Introduction
We're currently facing uncertain times, where cross-border fundraising is getting more challenging, and many regions worldwide don't have access to crowdfunding options.
To address this issue, we've decided to bring blockchain technology to Airfunding, making the fundraising process accessible to anyone seeking support and those willing to contribute.
Blockchain technology helps democratize crowdfunding by removing physical and financial barriers, enhancing safety, and increasing transparency in transactions.
But you might wonder, what is blockchain?
Blockchain is like a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. It uses cryptographic techniques to secure and link blocks of data, creating a chain. This ensures transparency, immutability, and trust in the stored information, making it resistant to manipulation or fraud. Blockchain is the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and has various applications beyond finance.
Recognizing the benefits of using blockchain and cryptocurrency in crowdfunding, we've decided to include cryptocurrency as one of the available donation payment options in Airfunding. Additionally, starting April 2024, all fund transfers on the platform will be conducted through cryptocurrency transfers to improve the process and reduce waiting times.
We understand that not everyone is familiar with cryptocurrency, so we've created this guide to make the funds-receiving process easier and more understandable for you.
1. What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a form of currency that exists digitally or virtually and uses cryptography to secure transactions. Cryptocurrencies don't have central issuing or regulating authority, instead, it uses a decentralized system to record transactions and issue new units. It’s a digital payment system that doesn't rely on banks to verify transactions, but it enables anyone anywhere to send and receive payments. Instead of being physical money carried around and exchanged in the real world, it is stored in digital wallets and exists as digital entries.
There are many different cryptocurrencies, but you might have heard of the most popular ones like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH).
Unlike government-backed money like USD, the value of virtual currencies is driven by supply and demand, so its value is volatile, which means that it can increase or decrease very easily.
It’s possible to cash out your cryptocurrency by easily selling it for cash, as if you were about to exchange USD for EUR. Currently, there are many platforms online you can use to do so. Once you have sold your cryptocurrency for cash in one of the existing platforms, you will be able to withdraw the funds to your bank account and use them normally.
To receive your funds in your local currency, you will need to follow these steps that we will explain in detail in this guide:
・Create a wallet to receive and store your cryptocurrency
・Exchange your cryptocurrency for cash
・Withdraw your cash
All three steps can be easily done in a platform named Kraken. Airfunding has partnered with them, so feel free to start creating your account as soon as possible by accessing from the following link:
https://kraken.pxf.io/c/3425273/741638/10583
Of course, if you already have a trusted platform you use, and you want to use that one to receive your funds, you can avoid that step as it’s not mandatory.
There are many other trustworthy options, like Binance, Bybit, KuKoin, GateIO, Luno, etc. So, make sure you have a look at them as well to find the most suitable option for your individual preference!
In case you have any doubts or want to receive advice on this matter, feel free to contact our Support Team at support.airfunding@kiheitai.co.jp
2. What cryptocurrency options are available in Airfunding?
We have two different cryptocurrency options in Airfunding, and each one will have a different use on the platform.
A) USDT
USDT, or Tether, is a type of cryptocurrency known as a stablecoin. Its value is pegged to the US dollar, providing stability, and it is often used as a digital equivalent of the dollar in the cryptocurrency world. Each USDT token is supposed to be backed by an equivalent amount of US dollars held in reserve to maintain its value.
Supporters of Airfunding now have the option to make their donations using USDT on the Polygon network.
All funds collected in this cryptocurrency will also be transferred to the Project Owner in USDT. For more details, please refer to the next section!
B) Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a digital form of money that operates on a decentralized network, allowing people to send and receive payments without the need for a central authority, like a bank. It's based on a technology called blockchain, ensuring secure and transparent transactions. Bitcoin is also a type of cryptocurrency, and its value can fluctuate in the market.
Bitcoin on Airfunding is exclusively utilized for transferring funds to Project Owners. All funds collected through credit cards will be converted and transferred to the Project Owner in Bitcoin. Further details can be found in the next section!
3. In which cryptocurrency will you receive your collected funds, and what is the process for receiving them?
We offer two cryptocurrency options on Airfunding for fund transfers, depending on how your supporters make donations to your project. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you register two different wallets in your Airfunding account: a Bitcoin wallet and a USDT wallet on the Polygon network.
A) Donations paid in USD via credit card
・All the funds in your project that are paid with a credit card, will be transferred to your Bitcoin wallet.
・This amount will be transferred once your project is finished if you have completed your identity verification and registered your Bitcoin wallet in your account.
・A 5%* of the amount will be deducted as a fee for various expenses like credit card settlement fees, transfer fees, etc. Please note that other fees resulting from the exchange and transaction process might be deducted as well.
・The minimum amount you must collect to receive this transfer is 10 USD.
B) Donations paid in cryptocurrency via USDT of the Polygon network
・All the funds in your project that are paid in USDT, will be transferred to your USDT Polygon wallet.
