Art of the Kickstart
Art of the Kickstart
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Roy Morejon of Art of the Kickstart and Enventys Partners interviews successful entrepreneurs and creators of popular crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter and Indiegogo to find out the keys to a successful project. The weekly show consists of a series of high-performing guests offering actionable advice paired with Morejon's insight from raising millions for crowdfunding clients with Enventys Partners.
Available episodes
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May 22, 2023
Revolutionizing Food Preservation: Exploring Dr. Bruce Roesner’s Green Life Tech
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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May 16, 2023
The Future of Fitness Begins with CARVE1 Sportsball
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Apr 25, 2023
Lumira – A Future Fashion Brand That Makes Wearable Art
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Apr 17, 2023
Canairi, a Fresh Air Monitor Improving your Indoor Climate & Health
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Apr 3, 2023
A Dog Crate Revolution: Diggs Revol Dog Crate + Snooz Pad
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Mar 20, 2023
The SaaS Playbook: How to Build a Million-Dollar Startup
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Mar 13, 2023
The Crossover Lock™: A Lock With Real-Time Alerts
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Mar 6, 2023
Avokadio: A Breathalyzer For Wellness
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Feb 16, 2023
SCARS: The Game of Imperfections
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Feb 15, 2023
CozyThrow & CozyCo – calm, soothing & comfortable blankets
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Jan 11, 2023
Social Media Propels Cooler Keg to Crowdfunding Success
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anthony Bernas, co-founder and CEO of Cooler Keg. Bernas describes how he built a homemade prototype and received validation from lake goers that gave him the confidence to crowdfund.
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Oct 26, 2022
Meet Kickbooster: Tools to Manage & Promote Crowdfunding Campaigns
In this week’s episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Daniel Whiting, Head of Revenue Generation at Kickbooster. Kickbooster offers crowdfunding creators an easy-to-use affiliate marketing platform and a pledge management solution.
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Oct 19, 2022
Student finds Kickstarter Success Creating What She WISHED Existed
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Darya Forutanpour, Founder and CEO of Blanktech and her father Babak Forutanpour. Together they created Blanktech, a weighted blanket designed for full functionality while reading or lounging. They looked at the market, filled with known brands and created a product that combined the features they wish had existed in one product. Listen to learn their process from idea through prototyping to launch. This father-daughter has deep admiration and care for one another, and that translates into a thoughtful product
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
After an idea, it’s time to do market research to make sure it doesn’t exist. Especially when the idea is a fairly simple one, make sure that you’re creating something new, or a new iteration on a concept.
Darya and Babak prototyped most of the product close to home, here’s how they went about it.
Babak’s launched products before, but says finding the right partner…
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Oct 12, 2022
Brand Builder Re-Imagines The Familiar, Finds Kickstarter Success
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Chris Noyes, Co-Founder and CEO of Pet Object. Pet Object is a thoughtfully designed, high-quality litter box made for cat parents everywhere. Developing the idea took Chris years, but with the help of an agency to engineer the product and his own research on the backend, he made it happen. His campaign launched and fully funded on Kickstarter. Listen to learn how Chris and his team created a product that stood out in a market with thousands of options.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
New products take persistence. It took ten years of planning, designing and prototyping to make his dream a reality.
Chris had the visual idea behind his product but needed to outsource to make it real. Some entrepreneurs are scared off at the thought of outsourcing, but Chris advocates for it.
Pet Object’s name has a simple background but proves that titles don’t need to be entirely unique or independent to make an impact.…
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Oct 5, 2022
Prototyping For Crowdfunding Isn’t As Easy As Making Coffee… But It Is Worth It!
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Isaiah Vang and Justin Kujath, the co-founders of Espresso Pig. Isaiah and Justin knew they had to do something about the waste created by coffee pods, but they didn't know how. After tirelessly researching the market and learning about different materials, the team started prototyping Espresso Pig’s Pig Pods, but it wasn’t an easy road. They faced design challenges and worked hard to find a workaround. Listen to learn how the Espresso Pig team successfully created a plastic-free coffee pod and launched their Kickstarter campaign.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Breaking into a saturated industry is difficult, so Justin and Isaish focused on a niche community within the coffee industry.
Justin and Isaiah conducted market research and were shocked to learn that their idea hadn’t been attempted before. Market research matters.
Prototyping the product wasn’t easy. Because they were attempting something ne…
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Sep 28, 2022
Athletic Entrepreneur Invents a Redefining Product from a Hunk of Metal
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Brock Massner, CEO and co-founder of NV Athletics and the inventor of the NV Rack. NV Rack is a patented Non-Varying Resistance™ system that’s made up of two universal squat rack attachments that allow you to add resistance or assistance to any lift or movement. Brock’s background in fitness sparked the idea for the NV Rack, but it’s his involvement with younger athletes and beginners that encouraged him to pursue the product development process for NV Rack. Listen to learn how Brock and his family-based team used feedback from their athletic communities to push NV Rack one step further.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Brock tested his prototype on members in his gym and the athletes he was training. The feedback he received prompted him to work with a product development team to develop the prototype further.
Trust is a huge part of launching a product successfully. Who are you partnered with? Do you tr…
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Sep 21, 2022
First-time Crowdfunder Harnesses the Crowd to Improve the Shaving Experience
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Attila Madarasz, advisory board member of BAM Concepts and creator of BLADEMAX. BLADEMAX is a revolutionary product from a team looking to save consumers money on shaving razors and to save the earth one razor at a time. As a first-time crowdfunder, Attila was convinced to launch BLADEMAX on Kickstarter after learning about how crowdfunding and Kickstarter work. He was excited to see if the people would also support BLADEMAX. Listen to learn how Attila and his team designed BLADEMAX and launched on Kickstarter.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Attila learned the science behind BLADEMAX, which was used to strengthen the testing of the product.
Attila explains how crowdfunding was an easy choice for him and his team to make when deciding how to fund BLADEMAX.
Most consumers are focused on immediate results rather than the long-haul, and the BLADEMAX team recognized this when designing their product.
Beta testin…
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Sep 14, 2022
20 Questions With Our Host, Roy Morejon
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, our host, Roy Morejon fires off in a speed round answering questions we’ve received from fans and members of the community. Roy touches on his personal background, crowdfunding do’s and don’ts, crowdfunding platform questions and all things Art of the Kickstart. Listen to learn more about crowdfunding and entrepreneurship.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Roy Morejon was excited to continue growing the podcast and speaking to new creators after acquiring Art of the Kickstart. His start in crowdfunding began with a startup client at his first company, Command Partners.
Crowdfunding is perfect for some ideas, but evaluating your idea is important to see if it's a good fit. If it is, thoroughly research and plan for your campaign.
Art of the Kickstart is one of the many resources available to help you gain knowledge about the crowdfunding industry and learn from other entrepreneurs.
Links
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Note: As an…
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Sep 7, 2022
Entrepreneur Uses Loyal Backers’ Feedback to Launch Second Campaign
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Mark Coombs, Co-Founder of Sleepout and creator of Sleepout Home. Sleepout Curtain and Sleepout Home are blackout curtains that block all the light from windows. When they initially approached curtain companies with the idea, they were told it was impossible, and no one would support it. After their first successful Kickstarter campaign, Mark and Hannah, the other co-founder, took customer feedback and their own experience of purchasing a home and launched a second campaign. It funded in under 10 minutes. Listen to learn how Mark and the rest of the Sleepout team used their community and campaign supporters to design and launch their newest product.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Mark and his team took the core idea from their first campaign and transformed it into a new product with its own Kickstarter campaign.
Sleepout focused on converting community feedback into a product with the help of manufacturers and…
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Aug 31, 2022
From the Big Screen to Kickstarter, Kitanica Converts Fans Into First-Time Backers
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Chris Cronin, Co-Founder of Kitanica and creator of Scorpion Pack. From making it to the big screen and being worn by celebrities including the Rock, Kitanica’s products have amassed a large following before launching on Kickstarter. Their first crowdfunding campaign was Scorpion Pack. Scorpion Pack is the ultimate lumbar waist pack for your gear and has raised over $100,000 with the help of almost 1,000 backers, 38% of which are first-time backers. Listen to learn how Kitanica overcame the hurdles of a first-time campaign on Kickstarter.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Is overthinking a bad thing? Kitanica takes its products further by overthinking every aspect of product design.
Some were quick to bash Kitanica for using a Kickstarter campaign as an established company. But the Kitanica team wanted to strike the market, and reach new customers while their idea was trending.
Kitanica’s products have b…
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Aug 24, 2022
Mobile Pixels Shares Secrets Behind Repeat $1M Kickstarter Campaigns
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Jack Yao, Co-Founder of Mobile Pixels and creator of Geminos. A repeat interviewee on Art of the Kickstart, Jack is also a repeat million-dollar campaign creator on Kickstarter. Jack and the rest of the Mobile Pixels team are now on their fifth campaign: Geminos. Geminos is a dual-screen desktop monitor that fully funded in 36 minutes and has raised almost $2 million with the help of over 2,000 backers. Listen to learn the lessons Jack learned on his creator journey and his tips for success.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Personal experiences drive the ideas behind Mobile Pixels products, and Geminos is no different. It came from working in a small office and wanting to maximize space and productivity.
90% of Geminos campaign backers are repeat backers from previous projects. How did Mobile Pixels create such a loyal following?
The pandemic threw a curve ball for many businesses’ manufacturing and supply chai…
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Aug 17, 2022
Want to Crowdfund Successfully? Use Feedback & Earn Trust.
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Eric Kurbanov, founder of RKIN and creator of U1. When Kurbanov realized how much bottled water he’d been consuming, he set out looking for a better way. His research showed him how inherently unsustainable and unhealthy bottled water was. Eventually, he created U1, a 4-in-1 reverse osmosis water purification system. With a preexisting customer base and ten years of customer feedback, Kurbanov launched his Kickstarter campaign. Listen to learn how U1 turned into a top crowdfunding campaign in an industry that is slowly becoming more popular.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
With U1, RKIN created a first in the industry system of water purifiers and filters. U1 eliminates the need for external water lines and hookups and delivers purified water through reverse osmosis.
Many people buy bottled water without ever considering its many problems, including unsustainable packaging, BPA in materials and contaminated wa…
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Aug 10, 2022
First-Time Creators Turn Office Trash Into Kickstarter Treasure With Creative Thinking and Perseverance
In this episode of Art of the Kickstarter, we spoke with Chad Hickman and Garret Prather, creators of Yardball. This Kickstarter campaign has earned the support of almost 2,000 backers, which pushes Yardball’s motto, the ball for all. Yardball started as a tape ball that was tossed in the office, and the team worked through multiple prototypes and name changes to get ready for launch. Listen to learn how Chad and Garret took a ball of tape and transformed it into Yardball.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Marketing looks different for every product, and Yardball’s marketing involved kids playing with it in the yard and people tossing it around at tailgates.
Sandlot Goods originally made leather goods as a hobby, which led to the creation of Kansas City merchandise. Once they began creating pandemic-related products, like testing gowns and masks, they made connections that helped them launch the rest of their leather goods line.
Naming a product is challe…
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Aug 3, 2022
5x Campaign Creator Attributes Success to Creating Trust With Backers
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Hunter Sparrow, Magpie’s Marketing and Sales Analyst. Magpie’s most recent campaign, Kiko, garnered the support of over 400 backers and raised above $50,000. The team focused on the feedback from their audience and lessons they’ve learned from previous campaigns to help improve and develop their campaign. Listen to learn more about the team’s approach to launching Kiko on Kickstarter.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
When COVID changed the costs associated with building their product, Magpie canceled Kiko's campaign, even though it was fully funded. Learn how that positively affected their relationship with backers.
The team heavily relied on backer feedback to improve Kiko’s design. Since then, they've narrowed their focus by improving safety and cross-cultural differences with marketing in order to expand into a new market.
Establishing trust early in a campaign is vital for campaign creators on Kic…
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Jul 27, 2022
Crowdfunding Brings Big Ideas to Life With the Help of Everyday Investors
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Gilad Warter, Co-Founder of Auto Mount. What started as a career in managing Amazon and e-commerce revenue has grown into new ideas and launching a Kickstarter campaign. His latest venture, Knotix, is a universal adventure roof rack with sales flying well past its funding goal on Kickstarter. Listen now to learn how Gilad foresees the future of Knotix and his other ventures.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Gilad and his business partner both loved to travel but hated switching to cars with installed roof racks to carry what they needed. This sparked the idea for Knotix, a universal adventure roof rack.
Knotix is unique because it universally fits almost any 4-door vehicle and features a unique clicker system for attachments.
The Knotix team decided to crowdfund the Knotix because it requires a substantial amount of capital to bring the product to life.
Gilad discusses the future plans for Knotix, and how…
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Jul 20, 2022
Why Market Research Can Make or Break Your Crowdfunding Campaign
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Ron Hauser, Co-founder of LulleVibes and creator of the LulleVibes Travel Towel. As a first-time creator, Ron had a lot to learn about the crowdfunding industry but did his due diligence while designing the LulleVibes Travel Towel before launching on Kickstarter. Ron’s company is built on sustainability, and 246 backers helped bring his project to life. Listen to learn how Ron and his team overcame their unfamiliarity with Kickstarter and launched their campaign in Europe.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
A simple day at the beach sparked an idea that developed into LulleVibes. Ron jumped into entrepreneurship after acquiring the skills and mindset needed for it from his years of experience in accounting and consulting.
The design for the towel was inspired by plenty of research and wanting to be different from generic beach towels.
The LulleVibes Travel Towel’s sustainability is rooted in how much waste Ro…
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Jul 13, 2022
Why Crowdfunding Is A Perfect Method to Test New Ideas
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Will Ranscombe, Founder of Tend Deep. Formerly in the investment banking and asset management industry, Will was looking for a change of pace when he was inspired to design Tend Deep. What started as a simple conversation in 2020 turned into a tendinopathy tool that utilizes vibrations to alleviate pain. Listen now to learn how Will and the rest of the Tend Deep team prototyped and prepped Tend Deep for crowdfunding.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
A chance meeting with a successful soccer club team’s physiotherapist sparked the idea behind Tend Deep. By focusing on vibrations, the team developed a new way to treat tendon pain.
The Tend Deep team introduced their product through physiotherapists and friends but transitioned to crowdfunding to hone in on where their product might be most popular and with whom.
Having an in-house designer has allowed the team iterate the product and incorporate the things.
Wil…
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Jul 6, 2022
Korean Pioneers Use Kickstarter to Reach New Audiences in 2nd Crowdfunding Campaign
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Ryan Chung, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of International at Unlimeat. What started as a plant-based meat brand in Korea has expanded to the United States through the company’s Kickstarter campaign. The team focused on weaving their goal of reducing food waste into every aspect of Unlimeat. Listen to learn more about the brand’s rise and challenges the Unlimeat team faced while entering the plant-based food industry.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
As a pioneer of plant-based meat in Korea, Unlimeat is working to make plant-based eating more interesting, with the overall goal of reducing food waste.
Ryan and the Unlimeat team initially started with healthy juices and porridges, eventually transitioning into plant-based meats after finding inspiration in the United States.
Market analysis in the United States made the Unlimeat team decide to create a jerky after all the plant-based jerkies they sampled i…
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Jun 29, 2022
Harness YOUR Crowd and Raise Funds More Easily with CloudSponge
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Jay Gibb, CEO and Founder of CloudSponge. CloudSponge is a provider of contact picker software that many crowdfunding platforms use to help campaigns go viral. Their software allows project creators and backers to easily access their address books to share campaigns with their family, friends and colleagues. Listen to learn how CloudSponge operates and produces dramatically better results for crowdfunding campaign creators.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Jay emphasizes the importance of making it easy for creators to insert their friends’ email addresses into sharing interfaces
CloudSponge understands the effectiveness of using address book data to personalize referral emails and leverages this knowledge to work with multiple platforms
Sharing crowdfunding campaigns with contacts from an address book is a game-changer and drives CloudSponge to work with multiple Crowdfunding platforms
The easiest way…
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Jun 22, 2022
Gadget User Offers Crowdfunders New Outlet to Reach Backers
In this episode of Art of the Kickstarter, we spoke with Patrick Castellano, Founder of Gadget User. Gadget User’s website shares the latest and most innovative creative tech products. From highlighting startups and e-commerce brands to reviewing innovative products, Patrick and his team have built a brand with a loyal following of tech enthusiasts. Listen to learn how a young entrepreneur turned his digital marketing background into Gadget User.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Giveaways have helped the website partner with over 100 brands in the tech industry. Giveaways are a two-way street bringing partnerships to Gadget User and virality for the brands.
An omnichannel approach is important to reap the benefits of different platforms. Staying on one platform limits your exposure. Patrick discusses the engagement newer channels like Tik Tok have amassed in a short period of time.
Learn how to build trust and credibility through a website while launching a campa…
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Jun 15, 2022
Play a Stinkin’ Cute Game of Hot POOtato with Baby Ninjas
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Daniel Huynh and Dominic Madden, Creators of Baby Ninjas. As a game designer and game developer duo, Huynh and Madden created a card game that draws out the competition among players, or as they like to call them, ninjas. The idea for Baby Ninjas came from changing baby diapers during quarantine and has grown into a physical card game that launched on Kickstarter. Listen to learn more about the team’s process as they developed and designed the game.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
One of the biggest hurdles the Baby Ninjas team faced was designing the physical playing cards. What started as scribbles on a piece of paper evolved into what Baby Ninjas is today. The team refined their design through gameplays.
Baby Ninjas marketing received some initial backlash from a Facebook ad. Although the team quickly handled the comments and worked to rectify their designs, they encourage others to learn from their mistake a…
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Jun 8, 2022
Harness the Power of Viral Videos to Crowdfund Your Next Project
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Zbyněk Suba, the founder of Snowfeet and creator of Assled V2. After deciding to leave college to pursue business, Zbyněk created Snowfeet and Assled. Although similar products were available near his hometown, he capitalized on selling them abroad and used the power of viral videos to raise awareness of his company. Listen to learn how Zbyněk and his team brought a brand-new product to snow enthusiasts around the globe through crowdfunding.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Zbyněk intrigued potential backers and customers with Youtube, Facebook and Instagram videos that went viral.
If your brand is unknown, that provides an opportunity to create unique videos and showcase your products how you want. Create awareness and build hype.
Zbyněk encourages Kickstarter and Indiegogo creators to launch on Japanese crowdfunding platforms after successfully funding their original campaigns. Campfire, Green Funding an…
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Jun 1, 2022
Persistence Makes Perfect: 25 Prototypes + 2 Kickstarter Campaigns = Success
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Scott Kobryn, the co-founder and co-creator of the Wild Fire 4-in-1. After almost 25 different prototypes, the Wild Fire 4-in-1 team perfected their design and launched their campaign on Kickstarter, raising over $100,000. The Wild Fire4-in-1 can quickly reach temperatures of up to 1200F for pizzas, searing and finishing food while swinging just as quickly back to traditional grilling temperatures with multiple grilling and warming surfaces, allowing you to create an entire meal in one space with one product. Listen to learn how Scott and the rest of his team went from successfully building thier first product, Steakager, to creating and launching Wild Fire 4-in-1.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Wild Fire 4-in-1 has adjustable temperature sections that perform different functions. Scott delves a little into the engineering behind Wild Fire 4-in-1.
After a canceled campaign, Scott and his team adjusted to market c…
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May 25, 2022
Smart Market Research Earned HEAVYS A $1M+ Kickstarter Campaign
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Jonathan Habshush, CEO and Co-Founder of HEAVYS. HEAVYS is changing the way listeners take enjoy heavy metal music. Not only are these engineered headphones protecting the ears of future heavy metal listeners, but they’re also enhancing the listener experience. Listen to learn how Habshush and his team have raised over $1 Million on Kickstarter.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Habshush and the other Co-Founders of HEAVYS generated an enormous amount of interest before ever prototyping an actual product. Once the idea took off, the team backtracked and took to launching a crowdfunding campaign around the idea.
While performing market research, Habshush and his team tapped into a surprisingly underserved market. They knew they wanted to create the best headphones possible, but pre-marketing surveys revealed an enthusiastic market of heavy metal listeners. The community eagerly backed HEAVYS’ Kickstarter camp…
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May 18, 2022
Teen Tackles Wildlife Conservation With Crowdfunded Card Game
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Jackson and Gavin Mann, the father-son duo behind SOS Save Our Species. At 15 years old, Jackson turned a trip to Costa Rica into a wildlife card game with the intent to donate 100% of the future profits from his game to charity. Jackson and Gavin built a game meant to make a big, positive change by prototyping multiple gameplays and working with the World Wildlife Fund. Listen to learn how Jackson and Gavin turned tens of thousands of game trials into SOS Save our Species.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Normal activities like family vacations, card games and books inspired this new game and conservation effort. Where might you find inspiration?
Partnering with the World Wildlife Fund helped Jackson and Gavin fact-check the game.
How do you balance technical accuracy with accessibility? The SOS Save our Species team juggled scientific accuracy with ease of understanding for the public.
Making a game is…
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May 11, 2022
Crowdfunder Succeeds by Capitalizing on Competition from Apple
In this episode of Art of the Kickstarter, we spoke with Victor Chor, Founder of InfinaCore and Creator of P4. From a young age, Victor had an entrepreneurial spirit, which he then morphed into a career. Victor and his team at InfinaCore have worked tirelessly over the span of three years to develop a product that competes with mainstream alternatives. Listen to learn how Victor used his entrepreneurial background and resources to surpass his campaign’s crowdfunding goal by over 530% in just two weeks.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
From flipping products on eBay at a young age to creating P4, Victor talks about how entrepreneurial thinking has led to his success.
Not every idea has to be brand new. P4 was founded on the reinvention of power banks. What might you reinvent?
