Hello all, I never post on reddit so just bare with me for a moment. I'm a fresh college graduate with a major in Computer Science and Video Game development. I run a Minecraft factions server. The server is fully built and ready for public launch this is not an early-stage idea or a Kickstarter concept. I have already invested close to $15,000 in development over the past 3 years.
Here is where we are right now: a discord community of 2500+ active members waiting to play, active marketing campaigns, and we generated $600 in the first hour of our private launch.
I am looking to raise $3,500–$5,000 specifically for paid ads, influencer outreach, and server directory placements. The product does not need anymore development.
The structure I am offering is a short-term loan, not equity. Something like $5,000 in, $6,000 back in a lump sum within 3–6 months. No ownership stake, no ongoing involvement. I'm positive that I can result the results, I'm just not sure about where to start when looking for something like this.
My simple case is how do people actually find individual backers for something like this? No VCs, no institutional money - just Joe Regular propping up a small project for fixed yield. I have checked AngelList and contacted some gaming-adjacent angel investors, but I want to know if there are better places/communities that I am unaware of.
Specifically looking for:
- Communities or forums where individual backers hang out
- Types of people who do this kind of deal regularly
- Any platforms built for small short-term loan-style funding outside of traditional crowdfunding
I truly Appreciate any direction weather it be personal connections or pointing me in the right direction. Happy to answer questions about the project if it helps give context.