fonds collaboratifs

01:52 Aug 5, 2015 

I'm having trouble reconciling the usual meaning of "collaborative funding" as given in the refs and the context here. It seems unusual for a seller to "collaborate" with a customer by part-funding their purchase, aren't they then a partner rather than a customer? Could it be a line of credit rather that is being offered here? I only find 26 instances of the French term on the net. I also don't understand why a customer is asking for a lump sum payment. Do you know what the "plans" are?

13:29 Aug 4, 2015 

I think a literal translation works, perhaps "collaborative funding", which gets lots of hits. I'll post it as an answer with some examples.

13:21 Aug 4, 2015 

Exactly, and it is not appropriate here. Unfortunately, there is not a lot more context. The company produces lighting (especially for automobiles) and a sub-heading is "◇ Produits d'équipement automobile". The next (related) section of the file is: "En cas de demande de la part d'un client d'un paiement forfaitaire (lump sum payment), de fonds collaboratifs (collaborative funds??), etc. non prévus dans les plans, la décision sera prise par le chef d'entreprise après consultation du chef du département des opérations et de l'administrateur en charge des ventes du siège"

13:12 Aug 4, 2015 

It could mean funds for a joint project or venture with a customer. It's presumably something to do with sales, since the sales director is involved.

13:00 Aug 4, 2015 

This web link may help:
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/collaborative-fund