DonaFi is a company that operates in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 space. Pulse 2.0 interviewed DonaFi founder and CEO Joshua Kim to learn more.
Joshua Kim’s Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Kim said:
“I got into business unusually early, at 19 and 20 I completed the acquisition of several healthcare services companies using SBA loan financing, which is basically borrowed capital backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. That experience taught me a ton about capital structure, risk, and the importance of trust in financial systems. After that, I ran a financial consulting firm focused on raising capital for SMEs through SBA financing. Over time, I became fascinated by how capital flows globally and where the system breaks down, especially around censorship, middlemen, and access, which ultimately led to building DonaFi.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company come together? Kim shared:
“The idea for DonaFi came from watching how traditional crowdfunding platforms operate and where they fall short. Early in my career I saw how funding, even for worthy causes, can get blocked or muddled by intermediaries and gatekeepers. With blockchain, I realized you could build a peer-to-peer, non-custodial system where donations flow directly from wallet to wallet, making censorship technically infeasible and freezes nearly impossible. That became the core principle, to build a platform that lets communities support each other globally without the usual points of failure or control.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Kim reflected:
“My favorite moments tend to be when real people use the platform in ways that highlight its purpose. Seeing a campaign launch where donors from around the world send funds directly to a cause without any middleman interference is genuinely rewarding. It reminds me why I wanted to build this in the first place, to bypass traditional gatekeepers and give communities a reliable way to support each other, especially in times of humanitarian need.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Kim explained:
“Essentially DonaFi is a decentralized crowdfunding platform built on blockchain. It’s non-custodial, so donations flow peer-to-peer from wallet to wallet via smart contracts, which means funds can’t be frozen by a central authority. We charge a modest 5% fee, support global crypto donations with automatic conversion, and don’t require proprietary tokens for basic use. The platform also automates fund releases, governance, and refunds, fostering transparency and trust in every campaign. It’s designed for nonprofits, grassroots causes, creators, really anyone who needs a reliable way to receive support without platform risk.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector recently? Kim acknowledged:
“Yes, one of the biggest challenges is overcoming skepticism from people who are used to centralized crowdfunding platforms and who don’t yet see decentralized models as viable alternatives. Recent controversies, like accusations that established platforms like GoFundMe block or freeze funds for certain humanitarian efforts, highlight the fragility of legacy systems. We address these challenges by focusing on clear communication about what DonaFi actually solves, peer-to-peer donations with censorship resistance, and by building on technology that ensures transparency and security.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Kim noted:
“We’ve moved beyond just a concept to an operational system where campaigns actually accept and distribute crypto donations directly through smart contracts. We’ve strengthened the automation around fund releases and refunds, and refined how global payments are processed so donors anywhere can contribute and recipients get immediate access to funds. The focus has always been on reducing friction and risk, and as the platform has matured we’ve seen more diverse use cases and greater adoption from people who value transparency and direct control over their contributions.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Kim cited:
“Key milestones include successfully integrating global crypto donations with automatic conversion, making it easier for supporters anywhere to contribute.”
Funding/Revenue
Are you able to discuss funding and/or revenue metrics? Kim revealed:
“We operate with a clear fee structure, just 5% on donations, and we’ve focused on sustainable growth rather than chasing quick revenue. As a decentralized platform, our success metrics tend to be around adoption rates, campaign volume, and the number of donations facilitated rather than traditional revenue headlines. Our funding has supported development and ecosystem growth, and we’re proud of how far adoption has come without introducing complexity like proprietary tokens for core functionality.”
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Kim assessed:
“The TAM for decentralized crowdfunding is potentially enormous, because it spans everything from individual grassroots fundraisers and nonprofits to global charities and advocacy groups. Given the limitations and controversies around traditional crowdfunding — including blocks, freezes, and payment barriers — a solution that offers peer-to-peer donations globally addresses a clear need. In a world with ongoing geopolitical and financial system challenges, the ability to send support directly across borders without friction opens up a massive global market.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Kim affirmed:
“DonaFi’s biggest differentiator is how we handle donations: non-custodial, peer-to-peer, and censorship-resistant using smart contracts. That means no central authority can freeze or block funds, and donors/recipients have full control. Our lower fees, support for global crypto donations with automatic conversion, and avoidance of proprietary tokens for basic use set us apart from many platforms that still rely on intermediaries or more complex token mechanisms. It’s a simpler, more transparent way to fund causes.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Kim emphasized:
“Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding adoption, particularly among communities and organizations where traditional payment systems create barriers. We aim to improve usability, broaden supported crypto assets, and deepen integrations so more people can launch campaigns with minimal friction. We also see opportunities in education and partnerships to help people understand why decentralized crowdfunding is not just a nice idea but a practical alternative when financial uncertainty and geopolitical challenges continue.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Kim concluded:
“Sure, I would underline that crowdfunding should be about connecting people who want to help with those who need support, without gatekeepers deciding who’s worthy. Platforms that can’t guarantee fund access or freeze accounts undermine that core purpose. Decentralized models like DonaFi bring the focus back to people and transparency, which I think will become increasingly important as the world faces more complex financial and political challenges.”