Apple’s MagSafe is a competitor to P4. How do you compete with a giant in your industry? It’s simple. Act quickly and do it better.
As an avid Kickstarter campaign supporter who was fam…
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May 4, 2022
From a Leap of Faith to $100K in Two Days on Kickstarter
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Derek Tillotson, Founder of Haven Safari and CEO of Haven Tents. A two-time creator with minimal experience in product development or manufacturing, Derek’s Haven Safari launch is fully funded and surpassed the raise of his first Kickstarter campaign two times over. Haven Safari has exceeded every expectation Derek had set. Haven Safari is designed to be the ultimate glamping, car-camping or backyard escape base. Listen to learn how Derek surprised friends and family with his secret venture and gained the support of over 1,000 backers.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Derek took a giant leap of faith when he no longer felt challenged with his career. He leveraged the skills he’d built in sales and marketing and filled in the gaps with the right partners to launch his first idea on Kickstarter. For his second campaign, he enlisted additional partners to help him surpass even his loftiest expectations.
Derek says…
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Apr 27, 2022
12-Time Creator Talks Crowdfunding Success (and failure)
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Jake Epstein, serial entrepreneur and Co-founder of several consumer product startups. His latest Kickstarter campaign, Tango, garnered the attention of almost 1,300 backers and has surpassed its funding goal by over 870% in a short period of time. Epstein’s background in enterprise engineering helped him create consumer hardware and software. Listen to learn more about Epstein’s transition to consumer hardware and its intersection with crowdfunding.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Epstein’s background in engineering gave him a segue into the crowdfunding world. His ideas became consumer startups that he could monetize.
Epstein offers a glimpse at a path other entrepreneurs can replicate for success.
Epstein’s personal experience and frustrations carrying around cheap, plastic, sparkly pop sockets not meant for adults led to the creation of Tango. Epstein designs his innovations with simplicity and co…
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Apr 20, 2022
Raise Capital For Your Venture With FundAmerica and Prime Trust
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Erin Holloway, President of FundAmerica by Prime Trust. In 2012, FundAmerica became the crowdfunding arm of Prime Trust and currently acts as the technology and finance handler behind companies like StartEngine and Republic. Prime Trust was founded in 2016 and supports the largest fintech brands. Listen to learn about the meteoric rise of equity crowdfunding and the current trends pushing the industry forward.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Equity crowdfunding is a booming industry and will continue to grow. Although the concept might not be familiar to everyone, the idea of crowdfunding is much more mainstream than we realize. Platforms such as Shark Tank and GoFundMe have crowdfunding topics and accessibility more mainstream.
Holloway predicts Prime Trust and FundAmerica will continue to grow because of the normalization of trading securities and the increased usage of crowdfunding in the younger generation.…
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Apr 13, 2022
Take Your Punching Bag Anywhere And Everywhere With OODA Ball
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Cedric Salcedo, Josh Goldman and Stuart (Stu) Goldman, creators of OODA Ball. OODA Ball is the world's first, completely untethered, free-weight punching ball, designed to be both functional and interactive. Its technology gives you maximum control by optimizing weight, speed and density. Listen to learn more about how the trio collaborated and used each other’s strengths to create OODA Ball.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Cedric and Josh’s connections to boxing and gyms accidentally led to the creation of the OODA Ball. Josh had been looking for something similar to Cedric’s original invention when Cedric approached him, and Stuart was happy to get involved.
OODA Loop is the idea behind OODA Ball. Although the OODA Ball team did not invent OODA Loop, this idea of “Observe, Orient, Decide and Act” helped the group formulate the concept behind OODA Ball.
The team chose Kickstarter as their platform for…
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Apr 6, 2022
Tug Around the Weight of a Baby Buffalo (or Two) With Buffalo Carts
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Ed MacDonald, CEO of Buffalo Carts. MacDonald was joined by his daughter, Marissa MacDonald, for the interview. Buffalo Cart is an electric-powered cart system that attaches to a vehicle hitch and helps you pull up to 500 lbs easily. Listen to learn how the Buffalo Cart team has surpassed their funding goal by almost 300% on Kickstarter.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Familiar with the product development process, Ed MacDonald was prepared for the challenges of funding a Kickstarter campaign. From design to prototyping Buffalo Carts, MacDonald and his team advanced and perfected the design within a year.
The Buffalo Carts team tested the product on family and friends during the product development process. The feedback from loved ones and others who saw them using Buffalo Carts helped to improve the design. Ed and Marissa MacDonald speak on the importance of validation in product development.
Feedback received…
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Mar 30, 2022
Transform Any Surface Into a Workstation With Lunadesk
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we were joined by Jake Mahon and Rebekah (Bekah) Giacomantonio, Founders of Lunadesk. Lunadesk transforms the idea of a portable workstation by helping you elevate your laptop to different levels. This ergonomic laptop riser meets your body wherever it wants to be. Listen to learn how yoga led to the design and creation of Lunadesk.
Short on time? Here's what we talked about.
Jake and Bekah researched overseas manufacturing processes and issues before deciding to manufacture Lunadesk domestically. Manufacturing in the United States was a personal preference based on a few factors, including convenience and reliability.
Designing Lunadesk was more than sketching on a piece of paper. Jake and Bekah connected with an industrial designer to kickstart Lunadesk's design process. What started as a simple sketch turned into Lunadesk.
Jake and Bekah prepared for their Kickstarter launch for two years. The process involved 20 different pe…
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Dec 15, 2021
Expand Your Brand on Amazon With Sunken Stone
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Adam Weiler, a top 500 Amazon seller and the CEO creator of Sunken Stone. Since 2017, Sunken Stone has been a premier, performance-based Amazon channel marketing partner with proven sustainable success. They have helped more than a hundred different seven- and eight-figure brands generate more than a hundred million dollars in sales on Amazon. Sunken Stone has international expertise, including marketplaces in Canada, Mexico, the UK, and the EU. Learn how Weiler went from selling HDMI cables on Overstock and eBay to creating and leading Sunken Stone to what it is today.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Sunken Stone's connection to Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Crowdfunding
Sunken Stone's domestic and international team layout and collaboration strategy
How Weilers' background influenced the creation of Sunken Stone
Branding insight and how "Sunken Stone" got its name
Sunken Stone's WeFunder campaign and tac…
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Dec 8, 2021
Achieve Relief When and Where You Need It With The Monkee Mount
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed David Mills, CEO and Inventor of the Monkee Mount. Monkee Mount is an innovative hands-free massage gun holder compatible with all massage guns except the PureWave by PADO and the Theragun Mini. It's easy to use and can be used anywhere, making it perfect for travelers. The Monkee Mount attaches to just about anything 4 inches wide. Learn how the Monkee Mount team has fully funded their Kickstarter campaign and started their Indiegogo InDemand campaign with the support of over 1,600 backers.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Mills' background and previous company influenced the Monkee Mount
Monkee Mount's team dynamic and various roles others hold
Post-Kickstarter Success and how it led to Indiegogo InDemand
Branding insight and how "Monkee Mount" got its name
Pre-campaign prep work that led to the launch of their Kickstarter campaign
Links
Monkee Mount's Kickstarter Campaign
Monkee Mount's…
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Dec 1, 2021
NextScent Purifies and Fragrances the Air with Next-Generation Systems
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed David Amaral and Dave Blaylock, the founders of NextScent. They introduced the idea of scent marketing to global brands in 2005 and have since developed patented scent systems and signature fragrances used by many of the most iconic brands, properties and small businesses worldwide. NextScent now works to transform homes, businesses and brands with advanced air care and scent solutions that are safer, smarter, eco-friendly and more affordable for everyone. Learn how Amaral and Blaylock have differentiated NextScent from other similar products on the market.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Amaral and Blaylock leverage their professional backgrounds in the creation of NextScent
How NextScent's mission statement supports the company's goals
What it's like bringing an innovative air purification and fragrance system to market
Challenges the NextScent team faced while designing their innovation
Links
Ven…
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Nov 24, 2021
Brew Fresh Coffee and Tea Anywhere With Qterra Craft
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Pierre Baston, the inventor of Qterra. Qterra Craft, which is now active on Kickstarter, is more than just a travel mug. Instead, it's a travel brewer. This environmentally friendly travel mug lets you brew fresh coffee or tea and then quickly cool it for drinking, with the twist of a dial. With less than a week left in their Kickstarter campaign, Qterra has already garnered the interest of over 110 backers and surpassed their funding goal. Learn how Baston's trip to Argentina sparked the idea that led to the creation of Qterra Craft.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Baston's travel background influenced Qterra Craft
Advice for entrepreneurs looking to launch a new product
How Baston's background led him to be an entrepreneur
How "Qterra" got its name
What the Qterra team learned from its Kickstarter campaign
Links
Qtrerra Craft's Kickstarter Campaign
Note: As an Amazon Associate, Art of the Kic…
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Nov 17, 2021
ALVA Creator Shares Secrets to Crowdfunding Success
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Josh Smith, a serial Kickstarter creator and Co-Founder of End2End Development. Since 2015, Smith has created or worked with 25 Kickstarter projects and just launched his 26th campaign, ALVA. ALVA is a small hands-free torchlight that can be worn on the wrists or ankles to be seen on the road, track or trail. Learn how Smith's prior experience with Kickstarter as an entrepreneur has helped his campaign already exceed its funding goal by 165% just a few weeks into launching.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Smith's tips for a successful Kickstarter campaign
What ways Smith says Kickstarter has evolved since he launched his first campaign
How Smith chose the right crowdfunding agency for his projects
The role of improved research and marketing for successful business
Links
ALVA's Kickstarter Campaign
Ultimate Lens Hood's Website
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Audio Book
Note: As an Amazon…
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Nov 10, 2021
Go From Work to Home In One Motion With Secret Whiteboard
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Tomer Soran, the founder of Sable Flow and creator of the Secret Whiteboard. Sable Flow focuses on building a balanced life with an emphasis on productivity and creativity. Their most recent Kickstarter campaign, Secret Whiteboard, exemplifies this. Secret Whiteboard is a hanging art frame that opens with a hinge to reveal a large, double-sided magnetic whiteboard, making any space multifunctional. It is designed to help switch between, and separate, work and home life. Learn how Soran's personal experience through working from home during the pandemic helped spark the idea for Secret Whiteboard.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Lessons Soran has learned from his campaign on Kickstarter
How Secret Whiteboard improved Soran's life during the pandemic
Specifics of Secret Whiteboard's two-year-long developmental process
How Soran's company set themselves up for pre-launch success and exceeded their fundin…
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Nov 3, 2021
Roll Out Any Sore Muscles With HellaRoller
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed the Co-Founders of HellaRoller, Chris Knudsen and Ken Frei. HellaRoller is a multi-functional back and muscle roller with an adjustable, expandable core and interchangeable wheels. HellaRoller adjusts to your desired width and can be used on your body in over 100 ways for immediate relief. Learn how Knudsen and Frei turned a simple idea into a completely customized and improved muscle relief experience.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The multiple ways HellaRoller can be used to help relieve pain
How Knudsen and Frei's backgrounds played a part in the design development process
How a common ailment, a search for a solution and a pandemic led to innovation
How the HellaRoller team found success using direct response video in social platforms
Links
HellaRoller's Kickstarter Campaign
HellaRoller's Website
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Titan by Ron Chernow
Courage is Calling by Ryan Holi…
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Oct 27, 2021
Experience Relief And Empower Recovery With Knee Plus
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed the CEO and COO of Reviiv, Forrest Smith and Tom Sanderson. Reviiv has recently launched its first campaign for Knee Plus, the next generation of at-home light therapy. Knee Plus uses advanced level technology and professional level treatment to provide treatment from the comfort of your own home. Learn how Smith and Sanderson utilized red-light therapy to create a portable and accessible device that delivers relief.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The technical side of red-light therapy and how it led to the creation of Knee Plus
How Smith and Sanderson's workforce experience affected the design of their product
How Smith and Sanderson's background led them to work together at Reviiv
Entrepreneurial insight into the future of crowdfunding
Links
Knee Plus Indiegogo Campaign
The Wealth and Poverty of Nations by David S. Landes
Note: As an Amazon Associate, Art of the Kickstart may earn a commission…
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Oct 20, 2021
Make Marketing to Retail Easier With Retailbound
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Yohan Jacob, the founder and president of Retailbound. Retailbound works to get emerging brands noticed by retail buyers. More importantly, they help these brands maintain a long-term relationship with buyers so they can enjoy sustained growth. In 14 years, they've worked with more than 4,000 product companies. Retailbound has also established a system of preparing brands to transition from crowdfunding to retail. Learn how Jacob's three decades of experience in the industry have allowed him to evolve with and create Retailbound.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Jacob's background, which included a position as a major buyer at Sears and Office Max, led him to create Retailbound
How Retailbound helps clients prepare for retail, including creating a go-to-market strategy
How Retailbound's market and the audience has changed over the past 14 years
What does the path from crowdfunding to retail look like?
Wh…
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Oct 13, 2021
Eliminate the Need for Paper Towels With Yowel
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed the co-founder of Yowel, Steve Krengel. Yowel is a set of eco-friendly, machine-washable towels that can replace paper towels, save time and money. It was co-founded by Krengel and his father, Ken Krengel. Their product is an easy way to reduce your dependence on paper towels and be sustainable in day-to-day activities. Learn how Krengel's personal experience led him and his father to solve a problem many others experience too.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Everyday life inspired an innovative product idea.
How Krengel's involvement in the design process decreased the overall prototyping process
The expected effects of Yowel's sustainability efforts
How branding played a role in creating the company's original name
Entrepreneurial advice for those looking to launch their innovation
Links
Yowel's Kickstarter Campaign
Inside Steve's Brain by Leander Kahney
Note: As an Amazo…
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Oct 6, 2021
Blend Luxury and Portability With TreePod, a Cabana & Hammock Hybrid
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Ricardo Bottome, the founder and inventor of TreePod. Bottome, a three-time creator on Kickstarter, has just launched his most recent campaign with his new product that is truly reinventing the hammock experience. TreePod’s patented design combines the luxury of a cabana with the portability of a hammock with more space and 5 large windows. Learn how Bottome's previous Kickstarter experience and drive to better his product have helped him re-develop TreePod for his newest campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Bottome went from struggling to raise funds for his campaign to garnering new interest for his just-launched campaign
The challenges the TreePod team faced when redesigning their product
The process that led to TreePod's new innovation-launch
How Bottome's team went about finding the right channel for their product
An introduction to new innovations Bottome's team is pursuing
Links
Tr…
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Sep 1, 2021
With Cutlery Built Into a Tumbler, NOSU is Convenient and Sustainable
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Ryan Wolfe and Aaron Katen, the Co-Founders of NOSU. NOSU is a dual-purpose stainless steel tumbler with built-in cutlery. It's the perfect solution for an active lifestyle. NOSU stands for No Single-Use and can work with hot or cold beverages. With NOSU, everywhere you go, you have a knife, fork, and spoon built right into your water bottle. Learn how Wolfe and Katen spun an everyday simple idea into a convenient and sustainable product.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How one of Wolfe's personal experiences sparked the idea for NOSU
The legwork that the NOSU team did before launching their successful campaign
The process of prototyping that led to the final design of NOSU
How they found the right agency that would be the perfect fit for their campaign
Finding a manufacturer to bring their physical product to life
Links
NOSU Kickstarter Campaign
Loonshots by Griffin
Creativity, Inc by Ed Catmu…
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Aug 25, 2021
Vet Startup Investments on Online Investment Platforms with KingsCrowd
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Chris Lustrino, the Founder and CEO of KingsCrowd. KingsCrowd is the private market's first and only data-driven ratings and analytics platform made to find and track the best startups across every equity crowdfunding platform. Having founded a platform that helps leverage data to support your decision to offer equity over benefits for your crowdfunding campaign, Lustrino's background helps him demystify the equity crowdfunding space.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The main components and elements of KingsCrowd's business structure
Lustrino's background and how it contributed to the company's namesake
The skills needed to invest in private markets with confidence
How KingsCrowd can help enable your startup investing journey
Simplified logistics of how KingsCrowd's platform operates
Links
KingsCrowd
KingsCrowd Equity Campaign
Losing my Virginity by Richard Branson
Screw it, Let's do it by Rich…
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Aug 11, 2021
Get Your Fire Pits & Grills Started Fast with RocketFire
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Michael Berard, inventor and president of RocketFire. Light any charcoal or wood grill, fire pit, or fireplace in a matter of seconds with RocketFire. RocketFire propels three 2000ºF flames at a 60 degree spread to the center of your charcoal or wood bed for fast lighting and an even spread of flames.
Having learned valuable lessons from its first campaign, RocketFire is relaunching its improved fire starter torch on Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How a childhood of tinkering created an entrepreneurial spirit.
Key lessons from a lengthy development process.
How canceling a Kickstarter campaign wasn't a failure, but rather a step toward success.
Whether Berard thinks the average campaign creator should launch solo or enlist help.
