In Startup50 2017: Milaap is India’s largest crowdfunding site for personal and social causes. It has supported over 50,000 personal and social causes and has enabled people to pursue philanthropy. Its community of donors and lenders come from 120 countries across the world and have contributed over Rs. 210 crore supporting 100,000 projects across India. Over the last five years, Milaap has become the preferred platform for people to raise and contribute for the causes they care for in India.

Founders: Mayukh Choudhury & Anoj Vishwanathan

Milaap began in 2010, as a microlending platform for the rural poor. Carefully selected field partners identify beneficiaries who take loans for education, basic amenities and capital for their micro and small businesses. It slowly metamorphosed into a larger platform to allow individuals and charities showcase their initiatives.

Milaap Open was launched in October 2014, and it has helped thousands of champions raise funds for their personal causes, for their friends and family and for causes of national importance. These include crowdfunding for charities, medical expenses, education, volunteering and fellowships, neighbourhood, emergencies, natural disasters, sports, documentaries, arts, and animals rescue projects benefiting individuals or communities in need.

The company is backed by Jungle Ventures, Khosla Impact and Unitus Seed Fund.

Qucik Facts

• Funds Raised Rs.210 crore
• Projects supported : 100,000
• 120 – Donors and lenders come from 120 countries
• Fees – 5% of transaction