A scoping review of cultural perception in alternative finance

This scoping review methodically delineates the extant literature concerning the confluence of cultural perceptions and crowdfunding, an emergent and pivotal alternative financing modality. Guided by the PRISMA-ScR protocol, it examines 22 peer-reviewed articles spanning the period from 2013 to 2025.It identifies key theories, such as Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and signaling theory, that explain how culture shapes crowdfunding behavior. Results show culture affects backer motivations and cross-border strategies, with social trust and capital mitigating cultural distance. The review summarizes current research and suggests future work on sub-national studies and equity impacts.