Links
RocketFire Kickstarter Campaign
RocketFire
Remedy Video
Launch & Scale with Khierstyn Ross
Note: As an Amazon Associate, Art of the Kickstart may…
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Aug 4, 2021
Bend and Twist While Protecting Your Knees With the MAÄT 1.0 Legging
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed the MAÄT 1.0 Legging co-founders, Beth Godfrey and Fiona Devaney. The MAÄT 1.0 Legging is a yoga legging with built-in padding to protect your knees so that every yoga practice can be seamless and distraction-free. Designed with the fit and flexibility of wetsuit padding and the edgy aesthetic of motorcycle gear, the MAÄT 1.0 Legging provides comfort and is made to flatter. Learn how Beth and Fiona raised over $37,000 for their Kickstarter campaign with the support of over 220 backers.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Fiona's background inspired the design of the MAÄT 1.0 Legging
The different ways Beth and Fiona drew inspiration during the design process
How the MAÄT 1.0 Legging's Kickstarter campaign transpired
Fiona's thoughts on pursuing entrepreneurship
An inside look into the product design of the MAÄT 1.0 Legging
Links
MAÄT 1.0 Legging's Kickstarter Campaign
MAÄT 1.0 Legging's P…
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Jul 28, 2021
Support your Equity Crowdfunding Campaign with FundAmerica
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Kinsey Cronin, Senior Vice President of Business Development at FundAmerica. FundAmerica supports equity or debt-based crowdfunding, where backers invest in part of the company instead of receiving a reward for their contribution. Kinsey has more than a decade of experience managing sales and business development teams, as well as five years of working on the cutting edge of financial technology. Learn how Kinsey's background has allowed her to evolve with crowdfunding over the past five years.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Kinsey's background led her to work with entrepreneurs
The different ways FundAmerica helps entrepreneurs raise capital through equity crowdfunding
How equity crowdfunding platforms are growing
Insight into the future of equity crowdfunding
An inside look into Kinsey's podcast, In Crowd
Links
FundAmerica's Website
In Crowd Podcast's Twitter
In Crowd Podcast's Resource P…
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Jul 21, 2021
Get Strong, Healthy Feet for Life with DorsiFLEX, a Stretching Device
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed the co-inventor of DorsiFLEX, Jim Cooper. DorsiFLEX is a one-of-a-kind stretching device that delivers a personalized stretch and strengthens the foot and the calf muscles of individuals. This patented device allows for a variable and adjustable positioning of your foot to achieve a deeper and more effective stretch of all lower leg and foot muscles. DorsiFLEX targets muscles that contribute to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other lower leg injuries. Learn how DorsiFLEX raised nearly $100,000 with the support of over 800 backers as their Kickstarter campaign starts to wrap up.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Insight into how Jim's personal medical history led to the invention of DorsiFLEX
How DorsiFLEX used market validation tests to prepare for their Kickstarter launch
The different ways DorsiFLEX strengthens foot and calf muscles of individuals
How DorsiFLEX went about the process of develo…
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Jul 14, 2021
Get your Game on with Creative Games from Horrible Guild
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Hjalmar and Lorenzo, game designers, owners, and everything in between for Horrible Guild. They've produced various creative games, including Railroad Ink, Dragon Castle, King's Dilemma, and most recently, Tiny Turbo Cars, a frantic racing game where you use sliding puzzles to program the movements of your remote-controlled toy cars. Hjalmar and Lorenzo have also supported the crowdfunding community as super backers by helping fund over 144 different projects. Learn how their company Horrible Guild raised over two million euros over the course of their 7 campaigns.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Insight into how to build a community centered around your product
The different ways direct contact with backers helped Hjalmar and Lorenzo find success
How Hjalmar and Lorenzo decided to use Kickstarter as their crowdfunding platform
Lessons the Horrible Guild Team learned over the course of launching 7 product…
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Jul 7, 2021
Make the Perfect Cocktail with the Elevated Craft® Cocktail Shaker
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed the founder of the Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker, Adam Craft. Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker is an innovative tool meant to elevate every home bar. The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker includes a leak-proof design, a 6 oz. integrated top, and the ability to stay cold for 24 hours. With this shaker, you'll get the perfect pour every time you shake it up. Learn how Adam raised almost half a million dollars on Kickstarter and generated more than $2.5 million in sales over the past two years.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Adam prepared for the launch of his Kickstarter campaign
Insight into Adam's background in product design and engineering
The different ways The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker was presented on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Kickbooster and Amazon
How Adam transitioned from his Kickstarter Campaign to Indiegogo's Indemand program
Advice Adam has to offer on launching your first product on K…
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Jun 30, 2021
Get a Good Night’s Rest with Sleepout, a Portable Blackout Curtain
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Hannah Brennen and Mark Coombs, the founders of the Sleepout Curtain. The Sleepout Curtain is a patented, portable OEKO-TEX® 100% blackout curtain that blocks light and installs anywhere for better sleep. Light enough to fold up and take with you anywhere, this curtain is also the first portable blackout curtain that installs on windows in seconds. Learn how Hannah and Mark prepared for the launch of their campaign that, in less than a week, has already raised over $102,000 with the support of more than 800 backers.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The pre-launch campaign planning that allowed Sleepout to raise over 6-figures in less than a week
How Hannah and Mark's experiences with insomnia and tech served as the inspiration for the Sleepout Curtain
Insight into the Sleepout Curtain prototyping process from testing suction cups to using negative reviews for feedback
How the relationship between sleepin…
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Jun 25, 2021
Recover Faster with FlexBeam, a Targeted Red Light Therapy Device
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Bjorn Ekeberg, Head of Brand and Marketing at Recharge Health. Recharge Health has taken red light therapy—light at specific red and near-infrared wavelengths clinically proven to trigger a physiological healing response in the body—a step further by creating FlexBeam, a state-of-the-art therapeutic device that can be used by anyone, anytime, anywhere. FlexBeam offers a targeted application of red and infrared light, which works directly where it's needed to help the body relieve pain, repair cells and recover faster. Learn how Bjorn raised over $1.5 million with the support of almost 4,000 backers for their IndieGoGo campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The strategy that allowed Recharge Health to raise over $100,000 in the first 24 hours
How Bjorn's screenwriting and storytelling background helped FlexBeam's marketing efforts
How Recharge Health dealt with skewed expectations from first-time back…
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Jun 16, 2021
Get Cleaner Air with No Effort at All with Respira, an Air-Purifying Garden
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Dylan Robertson and Mitchell Coburn, the founders of Respira, an air-purifying garden that takes care of itself. Respira's design is rooted in nature, and backed by technology. Dylan and Mitchell focused on designing healthier indoor spaces by connecting them to nature and improving indoor air quality. Learn how Dylan and Mitchell raised over $240,000 with more than 300 backers for their Kickstarter campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Insight into what led to the creation of Respira
How Dylan and Mitchell named Respira
Why Dylan and Mitchell chose Kickstarter for their campaign
How Respira's campaign would have looked different if they could do it again
Advice Dylan has to offer about finding a successful path for your product
Links
Respira's Kickstarter Campaign
Meditations for Men Who Do Too Much by Jonathon Lazear
Respira's Website
Respira's Instagram
Note: As an Amazon Associate, Art…
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Jun 9, 2021
Never Touch a Dirty Shopping Cart Handle Again with SaniGrip
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Mike DeGrazia, founder and CEO of iGrip Technologies. Looking to solve a problem a lot of Americans and grocery shoppers all around the world have experienced, Mike designed SaniGrip. Designed as a shopping cart handle cover, SaniGrip is a silicone-based sanitary solution to dirty shopping cart handle problems. Learn how Mike is spreading the word about SaniGrip, with only nine days left in his Kickstarter campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Insight into how Mike's first job at a private equity firm kickstarted his career as an entrepreneur
How the pandemic influenced the idea and design of SaniGrip
Why SaniGrip is a better hygiene solution than a disinfecting wipe
How and why iGrip Technologies plans to use direct marketing to introduce SaniGrip to retail stores
Some of the challenges Mike had to overcome to make SaniGrip a reality
Links
SaniGrip Kickstarter Campaign
iGrip Technologies…
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Jun 2, 2021
Protect your Feet, and the Earth, with Ales Grey Rodeo Drive Slip-Ons
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed "Sneaker" Steve Patiño, CEO and founder of Ales Grey. Looking to support the more comfortable, effortless lifestyle that thrived during the pandemic, Steve developed the Ales Grey Rodeo Drive Slip-On. This slip-on is the world's first recycled, sustainable clog. Learn how Steve surpassed his active Kickstarter funding goal by more than 70% with the support of over 130 backers.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Ales Grey's mission-driven mindset influenced the idea of the Rodeo Drive Slip-On
Steve's inspiration behind the brand and the namesake of the company
Insight into how Steve's first sneaker store job kickstarted his career in this industry
How Ales Grey designed and prototyped the Rodeo Drive Slip-On
Background into Ale Grey's partnership with XL Extralight in Italy's "Difference Makers" program
Links
The Ales Grey Rodeo Drive Slip-On Kickstarter Campaign
The Power of a Positive No by Will…
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May 26, 2021
Save Time and Space in the Kitchen with The CoffeeClip, a 2-in-1 Tool
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed two-time Kickstarter creator and the inventor of multiple products, Sam Wechsler. Looking to reduce the number of cooking gadgets in his home, Sam developed innovative kitchen tools, such as CoffeeClip and TeableSpoon, to save space and time. The CoffeeClip and TeableSpoon are measurement devices built into clips and spoons for all your coffee and baking needs. Learn how Sam, supported by 300 backers, surpassed his initial Kickstarter funding goal of $10,000 for CoffeeClip, Spoontula and TeableSpoon XL6.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Sam's engineering mindset transformed throughout his entrepreneurial career
The design inspiration and prototyping process behind CoffeeClip and TeableSpoon XL6
Insight into how Sam's childhood kick-started his entrepreneurial spirit
How Amazon is expected to turn business around for Sam after a net loss
What, according to Sam, is the big picture business concept be…
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May 19, 2021
Work and Play Everyday in AMABILIS’ Tactical Inspired Jackets
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed founder and chief product tester of Amabilis, Brian Abrams. For the past 25 years, Brian has been designing premium apparel and gear for the men and women of our most elite military forces and those that respond first. Fully funded in six hours, the Responder Lite Tactical Chore Jacket and the Primaloft Shirt-Jac Kickstarter campaign is Brian's fourth successful Kickstarter campaign. Learn how Brian surpassed his funding goal by over 249% with 217 backers.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What Kickstarter changes Brian has noticed since the launch of AMABILIS' first product, the Dave Jr. Duffel Bag
How Brian applied his 25-years of experience designing special operations products to creating AMABILIS' two tactical inspired jackets
The opportunities available for international crowdfunding, along with advice for international shipping
How AMABILIS has achieved a very high repeat customer buy rate
What, a…
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May 12, 2021
Jam to Music Anywhere with Kube4, a Portable, Wireless, Entertainment System
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed CEO of Thomas and Darden, Nathan George. Nathan is the creator of Kube4, a premium portable, wireless, and waterproof entertainment system. Kube4 has recently crossed over $100,000 raised on Kickstarter, putting it in the top 4% of all Kickstarter campaigns.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Nathan's entrepreneurial start from selling Airheads at the bus stop to real estate to founding KubeSound
How Nathan went from wanting to sell Kube4 out of the back of a trailer at football games to being featured as a top product by WIRED magazine
What prep work the KubeSound team did in advance of their launch
How Nathan and his team decided which features to include and optimize with the Kube4
Advice for entrepreneurs looking to make partnerships
Links
Kube4 on Kickstarter
KubeSound Website
Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by ProductHype, the leading crowdf…
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Apr 21, 2021
Monetize Your Innovation with Tips From Inventor Confidential
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Warren Tuttle, whose new book titled Inventor Confidential: the Honest Guide to Profitable Innovation, is a number one bestseller on Amazon. Warren Tuttle is the President of the United Inventors Associations and in his book, shows inventors a better way to monetize their product.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Warren's entrepreneurial start from having a paper route to owning a food business with actor Paul Newman to writing a book
In which ways the process of working with inventors have changed over time
How the patent industry has changed in recent years
In which ways launching a book is similar to taking a product to market
The top 5 things inventors should be aware of before taking a product to market
What the future of inventing looks like
Links
Inventor Confidential: the Honest Guide to Profitable Innovation by Warren Tuttle
Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontest…
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Mar 31, 2021
Work From Home With This All-In-One HD Webcam, Mic, and Light
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Sierra Green, the on-camera host and content creator for Movo WebMic. Movo WebMic HD Pro is an all-in-one HD webcam, mic, and LED light that allows you to be seen, be heard, and look good. Learn how the Movo WebMic team has raised over $462,000 from over 3,100 backers with two weeks to go in their Kickstarter campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How COVID-19 inspired Movo Photo, a microphone company, to create high-quality technology products for working from home
Why high sound quality is especially important to the team at Movo WebMic
How backers helped Movo WebMic decide to roll out a lens cap, a stand, a clamp, and certain colors
What led Movo Photo to work with an agency like Enventys Partners
What's in store for the future of Movo Photo—from new products to pushing their products to big box stores
Links
Movo WebMic HD Pro on Kickstarter
Movo Photo Website
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by…
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Mar 24, 2021
Shoot in Style with This All-Access Camera Bag
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Nycol and Matthew Bevis, the siblings behind Top Shelf. Top Shelf is the first open-layout sling bag that allows you to access your gear in 1.1 seconds. Learn how these photographers secured over 3,600 backers and raised over $1 million on their first product launch.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Nycol and Matt's photography experience led them to notice a gap in the market when it came to the styles of bags offered for photographers
Why it was so important for Matt and Nycol to get their product patented
Why the pair used pre-campaign advertising to test the viability of their product
The difficulties Nycol and Matt faced when trying to find a manufacturer and how they found the perfect manufacturer for them
What the siblings would do differently the next time they launch a product
Links
Top Shelf on Kickstarter
Top Shelf on Indiegogo
Bevis Gear Website
Bevis Gear on Instagram
Sponsors…
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Mar 17, 2021
Work Anywhere with DUEX, a Lightweight, Portable Monitor
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Jack Yao, co-founder of Mobile Pixels. DUEX by Mobile Pixels is a monitor that can slide out of the back of your laptop so you can deploy it anywhere. Learn how Jack raised $1.5 million in pre-sales from 4,000 backers on Kickstarter and Indiegogo during his first campaign and what's to come with his third campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How the idea for Mobile Pixels came to Jack when he was a student at MIT on an internship at Amazon
What ways COVID-19 has impacted Mobile Pixel's manufacturing
How Sean incorporated backer feedback into his process of designing and launching more mature versions of his earlier products
Lessons Jack has learned from his previous campaigns, including why he chose to leverage influencer marketing
How Mobile Pixels scaled after signing distribution contracts with Staples, QVC, B&H Cameras, and Best Buy
Links
Mobile Pixels Website
DUEX Lite and DUEX Plus on Ki…
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Mar 10, 2021
Fund The Production of Your Inventory with Kickfurther
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Sean De Clercq, co-founder and CEO of Kickfurther. Kickfurther works by connecting growing startups to a community of people who help these startups fund the production of their inventory. Learn how Sean solved his own cashflow gap by creating a community that helps entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Sean's background in supply chain management and entrepreneurship led him to encounter inventory finance issues
How Kickfurther connects growing startups to a community of individuals that can help startups raise funds
How guerilla marketing helped Sean and his co-founder launch Kickfurther
Tips Sean has for entrepreneurs looking for funding from investors
What Kickfuther's plans are for the future
Links
Kickfurther
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Sponsors…
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Mar 3, 2021
Refresh Your Eyes With Aurai, An Eye Massager with a Cool Compress
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Jill, Nicholas, and Eric from Aurai, an eye massager for those with eye condition. Aurai is eco-friendly, gentle, temperature-controlled and has the feature to fit any face shape. Learn how the Aurai team raised more than $350,000 with 1,900 backers on their first launch and what's to come with their second.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How a relative who used Coke cans to relieve eye strain and fatigue inspired the Aurai team to create this high tech eye massager
The process of virtually soliciting feedback from backers during COVID
How the Aurai team applied lessons learned from their first crowdfunding campaign
What upcoming healthcare products Aurai has lined up
Why creators have to be more prepared than ever when launching their products and why working with an agency helps
Links
Aurai on Indiegogo
Aurai Website
The Story Factor by Annette Simmons
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored…
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Feb 26, 2021
Leave Lukewarm Coffee in 2020 with a Self-heating HAVA Mug
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Nate Thuli, founder of HAVA Mug, a self-heating smart mug. HAVA uses a swipe sensor to allow you to control exactly what temperature you want your coffee to be, and over time, the mug will discover your custom preferred temperature. Learn about how a hot beverage aficionado went from breaking open mugs to discover their thermal properties to smashing his Kickstarter goal in just a few days.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Nate wants to improve the social coffee drinking experience through the HAVA Mug
What HAVA Mug has in common with dating apps like Tinder
How HAVA Mug differentiates itself from its competitors
Why HAVA Mug relied on customer feedback to find the perfect temperature for a hot drink
How HAVA Mug overcame initial product design and technology challenges
Links
HAVA Mug on Kickstarter
HAVA Mug Website
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The Startup Way by Eric Ries
Sponsors
Art of…
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Feb 18, 2021
Kick Your Feet Up With Lonowear, a Sockless, Odorless Eco-conscious Shoe
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Ben Hui, founder of Lonowear, a sockless, eco-conscious sneaker. Lonowear is made without glue and uses breathable and odo-resistant tree fiber. Learn about how a shoemaker whose grandfather started one of the first shoe factories in Hong Kong turned his passion for shoes and sustainability into a novel product.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Ben saw his perfect niche after being in the shoe game for 10 years
The process of making an eco-friendly shoe differs from making a traditional shoe
Why Lonowear decided on a zero-inventory model
How to solicit and manage customer feedback when launching a new product
Why Lonowear chose to partner with an agency to launch their project
Links
Lonowear on Kickstarter
Lonowear
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by ProductHype, the leading crowdfunding newsletter. Publishing weekly, ProductHype showcases five of the best, most innovati…
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Jan 20, 2021
Monitor and Control Your Utilities with PowerX
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Manuel Schönfeld, founder and CEO of PowerX, creators of comprehensive energy optimization solutions. Through a suite of smart home devices and an easy-to-use app, gain insight into your home's energy usage to pinpoint inefficiencies, reduce monthly costs and minimize your carbon footprint. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journey and how they're bringing PowerX to market.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Manuel's extensive background in the energy industry
The dual inspiration behind PowerX
The difficult product development process, especially during a pandemic with so many international teammembers
How Manuel compared raising capital to a horse race
Why he choose to go into crowdfunding as well as work with Enventys Partners on the campaign
The biggest surprise Manuel has encountered so far in the pre-campaign marketing phase
Links
PowerX on Kickstarter
Beyond Weird: Wh…
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Jan 6, 2021
Easy, Quick Composting Right in Your Kitchen
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Patrick, Director of Commerce, and Christian, Director of Market at KALEA, creators of the fully automatic kitchen composter. No matter where you live or how much space you have, KALEA turns your organic waste into nutrient-rich compost in only 48 hours. Listen in to hear about the brand's product development journey and how they came to crowdfund on Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The inspiration behind bringing KALEA to life
Why they had to change the name of the product initially
What led them to crowdfunding for the brand's first product launch
The marketing prepwork that went into releasing KALEA on Kickstarter
Links
KALEA on Kickstarter
Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't by Jim Collins
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by ProductHype, the leading crowdfundi…
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Dec 22, 2020
Build Miniature Wonderlands for Your Pots and Plants
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Lars Christain, creator of Tiny Treehouses, the DIY miniature wonderland kits. Spruce up your plants and pots with these adorable yet sophisticated DIY flat pack model kits. Available in multiple hanging options and difficulty levels, each Tiny Treehouse also comes with an LED light (batteries included!). Learn about the product's inspiration, the development journey and its road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How the 3D designer's love of plants and architecture led him to imagine Tiny Treehouses and how the pandemic allowed him the time to bring it to life
The prototyping process Lars went through to come up with the final designs on the Kickstarter page
With over 3,000 backers on this campaign, how he's used their feedback to adjust the product
The marketing prepwork that went into the launch including PR, social media as well as digital advertising which ultimately helped the project r…
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Dec 15, 2020
The Perfect Companion For Your Hamburger
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Ismail Miah, founder and product designer of Burger Buddy, a mess-free eating experience. Burger Buddy is an interactive, hygienic and eco-friendly way to hold your burger (as well as bagels, doughnuts, pies, and so much more) together, and keep all of the fixings inside. Learn about how a passionate pair of engineers turned their love of burgers into a successfully crowdfunded campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How the idea for Burger Buddy came from a search for the best burger in London
Why silicon was the best material to accommodate all the product's features
How they were able to use influencer marketing as part of their communication strategy
Which marketing effort became their biggest return on investment
The biggest surprise they learned during the course of their Kickstarter campaign
Links
Burger Buddy on Kickstarter
The Laws of Simplicity (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business,…
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Dec 8, 2020
The Easier Way to Capture Incredible Footage
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Josh Ermias, CEO of Door Robotics, creators of VISTA Drone. As an easier solution to getting immersive content in the air, VISTA Drone captures 360-degree footage, stitches your video to remove the drone and converts it into standard video. Plus, with autonomous navigation, the drone can quickly navigate outdoor and indoor settings on its own. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journey and their road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How a drone food delivery project and a 360-degree video app project from a university incubator led to VISTA Drone
How they decided on its features after speaking with realtors and real estate photographers
The prepwork that went into building an email list, like sending letters of intent, before the campaign launched
Why Josh Ermias thinks VISTA Drone garnered so many European and first-time backers
The biggest surprise Josh encountered…
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Dec 1, 2020
Take the Perfect Shot with Swish
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Dean Alms, founder of Swish, creators of the twist on the cocktail jigger. All while keeping your bar clean, Swish will accurately measure and easily dispense a single shot, pony shot or double shot. Dean Alms and the rest of the team just completed Swish's first-ever Kickstarter campaign, a fully-funded success. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journey and their road to crowdfunding.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How the inspiration for Swish came from Dean Alms' love of cocktails and tools
Some challenges his team encountered along the way while designing this product
Why they decided to release Swish through a crowdfunding campaign
How the team prepared the marketing for the campaign's launch and what help Enventys Partners provided
The biggest surprise Dean encountered during the crowdfunding campaign
Links
Swish on Kickstarter
The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton M. Ch…
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Nov 23, 2020
Baxbag: Good for Your Back and the Environment
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Dr. Shafiq Zaib (aka Dr. Zee), founder of Baxbag, a sustainable and posture-correcting backpack. Made from eco-friendly materials, BaxBag's patent-pending design help reduce back pain related to carrying traditional backpacks. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journey and its road to crowdfunding.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Dr. Zee's background in naturopathic medicine and what inspired her to come up with Baxbag
The process of finding the right manufacturer to create a sustainable backpack
What led Dr. Zee to crowdfunding and why Indiegogo was chosen as the platform to launch Baxbag
The biggest surprises that Dr. Zee encountered in the product development process
Links
Baxbag on Indiegogo
The Diary of Anais Nin, Vol. 1: 1931-1934 by Anais Nin
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover…
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Nov 18, 2020
Monitor the Temperature of Your Hands and Feet
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Adrien Beyk, co-founder and CEO of Quanta Vici, creators of smart heated gloves and socks. Through integrated, real-time temperature sensors, Quanta Vici wearables (and smartphone app) let you maintain an exact temperature of your hands and feet for up to 6.5 hours. Listen in and learn about the smart wearables' product development journey and their Kickstarter experience.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The inspiration behind Quanta Vici came from living in chilly Toronto and wanting to help those with medical conditions negatively affected by cold weather.
How finding gaps in the electric heated glove and sock market led them to design a more precise, longer-lasting glove and sock that looked good too.
Why the team started working with Enventys Partners, a marketing agency, when figuring out how to find a broader audience, beyond the initial (and smaller) target of the medical market.
