eye out for new code.
My code isn't working. What can I do?
Discount codes on Startnext have an expiration date, are assigned to a specific plan, and are tied to a specific type of crowdfunding campaign. If any of these criteria no longer apply and your project hasn't started yet, you may see an error message. You'll need a new code!
On January 20, 2026, we adjusted the logic behind the codes to make them more flexible. If necessary, try adding "S_" before your code. If that doesn't work, ask during Office Hours or check with your project advisor. Maybe we can help.
Am I eligible for a discount code?
No. It's first come, first served. Codes are usually limited in number.
Can I get a refund for my code if I decide not to launch my campaign after all?
Huh? No, that's not an Easter egg. If you use a code, no one else can use your slot anymore—you're reducing the number of available codes. So please only use the code if you really plan to get started. Since the code only reduces the success commission, you’ll only actually save money in the end if you successfully bring a project to payout.