Who we are
BackaBuddy is a South African donation-based crowdfunding platform built to help people raise funds for real needs, while giving donors a safer and clearer way to support causes they care about.
What makes us different
Systems, not slogans
We build clear giving journeys people can understand in one read.
Safeguards that
protect trust
We use verification and platform controls to reduce risk and improve confidence.
Clarity before
persuasion
We explain what’s happening, what it means, and what happens next.
Designed for repeat
giving
We focus on long-term participation, not one-off spikes.
Our story
BackaBuddy started with a simple belief: when people come
together to support one another, something powerful
happens.
together to support one another, something powerful
happens.
In 2015, founder Patrick Schofield bought the platform
technology and relaunched BackaBuddy, asking co-founder
Catherine Swanepoel to join him in building the new rails of
generosity for Africa.
technology and relaunched BackaBuddy, asking co-founder
Catherine Swanepoel to join him in building the new rails of
generosity for Africa.
Today, that vision has become a reality and we continue to build
systems that make giving safer, simpler and more human.
systems that make giving safer, simpler and more human.
Our purpose
To bring the best of humanity into the digital age by connecting people through shared experiences and funding, building a more equitable society.
Our direction
To bring the best of humanity into the digital age by connecting people through shared experiences and funding, building a more equitable society.
Our leadership
We’re a diverse, distributed team working across South Africa and with colleagues across African markets including Kenya. Our leadership team is accountable for strategy, operations and the technology that protects trust at scale.
Patrick Schofield
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Patrick leads strategy and platform direction, with a focus on building trusted giving infrastructure and scaling participation responsibly.
Patrick Schofield
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Patrick leads strategy and platform direction, with a focus on building trusted giving infrastructure and scaling participation responsibly.
Patrick Schofield
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Patrick leads strategy and platform direction, with a focus on building trusted giving infrastructure and scaling participation responsibly.
Patrick Schofield
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Patrick leads strategy and platform direction, with a focus on building trusted giving infrastructure and scaling participation responsibly.
Patrick Schofield
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Patrick leads strategy and platform direction, with a focus on building trusted giving infrastructure and scaling participation responsibly.
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