The challenges that…
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Nov 11, 2020
Sniper Bladeworks’ on Point for Kickstarter
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Adam Pener, co-founder and CEO of Sniper Bladeworks, creators of award-winning EDC tactical knives. Founded in 2009, Sniper Bladeworks pioneered ergonomic “pistol grip” handles and cutting-edge knife designs that catapulted the company to the top of the custom knife-making game. Today, the brand has launched on Kickstarter the 2020: Reload Signature series, designed to exceed your everyday needs and excel in tactical and frontline use. Learn about the inspiration behind Sniper Bladeworks, its crowdfunding journey and how they positioned themselves for a successful campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The long-standing history Adam has with Sniper Bladeworks co-owner and designer, Lance Abernathy and how company started
After being in business for over 10 years, why they choose to launch a series on Kickstarter
With multiple knife "flavors" available for pre-sale, how Adam suggests a company that has…
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Oct 28, 2020
Equity Crowdfunding festivalPass, the 1st Live Event Subscription Service
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Ed Vincent, CEO of festivalPass, the world's first live events subscription service. Ranging from music, film, food & wine, theater, tech & innovation and more, festialPass lets you enjoy thousands of events locally and globally for one monthly fee. Learn about the inspiration behind this company and it's road to equity crowdfunding on Wefunder.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Ed Vincent's 20-year experience as a serial entrepreneur before launching festivalPass
How the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected the company
Why they choose to go forward with an equity crowdfunding campaign
The prepwork that went into launching the campaign
Who their target market is and how they are reaching this audience
Links
festivalPass on Wefunder
festivalPass
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Oct 20, 2020
Grab a Seat with True Places: the Comfy, Modern Folding Chair
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Ben Knepler and Nelson Warley, co-founders of True Places, creators of the modern, portable folding chair. Perfect for life just outside your door, True Places Folding Chair is lightweight and built to last with remarkable comfort and thoughtful features. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journey and their road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The inspiration behind True Places and the founders' background together at a consumer products company
The instrumental moments in their market research that lead to the redesign of the outdoor chair
Why it was a challenge creating a portable folding chair with the comfort of a patio chair
How they determined Enventys Partners as the crowdfunding marketing agency to work with
The importance of launching a product with available add-ons and the vertical True Places sees themselves in
Why True Places was named after a Moby Di…
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Oct 14, 2020
A Safe Solution for the Age-Old Game of Stair Sliding
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Jacob Webb and Craig Hammond, cofounders of Stairslide, the children's slide for indoor stairs. As a safer alternative to sleeping bags, cardboard boxes and laundry baskets, Stairslide is durable, lightweight and can be stored easily. Not only did Craig Hammond help create this campaign, but he's also updated us on the status of PEEjamas, another project he's guided to crowdfunding success. Listen in and learn about how this pair of creators met as well as Stairslide's road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The mistake of overcomplicating a product and how they avoided that with Stairslide
The importance of safety and the hoops they jumped when designing a children's product
The marketing prepwork that crowdfunding agency, Enventys Partners, helped with
The storytelling formula they used in Stairslide's kickstarter video
Where Craig and Jacob see the future of crowdfunding
Links
Stairsl…
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Oct 7, 2020
A Tidy Cutting Space for Fast, Easy Meal Prep
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Matthew Charles, president of TidyBoard. As a kitchen space-saver, TidyBoard streamlines your food prep by placing strainers, catches and containers on the end of the bamboo cutting board. Learn about how a passionate team of brothers turned their need for an organized cutting space into a successfully crowdfunded campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The inspiration behind TidyBoard and Matthew Charles' background as a civil engineer
How they decided what features to include, like the bamboo wood and collapsable containers
The importance of raising awareness before your Kickstarter launch, either full-time or through an agency
What feedback their backer community has provided to improve TidyBoard
Links
TidyBoard on Kickstarter
The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky
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Oct 1, 2020
Easy Cleaning with the Motorized, Customizable Scrubbing Brush
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Hannan Hakim, co-founder and CEO of Hyper Lychee, creators of Skadu. As the faster, easier way to clean stuck-on grime anywhere in your home, Skadu is the hand-held, electric power scrubber with a lightweight ergonomic design and a variety of attachment options. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journey and their road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How a visit with an elderly relative gave Hannan Hakim the inspiration for Skadu
Why they choose Kickstarter as the avenue to introduce Skadu to the market
How they prepared for the crowdfunding campaign two months before the launch
The importance of testing to determine your best audience whether that be through a crowdfunding platform or retail
The biggest takeaways Hannan can give as a first time Kickstarter creator
Links
Skadu on Kickstarter
Hyper Lychee
Jugaad Innovation: Think Frugal, Be Flexible, Generate…
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Sep 23, 2020
Crowdfunding Equity in Exotic Craft Spirits
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Peter Nevenglosky, cofounder of Drifter Spirits, a craft spirit brand. Drifter Spirits is running a crowdfunding campaign, not on Kickstarter or Indiegogo, but on Wefunder, to raise capital for their growing portfolio of craft spirit brands, like Avua Cachaca and Svol Aquavit. Listen in and learn about the brand's Brazilian inspiration and it's road to crowdfunding.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The craft spirit market, compared to the craft beer market
Peter's background in marketing and the beverage industry, specifically with Red Bull
How they were able to leverage influencer marketing with the New York bar scene
The biggest challenges that came with distributing spirits
Why they choose Wefunder as the platform to help crowdfund their brand
The marketing and outreach prepwork that went into launching Drifter Spirits' campaign
Links
Drifter Spirits on Wefunder
Drifter Spirits
Traction: Get…
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Sep 15, 2020
An Ecosystem of Products Tackles the Ocean’s Plastic Problem
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Adrian Solgaard, founder and CEO of Solgaard, a design-driven sustainable brand. With six successful Kickstarter campaigns, Solgaard started out by creating luxury gear for on-the-go lifestyles. Now, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is launching at-home devices, like HomeBase Solar Boombox Ecosystem. With sustainability at the core of their mission, Solgaard not only pulls 5 lbs of ocean plastic for every item sold, but their products are also made from recycled ocean plastic. Listen in to learn about Solgaard's ecosystem of products and how the brand has grown from its first crowdfunding campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Adrian found the factories that manufacture Solgaard products
Tips for newcomers creating high-tech devices
A sneak peek at a new item they're going to launch next year
How Adrian balances backer feedback with his gut feelings for a potential product
The imp…
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Sep 10, 2020
Sneakers With a Progressive Design Yet Nostalgic Look
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Denny Chiang, founder of Projext & Co., creators of Scooter One Shoes. As sustainably designed sneakers, Scooter One also serves practical purposes as they're fully-cushioned, lightweight, durable, temperature-regulating and weather-resistant. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journey and their Kickstarter experience.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The inspiration behind Scooter One Shoes
The extensive trial and error process that comes with designing footwear
How Projext & Co. sourced socially-conscious manufacturers
The biggest surprise they've encountered in their crowdfunding campaign
Links
Scooter One Shoes on Kickstarter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadgets and creative gifts. C…
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Sep 1, 2020
Accessible Muscle Relief with Mobility Wall
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Chris Divecchio, co-founder of Mobility Wall, the revolutionary foam rolling & self-massage system. Not only does this one-of-a-kind roller come with detachable massage heads, it also fits securly between any doorway, giving you more control in hard to reach areas. Listen and Learn about the inspiration behind the product and its road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What inspired Chris Divecchio to create Mobility Wall
How Chris cultivated the team and what the design process was like
How the poduct's features were ultimately decided
The prepwork leading up to the launch of the Kickstarter campaign
Links
Mobility Wall on Kickstarter
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultim…
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Aug 26, 2020
The (More Than) Decent Butcher Block, A Cutting-Edge Cutting Board
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Matt Adams, founder of The Decent Co., creators of The Decent Butcher Block. Elegantly engineered to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, The Decent Butcher Block is a durable cutting board that's built to last a lifetime. Learn about the inspiration behind the product and its road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What inspired Matt Adams to create The Decent Butcher Block
The design process including how the poduct's features were decided
The biggest surprise that came with launching the Kickstarter campaign
The importance of early bird perks and how it can affect a crowdfunding campaign
Links
The Decent Butcher Block on Kickstarter
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's gu…
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Aug 18, 2020
Löv Your Space, Air Purifier Included
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Roh Heekwon, cofounder of KOMMA, pronounced "comma", a design and technology brand. Their first Kickstarter project, Löv, is a slim, wall-hanging air purifier that's inspired by Scandinavian style and functions in four adaptable positions. Learn about how a passionate newlywed couple turned their need for a thoughtfully-designed home appliance into a successfully crowdfunded campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why the Scandinavian style appealed to the founders
The challenges that came with Löv's extensive design process
What marketing tactic proved to bring in the most revenue
How they've secured so many first-time backers, about 40% of their entire backer community
The surprising celebrity that inspirired Roh to be an entreperuer
Links
Löv on Kickstarter
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
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Aug 11, 2020
An Insider’s Look at SEO Software Company, SEMrush
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Fernando Angulo, Head of Communications at SEMrush, an online visibility analytics software. As an all-in-one marketing tool, SEMrush not only offers solutions for SEO, but also provides support for PPC, content, social media and competitive research. Listen in to hear how SEMrush has grown in the past decade and the ways Fernanado's team works remotely.
Topics Discussed and Key Takeaways
What inspired him to join SEMrush nine years ago, when the company began their marketing efforts
How SEMrush collects feedback from their community to improve the software
How his team is effective at working remotely before and during the global pandemic
What the future of SEMrush looks like
Links
SEMrush
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome pro…
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Aug 4, 2020
The Friendliest Hanger on the Planet
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Timothy Lee and Michael Graham, co-creators of the Mozu Hanger, the friendliest hanger on the planet. As a slim, earth-friendly hanger, Mozu has an innovative notch that eliminates the stretching of collars. Listen in to hear about the brand's product development journey and how they came to crowdfund on Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Timothy and Michael's backstory and the inspiration behind creating the Mozu Hanger
The design process and how they decided on it's features and materials
The prep work leading up to the launch of the Mozu Hanger campaign
Their biggest takeaway throughout the Kickstarter campaign
Links
Mozu Hanger
Mozu Hanger on Kickstarter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadgets an…
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Jul 28, 2020
Rebalance and Reboot with Nanotech Wearable, Taopatch
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Dmitri Leonov, co-founder of Taopatch, the wearable wellness device. Combining cutting-edge nanotechnology, light therapy and acupuncture, Taopatch provides immediate and long-lasting relief, physically, emotionally and mentally. Listen in to hear about the brand's product development journey and how it's grown from the Italian medical community to the mass market.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
the inspiration and technology behind Taopatch
how the brand changed between the launches of Taopatch Start and Taopatch Pro
the marketing tactics chosen to introduce Taopatch to a broader audience
what the future of Taopatch looks like
Links
Taopatch
Taopatch on Indiegogo
Jed McKenna's Theory of Everything: The Enlightened Perspective (The Dreamstate Trilogy)
The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platf…
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Jul 20, 2020
ZEEKSACK: The Pack That Promotes Self-Possession
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Daniel Ekstam, Cofounder of ZEEKSACK™, a Swedish design brand, driven by functionality. As creators of travel gear & accessories to help calm your mind and organize your life, ZEEKSACK recently released the Organizer, a multifunctional backpack designed to fit everything you need, the way you need it. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journeys and it's road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Daniel Ekstam's background as a lighting technician and the inspiration behind ZEEKSACK
How Daniel determined what features to included in ZEEKSACK's final design
The challenges that came with sourcing and manufacturing ZEEKSACK
How the ZEEKSAK team prepared their marketing materials to launch on Kickstarter
The biggest takeaway throughout the entire crowdfunding process
Links
ZEEKSACK
ZEEKSACK on Kickstarter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The…
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Jul 7, 2020
Premium Products for Your Outdoor Adventures
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Tayson Whittaker, President of Outdoor Vitals, a premium outdoor gear company. With a unique, direct-to-consumer business model, Outdoor Vitals is able to provide high-quality camping equipment at competitive prices compared to retailers. Listen in and learn about the brand's product development journeys and Tayson's tips for Kickstarter novices.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Tayson Whittaker's background and the inspiration behind Outdoor Vital's first crowdfunding campaign, MummyPod™
Why they decided to reach consumers through Kickstarter instead of Amazon
How they prepared for the launches of their last two campaigns, Satu Adventure Pants and LoftTek Adventure Jacket
How the team at Outdoor Vitals interacts with their community of backers
What the process has been like on Indiegogo when switching to InDemand
Links
Outdoor Vitals
Satu Adventure Pants on Kickstarter
LoftTek Adventure Jacket…
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Jul 1, 2020
An Infinitely Cleaner Way to Clean Your Floors
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Al Pierce, CEO and Founder of Infiniti Clean, makers of the patented cleaning cartridge system. The Infiniti Cleaner eliminates the need to replace dirty, single-use wet floor pads by using a continuous roll of cleaning fabric. Listen in and learn about Al's product development journey and his road to Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Al Pierce's entrepreneurial background and the inspiration behind the Infiniti Cleaner
The challenges that came with the extensive design and prototyping process
Why they decided to crowdfund the Infiniti Cleaner
The product and marketing prep work they did before launching the Kickstarter campaign
Their considerations when looking for a crowdfunding agency to work with
Links
The Infiniti Cleaner on Kickstarter
Infiniti Clean
How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a pro…
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Jun 23, 2020
Most Funded Fitness Product on Kickstarter: OYO NOVA Gym
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Graham Ripple, COO of OYO Fitness, makers of the full-body, portable gyms. Weighing under 3 lbs, yet providing up to 40 lbs of resistance, OYO NOVA Gym and OYO Personal Gym are the 1st and 2nd most funded fitness products in Kickstarter history, respectively. Listen in and learn about OYO Fitness' product development journeys and how it obtained enormous success on Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The development of SpiraFlex technology used by NASA and the inspiration behind OYO Fitness
Why they used crowdfunding as a means of market validation
The marketing preparation techniques they used for both Kickstarter campaigns and how they differed
The importance of omnichannel ecommerce and crowdfunding storytelling
Their operational plan for fulfilling such a large number of backers
Links
OYO NOVA Gym on Kickstarter
OYO NOVA Gym on Indiegogo
OYO Fitness
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
S…
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Jun 16, 2020
Making Merino Wool into Accessible, Essential Clothing
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed James Kelly, cofounder of Woolly Clothing, makers of affordable merino apparel. As inherently natural, biodegradable and renewable garments, Woolly Clothing is made with little to no plastic or synthetics, yet maintains the performance and comfort needed for an active lifestyle. Listen in and learn about Woolly Clothing's product development journeys and the success it's had on Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The inspiration behind Woolly Clothing
The groundwork involved with starting an garment line
Why they used Kickstarter to launch the Woolly Clothing Longhaul Pant
How their crowdfunding strategy changed after launching their last campaign for the NatureDry Jacket
Why they choose to work with Enventys Partners over other crowdfunding agencies
What the future of Woolly Clothing Co looks like
Links
Woolly Clothing
The NatureDry Jacket on Kickstarter
The Longhaul Pant on Kickstart…
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Jun 9, 2020
Camping Reaches New Heights with Opeongo
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Andrew Gardner, founder of Opeongo, creators of the tent and hammock crossover, AERIAL A1. With the ability to maintain a flat, stable sleeping surface in the air, this camping product suspends between two trees like a hammock while providing all the features of a traditional tent. Listen in and learn about Andrew’s past product development journeys as well as his crowdfunding experiences.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Andrew Gardner’s background in product design
The story behind POLAR Pen, the first product he successfully crowdfunded
The challenges that came with prototyping AERIAL A1
The surprising place Andrew found AERIAL A1’s target audience
Advice he would give up-and-coming project creators
Links
Opeongo
AERIAL A1 on Kickstarter
POLAR Pen
POLAR Pen on Kickstarter
The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flo…
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Jun 1, 2020
Get a Boost of Vitality from these Health and Wellness Successes
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Cid Carver, Marketing Director at Lumen, creators of the first device to hack your metabolism. Not only did Cid spearhead the success of this multi-million dollar crowdfunding campaign, but she also helped launch two other health and wellness products: Vi, an AI personal trainer who lives in biosensing earphones, and UPRIGHT GO, a tiny habit-forming wearable that corrects your posture. Listen in and learn about the marketing strategy, prepwork and tactics used to raise over $5 million in total for these crowdfunding campaigns.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The key components needed in preparation for a crowdfunding campaign launch
Why capturing high-quality video content pays off in the end
How she incorporated influencer marketing into Lumen’s overall strategy
The biggest surprise Cid learned from all three campaigns
The importance of planning for after your crowdfunding campaign ends
Links
Vi on…
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May 26, 2020
ShadeCraft Furnishes Outdoor Living with IoT, Automation and Technology
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Armen Gharabegian, founder and CEO of ShadeCraft, a technology and robotics company on the mission to improve human life outdoors. With products such as Suntable, Blossom and Sunflower, ShadeCraft provides smart and durable outdoor furniture that has a variety of IoT, autonomous and solar power capabilities. Listen in and learn about ShadeCraft’s inspiration, product development journeys and crowdfunding marketing strategies.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The challenges that came with designing their first product, Sunflower, the automatic sun-following umbrella
What led them to later release Suntable, a chic 3-in-1 table, speaker and charger
Why crowdfunding was the best option when launching their products
Tips for other crowdfunding creators launching an innovative product
Why they selected Enventys Partners to help with Suntable’s Kickstarter campaign
Links
Suntable on Kickstarter
ShadeCr…
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May 18, 2020
From Here to There on a FLASH, Electric Skateboard
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Lukáš Joukal and Martin Mikeska, co-founders of FLASH, creators of high-quality, high-performance electric skateboards and airless wheels. Whether you race, train, commute or just want to have fun, FLASHBOARDS will get you anywhere fast, no matter the terrain or weather conditions. Listen in and learn about FLASH’s inspiration, product development journey and crowdfunding marketing strategies.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How previous eBoards weren’t satisfying Lukáš Joukal and why FLASH was developed
The biggest challenge to overcome when designing the boards
The reason FLASH was crowdfunded instead of using a traditional direct-to-market strategy
Why they switched crowdfunding platforms from Indiegogo to Kickstarter
How FLASH was prepared for launch and why they partnered with the agency, Enventys Partners
Links
FLASH on Kickstarter
FLASH
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale…
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May 11, 2020
The Secrets to Multi-Campaign Success with LiteTravel
In this hour-long episode of Art of the Kickstart, we sat down with Sam Olawale, creator of trip essential brand, LiteTravel. With Qubix, Qubix 2 and SMOL under his belt, Sam reveals his tried and true methods of product research, audience development and fast funding for three successful crowdfunding campaigns. Tune in to learn about the backstory of LiteTravel and it’s products’ journey from inspiration to shipment.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why Sam Olawale uses Kickstarter and how it’s changed over the years
How LiteTravel garnered such a loyal brand following
The importance of multi-variance testing and backer surveying
Why Sam doesn’t recommend using incentive marketing
What surprised him the most about crowdfunding
Links
LiteTravel
Qubix 2 on Kickstarter
SMOL on Indiegogo
Digital Super Systems
TestMax Test Prep
JJS Justice Lawyers
Principles by Ray Dalio
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadge…
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May 4, 2020
Customizable Magnetic Marble Course Rolls in Success
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Elyasaf Shweka, industrial designer for Makeway, creators of the marble track super-puzzle. Through a variety of magnetic bits, this fully-backed product allows you to create intricate and unique marble paths that seamlessly attach to common metal surfaces such as fridges, whiteboards and cars. Listen in and learn about Makeway’s inspiration, product development journey and crowdfunding marketing strategies.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Elyasaf’s woodworking background and why he created Makeway
Their extensive prototyping process to determine Makeway’s features
Why they choose Kickstarter to crowdfund their product
How they were able to earn over 600 backers and $70K in just the first day of the campaign
The future of Makeway, amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Links
Makeway
Makeway on Kickstarter
The Dip by Seth Godin
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow,…
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Apr 27, 2020
Get Caffeinated with the Combo Coffee Maker and Mug
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Matthew Deasy, founder of Oomph™, makers of the 2-in-1 piston brew coffee maker and insulated travel cup. With two successful Kickstarter campaigns under their belt, Oomph has perfected the science behind the all-in-one, on-the-go coffee brewing and drinking experience. Listen in and learn about Oomph’s inspiration, product development journey and crowdfunding marketing strategies.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why Matthew Deasy started the brand, Oomph
Their experiences prototyping both the debut product and their recent 2.0 version
How the company used email marketing and Facebook to be successful in two campaigns
The future of Oomph, amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Links
Oomph
Oomph on Kickstarter
The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The G…
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Apr 21, 2020
LastObject Saves the Environment From Single-Use Habits
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Isabel Aagaard, cofounder of LastObject, a company on a mission to change the single-use culture. With products such as LastSwab and LastTissue, this brand creates reusable alternatives to throw-away items. Tune in to learn about the eco-minded inspiration behind LastObject, their prototyping method and their experience crowdfunding.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Isabel Aagaard’s design background and how she co-founded LastObject
How they manage and prioritize feedback when testing products
The path from their first product, LastSwab, to creating a whole line of multi-use essentials
The marketing tactics they deployed to ensure strong crowdfunding campaign launches
Where they see LastObject in the future
Links
LastObject
LastTissue on Indiegogo
The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear To Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Fl…
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Apr 13, 2020
Travel-Friendly Wool Gets a Modern Look with Unbound Merino
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Dan Demsky, co-founder of Unbound Merino, maker of high-quality and stylish wool clothing. Perfect for travel, Unbound Merino’s ultra-chic apparel is made from sustainable merino wool, a fast-drying, odor-resistant anti-wrinkle, breathable yet insulating fabric. Listen in and learn about the inspiration behind the brand, the process from idea to crowdfunding campaign launch and where Unbound Merino is today.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What lead Dan Demsky to create Unbound Merino
The challenges that came with designing, sourcing and manufacturing the products
Why they launched a crowdfunding campaign and how they positioned themselves for Indiegogo success
The ways they continue to understand who their customers are, why they use the products and what features are important to them
How the COVID-19 pandemic is effecting Unbound Merino and what they plan to do about it
Links
Unbound Merino
Un…
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Apr 6, 2020
A Lesson for Entrepreneurs by the Patent Professor
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with John Rizvi, also known as the Patent Professor. Not only is John a patent attorney with over 20 years of experience, but he’s also a two-time bestselling author of Think and Grow Rich for Inventors and Escaping the Gray. Listen in to learn why he became a patent lawyer, the process to receive a patent and tips for aspiring inventors.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The story behind John Rizvi’s path to becoming a patent attorney and opening his own practice
The most common pitfall he sees when inventors come to him
An overview of the patent process from initial idea to obtaining rights
How things have changed in this industry over the last twenty years
The influxes in certain patent types due to media-covered events such as the current Coronavirus pandemic
Links
The Patent Professor
Think and Grow Rich for Inventors by John Rizvi
Escaping the Gray: When Launching Your Idea Full Throttle is the…
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Mar 31, 2020
Powerful Brand Storytelling Crowdfunds Luxury Watches
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Ilan Srulovicz, founder of Égard Watches, men’s and women’s luxury timepieces. Through a direct-to-consumer sales model, Égard is able to provide high-quality watches at affordable prices by avoiding wholesalers and retailers. Listen in and learn the inspiration behind the brand, their journey over the past eight years since its launch and where Égard is headed toward in the future.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Where the vision for Égard Watch Company came from when it was founded in 2012
The key points and message that were focused on when building out the brand
What’s changed in the watch industry over the last eight years
How Ilan positioned himself and the brand for successful crowdfunding
The experience creating a marketing video in response to Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be” video
Links
Égard
Égard on Kickstarter
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Sponsors
Art of the Kicks…
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Mar 23, 2020
Buttercloth Performs as Activewear But Looks like Dress Wear
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Danh Tran, founder, and Bob Stevens, co-founder of Buttercloth, a men’s apparel company providing the comfort of t-shirts with the style of dress shirts. Essentially, Buttercloth uses a special cotton fabric blend to provide stretchability and wrinkle resistance for a wide variety of chic button-ups, polos and sweaters. Listen in to learn why and how Danh started the company as well as what’s to come for Buttercloth in the future.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The Buttercloth story, including Danh’s background and where the unique selling proposition came from
The initial process of deciding and then designing the menswear features
How they got NBA legend, Metta World Peace, to be an investor and brand ambassador
How the fashion brand has evolved into what it is now
Their experience on the popular entrepreneurial show, Shark Tank
Links
Buttercloth
Jump by Steve Harvey
Sponsors
Art of the K…
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Mar 16, 2020
Planner and App Find Cult Following of Various Brain Types
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we sat down with Arman Assadi, CEO and co-founder of EVO Planner, a company that individualizes the day-planning experience. Comprised of a personalized planner and app, their mission is to help users organize their thoughts, articulate goals and define successes based on their brain type. Tune in to hear the process Arman took to garner backer support before, during and after EVO Planner’s Kickstarter campaign. Also, learn about the pitfalls and successes they encountered as well as tips for startups looking to crowdfund.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The process they used to decide what features to include in EVO Planner
The biggest challenge when designing a physical product as well as an app
The strategy to crowdfund EVO Planner before their Kickstarter campaign to gain early support
How they drew on Facebook groups and influencer marketing in conjunction with their overall communication plan
Why they went from…
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Mar 9, 2020
Elevating Pen and Paper with the Launch of Rocketbook
In this exciting episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Joe Lemay, co-founder and CEO of Rocketbook, a company that brings traditional note-taking into the digital age. Through a variety of products, accessories and bundles, Rocketbook provides reusable, customizable, cloud-connected pens and notepads. Listen in to hear what inspired Joe to launch the product, the challenges he experienced throughout all four of his crowdfunding campaigns, and advice for up-and-coming project creators looking to use Kickstarter to launch their ideas.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The difficulties that come with taking a crowdfunded idea to actual product fulfillment
How they managed feedback when adjusting their product to accommodate other features and benefits
The ways they’ve segmented their email database to effectively target and convert backers
Their experience with being on the popular entrepreneurial show, Shark Tank
The biggest surprise they’ve encount…
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Mar 3, 2020
Crowdfunded App Pools Investments and Answers for Your Fertility Questions
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Alice Crisci, CEO and founder of MedAnswers, a digital gateway to information during the path to parenthood. Basically, MedAnswers is an app where you can anonymously ask fertility-related questions to a large pool of doctors and specialists — the “Quora” for people struggling to conceive. Listen in to learn about how Alice came up with the platform and the journey she took to get it from initial idea to equity crowdfunding and beyond.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The inspiration behind MedAnswers
How they determined the core features for the platform
The decision process they went through to develop an app
Their experience with equity crowdfunding on StartEngine
The #1 tip to other startup founders when launching a product
Links
MedAnswers on StartEngine
MedAnswers
The Greatest Salesman in the World
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product d…
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Feb 24, 2020
Essential Menswear that Blends Performance and Sustainability
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Julian Samarjiev and Marin Gerov, co-founders of DULO, a revolutionary men’s apparel company. In short, DULO provides performance dress shirts that are not only 100% biodegradable but also easy to maintain and comfortable to wear. Tune in and learn why Julian and Marin started DULO, the hurdles that come with being a small clothing startup and the evolution from their initial product to their current crowdfunding campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The inspiration for DULO based on real-life problems and concerns
How starting as an outsider in the clothing industry allowed them to be a disrupter and address its long-standing waste issues
The challenges that came with pivoting DULO to not only satisfy the original features and benefits but also make it sustainable
The path that led them to Kickstarter and Enventys Partners to launch this innovative product
Tips for other fashion startups looking t…
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Feb 18, 2020
Raising Funds for the Latest Toddler Sleep Training System
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Scott and Ed, the inventors of the Hush Buddy sleep training device for toddlers. Hush Buddy is a reactive nightlight for toddlers that serves as a gentle reminder for bedtime. Listen in to see what they learned from their first Indiegogo campaign, how they applied that knowledge to their second crowdfunding campaign and more.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Scott invented the idea for Hush Buddy by attempting to solve a real-life problem
Things to keep in mind while prototyping
How they used customer listening to learn from their first campaign and what they applied to their second campaign
How to use a Facebook Group to drum up excitement for their upcoming campaign
The value of working with an agency during a crowdfunding campaign
Links
Hush Buddy on Kickstarter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discove…
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Jan 8, 2020
From the Need for Effective Goal-Setting to the Launch of a New Company
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Cathryn Lavery, the CEO and co-founder of BestSelf Co. At its core, BestSelf Co. is a company that helps you find work-life harmony, think bigger, achieve more, and spark deeper connections. Not only is Cathryn an entrepreneur and creator, but she is a crowdfunding aficionado, having run four crowdfunding campaigns to date. Listen in to hear her talk about what she’s learned as a crowdfunding project creator, how she navigates the world of entrepreneurship, and what’s to come for BestSelf Co. in the future!
