Nine startups pitched to potential investors offline and online as well as expert judges in Malta’s first equity crowd funding campaign by Toke Portal.

"Sustainable funding systems must be solved locally. The first investment often comes from within a one-kilometre radius - people back what they know, not just what’s theoretically ‘best,” Nora Szeles, the woman behind Toke Portal explains to WhosWho.mt during the event. 

“Crowdfunding builds loyalty because it’s personal; data shows people engage when it’s a conversation, not a transaction. SMEs don’t just want loans - they want partners.”

Four startups were awarded for their pitches. Having secured the highest amount of investment indications, the Pitch&Go's First Prize went to BuddyGuard, a pet care platform, while first prize from the judges went to a last-mile delivery company offering sustainable solutions called MannaEV. Crashpad, a soon-to-be climbing hub in Malta, took second prize, whilst Mamori, an app aimed at helping people make smarter food decisions, came third.

Founded in Budapest, TokePortal.com (or simply: TOKE) was the first Hungarian equity crowdfunding platform that successfully launched several equity campaigns. 

In order to expand internationally and take advantage of the European Crowdfunding Service Provider Regulation (ECSPR) regulation, the service provider relocated to Malta under the supervision of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), and hosted their first campaign at DiHubMt last week.

Here are all the startups that pitched: 

1. BuddyGuard – A smart pet care platform turning trusted sitters into micro-entrepreneurs and creating trust in the pet care community.

2. MannaEV– Driving sustainable last-mile delivery with battery-swapping EV solutions.

3. CrashPad – Malta’s first IFSC-compliant climbing hub for both elite athletes and a growing climbing community.

4. Mamori – An AI-powered app making food safer and smarter for people with allergies, dietary restrictions, or chronic conditions.

5. Garland Surgical – Creators of the MaltaHip, a durable and flexible hip prosthesis designed to enhance patient mobility.

6. VR-World MedTech – A VR-based platform for diagnostics, neurorehabilitation, and balance training in patients with neurological conditions.

7. Water2Farm – Smart agrotech that mimics natural rain to boost crop yields while using less water - no chemicals, no waste.

8.  Organic Steel – Carbon-negative structural hemp panels offering a sustainable alternative to steel.

During the crowdfunding campaign, prospective investors, who created an investor profile on the website, expressed interest to invest into the Campaign owner’s company by accepting the Key Investor Information Sheet (KIIS) of the pre-vetted Campaign owner and its lead investor (an angel or a VC). In order to make an informed decision, the KIIS and other marketing materials are published on the campaign page, that includes a forum where prospective investors can engage in conversation, just like in the webinars organised by the CSP. Indications are revokable until the 4th day following the last day of the campaign. 

This was the first Pitch&Go event by Toke Portal in Malta, and won’t be the last. Toke Portal aims to consolidate a “pan-European capital market which is now completely institutional, top down, but over time, simply by internet-based direct participation, be disrupted by bottom-up, retail-based, organic growth.”

“Crowdfunding, as an acceleration tool, and as an interconnected ecosystem builder, can contribute essentially to this desired, sustainable, crisis-resistant economy.”