Terms of Service

Effective date: August 3, 2026  ·  Questions: [email protected]

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the FunderVibe platform, operated by ESI ("Platform", "we", "us", "our"). By creating an account or using any part of the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

1. Platform role

FunderVibe is a crowdfunding platform that connects project creators ("Creators") with backers ("Backers"). FunderVibe is not a party to any agreement between Creators and Backers. We do not guarantee that a project will be completed, that a Creator will deliver on their milestones, or that a Backer will receive any specific outcome from their pledge.

FunderVibe reviews campaigns before they go live and enforces these Terms, but we are not liable for the actions of individual Creators or Backers.

2. Payment processing

All payments are processed by Stripe. By making a pledge, you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service. FunderVibe charges a 5% platform fee on successfully collected pledges. Stripe's standard processing fee (~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) is added to the backer's total at checkout so that the full pledge amount reaches the creator.

Creators must connect a Stripe account to receive payouts. FunderVibe does not hold, store, or transfer funds directly — all money movement occurs through Stripe's infrastructure.

2a. External Payments API fee

FunderVibe offers a Developer API (/api/v1) that allows project owners to create Stripe payment intents and checkout sessions directly from their own websites or applications, using the Stripe Connect account already linked to their FunderVibe project.

The 5% platform fee described in Section 2 applies equally to all payments processed through the Developer API. This fee is deducted automatically via Stripe's application_fee_amount mechanism at the time of each transaction and is non-refundable once collected, regardless of whether the payment originates from the FunderVibe marketplace or from an external integration.

By generating an API key through your FunderVibe account you acknowledge and agree that the 5% platform fee applies to all transactions processed through the API. Owners remain responsible for disclosing any applicable fees to their own customers.

2b. External Payments API — integration liability

The Developer API is provided as a technical integration layer. FunderVibe is not responsible for how a project owner integrates, configures, deploys, or secures the API on their own website or application. The project owner is solely responsible for their own integration, including any defects, downtime, data handling, security vulnerabilities, or misuse arising from code or infrastructure outside of FunderVibe's platform.

FunderVibe disclaims all liability for content, transactions, customer disputes, regulatory obligations, or losses arising from a project owner's use of the Developer API on third-party sites or applications, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any transaction disputes between a project owner's customers and the project owner are the sole responsibility of the project owner. Payment disputes that fall within Stripe's dispute-resolution process are governed by Stripe's own terms; FunderVibe's obligations do not exceed those set out in Section 7.

FunderVibe reserves the right to suspend, revoke, or restrict API access for any account at any time, with or without notice, at its sole discretion. Suspension of API access does not affect any other aspect of a project owner's FunderVibe account unless separately notified.

3. Pledge terms

FunderVibe uses an all-or-nothing funding model. When you pledge, your card is authorized (not charged) for the pledge amount. The authorization hold reserves funds on your card but no money is transferred until the campaign deadline.

If the campaign reaches its funding goal by the deadline, all authorized pledges are captured and the creator is paid out. If the goal is not met, all authorization holds are released and you are never charged. Pledges on successfully funded campaigns are final and non-refundable once charged. FunderVibe does not process backer refunds except where: (a) the project is suspended or removed by FunderVibe prior to the deadline; or (b) FunderVibe determines at its sole discretion that a refund is warranted due to fraud, misrepresentation, or material breach by the Creator. By submitting a pledge you acknowledge and agree to this no-refund policy. Backer perks are the responsibility of the Creator, not FunderVibe.

4. Creator obligations

Creators agree to: (a) provide accurate and honest information about their project; (b) use funds only for the stated project purposes; (c) post a public update within 30 days of receiving a successful payout; (d) deliver backer perks as described or issue refunds if unable to do so.

Creators are solely responsible for the completion of their projects, the fulfilment of backer perks, and compliance with all applicable laws (including tax obligations on funds received).

5. Prohibited content and conduct

You may not use FunderVibe to:

• Raise funds for illegal activities, fraudulent schemes, or prohibited goods and services.
• Impersonate another person, company, or project.
• Post false, misleading, or deceptive campaign content.
• Engage in self-funding, artificial pledge inflation, or coordinated manipulation of platform metrics.
• Violate any applicable law or regulation, including those governing securities, consumer protection, or export controls.
• Upload malware, spam, or content that infringes third-party intellectual property rights.

FunderVibe reserves the right to reject or remove any campaign and suspend any account that violates these Terms, at our sole discretion and without prior notice.

6. Account termination

You may close your account at any time by contacting us. FunderVibe may suspend or terminate your account immediately if you breach these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or if continued access poses a risk to other users or the Platform.

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases. Active campaigns will be closed. Outstanding backer pledges linked to terminated Creator accounts will be refunded where possible.

7. Liability disclaimer

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. To the fullest extent permitted by law, FunderVibe disclaims all warranties, including fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, and non-infringement.

FunderVibe's total liability for any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to FunderVibe in the twelve months prior to the claim. FunderVibe is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages.

8. Dispute resolution

If you have a dispute with FunderVibe, please contact us first at [email protected]. We will make a good-faith effort to resolve any dispute informally within 30 days.

If informal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, conducted individually (not as a class action). Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to protect intellectual property or confidential information.

9. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. You consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Delaware for any dispute not subject to arbitration.

10. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes by email or via an in-platform notice. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.