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why they decided to take the Kickstarter route in 2015 to validate their initial product before beginning production
The value of a strong pre-launch strategy and how they implemented their strategy in order to set their campaign up for success
Why adding a personal touch to your messaging is important when it comes to connecting with your backers
The benefit of a…
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Dec 11, 2019
Equity Crowdfunding Energizes a Revolutionary Coffee Service
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Vincent Meyer, CEO and founder of GOfee, the first coffee company to deliver coffee-shop quality beverages straight to your office. Learn more about how they used equity crowdfunding and StartEngine to raise capital for their business so that they can grow from a coffee solution in Midtown Manhattan to a coffee solution worldwide.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How they created a marketplace that aggregated a variety of brands while keeping brand loyalty in mind
How they’re removing the issue of waste with today’s coffee industry
Their biggest challenges when starting the company
Why they chose StartEngine and equity crowdfunding versus other methods to raise capital
Their initial content publication strategy in conjunction with their equity campaign, as well as how it supported their campaign
The importance of continuously engaging with their audience and investors during the campaign process…
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Nov 25, 2019
Building a Next-Gen Sous Vide Machine for Today’s Kitchen
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Zalmi Duchman, the CEO of Mellow Duo. After finding success in the food tech industry for over 15 years, specifically in that of fresh meal delivery services, learn how and why Duchman invested in Mellow and guided its development into what it is today. Also, learn why he decided to use Kickstarter to help bring Mellow’s second-generation product to life.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Duchman evolved the brand and the product after learning about it via ProductHunt, eventually investing in the business
Why he chose Kickstarter to grow the business while maintaining Mellow’s original community
What led to the campaign’s initial success within the first 24 hours of launch
How Duchman discovered Enventys Partners and why he chose them as their industry-specific crowdfunding marketing agency
Links
Mellow Duo on Kickstarter
Good to Great
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be spon…
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Nov 5, 2019
The Skinny on Launching the World’s Thinnest Portable Display
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Scott McKeon and Will Scuderi, co-founders of Espresso Displays, the world’s thinnest portable display for your device. Tune in to learn more about how they approached crowdfunding before launching, from consumer listening, manufacturing and development research, and much more!
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How they evaluated the need for their product before launching a crowdfunding project
Why they ultimately chose Kickstarter
How crowdfunding plays into their product lifecycle, initial manufacturing and future development plans
The frontend work they accomplished before launching on Kickstarter in order to ship to backers by early 2020
What they considered when choosing the best crowdfunding agency for their needs
Links
Espresso Displays on Kickstarter
Shoe Dog
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discov…
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Oct 28, 2019
The Future is Bright (and Sustainable) With Hemp Eyewear
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Sam Whitten, founder of Hemp Eyewear, the world’s first sustainable hemp sunglass line. Tune in to learn more about how Sam set out to create a product with a positive global impact, how he approached design and development when building a “world’s first” product, and how he flipped the script on your average crowdfunding campaign video.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to approach designing and testing a “world’s first” product
Capitalizing on the virality of their past crowdfunding campaign in 2014
How the crowdfunding landscape has changed in the past five years
Their process of vetting the right crowdfunding agency for their needs and what caused them to choose Enventys Partners
How they made their crowdfunding video and overall branding different from the industry standard to make them stand out
The importance of pre-launch preparation before you hit the launch button
Links…
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Oct 23, 2019
Enhancing the Flavor Profile of Your Wine, One Bottle at a Time
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Clyde Snodgrass, founder of Vino Novo, the wine-enhancing solution. Tune in to learn more about how he used his product development background, networking abilities and entrepreneurial skills to bring his product to life.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to build a team and network as an entrepreneur
Incorporating voice control into a crowdfunding project and weighing the necessity of building an additional app
What to consider when determining potential stretch goals
How he gathered user feedback and tested his product through grassroots efforts before venturing into crowdfunding
What he took into consideration when determining the best crowdfunding agency for his business and his product
Links
Vino Novo on Kickstarter
Dark Matter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products…
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Oct 16, 2019
Rethinking the Way You Record Live Audio
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Thomas, the co-founder and Head of Communications at Reclouder. Tune in to learn more about how the team created their smart hybrid audio recorder, why they turned to crowdfunding to grow their product, and how they applied cutting-edge strategies to their lead generation tactics leading up to their campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The importance of the crowdfunding landscape for their product as it pertains to crowdsourcing feedback
Why they chose Indiegogo over Kickstarter
How they engaged with early, interested backers before their launch to gauge genuine interest
How they’re using email marketing, Facebook Messenger chat and more for lead generation and incubating
Why Reclouder chose Enventys Partners as their crowdfunding marketing agency
Links
Reclouder on Indiegogo
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow,…
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Oct 7, 2019
Getting the Perfect Shot the Second Time Around
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Brook Parker, operating partner of Cotton Carrier and co-creator of SlingBelt and Bucket System for photographers. Tune in to learn more about Brook and his team’s experience launching their second successful project via crowdfunding, as well as how they took lessons from their first campaign to improve their efforts.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Brook and his team adapted to the marketing and fulfillment landscape over the past decade, thus finding crowdfunding
The value of the Kickstarter community in today’s market
Navigating the development, manufacturing and fulfillment waters
The differences between their first and current crowdfunding campaigns and what they focused on for their second campaign
How they approached their campaign video to tell their story
How they chose the best crowdfunding agency for their needs
The value of samples and a paid advertising budget during a crowdf…
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Sep 30, 2019
For Creators, By Creators at We The People
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Ryan Sim, Managing Director of We The People. Tune in to learn more about how Ryan and his friend, Joel Liew, found initial success raising over a quarter of a million dollars through five successful crowdfunding campaigns, and then created We The People, the world’s only multi-channel crowdfunding retail chain and community. We The People is, essentially, a community of backers who both teach crowdfunding and create products for creators, by creators. In the podcast, Ryan discusses some of his first Kickstarter launches with Kisetsu, as well as his big plans surrounding his new company, We The People.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Ryan’s journey growing each of his five crowdfunding campaigns - successes, mistakes, and all
Whether or not to create customizable SKUs during a crowdfunding campaign and what to expect
Crowdfunding tips for those thinking of launching accessory projects like his
Thin…
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Sep 25, 2019
Forward-Thinking Footwear Taking a Big Step Towards a Zero-Carbon Future
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Aaron Roubitchek, founder of Ponto (formerly Loafs), and creator of The Pacific, the ultimate all-day shoe. Tune in to learn more about how he approached developing and manufacturing an eco-friendly and sustainable product as a first-time entrepreneur.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Deciding to take the plunge as an entrepreneur
Fighting the war on fast fashion while making a sustainable product
Tips for making an eco-friendly product
What to keep in mind as you move into the assembly and product development phase
The benefits of launching a footwear product on Kickstarter
Storyboarding and scripting a campaign video that converts while promoting the company ethos
Why he chose to work with Enventys Partners and how he selected them from other crowdfunding agencies
Links
The Pacific on Kickstarter
Start With Why
Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Mainte…
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Sep 18, 2019
Revolutionizing a Timeless Product for Today’s Market
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Graeme and Alex of The 5TH SWISS. Tune in to learn more about how they built their initial brand and following online, developed a prestigious, high-quality product for a fraction of the price, and utilized Kickstarter for testing in today’s millennial market.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Implementing a pre-order, limited-release strategy to build their business before crowdfunding
How they approached taking a mature, “old-age” product and developing it for today’s millennial market
Utilizing the strategies of the direct-to-consumer model for a legacy product
Applying Kickstarter backer feedback to the future plans of their business
What they took into consideration when determining the best crowdfunding agency for their needs
Links
The 5TH SWISS on Kickstarter
Good to Great
Shoe Dog
The Story of UGG
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a…
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Sep 16, 2019
Building a Lifestyle Apparel Brand Through Crowdfunding
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Miguel Madrid, the founder and Chief of Everything at Perk, a lifestyle apparel brand creating high-quality products like The All-Day Chinos. Tune in to learn more about how Madrid approached the development process for a revolutionary apparel product and created a company ethos, as well as the importance of understanding what it truly takes to become an entrepreneur.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Finding the right partner for the development process for an apparel product
The differences between your run-of-the-mill apparel product release, made-to-order strategies and crowdfunding, as they pertain to apparel
Sourcing the right materials for an apparel product
Developing a company ethos
Finding the right software tools that fit your needs
How to manage your time and money when growing a business
Strategic ways to gain customer feedback and iterate on those results
Links
The All-Day Chino o…
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Sep 11, 2019
Your Reflection, but High-Tech – Building an AI-Powered Smart Mirror
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Edward Zhong, the creator of Ayi, the AI-powered smart mirror. Tune in to learn more about how Zhong created a smart mirror that is not only compatible with thousands of apps, like Uber, but also is able to custom-fit every user by combining artificial intelligence (AI) with an everyday-use product.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to find useful, day-to-day integrations with AI
Hardware and software challenges Ayi faced with their product as a growing startup
Their best advice and tips for someone developing a product with AI
Things to take into consideration when directing and shooting a crowdfunding campaign video
How to manage crowdfunding feedback when over 60% of your backers are first-time crowdfunders
Links
Ayi on Indiegogo InDemand
Kickstarter Forum
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, sav…
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Sep 9, 2019
Taking the Wheel on Gaming Steering Accuracy
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Phil Croft, creator of ProSteer. Tune in to learn more about his experience with the intricacies of developing a hardware product and preparing for a crowdfunding campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
The development process for their product, pre-crowdfunding
Making the decision to take the crowdfunding route with their current prototypes
Working with third-party manufacturers
The importance of educating your customers through marketing
Difficulties for startups in the hardware space
Making the decision to work with a marketing agency for their crowdfunding campaign
Links
ProSteer on Kickstarter
Grand Theft Auto
Jonathan Livingston Seagull: The Complete Edition
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury ga…
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Sep 5, 2019
Using Incubators and Indiegogo for Fertility Monitoring
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Kristina Cahojova of kegg. Tune in to learn more about how Kristina and her team utilized incubators and Indiegogo to not only raise money, but conduct customer listening, for their important and technical fertility tracking monitor.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Working with incubators like SOSV and HAX, as well as the importance of raising initial capital before crowdfunding
How to approach designing such an intimate device with crowdfunding marketing in mind
Why they chose Indiegogo for their fertility tracking monitor
The importance of educating your customers through marketing
The importance of a strong campaign video
How to apply backer feedback to your product while weighing it against your business model and FDA requirements
Their best tips for future project creators
Links
kegg on Indiegogo
Zero to One
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow,…
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Jun 20, 2019
Lessons Learned from Four Crowdfunding Campaigns
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we caught up with Gareth Everard of Rockwell Razors and Keyto. Tune in to learn more about building a good relationship with your backers, doing everything you can to help your Kickstarter campaign succeed and much more.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How preparing for a Kickstarter campaign has changed since the early days of Kickstarter
Why having empathy for your Kickstarter backers is so important
How to build a good relationship with your Kickstarter backers
Why good email marketing is critical to a Kickstarter campaign’s success
Why getting investments prior to a crowdfunding campaign can be smart
How to avoid becoming a “Kickstarter fail”
Why good preparation is key before launching a crowdfunding campaign
Links
Rockwell Razors on Kickstarter
Rockwell Model T on Kickstarter
Rockwell Chrome Series on Kickstarter
Keyto on Kickstarter
How my Kickstarter Blew Up my Life
Episode 134 with Gar…
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Jun 12, 2019
Keeping it Cool on Kickstarter
This week on the Art of the Kickstart podcast, tune in to hear from Lior Ohayon and Aaron Spivak from the Hush Iced Kickstarter campaign. You’ll learn more about developing a textile product, what goes into a great pre-launch campaign, how to use email marketing for your Kickstarter project and much more!
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Solving pain points with a new product using crowdfunding
How to approach product development using textiles
Why you may want to use crowdfunding to launch new editions of existing products
Why using Kickstarter may be a better option than a traditional pre-order approach
How to begin preparing for a crowdfunding campaign
How to build up an audience ready to back your Kickstarter project the day you launch
Why having someone dedicated to public relations for your project can pay off
How to handle Kickstarter stretch goals
Why email marketing is an important part of a Kickstarter campaign
Links
Hush Iced on Kickst…
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Jun 3, 2019
Ending Road Rage One Kickstarter Backer at a Time
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we’re talking with John Stanley, Harsha Venna and Harshit Aggarwal from the RoadWayve team. Check it out and hear more about how they designed their product, what they did to prepare for their Kickstarter campaign and what they’ve learned from the entire process.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What to consider when designing a future-ready product
How to overcome product design challenges
How to choose between Kickstarter and Indiegogo
How long it takes to prepare for a crowdfunding campaign
How to determine your target audience
How to choose a crowdfunding marketing agency
Why it’s important to make sure you are production-ready before launching a crowdfunding campaign
Links
RoadWayve on Kickstarter
Jack: Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The G…
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May 29, 2019
Meet the Experts: Product Development for Kickstarter Campaigns
On this week’s episode of our Meet the Experts series, we’re talking with Jeremy Losaw, director of engineering at Enventys Partners. Tune in to learn more about what to expect when working with a product development firm to build a product and launch it on Kickstarter or Indiegogo!
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What product engineering is and how it relates to crowdfunding
Why all good crowdfunding campaigns start with a great idea
How developing a product for a crowdfunding campaign may be a bit different than a more traditional approach to product development
How long it takes to develop a new product for a crowdfunding campaign
What post-crowdfunding campaign product development looks like
How to pick a product development firm
How crowdfunders can help their product development team build the best possible product
Links
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Antifragile by Nassim Taleb
SmartTerra on Kickstarter
Sponsor…
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May 21, 2019
Meet the Experts: Effectively Using Cross Promotions with Julia Sherertz
In our latest installment of our Meet the Experts series, we talk to Julia Sherertz about using cross promotions as part of an overall crowdfunding marketing strategy for Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Tune in to learn more about what makes another project a good fit for cross promotions, how to set them up and more.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to use cross promotions as part of your Kickstarter or Indiegogo marketing strategy
How to choose projects that are a good fit for a cross promotion
How to pitch a cross promotion to another project
How to set up cross promotions after another project creator agrees to partner with you
What kind of results to expect from cross promotions
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadgets and creative gifts. Click here to learn more and…
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May 14, 2019
Using Kickstarter to Grow Your Product Line
On this week’s episode of the Art of the Kickstart podcast, we spoke with Julia Benben of Chameleon Pens. Tune in to learn more about their latest Kickstarter project for the Chameleon Fineliner pens, plus how to build a community around your product or brand and launch a new project using Kickstarter.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to use crowdfunding to grow your product line
How to think about features, pricing and more when designing a new product
How to build a community around your product
How backing a product on Kickstarter is different from buying a product on a different website
Why listening to your customers is critical
Why you need to research everything before beginning to launch a Kickstarter project
Links
Chameleon Pens on Kickstarter
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save…
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May 7, 2019
Lighting Up the Path to Success
This week on Art of the Kickstart we spoke to David Majeski, co-founder of Brightloc, a 2-in-1 bike lock and light system. Tune in to hear the story of how he was inspired to create the Brightloc, the product development process he went through, and how he ultimately launched it through a Kickstarter campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to decide what features to include when building your product
How combining form with function can be tricky when developing a new product
Tips for turning an idea into a product ready for a Kickstarter campaign
What to look for in a crowdfunding marketing agency
Why understanding your customers is key
Links
Brightloc on Kickstarter
brightloc.com
Competing Against Luck by Clayton Christensen
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool lux…
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Apr 29, 2019
Launching the World’s First Egg White Chip on Kickstarter
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Nick Hamburger, founder of Quevos, the original egg white chip. Tune in and learn more about what the process of developing a food product looks like, how to get your Kickstarter campaign off on the right foot and much more!
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How long to expect it to take to develop a product before launching on Kickstarter
How to test your product with consumers
Why taking your time with Kickstarter prep work is beneficial
Tips for developing a food product
Why having manufacturers in place before launching a crowdfunding campaign is so critical
How to build up excitement for Kickstarter launch day
Why it’s important to leverage your network during a crowdfunding campaign
Why your best approach is likely to target people who already use Kickstarter
Links
Quevos on Kickstarter
Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Quevos.com
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to…
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Apr 23, 2019
Launching a Convertible Handbag from the Ground Up
On this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Guy and Laura Newton, creators of the LAC Convertible Handbag. Listen in to learn more about what the prototyping process looks like, challenges to expect when finding and vetting manufacturers, how to prepare for a crowdfunding campaign, and much more.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What the prototyping process may look like
Challenges that come with designing a product and finding manufacturers
What to consider when partnering with a crowdfunding agency
How much time to allow yourself to prepare for a crowdfunding campaign
Why Indiegogo may be the right platform for your project
Links
LAC Convertible Handbag
The Lean Startup
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadgets and creative gifts. Click here to learn m…
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Apr 18, 2019
Meet the Experts: Chad Rogers from Lemonlight on Creating the Perfect Crowdfunding Video
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we’re speaking with Chad Rogers of Lemonlight about creating a video for a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign. Tune in to learn more about growing a business, creating a great video that fits your budget and finding crowdfunding success.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Challenges that come with growing and scaling a company
Why it’s important for a business to address a problem you’re passionate about solving
Why video is so powerful
Important considerations when creating a video for a crowdfunding campaign
What types of information to include in a crowdfunding video
What the process of creating a crowdfunding video is like
Why it’s important to know your budget before you begin
How to determine the best messaging for your video
Links
Lemonlight
Kudrone on Indiegogo
Traffic and Conversion
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by…
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Apr 9, 2019
Meet the Experts: Email Marketing for Crowdfunding Campaigns with Adam Holden-Bache
In this week’s episode of Art of the Kickstart, we speak with Adam Holden-Bache, email marketing expert at Enventys Partners. Listen in and learn more about email marketing for crowdfunding campaigns, including how to use it before your project, what to do with email on launch day, and how to get the best ROI from email marketing through the duration of your Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What is email marketing?