・This amount will be transferred to your wallet in real-time, so you can receive it without having to wait until your project ends. For this to happen you need to complete your identity verification and register your USDT wallet in your account.
・No fees will be deducted from this amount. Please understand that there might be minor fees when using the Polygon network.
・The minimum amount you must collect to receive this transfer is 5 USD.
*(Please note that a 5% deduction will be implemented for projects created from April 9th, 2024. For projects created before that date, the deduction will continue to be 8%.)
GUIDE TO USE KRAKEN
1. Create an account in KRAKEN
If you want to create an account in Kraken, please click on the following link: https://www.kraken.com/
1. Click on [Sign Up]
2. Enter your email address, username, secure password, and country of residence
3. Agree on Kraken Terms of Use
4. Click on [Create Account]
5. Activate your account by entering the activation code sent to your email address or click on [Activate account] from the email.
6. Choose between the Kraken or Kraken Pro platforms to get started. You can easily change your preference later.
Once you have created your account, you will need to proceed to your identity verification:
1. Click on [Verify Identity]
2. It is necessary to achieve level 2 of identity verification for you to be able to deposit crypto or withdraw funds, for which you will need to provide your name, email address, date of birth, country of residence, address, phone, identity picture, etc.
3. To check specific details on the process, we recommend you check the Kraken guide to verify your account by clicking here
The name you register in Kraken must be the same as the name on your bank account. If not, you won’t be able to withdraw your funds from your bank account.
Once you have provided all the information, you will have to wait for a while for your identification to be approved (it usually takes a few minutes).
The last step in this section is to set up Two-Factor Authentication, which is necessary for you to perform some activities on the platform. This is a step-by-step method to log into your account:
1. Go to Settings
2. Go to the [Security] tab
3. Go to the [Two-Factor Authentication] section
4. Select the method you prefer (like SMS, Google Authenticator)
2. Find your wallet in your account
1. First, you must log in to your Kraken account.
2. To receive deposits in your Kraken account you will need to generate an address. For that, please click on the [Deposit] button.
3. The first dropdown will be pre-populated with your available crypto. If you wish to generate a deposit address for a different crypto than the one shown, search for the currency you want to deposit and click on it (For Airfunding deposits you will need a BTC address and a USDT Polygon address).
4. Once you selected your preferred currency, click the button that says [Generate deposit address].
5. Wait a few seconds and a new deposit address will be available. You will be able to copy your address from there.
6. Please, register your wallet address in the Personal Identification section of Airfunding, or provide that wallet address to the Airfunding support agent you are talking to. That’s the only information we will need to send you about the payment.
If you have any questions, please find more information here.
3. Convert your crypto to get fiat currency
To get your Airfunding funds in your bank account, you will need first to sell your crypto in fiat currency (for instance, USD). Please follow these steps (please note that to complete this step, your account needs to be verified):
1. Login to your Kraken account
2. Go to the [Buy Crypto] tab on the top
3. Click on [Convert]
4. Then, you have to select to convert from BTC or USDT to the currency you prefer (for instance, USD, EUR, CAD, and others). Write the amount you want to convert as well.
*If you want to convert all your BTC or USDT to the fiat currency you selected, you can tap on the [MAX] option
5. Accept and check your fiat wallet to confirm that your crypto has been converted to fiat.
**Please note that you can also use the [Trade] section to sell your crypto for fiat currency.
4. Withdraw your fiat currency
In Kraken, you can withdraw fiat currency, like USD, EUR, BRL, and others, to your local bank account.
To do this, the name on your bank account must match the name you registered on your Kraken account, as explained before.
Please follow these steps:
1. Sign in to your Kraken account and click the Withdraw button. You can also navigate to the Withdraw page by clicking on Transfer on the left-hand side of your home page.
2. Select the currency you want to withdraw from the dropdown.
3. Select your Funding provider.
4. Proceed to add your bank account details in case you haven't done it before (please note that all fields are mandatory). Click on [Add bank account] once you finish adding the information.
5. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select your bank account from the drop-down menu.
6. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and click on [Review withdrawal]
7. Check the details and click on [Withdraw] to confirm
If you want to read more details about this process, please check the Kraken guide on deposits and withdrawals here.
IMPORTANT POINTS
1. Ensure that you register two types of wallets in your Airfunding account (Bitcoin and USDT).
2. Confirm that your USDT wallet is associated with the Polygon Network.
3. To receive real-time USDT donations, complete the Identity Verification process on Airfunding at your earliest convenience. Make sure to do it as soon as possible!
4. Enter the correct wallet address in the designated space on your Airfunding account. Incorrect wallet information may result in the loss of your eligibility to receive collected funds.
5. Verify all conditions provided by your cryptocurrency exchange provider for funds withdrawal before selecting a specific platform, paying particular attention to the following:
・Whether you can withdraw to a bank account in your country
・The minimum amount required for withdrawal
・Withdrawal fees
Feel free to contact us if you have any doubts or concerns at support.airfunding@kiheitai.co.jp