[5] The platform was launched in 2012 by Henri Laupmaa, Tiiu Sullakatko,[6] Tanel Karp,[7] and Halina Mugame with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
[8] Initially, the platform charged a commission of just 3% on successfully completed projects (later increased to 8%), and it operated exclusively in Estonia.
Initially developed on simple software, the platform needed significant updates to improve functionality and increase the flow of donations.
Recipients set a target amount needed for project realization and a campaign duration (ranging from 2 to 8 weeks).
[34][35] In 2013, Hooandja was awarded the annual prize and the honorary title "Cultural Locomotive" by the newspaper Postimees.