Why email marketing is a key component of a successful crowdfunding campaign
What kind of results creators can expect to see from their email marketing efforts
The difference between email marketing performance and Facebook Ad performance
How to use email marketing before you launch a crowdfunding campaign
How to use email marketing for a live crowdfunding campaign
What to consider when vetting a crowdfunding marketing agency
How to get the best ROI from your email marketing campaigns
Links
Enventys Par…
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Apr 1, 2019
Meet the Experts: Working With a Crowdfunding Agency With Sarah Hunter
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we’re talking with Sarah Hunter, account manager at Enventys Partners, about what crowdfunding creators needs to know about working with an agency. Tune in to hear her thoughts about why you should work with an agency, how to make sure the agency you choose understands your brand and what you can do to ensure your campaign is a success.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why crowdfunding creators should work with an agency
What kind of information an agency will need from you before they start working on your campaign
How to make sure your agency understands your brand’s messaging
How long to expect your crowdfunding agency to spend preparing for launch
Why it’s important to trust your crowdfunding agency
Why an open line of communication is important for a successful crowdfunding campaign
Links
Enventys Partners
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson
DUO: The on-the-go dual screen laptop monitor
Sp…
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Mar 25, 2019
Keeping Your Subs Safe and Making a Deal with the Sharks
Frustration with soggy sandwiches paved a path for Desiree Haller of SubSafe to create a new product, leading to a new business and a deal with the Sharks on Shark Tank. Tune in to this week’s episode of the podcast to learn more about building a great product, growing a company and making a deal with the Sharks.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why solving a need is the key to a great product
How to overcome prototyping challenges when designing a new product
How to determine your target market for a new product
How long the process of getting on Shark Tank actually takes
What to expect when you audition for Shark Tank
Tips for making a deal with the Sharks
Links
SubSafe
How to Win at the Sport of Business: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It by Mark Cuban
Invent It, Sell It, Bank It!: Make Your Million-Dollar Idea into a Reality by Lori Greiner
Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man? by Charles Barkley
Sponsors
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Mar 18, 2019
Round Two with Wylie Robinson of Rumpl
This week we’re catching up with Wylie Robinson, who we first interviewed three years ago in episode 123. Tune in to learn more about how he went on to have two more successful crowdfunding campaigns, what he’s learned about scaling a business and entering the wholesale market, what’s next for his company and much more.
Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How a company can grow through crowdfunding
Challenges that come with scaling a company after multiple successful Kickstarter campaigns
How Kickstarter campaign preparations change after you’ve run multiple successful projects
How to cut costs for your Kickstarter video
How to use social media to grow your audience
How to manage feedback from Kickstarter backers
Why you need to have your product ready to go before launching on Kickstarter
How to scale your company to begin to sell wholesale
Links
Art of the Kickstart Episode 123
Yvon Chouinard
Yosemite National Park
Let My People Go Surfi…
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Mar 12, 2019
Meet the Experts: Facebook Advertising Tips with Danny Tarr
Wouldn’t it be nice to get practical Facebook advertising tips you could use for your marketing efforts? Do you have a marketing strategy for your ecommerce business yet? What are you waiting for? Here to share his knowledge on this vital subject is Danny Tarr.
Danny is the Director of Paid Media at Enventys Partners. He has been with Enventys serving in several roles over the last three years. Danny is passionate about digital advertising, photography and web analytics.
In our conversation, Danny talks about his work as the Director of Paid Media, why Facebook ads are so important for startups, how the Facebook Ads process works for his team, tips for getting the best ROI on Facebook Ad spending, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Danny!
Why are Facebook Ads so important?
Are you using Facebook Ads? Do you find the prospect of using Facebook Ads daunting? Danny Tarr is here to help shed light on this often intimidating subject. There are 3.2 bi…
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Mar 5, 2019
Meet the Experts: Lead Generation Techniques and Tips with Ashley Mizell
What are your current lead generation techniques and strategies? Have you started to craft your approach or are you still trying to figure out the best way to put your brand in a position to succeed? On this episode, Ashley Mizell joins the podcast to talk about her role in implementing lead generation techniques at Enventys Partners.
Ashley is the Paid Media Team Lead at Eventys Partners; she has been with the organization for the last two years. Ashley has over eight years of experience in PPC, website and mass email advertising, advertising promotions and events, and crowdfunding campaigns. She is currently responsible for the implementation of PPC strategies and setup of all campaigns at Enventys Partners. Using PPC advertising, Ashley maximizes brand awareness, leads, and sales for startup initiatives.
In our conversation, Ashley talks about Enventys Partners’ approach to lead generation, how to create a successful landing page, what it takes to use Facebook Ads effectively…
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Feb 25, 2019
Giving Shoe Odor the Boot with Taylor Wiegele from Zorpads
Have you ever lived with someone who has terrible shoe odor? Living in close quarters with shoe odor can be a really unbearable situation, so what is the solution? Taylor Wiegele joins the podcast to talk about his shoe odor solution, Zorpads.
Taylor received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He’s spent time in retail at Target Corporation, consumer goods at The Clorox Company, and aerospace at SpaceX. Bringing all of this experience to the table, Taylor and his business partner, Sierra Smith, founded Zorpads.
In our conversation, Taylor talks about his experience on Shark Tank, tips he has for fellow inventors, challenges they’ve faced along the way, what it takes to get press coverage, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Taylor and Zorpads.
How Zorpads fights shoe odor.
Is shoe odor really that big of an issue? Can you build a whole business and brand aro…
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Feb 5, 2019
Lessons from Crowdfunding the Warmest Jacket with Henry Wang from Kistler
What does it take to design and market the warmest jacket on the market? What is the target audience for this type of product? When is the best time to launch? Joining the podcast to talk about the Kistler Aerogel Jacket is Henry Wang. Henry is a business partner for Kistler, and it was my pleasure to speak with him about their incredible product. In our conversation, Henry opens up about their pre-campaign efforts, why they decided to connect with Enventys Partners, the video they made for the product, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Henry Wang and the Kistler jacket.
Creating the warmest jacket.
Have you ever heard of aerogel? It’s a type of insulating material used to create ultra warm clothing. Aerogel was first created by Samuel Stephens Kistler in 1931. It’s an extremely durable and flexible material that is much more effective than other insulators such as down. It is the lightest solid in the world, and even NASA trusts aerogel techno…
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Jan 22, 2019
Drink Safe Water Wherever You Go with the CrazyCap
One of the challenges of travel is worrying about where you will find safe water. You can’t assume that you’ll be able to find bottled water at every turn. Some countries have very different standards for what they consider safe water. What is the solution?
Dr. Rakesh Guduru has developed an amazing product that takes all the worry and concern over safe drinking water out of the equation. In our conversation, Rakesh opens up about what inspired his invention of the CrazyCap, how he prepared for the campaign launch on Kickstarter, what the development process was like, why he chose the campaign video he used, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Rakesh and CrazyCap!
Your frustration could lead you to a profitable solution.
What will be the next major invention to catch momentum and go viral? How can you predict which ideas will take off and capture the public’s imagination? The next great invention could be a solution to a common frustration. R…
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Jan 8, 2019
Tips for a Successful Funding Pitch with Mindy Zemrak
What does it take to secure a successful funding pitch for your business or innovative idea? How can you tell your story and pitch your idea to investors in a way that stands out from the competition? Mindy Zemrak joins the podcast to talk about her experience as a Supervising Casting Producer for Shark Tank. In our conversation, Mindy explains what the Shark Tank vetting process is like, how she conducts casting calls, what the Sharks look for when they hear a pitch, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this eye-opening episode with Mindy!
The Shark Tank vetting process.
When you think of Shark Tank and the process it takes to get featured on the show, what comes to mind? Do you think of packets of questions that you’d have to answer and maybe even tech guys combing through your digital footprint? While some of those images might not be too far off, Mindy Zemrak was kind enough to give a more accurate peek into the Shark Tank vetting process. According to Mindy, between twenty an…
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Jan 2, 2019
Helping Innovative Products Succeed with Ryan DeChance from The Grommet
What does it take for innovative products to succeed in today’s ecommerce marketplace? Is there any hope for entrepreneurs to get their ideas amplified? Ryan DeChance is the Discovery Director at The Grommet, a product discovery platform. In his conversation with Roy, Ryan opens up about The Grommet’s partnership with Ace Hardware, how they evaluate products, what role crowdfunding plays for The Grommet, what they look for when they consider supporting an entrepreneur and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Ryan and The Grommet!
Expanding the platform.
With the recent merger of Amazon and Whole Foods, conversations have increased about how ecommerce brands can partner with retailers. Playing to their strengths, these type of partnerships make a lot of sense to customers and investors. In 2017, Ace Hardware invested in The Grommet and also became a close retail partner. Together, with The Grommet’s web platform and physical presence in Ace st…
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Dec 18, 2018
Crowdfunding From a Legal Perspective with Attorney Mark Roderick
What does the crowdfunding sector look like from a legal perspective? How do recent and previous laws passed by Congress impact startup entrepreneurs and crowdfunding campaigns? Here to give his unique take on the subject is one of the leading crowdfunding and financial technology lawyers in the United States, Mark Roderick. In his conversation with Roy, Mark opens up about the JOBS Act of 2012, the pros and cons of equity crowdfunding, various liability concerns that startup entrepreneurs should keep on their radar and much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Mark!
Who is Mark Roderick?
Mark Roderick has enjoyed a robust career representing entrepreneurs and their businesses successfully for more than 25 years. He serves companies across a wide range of industries, including the technology, real estate and healthcare industries. Leveraging his in-depth knowledge of capital raising and securities law, Mark is spearheading Flaster/Greenberg's crowd…
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Dec 10, 2018
How to Fix Your Posture with Workhorse Saddle Chairs
Have you ever tried to figure out how to fix your posture? Maybe you’ve had a few trips to the chiropractor to get an adjustment or to find some relief for your back or neck pain. What if there was a way to fix your posture by merely changing the chair you sit on each day? David France and Clint Wright join the podcast to talk about their fantastic innovation, Workhorse Saddle Chairs. In their conversation with Roy, David and Clint open up about where the idea for saddle chairs came from, why they decided to launch with so many variations, how they’ve responded to feedback from backers, and much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Workhorse Saddle Chairs!
Why we need better posture.
With the rise of standing desks and balance ball chairs, people with desk jobs are starting to take notice of the long-term adverse effects of sitting all day. Have you experimented with any of these tools? Studies have found that over time, regular chairs can caus…
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Dec 3, 2018
Crafting a Portable Changing Room that Works with Dennis Caco & April Estrada
What would it look like if you could have a portable changing room at your fingertips? Imagine, no more dingy public restrooms or awkward wardrobe changes! The brilliant minds behind The Undress, Dennis Caco and April Estrada are here to showcase their fantastic product. In their conversation with Roy, Dennis and April open up about how they launched their first version of The Undress, why they chose to launch on Kickstarter, what the development process was like, how they marketed their product, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Dennis and April!
What is The Undress?
Let’s face it, there are a ton of hurdles and logistical difficulties that arise when a woman needs to change her outfit away from the comfort of her home. For years, the solution has been wide-ranging from uncomfortable outfit changes in the car to enduring less than ideal public bathrooms. Finally there is a helpful solution on the marketplace, The Undress. The Undress is more…
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Nov 19, 2018
Travel in Style with The Kosan Go Travel Dress
Have you ever wondered why options are so limited when it comes to travel clothing for women? For too long women have had to scrape by with clothing that didn’t meet their traveling needs. Here to bring a helpful solution to the marketplace is the Kosan Go Travel Dress. On this episode, you’ll hear from Kosan Travel co-founder, Karyna McLaren as she explains how the product got off to such a successful launch and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this fascinating and engaging episode featuring this unique product!
Lessons learned from previous campaigns.
While it’s great to learn from your past mistakes, it is a lot more fun to learn from your recent successes. Karyna and her team at Kosan Travel have had the incredible fortune to build off of a successful crowdfunding campaign to launch their new product, The Kosan Go Travel Dress. Looking back on that first run, Karyna saw that there was a massive gap in the travel clothing and accessory category and wanted to find an innov…
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Oct 19, 2018
Designing Sustainable Solutions with Alice Chun Creator of The QWNN
One of the most amazing aspects of the crowdfunding movement has been the surge of unique, sustainable solutions brought to the marketplace. From reusable beverage containers to innovative clothing, more and more entrepreneurs are considering how they can bring a solution to their wider community. The solution that Alice Chun and her team have developed is something that everyone around the world needs access to: renewable energy. In her conversation with Roy, Alice opens up about The QWNN, where the idea came from, why she chose to take her product to Indiegogo rather than Kickstarter, and much more! Don’t miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Alice and The QWNN.
What is The QWNN?
Did you know that fossil fuels, used for energy and lighting globally, create 65% of the pollution in the air? Now more than ever, there is a significant need for sustainable and affordable sources of power. The QWNN is a unique, origami-inspired, foldable, portable lantern and power bank. Th…
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Oct 2, 2018
The Smart Bottle that Never Spills with Fredrik Krafft
Imagine grabbing a portable drink container that you never have to worry about spilling or finding the right button or angle to use. Fredrik Krafft has developed a smart bottle that does all the work so you don’t even have to think about it! In our conversation, Fredrik opens up about how he came up with the idea for the Lyd Bottle, what the pre-campaign work was like, how he engaged with his backers, the benefit of using Kickstarter Live and so much more. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn from Fredrik’s journey with the Lyd Bottle!
What is the Lyd Bottle?
There are so many great portable beverage containers on the market today, how do you choose which one is right for you? Do you need a container that will keep your beverage hot all day? Do you need a container that is convenient to carry? Or do you just want something that makes sense? As so many products flood the marketplace, the ones that stand out are those help users cut through all the complexity and get down to…
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Sep 25, 2018
Why It’s Vital to Build an Audience Before You Launch with James Daigle
How do you handle adversity? Do you learn from it and move forward or does it tend to knock you back and cause you to question your approach? James Daigle joins the podcast to share his experience with crowdfunding and the lessons he’s learned along the way. In our conversation, James opens up about his first two unsuccessful crowdfunding campaigns, what he learned from the process, how his third campaign succeeded, why it’s important to keep your backers in the loop and so much more!
Don’t forget to build an audience!
Building an audience is not an easy or straightforward endeavor, but it can set you and your fledgling product up for long-term success. Too often startup entrepreneurs charge ahead and fail to take the time to do their research and connect with an audience that will fan the flames once they launch. James Daigle wants as many entrepreneurs as possible to learn from his oversight and take the time to find an audience before it's too late. During a product launch i…
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Sep 18, 2018
Developing a Delicious Keto Meal Shake with Ted Tieken
The Ketogenic health plan or Keto is taking the nation by storm, but what if you don’t have time to sit down and prepare a meal that keeps you on the plan? Here to provide a solution with a delicious Keto meal shake is Ted Tieken. In his conversation with Roy, Ted opens up about why he started the Ketogenic diet, how that led him to try his hand at a Keto-friendly meal shake, what it was like bringing that product to the marketplace, challenges he has faced along the way and so much more. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get an inside look at the beverage development crowdfunding community!
What is the Ketogenic diet?
If you aren’t up to speed, the Ketogenic diet is a very low-carb diet, which turns the body into a fat-burning machine. The primary goal is for weight loss but many users also turn to it for reduced inflammation as well. One of the biggest struggles with staying on a Keto-friendly eating plan is dealing with all the prep-work needed for a satisfying meal. From s…
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Sep 11, 2018
Capitalizing on Nostalgia by Creating the Best Water Gun with Sebastian Walter
Remember the golden days of water gun hysteria? Back in the 90’s, it was every kid's goal to wear their parents down until they eventually caved in and bought them the best water gun on the market. From the super soaker craze to water balloon grenades, it seemed like every summer was an escalation of water weaponry. Where did all that fun and excitement go? Why are water guns so lame today? Sebastian Walter joins this episode to showcase his revolutionary water gun, Spyra One. In his conversation with Roy, Sebastian opens up about what led him to create the next generation of water guns, what the design process was like, how he engaged his backers, and much more! Don’t miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Sebastian and Spyra One!
Capitalizing on nostalgia.
As millions of kids from the 80’s and 90’s become the dominant purchasing group in America, retailers are scrambling to appeal to their interests. Leveraging nostalgia is one of the largest trends to capitali…
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Sep 4, 2018
Marketing Innovative Tie Straps with WrapTie Co-Founder Mark Blackburn
How do you make tie straps sexy? What is the appeal, what is the angle that you would use to bring them to the marketplace? Is there a compelling reason for the average buyer to look for an innovative tie down strap? Entrepreneur Mark Blackburn joins this episode to discuss his product, the WrapTie. In our conversation, Mark opens up about the rise of startups in Australia, which pre-campaign practices helped his product succeed, why it’s so important to connect with influencers, his view on the future of crowdfunding, and much more! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to learn from Mark’s fascinating and seasoned perspective!
What is WrapTie?
Is there really a place in the tie strap industry for innovation and disruption? What type of product could bring an edge to such a niche market? Mark Blackburn and his business partner, Paul McNeill saw a way to address some of the common complaints that consumers have with the average tie strap. After developing a prototype that elimina…
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Aug 28, 2018
An Inside Look at High Quality Performance Jeans with the Founders of Boulder Denim
What are performance jeans? Are they just really soft jeans or is there more to it? Can you really rock climb, hike, practice yoga, and go on a date with performance jeans like Boulder Denim? On this episode, you’ll hear from Boulder Denim’s founders Bradley Spence and Taz Barrett. In our conversation, the guys explain how their second launch is different from their first campaign, what they’ve learned along the way, why they decided to take their product on the road, their plans for the future, and much more! Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn from the innovative minds behind Boulder Denim!
Utilizing Kickstarter Live.
Have you used Kickstarter Live? Have you seen any compelling uses of it in the crowdfunding community? If you are unfamiliar with Kickstarter Live, it’s a tool for streaming livevideo from your Kickstarter project page. When Brad and Taz launched the second version of their performance jeans, Boulder Denim 2.0, they went all out and hosted the launch at…
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Aug 21, 2018
How Product Fuel is Empowering Entrepreneurs with Benjamin Arneberg – AOTK 245
How can successful leaders and innovators invest in the next generation by empowering entrepreneurs? On this episode, you’ll hear from serial entrepreneur Benjamin Arneberg. In his conversation with Roy, Ben opens up about his past crowdfunding success, how he’s utilized Amazon to grow his brand, tips he has for startup entrepreneurs, why he started Product Fuel, and so much more! If you want a peek inside the mind of a prolific business leader, you’ve come to the right place. Don’t miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Ben!
How Amazon can help startups.
The big question in many startup circles is, “What is next after crowdfunding?” Time and time again, the answer seems to be, Amazon. Is Amazon really a good platform to take your fledgling product? What makes Amazon a good option for startups? Innovator, Ben Arneberg is convinced that Amazon has the tools and audience that entrepreneurs like you are looking for. Ben has taken multiple crowdfunding projects to…
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Aug 14, 2018
Rebranding a Company and Overcoming Challenges with Kurt Swanson – AOTK 244
How can rebranding a company impact its reputation? What causes a company to move forward with the rebranding process? Kurt Swanson joins this episode to talk about the crowdfunded air conditioner, Kapsul, formerly known as Noria. In our conversation, Kurt opens up about the decision to rebrand his company, challenges they’ve faced over the last two years, what it was like taking Kapsul on the road, tips for inventors, and much more! You don’t want miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Kurt and innovative product, Kapsul!
Why would a company go through the rebranding process?
Let’s face it, rebranding a company isn’t the easiest process in the world. What would cause a business leader to start that process? How would it play out? For Kurt Swanson and his team at Noria, the decision came down to dealing with an international trademark issue. While they loved the name, Noria, it made sense for them to avoid the legal confrontation and start the rebranding process. I…
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Aug 7, 2018
Creating Popular Products that People Love with John Fiorentino – AOTK 243
Let’s face it, there is no secret formula for creating popular products that the public will instantly fall in love with. However, John Fiorentino has tapped into something with his products that resonates with people. When pressed, John admits that he looks for products that he knows that he’ll love to use on a regular basis. He also enjoys taking his products into public spaces like parks for people to try so he can assess their reactions. The results John and his team have seen speak for themselves. Gravity Blankets and Moon Pods have become huge success stories that many entrepreneurs are scrambling to learn from. Hear more from the brain behind these successfully crowdfunded products by listening to this fascinating episode!
Gathering a following.
What does it take to set up a great product idea for long-term success? What steps can you take right now to best position your business for growth? For John Fiorentino, the answer was to create a following. In his words, John got to…
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Jul 31, 2018
The Four Steps of New Product Development with Sean Michael Ragan – AOTK 242
How can innovators like you engage in a new product development strategy that works? Is a successful strategy even possible or is all left up to chance? On this episode, you’ll hear from author and entrepreneur, Sean Michael Ragan. In our conversation, Sean opens up about his background, his four steps for new product development, how inventors can connect with a good company for product development, why crowdfunding is helpful for inventors, and much more! Don’t miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Sean!
New product development steps you can use!
Let’s face it, inventing, producing, scaling, marketing, and selling a product can be beyond intimidating. What if there was a way to cut through the complexity of new product development and embrace a streamlined approach? Sean Michael Ragan has developed a clear-cut method with his four steps of new product development.
Making one.
Selling one.
Making many.
Selling many.
Innovators like you no longer have to star…
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Jul 24, 2018
How to Build a Global Tribe and Truly Connect with Daniel Levine & Steven Pulver – AOTK 241
Imagine connecting with a global tribe of entrepreneurs and innovators, what would that look like? Would it be like every other networking event and conference out there or would it need to be a completely different experience? On this episode, you’ll hear from Fireside Conference founders Daniel Levine and Steven Pulver. In our conversation, Daniel and Steven open up about why they started Fireside Conference, how it helps business leaders connect in a meaningful way, why they love the global tribe they are building, and much more! Don’t miss a minute of this engaging episode with Daniel and Steven!
Can you really build a global tribe?
Is the concept of building a global tribe really practical? Will people who go to a conference stay connected when they leave? Daniel and Steven are working hard to build a community the likes of which the entrepreneurial community has rarely seen. Together, they envision a group of leaders with diverse backgrounds who are willing to leave all the t…
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Jun 11, 2018
Delivering a Relatable Brand and Sustainable Bedding with Colin McIntosh – AOTK 240
Let’s face it, buying new bedding isn’t sexy - even sustainable bedding can put you to sleep. That’s why Colin McIntosh and his team at Sheets & Giggles have developed a bedding brand with a personality. On this episode, you’ll hear from Colin as he opens up about how Sheets & Giggles got started, why they chose to take their products to the crowdfunding community, the intricacies of developing sustainable bedding, and so much more! You don't want to miss this great opportunity to learn from Colin and the amazing brand development work from Sheets & Giggles!
Can you really make sustainable bedding out of eucalyptus?
Did you know that most of the materials you sleep on are not made out of sustainable materials? It’s true! Is there a way to create sustainable bedding? Find out on this episode with guest, Colin McIntosh! In his conversation with Roy, Colin explains how he and his team utilize eucalyptus in place of common materials like cotton to create sustainable bedding. Euca…
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Jun 7, 2018
Crowdfunding a Fitness Product with Ron Lynch – AOTK 239
How would the crowdfunding community respond to a fitness product like a home gym? What does it take to create and market a product like that on a platform like Kickstarter? On this episode, you’ll hear from returning guest, Ron Lynch. In his conversation with Roy, Ron explains why Kickstarter is such a great platform, how he utilized video to promote his product, challenges he faced along the way, tips for those who want to crowdfund a fitness product, and much more! You don't want to miss a minute of this helpful episode featuring Ron!
What benefit does Kickstarter provide?
What is it about Kickstarter that attracts business leaders and innovators like Ron Lynch? On this episode, you’ll hear from Ron as he explains why he trusts the Kickstarter platform and community with the launch of products like the Rove Gym. For Ron and his team, the advantage of using Kickstarter rests on the ability to market test new and innovative products. Ron also cites the ability to get quick react…
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May 29, 2018
Go Light and Leave Your Smartphone Behind with Joe Hollier – AOTK 238
What would it look like to go light and leave your smartphone behind? Is life without your smartphone even possible? What if someone needs to reach you in an emergency? There is a solution, the Light Phone! On this episode, you’ll hear from Light co-founder, Joe Hollier. In his conversation with Roy, Joe opens up about the first Light Phone, why they decided to launch the Light Phone 2, making the switch from crowdfunding on Kickstarter to Indiegogo, plans for the future, and much more!
Developing a minimalist cell phone.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a more minimalist cell phone experience, leaving your smartphone behind? Where would you even start to develop a phone that embraces a “go light” mentality? On this episode, you’ll hear from entrepreneur and innovator Joe Hollier as he explains how he and his partner, Kaiwei Tang developed the Light Phone. At first, it all started with creating a cell phone that could do one thing, make and receive phone c…
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May 22, 2018
Disrupting the Performance Sunglasses Market with Jason Bolt – AOTK 237
What does it take to disrupt the performance sunglasses market? Is there an innovative and revolutionary way to present performance sunglasses to consumers? What if there was a pair of sunglasses designed for lifelong use? On this episode, you’ll hear from founder and CEO of Revant Optics, Jason Bolt. In his conversation with Roy, Jason explains how Revant got started selling replacement sunglasses lenses, why they chose to base their business on the direct to consumer model, what they’ve learned from their successful crowdfunding campaign, and much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Jason and Revant Optics!
Discovering the need for a sustainable solution.
Have you ever destroyed a pair of sunglasses? Whether it’s from scratching them on a tree branch, dropping them from a rock climb, or just accidentally sitting on them, we’ve all been there. Chances are, your next step was to toss the ruined pair and go shopping for new sunglasses. What…
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May 14, 2018
Tips for Crowdfunding Pet Products with Zel Crampton – AOTK 236
What does it take to successfully crowdfund pet products? How do you innovate and create a product that will connect with pet owners in a new way? On this episode, you’ll hear from Zel Crampton as he joins the podcast to talk about his product, the Revol Dog Crate. In his conversation with Roy, Zel touches on how the product was created, the work he went through to set his product up for success, tips for entrepreneurs who want to bring more pet products to the crowdfunding community, how to incorporate feedback from backers, and much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging episode with Zel!
Creating a pet product for the crowdfunding community.
Have you ever looked at a product and thought, I can do this so much better? That’s especially what happened when Zel Crampton ran into difficulties and frustrations with the dog crate he bought for his new dog. Come to find out, Zel wasn’t alone! Many pet owners find themselves frustrated with the lack of options availab…
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May 7, 2018
The Story Behind Crowdfunding Socks with Adam Kuskner – AOTK 235
Wait, crowdfunding socks? Really? While it may sound crazy, you’ll soon find out that SoloSocks are an awesome idea that really deserves a chance to shine in the crowdfunding community. On this episode, you’ll hear from Adam Kuskner as he opens up about his journey with SoloSocks and what has led to their impressive success story. In our conversation, Adam touches on the production process for SoloSocks, how they were able to hit early campaign goals, tips for garnering good media coverage, and so much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Adam!
What are SoloSocks?
Have you ever struggled to find that elusive match to your sock? Of course you have! It seems like that struggle to find a sock’s match is a pretty common experience we all can relate to. What is the answer? Is there a way to eliminate this frustrating experience once and for all? Adam Kuskner and his business partner, Alexander Morabbi, set out to find a solution and ended up de…
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Apr 30, 2018
Lessons Learned from Kickstarter Success with Andrew Hagen – AOTK 234
How can you take advantage of the insights and lessons learned by an entrepreneur who’s enjoyed multiple campaigns of Kickstarter success? What if all of those tips and lessons were compiled into a book? Look no further! Special guest, Andrew Hagen joins the podcast to discuss his new book, “Kickstarter Success.” In our conversation, Andrew touches on his first Kickstarter campaign, what makes a product a good fit for crowdfunding, why it’s vital to connect with influencers, and much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Andrew!
A product that will perform well with the crowdfunding community.
Have you ever wondered what is it that makes some products more successful than others with the crowdfunding community? Take this opportunity to hear from Andrew Hagen as he opens up about his Kickstarter success and the common thread he has seen with products that go the distance. According to Andrew, it all comes down to the ease with which a seller…
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Apr 23, 2018
An Innovative Approach to Solving Bedwetting with Craig Hammond – AOTK 233
What does it take to come up with an innovative approach to solve bedwetting? How can a simple product remove the stigma of bedwetting an insolvency? On this episode, Craig Hammond joins the podcast to discuss his product, Peejamas. In our conversation, Craig touches on the process of developing Peejamas, hurdles and challenges he faced along the way, why he chose the crowdfunding route, the key to early crowdfunding success and much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging and educational episode featuring Craig and Peejamas!
Developing a solution to bedwetting.
What are some of the challenges in developing an apparel product for crowdfunding? Why go through all the difficulties to create such a unique product? On this episode, you’ll hear from Craig Hammond as he opens up about Peejamas and the amazing solution it brings to the marketplace. The reason why Craig developed Peejamas comes down to the simple and common frustration that most parents encounter while…
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Apr 16, 2018
What it Takes to Crowdfund Sheer Tights with Natalie Catania – AOTK 232
How do you take a product like sheer tights and market them on a successful crowdfunding campaign? What is it that makes this type of product so unique that it creates a passionate following? On this episode, Natalie Catania joins the podcast to discuss Sheerly Genius’ Indestructible Sheer Tights. In our conversation, Natalie explains how the materials used really set these tights apart from the rest, why Sheerly Genius went the crowdfunding route, the biggest surprise from the campaign, why they decided to partner with Enventys Partners and so much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this eye-opening episode.
Bulletproof tights?
What is one way to make sheer tights stand out? Make them bulletproof! Sheerly Genius has developed the world's first pair of indestructible sheers using their proprietary Sheertex yarn which has been developed from the same fiber used in bulletproof vests. While Sheertex tights were created with the same type of materials used in bulletproof vests, t…
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Apr 9, 2018
Crowdfunding an Apparel Project with Gihan Amarasiriwardena from Ministry of Supply – AOTK 231
What is Ministry of Supply? How have they been able to successfully crowdfund several apparel projects? What lessons can you learn from their challenges and breakthroughs? On this episode, you’ll hear from Ministry of Supply’s President and Co-Founder, Gihan Amarasiriwardena. In our conversation, Gihan describes Ministry of Supply’s current project, why they decided to work with textiles, challenges faced along the way, how they’ve incorporated customer feedback, advice for innovators and so much more! Discover the lessons and insights that you can come away with on this exciting episode featuring Gihan!
Feeding the desire to innovate.
How does an innovative idea like a heated jacket get to the marketplace? What sort of company takes that experimental and out-of-the-box approach? On this episode, you’ll hear about Ministry of Supply from their President and Co-Founder, Gihan Amarasiriwardena. Gihan has a personal thread of innovation that runs all the way back to his childhoo…
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Apr 2, 2018
How Product Marketing Can Make or Break Your Crowdfunding Campaign, Kent Blazek – AOTK 230
One of the most important aspects of a crowdfunding campaign is product marketing. What steps can you take to ensure that your product is in the best position for success? How can you play to your strengths and shore up your weaknesses? Kent Blazek joins the podcast to share about his crowdfunding campaign with Halospheres. In our conversation, Kent opens up about product development, product validation, his decision to partner with Enventys Partners for product marketing, the biggest surprises he’s encountered so far, and much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging episode featuring Kent!
The process of developing a desktop toy.
How do you develop a product that can provide endless entertainment for hardworking men and women in workplaces all over the world? That was the question that Kent Blazek set out to answer. Through sampling multiple versions, Kent landed on the current design for his desktop toy, Halospheres. While the process wasn’t easy, Kent says that…
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Mar 26, 2018
An Update From Toy Block Tape Creators, Max Basler and Anine Kirsten – AOTK 229
A year after their groundbreaking Indiegogo campaign, Toy Block Tape creators Max Basler and Anine Kirsten join the podcast to give an update on their product. What did it take to scale up a product like toy block tape so quickly? What lessons did Max and Anine learn from their campaign? What advice do they have for startup entrepreneurs? Dive into this episode as Max and Anine generously share their time and insights so leaders like you can take your business to the next level of success. Don’t miss a minute of this engaging episode!
Facing the difficulty of rapidly scaling a product.
One of the challenges of launching a crowdfunding campaign is dealing with the fact that you never know how quickly your product will take off. How can leaders who plan on launching their own crowdfunding campaign put themselves in the best possible position to succeed in this scenario? In Max and Anine’s case with their toy block tape product, they were able to capitalize on early media exposure and…
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Mar 19, 2018
Developing and Launching a Consumable Product, Chris Tolles – AOTK 228
What does it take to develop and launch a consumable product? What are the unique challenges with an ingestible product? My guest today is innovator and entrepreneur, Chris Tolles. Chris co-founded Sundots with Emilia Javorsky MD, MPH, a physician-scientist focused on developing new tools to improve health and well being. Sundots are the world’s first gummy for sun protection and provide an innovative solution to prevent sun damage to your skin. In our conversation, Chris touches on the intricate process of developing an ingestible product, challenges he and his team have faced along the way, how they identified their target audience, advice for startup entrepreneurs, and much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging and informative episode featuring Chris!
Developing an ingestible product.
As if launching a new product wasn’t hard enough, try making it a consumable product! Far and away, there are more challenges, difficulties and hurdles when it comes to producing…
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Mar 13, 2018
Using Crowdfunding for Product Validation, Nate Lawrie – AOTK 227
What will it take to get your new startup off the ground? How can you take advantage of amazing resources like crowdfunding for product validation? My guest today is professional athlete and innovator, Nate Lawrie. In our conversation, Nate opens up about what led him to create a startup around foam rollers, how he got his product up and running, why he went to Romania to get his product manufactured, what it was like to appear on Shark Tank and much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this exciting and informative episode!
Using what you know can make a huge difference.
Have you ever wondered where some of the most innovative and exciting new products on the market come from? Everyone has a different approach when it comes to product research but sometimes it can be as simple as improving upon something you use every day. This was precisely the case for Nate Lawrie as he came up with the idea of improving an everyday item in his life, foam rollers. While the development process…
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Mar 5, 2018
Keeping Your Crowdfunding Backers In the Loop, Philip Winter – AOTK 226
It may sound obvious, but one of the most important aspects of getting a crowdfunding product off the ground is keeping your crowdfunding backers in the loop! Too many businesses fail to get off the ground because they neglect this vital step. Today we have returning guest, Philip Winter. Philip is the CEO and Co-Founder of Nebia, the Nebia shower launched on Kickstarter in August 2015 and raised over $3M in one month. In our conversation, Philip gives an update on how the Nebia shower head has fared since the campaign ended, why they focused early on keeping their crowdfunding backers in the loop, lessons they’ve learned along the way and much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Philip!
Why testing your product with as many people as possible is critical.
If you want to set your new product up for success, it’s critical that you get it into the hands of as many people as possible before you begin to market it to customers. While this may s…
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Feb 26, 2018
Never Underestimate the Power of Securing Consumer Trust, Nishant Kapoor – AOTK 225
How important is consumer trust when you are launching a new product? While some organizations may overlook this factor, the ones that find early success often work hard at securing consumer trust. My guest today is business leader and serial entrepreneur, Nishant Kapoor. With over a decade of experience in ecommerce and startups in the UK, India and Hong Kong, Nishant thrives in helping entrepreneurs and businesses build long-term, direct-to-consumer relationships using ecommerce and digital marketing. In our conversation, we discuss his recent success in helping to roll out the Quilo Fan, why consumer trust is so important, how Quilo was able to get fully funded on Kickstarter, lessons learned along the way, and much more! You don’t want to miss a minute of this engaging episode!
What it takes to secure consumer trust.
One of the most important aspects of securing consumer trust is to deliver your product in the right timing. As many businesses have found out, this truth is ofte…
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Feb 14, 2018
Rebranding a Failed Crowdfunding Campaign, John Lauten – AOTK 224
Can you imagine the complexities and challenges of rebranding a failed crowdfunding campaign? What does it look like to bring forth success from the ashes of failure? My guest today is entrepreneur and business leader, John Lauten. John has been tasked, along with a stellar leadership team, to revive and rebrand the failed crowdfunding campaign of Skully Inc. Now they are known as Skully Technologies, and they are moving forward with a mission to fulfill the orders of the defunct Skully Inc. This is not an easy task - John and his team have had their fair share of challenges along the way, as you can imagine. Hear all about the Skully story and how they are working hard at reviving this campaign for augmented reality motorcycle helmets on this exciting episode!
The “Make It Right” Campaign
How would you go about rebranding a failed crowdfunding campaign? Where would you start? Would you start giving out refunds to people who had given their money in good faith or is there a better…
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Feb 5, 2018
Exploring a New Way for Invention Funding, Reid Creager – AOTK223
What is the state of invention funding as we speed ahead into the digital age and beyond? Is there a new way for funding the great ideas that could change the course of the next 100 years? My guest today is Reid Creager, an entrepreneur, writer, and student of inventions and innovators. In our conversation, we explore how crowdfunding has impacted the inventing industry, the unique advantage of crowdfunding an invention, tips for creating a new product, the inventor’s best first step, and much more! I can’t wait for you to learn from Reid’s fascinating perspective.
What is the best first step for any aspiring inventor?
If you find yourself considering how to begin inventing a product, what would be your first step? Do you start with testing your idea with an audience? What about drawing up plans for invention funding? According to Reid Creager, before you get too far down the road, it’s important to conduct a patent search. Too often, well-intentioned inventors get started with…
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Jan 29, 2018
Crowdfunding Tips From A Kickstarter Success Story, Derek Miller – AOTK222
There are many folks out there handing out crowdfunding tips like candy on Halloween. But how many of them really know what they're talking about? My guest today is Derek Miller, a guy who is one of the Kickstarter success stories who has earned the right to coach others on how to be successful in crowdfunding. The tips he gives for developing a successful crowdfunding campaign on this episode are worth their weight in gold. We talked about pre-campaign essentials, how to build trust during the campaign and the best investments you can make with limited funds to ensure your campaign is as successful as possible. You won't want to miss this conversation.
Want a crowdfunding tip that truly helps? Here it is: Decide exactly who your audience is going to be - an agency? Companies? Niche hobbyists?
Before you go too far into your planning for a crowdfunding campaign you need to know exactly who your ideal customers are going to be. Your product or creative endeavor may be a great thing, but…
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Jan 22, 2018
Crowdfunding Management Made Simpler with CrowdOx – AOTK 221
Many creatives who decide to go the crowdfunding route in order to jumpstart their project underestimate one thing more than anything else: crowdfunding management. What does it entail? It's the things that go on behind the scenes or should happen in every campaign that enable products to be created in a quality and timely fashion, fulfilled without problems and shipped without a hitch. Most creatives don't know anything about organizing those kinds of details, which is why CrowdOx was created. This conversation features Chandler Copenhaver, a key player on the CrowdOx team who walks us through what the CrowdOx system does to help creatives get a handle on their crowdfunding management and successfully complete successful campaigns.
Fulfilling orders from your crowdfunding campaign is an overwhelming experience for many creators
Okay, you have successfully funded your first crowdfunding campaign. Now the real work begins. How are you going to organize all of the backer information, com…
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Jan 15, 2018
Rand Fishkin’s Top Tips for SEO in 2018 – AOTK 220
Whenever I think about someone who can teach the intricacies and best practices required for good SEO, nobody comes to mind faster than Rand Fishkin. I had the incredible opportunity to chat with him after he gave a talk at a conference I was attending recently - this episode is my recording of that conversation. In it, you'll find a wealth of information as Rand outlines the top tips you should apply for your SEO efforts in 2018. I also asked him about his experience scaling his company (MOZ) from nothing to over 120 employees, and he revealed that the human component of scaling was the hardest part. In his usual style, Rand delivers actionable advice that anyone can apply today. Don't miss this conversation.
Rand Fishkin says there are 3 reasons SEO has rapidly changed in the last 5 to 10 years and gives advice about how to deal with it
If you've been paying attention, you've noticed that the best practices for SEO have changed dramatically over the last five to ten years. Rand Fishk…
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Jan 8, 2018
Life As a Lean Entrepreneur, Crowdfunding Failure Lessons, and Success From Facts, with Steve Blank – AOTK219
My guest on this episode, Steve Blank says he very well could have been chosen "least likely to succeed" by his New York City High School classmates. Yet, his story is one of incredible success including leadership of 8 high tech companies, co-founding a business from his living room, heading two startups, and serving as a consultant and educator. His book, "Four Steps To The Epiphany" has been referred to by many as the beginning of the Lean Startup movement. In this conversation, Steve and I talk about what it means to be an entrepreneur, how Lean Startup methodology and crowdfunding are similar and different, and why it's important to build your business on facts, not beliefs.
Many companies are confusing crowdfunding with learning - and it’s a horrible mistake
Lean Startup methodology is based on the premise that a company doesn't have to have its products or services refined perfectly before making them available to customers or clients. Steve Blank says that many lean entrepren…
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Jan 3, 2018
A Wand That Creates Anything, Literally – AOTK218
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Ran Cory, campaign manager for the Yeehaw Wand. Check it out to learn more about finding your target audience before launching a Kickstarter project, how much time to spend preparing for your project and much more!
Yeehaw Wand - Easily create any object out of thin air
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How much time to devote to preparing for your Kickstarter campaign launch
How to get great press coverage for your campaign launch
Why your crowdfunding campaign needs to be newsworthy
How to determine your ideal target audience for a Kickstarter campaign
How seasonality and time of year, especially Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, can affect a crowdfunding campaign
Why A/B testing your crowdfunding video is important
Why it’s critical to find your audience before launching your crowdfunding campaign
Links
Yeehaw Wand on Kickstarter
http://us.yeehaw3d.com/profile
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honore…
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Dec 18, 2017
From Crowdfunding to Multi Million Dollar Party Game – Watch Ya’ Mouth + GIVEAWAY! – AOTK217
For this exciting episode of Art of the Kickstart, we’ve lined up a very special giveaway! But first, tune in to hear from the creators of the game Watch Ya’ Mouth about launching a game on Kickstarter, protecting your intellectual property, selling your product through Amazon Launchpad and much more.
Watch Ya' Mouth - The Hilarious Mouthguard Party Game
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What it looks like to develop a minimum viable product
How long it takes to set up a Kickstarter project
Why the timing of a Kickstarter campaign is important
How giving backers a chance to help influence the final product can help your campaign
How to handle inquiries from potential partners during your Kickstarter campaign
How to use Kickstarter to test your product and grow your fan base
Why speed to market matters when trying to protect yourself against counterfeits and knockoffs
How to use Amazon Launchpad after a successful Kickstarter campaign
Links
Watch Ya’ Mouth on Kickst…
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Dec 13, 2017
The Wireless Headphones Taking Over Kickstarter – AOTK216
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Cathy Cao about Vinci 2.0, a project that has raised over half a million dollars on Kickstarter so far. Tune in to hear more about how to make the most of your pre-launch marketing efforts, how to get great press coverage and much more.
Vinci 2.0 - The World's First Standalone Smart Wireless Headphones
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to use your pre-launch period to build momentum and ensure you fully fund on launch day
Why email marketing is so important the day you launch your Kickstarter project
How to use samples to get press coverage
How to create a compelling Kickstarter video
How to test your campaign messaging before launching a crowdfunding project
How much time to spend preparing for a Kickstarter project
How to use backer feedback during your Kickstarter campaign
Links
Vinci 2.0 on Kickstarter
Vinci on Kickstarter
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Connect With Vinci 2.0
Vinci Smart Hearable on Fac…
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Dec 6, 2017
Crowdfunding Tips from Indiegogo’s Head of Hardware – AOTK215
For this special episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with John Vaskis, Head of Hardware, Technology and Design at Indiegogo. Tune in to hear John’s best tips for Indiegogo creators, including how to set a funding goal, how to set up Indiegogo perks and what to do to ensure your project’s success.
Key Takeaways
What types of products raise the most money on Indiegogo
How creators should choose between fixed funding and flexible funding on Indiegogo
What a campaign creator should consider when setting their funding goal
What pre-campaign marketing strategies hardware campaign creators should be using
What information should be included on an Indiegogo campaign page
How to make a great Indiegogo campaign video
How Indiegogo campaign creators can use GIFs on their campaign page
Why high-quality images are an important part of a successful Indiegogo campaign
How many rewards a successful Indiegogo campaign typically has
How to use secret perks on Indiegogo
H…
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Nov 28, 2017
Advice for Crowdfunders from an Intellectual Property Attorney – AOTK214
For this exciting episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Vincent LoTempio, an intellectual property attorney who has worked with many exciting clients, including the inventor of the Selfie Stick. Tune in to learn more about different types of intellectual property, how inventors and crowdfunders can protect their intellectual property and much more.
Key Takeaways
The difference between a utility patent, a design patent, a trademark and a copyright
Why an inventor should file for a patent or trademark
When an inventor or crowdfunder should file for a patent application
How project creators can protect their crowdfunding campaigns from knock offs
Why provisional patent applications are important for crowdfunders
Links
LoTempioLaw.com
Benefits of IP Registration
Yahoo Patent Case Against Facebook
The Force by Don Winslow
Connect With Vincent LoTempio
Vincent@LoTempiolaw.com
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a pr…
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Nov 20, 2017
How the SOMNOS Team is Reclaiming Better Sleep – AOTK213
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Kathrin Hamm of SOMNOS. Check out how this weighted blanket came to be, how Hamm's team built up a community around their product before launching, how they've made their product better with the help of their Kickstarter backers and so much more.
SOMNOS Weighted Comforter for Natural Deep Sleep
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What to expect when you decide to design a new product
Why building a community before you launch on Kickstarter is critical
Why it’s important to have a working prototype before launching a product with crowdfunding
How to get a big return from Facebook ads for your crowdfunding project
How to use Kickstarter backer feedback to make your project better
How to make sure you’re prepared for a crowdfunding campaign
How to find the Kickstarter agency that’s best for you
Links
SOMNOS on Kickstarter
Acumen
Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to A Better Body, Better He…
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Nov 15, 2017
Hanging Out With the Creators of the TreePod – AOTK212
In this week’s episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Ricardo Bottome and Frankie Najera, creators of the Treepod. Check it out to hear more about why they love crowdfunding and what they learned after running two Kickstarter campaigns.
TreePod: A Spacious Hanging Retreat
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why Kickstarter is a great option for launching a new product
How to make sure your product photography sells your product
What to keep in mind if you’re running your second or third Kickstarter campaign
How to prepare for a Kickstarter Live
Why planning your Kickstarter project well in advance is so critical to its success
Links
TreePod on Indiegogo
TreePod on Kickstarter
TreePod’s First Kickstarter Campaign
The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Ken Blanchard, William Oncken Jr. and Hal Burrows
Connect With TreePod
TreePod on Facebook
@mytreepod on Instagram
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow…
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Nov 6, 2017
The Chair on Kickstarter That Celebrities Love – AOTK211
This week on Art of the Kickstart we spoke to Ron Lynch of Big Baby Agency about his work with BackStrong, a Kickstarter campaign for a desk chair that fixes your posture. Tune in to learn more about how they’ve raised over $200,000 in just over a month, with more than 3 weeks remaining on their campaign! Hint: it involves celebrities from Justin Bieber to Paula Abdul to Chelsea Handler.
The BackStrong Chair Fixes How You Sit. Let it do the work.
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why Kickstarter is a great marketing tool
Why it’s important to focus on benefits when marketing a product on Kickstarter
How to use celebrity influencers in a Kickstarter campaign
Why focus groups and testing are important before launching a product
How to set your Kickstarter campaign up for success before it launches
Links
BackStrong on Kickstarter
Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy by Martin Lindstrom and Paco Underhill
Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space…
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Oct 30, 2017
Ultrasonic Cleaning on Indiegogo – AOTK210
This week on Art of the Kickstart we spoke to Glen Gunawan about Sonic Soak, a portable ultrasonic cleaning tool! Learn more about how he invented a tool that can clean nearly anything, and how he’s raised over $400,000 on Indiegogo with more than three weeks left to go!
Sonic Soak: The Ultimate Ultrasonic Cleaning Tool
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to decide if crowdfunding is the best way to launch your project
How to decide what features to include when you develop a product
How to determine your target market
How to create a great crowdfunding video
How public relations and paid advertising can make a big difference for your campaign
How to get great feedback from your backers during an Indiegogo campaign
How to choose the right crowdfunding marketing agency
Links
Sonic Soak on Indiegogo
sonicsoak.com
Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science by Charles Wheelan
Connect With Sonic Soak
Sonic Soak on Facebook
@sonicsoak on Twitter
Sponsors
Art o…
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Oct 23, 2017
An Interview With Kickstarter, Part 2 – AOTK209
This week we’re back with Part 2 of our interview with Julio Terra of Kickstarter! Check it out to learn more about how to set up great Kickstarter rewards, what to do if your funding slows, how to become a Project We Love and much more. And if you missed part 1, find it here.
Key Takeaways
How to optimize Kickstarter rewards
Innovative ideas for Kickstarter rewards
What a Kickstarter creator should do if their funding has slowed down
How to handle cross promotions with other project creators
How to become a Kickstarter Project We Love
Why it’s critical to plan your campaign well in advance of launching
Links
Kickstarter
MOON - the most accurate lunar globe
Designing Interactions by Bill Moggridge
Connect with Kickstarter
@Kickstarter on Twitter
Kickstarter on Facebook
@Kickstarter on Instagram
Kickstarter on Tumblr
Kickstarter on Pinterest
Kickstarter on YouTube
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a produ…
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Oct 16, 2017
A Smokeless Fire Pit That Lit Up Kickstarter – AOTK208
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Erica Rosen, Director of Marketing for BioLite Energy. Tune in to learn more about how they put their own spin on the BioLite FirePit campaign and raised over $2 million on Kickstarter.
BioLite FirePit: See Fire, Not Smoke
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How Kickstarter Live can help you connect with your backers
How to successfully demo your product at an event
Why stretch goals can be dangerous and how to avoid common stretch goal problems
Why a high-quality video is key to a successful Kickstarter campaign
How to make sure your PR outreach is effective
How to earn your Kickstarter community’s trust
Why it’s important to have multiple working prototypes - and samples for journalists, if possible - before launching a Kickstarter campaign
How to tell your Kickstarter campaign’s story
Links
BioLite on Kickstarter
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
BioLiteEnergy.com
Connect With BioLite…
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Oct 10, 2017
Crowdfunding a Durable Blanket for Every Season – AOTK207
We’re back with another exciting episode this week! We spoke with Andrew Capener and Drew Hollenback about their Kickstarter project for the Seasons blanket. Tune in to hear more about what they’ve learned from running multiple campaigns, where to put in the most effort to make sure your project is successful and much more!
Seasons Blanket. Waterproof. Comfortable. Built to Last.
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why it’s important to partner with the right people for your Kickstarter campaign
How cross promotions can help you raise more money
How to become an influencer in your Kickstarter category
Why “putting in the work” is key to a successful campaign
How to build a community around your product
Where to focus your pre-campaign efforts
Links
Seasons on Kickstarter
https://seasonsmfg.com/
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard
The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to…
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Oct 9, 2017
An Interview With Kickstarter, Part 1 – AOTK206
For this special episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Julio Terra, Director of Technology and Design at Kickstarter. Check it out to hear from him about how you can make sure your Kickstarter campaign is a success!
Key Takeaways
What types of products raise the most money on Kickstarter
What million-dollar Kickstarter campaigns do right
Why Kickstarter funding is all-or-nothing
What to consider when setting a Kickstarter funding goal
What creators should do if they can’t complete a fully-funded Kickstarter project
What information to include on a Kickstarter page
How to make a better Kickstarter video
What types of photography and visual assets creators need for a successful Kickstarter campaign
Links
Kickstarter
Connect with Kickstarter
@Kickstarter on Twitter
Kickstarter on Facebook
@Kickstarter on Instagram
Kickstarter on Tumblr
Kickstarter on Pinterest
Kickstarter on YouTube
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by…
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Sep 25, 2017
Using Kicktraq to Boost Your Kickstarter Project – AOTK205
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we talked to Adam Clark of Kicktraq, a site that offers analytics and other tools for Kickstarter project creators and backers. Tune in to learn more about how Kicktraq measures campaign metrics, and how their tools can help you make your campaign a success or find a cool new project to back.
Key Takeaways
How to use Kicktraq to research similar Kickstarter projects before launching your own
The difference between Kicktraq’s Trends and Projections, as well as how these different algorithms work
What funding trends Kicktraq sees across all Kickstarter campaigns
How Kicktraq’s Hot List compares to Kickstarter’s project-ranking system
What Kickstarter campaign creators can do to improve their chances of success
Links
Kicktraq
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Patreon
Art of the Kickstart Survey
Connect with Kicktraq
Kicktraq on Facebook
@Kicktraq on Twitter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsor…
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Sep 18, 2017
How Gadget Flow Became What it is Today – AOTK204
Note: This week’s podcast features Gadget Flow. Submit your Kickstarter or Indiegogo project to The Gadget Flow today using code atok20 and save 20%.
For this week’s episode of the podcast, we spoke with Evan Varsamis, creator of the Gadget Flow, about how he built the Gadget Flow from the ground up and how the platform can help crowdfunding creators and backers alike. Tune in to check out this exciting episode from one of our sponsors!
Key Takeaways
How to grow a business organically
How to submit a project to The Gadget Flow
How The Gadget Flow can help Kickstarter and Indiegogo creators
How The Gadget Flow can help Kickstarter project backers
How to launch and scale a new business
What to look for when hiring and adding to your team
How to use Slack to build company culture
How to ensure your customers are recommending your product or service to others
How to use growth hacking strategies to grow your business
Why pre-launch is key to a successful crowdfund…
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Sep 11, 2017
The Belle of (Kickstarter) Ball – AOTK203
This week on Art of the Kickstart, Eddie Lee of Podo Labs is back to tell us all about his latest Kickstarter project. Tune in to hear what he’s learned after running four successful crowdfunding campaigns, and what tips he has to offer to others hoping to fund their own consumer electronics product.
BELLE - A Powerful Bluetooth Speaker and Wireless Hub
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What to expect to be different when you’re running your second, third or fourth campaign
How to manage a crowdfunding campaign without losing focus on your existing customers
How to use Facebook for consumer research
How to get press coverage from the best online media outlets
How to adequately prepare for a Kickstarter campaign
How to make sure you truly understand your value proposition
Links
Belle on Kickstarter
Podo Labs
Mailshake
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance
Connect with Podo Labs
Podo on Facebook
@PodoLabs on Twitter
@P…
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Sep 5, 2017
A Shape-Able Sunhat & How to Build a Product From the Ground Up – AOTK202
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Damien Henning, creator of the Shape Flexer Sunhat. Give it a listen to learn more about how to successfully launch a product on Kickstarter without any previous experience or connections.
Shape Flexer: The world's first shape-able sunhat
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to get started when you are launching your first product
How to find manufacturers for your product
What it looks like to go to Asia and work with manufacturers
How to decide if Kickstarter is a good fit for your product
How to use your Facebook friends to help gather support for your Kickstarter campaign
How to maintain momentum during a 60-day Kickstarter campaign
Links
Shape Flexer Sunhat on Kickstarter
Shape Flexer Sunhat on Indiegogo
Thunderclap
Enventys Partners
Joy
Tucker
Hustle and Flow
Connect with Shape Flexer Sunhat
Shape Flexer on Facebook
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a pr…
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Aug 28, 2017
How to Ensure a Crowdfunding Project is Successful – AOTK201
Note: This week’s guest on the podcast is the co-founder of Crowd Invest Summit, a conference our host, Roy Morejon, will be attending as a member of a panel September 6 and 7. If you’d like to attend this conference in LA, register here using code RoyMorejon30 for a 30% discount on regular tickets.
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Josef Holm, founder and CEO of Krowdster and co-founder of Crowd Invest Summit. Tune in to learn more about how to make sure your Kickstarter or Indiegogo project hits its funding goal quickly.
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to build an audience on social media before launching a Kickstarter campaign
How to use Facebook Ads to promote your Kickstarter campaign
Why it’s important to start marketing a crowdfunding project well before you launch
How to get results with Facebook Ads
How to use a landing page to collect email addresses before you launch your campaign
How to stick out amongst all the campaigns launched in…
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Aug 21, 2017
Heels That Feel Like Sneakers – AOTK200
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Antonia Saint Dunbar, creator of Antonia Saint New York, a company that makes beautiful, classic heels and flats that feel like sneakers. Tune in and hear more about how to launch a fashion company on Kickstarter and raise over 1.8 million dollars!
High-Tech Heels & Flats that Feel Like Sneakers Inside
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to build a great team for your crowdfunding project
How to provide a highly-customized product on Kickstarter
How to make the most out of a Kickstarter Live Stream
What to know before you launch a fashion project on Kickstarter
How to communicate about your product effectively
Links
Antonia Saint New York on Kickstarter
By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop by Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson
The Glitter Plan: How We Started Juicy Couture for $200 and Turned It into a Global Brand by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor
Delivering H…
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Aug 14, 2017
Crowdfunding Secrets and a Smart Wallet – AOTK199
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we spoke to Narek Vardanyan, founder of The Crowdfunding Formula and campaign manager for the Volterman smart wallet. Tune in to hear from Narek about what to consider before launching a crowdfunding campaign, how to choose between launching on Kickstarter and Indiegogo and much more!
Volterman - World’s Most Powerful Smart Wallet
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What benefits crowdfunding creators get from launching products on Kickstarter or Indiegogo
What a campaign creator should consider before launching a crowdfunding campaign
How to decide between Kickstarter and Indiegogo
Why email subscribers are a critical part of a crowdfunding campaign
How the crowdfunding industry is transforming
Links
thecrowdfundingformula.com
Volterman on Indiegogo
57 Secrets of Crowdfunding
Connect with Narek & Volterman
The Crowdfunding Formula on Facebook
Volterman Smart Wallet on Facebook
@VoltermanWallet on Twitter
@voltermansmartwallet o…
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Aug 7, 2017
A Long and Precious Road to Kickstarter Success – AOTK198
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we have a slightly different type of interview! We spoke with Shawnee Kilgore, a musician whose Kickstarter project gave her the opportunity to work with screenwriter and director Joss Whedon. Tune in to hear more about why Kickstarter is a good fit for musicians, how to prepare to launch an album on Kickstarter and much more!
A Long and Precious Road: Shawnee's New Full Length Album!
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why Kickstarter is a good fit for musicians
How long it takes to prepare for a music project on Kickstarter
How to tell your friends and family about your Kickstarter project in a personal way
Why it’s important to be authentic throughout your entire Kickstarter campaign
Links
A Long and Precious Road on Kickstarter
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
Shawnee Kilgore and Joss Whedon - Back to Eden (Official Music Video)
Connect with Shawnee Kilgore
Shawnee Kilgore on Facebook
@ShawneeKilgore on Twitter
@shawneekilgore on…
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Jul 31, 2017
Enough Hustle for a Successful Kickstarter Campaign – AOTK197
We joined up with Adrian Solgaard for a second time to talk about his latest Kickstarter campaign! Tune in to learn more about running multiple campaigns, how to build trust with your backers and how to make sure your project is newsworthy.
Lifepack Hustle: Solar + Anti-theft backpack & shoulder bag
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How second or third Kickstarter campaigns are different than the first
How many repeat backers to expect if you run a second or third crowdfunding campaign
How to decide if the market is too saturated for your product
How to determine the market size of those who will buy your product
How to build trust among your backers
How to ensure that your Kickstarter project is newsworthy
How to manage feedback and stay engaged with your backers
Why it’s important that your Kickstarter project has a story
Why you should only launch one product per Kickstarter campaign
Links
Lifepack Hustle on Kickstarter
Lifepack on Kickstarter
Interlock on Kic…
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Jul 24, 2017
Helping Campaign Creators After Their Project Ends – AOTK196
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Mary Lowe Bailey of BackerKit. Tune into this episode to learn more about how to keep momentum up after a crowdfunding campaign ends and why frequent, transparent communication with your backers post-campaign is crucial.
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What BackerKit can do to help project creators after their campaign ends
How to keep a campaign going after your Kickstarter or Indiegogo project ends
How to streamline your data as you work toward fulfilling Kickstarter or Indiegogo orders
How to handle backers’ inquiries after your crowdfunding campaign ends
Why it’s important to be transparent about shipping to your backers
Why communicating with your backers frequently is critical
Links
backerkit.com
Deep Madness by Dimension Games
Connect with BackerKit
BackerKit on Facebook
@BackerKit on Twitter
@BackerKit on Instagram
greetings@backerkit.com
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by Th…
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Jul 19, 2017
Forging New Trails on Kickstarter – AOTK195
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with brothers Pete and Mark Ackerman, creators of the Chameleon pack, a backpack that transforms into an ultra-light chair. Tune in to learn more about how the Ackermans were inspired by nature, what challenges they’ve encountered and what advice they have to offer to others crowdfunding a product for the outdoors.
The Chameleon Pack: The Most Versatile Backpack in the World
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What design challenges to expect when you are creating a new product
Why Kickstarter is a great place to launch a new product
Why you need an audience before launching a Kickstarter campaign
What kind of feedback you can expect to get from backers
Why having a campaign plan and timeline before you launch is important
Links
The Chameleon Pack on Kickstarter
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
Connect…
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Jun 26, 2017
How StartEngine is Fueling Equity Crowdfunding – AOTK194
For this week’s episode of Art of the Kickstart we spoke with Kinsey Cronin, Director of Business Development at StartEngine. Learn more about how StartEngine is making it easier than ever to raise funds or invest through equity crowdfunding.
Key Takeaways
How StartEngine is streamlining equity crowdfunding
How Regulation Crowdfunding has made it even easier for companies to raise funds through equity crowdfunding
Why your biggest equity crowdfunding challenge may be finding time to manage a campaign
How the StartEngine Index is tracking equity crowdfunding industry trends
What current equity crowdfunding trends StartEngine is seeing
Links
StartEngine
How Remarkable Women Lead
Connect with StartEngine
StartEngine on Facebook
@StartEngineLA on Twitter
StartEngine on LinkedIn
@startenginela on Instagram
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome prod…
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Jun 12, 2017
A Twist on the Traditional Wine Glass – AOTK193
For this week’s episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Patrick and Margarita Vacanti, two entrepreneurs who put a literal twist on the typical wine glass by adding a spiral that catches sediment to bring out red wine’s best flavors. Tune in to learn more about how they designed these glasses, how they used Kickstarter Live to their advantage and much more.
The Spirale™ Wine Glass
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to collect useful feedback about your product before launching it on Kickstarter
How to handle product design challenges
How doing a livestream on Kickstarter can give your campaign a boost
Why it’s important to stay authentic on Kickstarter
Why launching a project on Kickstarter takes serious commitment
Links
The Spirale™ Wine Glass on Kickstarter
https://vacanti.com/
A Handmaid’s Tale
Never Pay Retail for College
Connect with Vacanti
Vacanti Wine Glasses on Facebook
@VacantiGlass on Twitter
@vacantiwineglasses on Instagram
Spon…
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Jun 5, 2017
An Experienced Growth Hacker & Kickstarter Success – AOTK192
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Vin Clancy, experienced entrepreneur, growth hacker, speaker and successful crowdfunding creator. Tune in to learn more about how to make Facebook work for you, different strategies for growing your audience and much more!
Key Takeaways
How Facebook groups can help you reach more people
What growth hacking is and how it can help build an audience
How a Facebook group can be better than a blog
How to decide if building a community through a Facebook group is the right choice for your business
When cold emailing is the best way to build an audience
How to use viral campaigns to build an audience
Links
vinclancy.com
Traffic and Copy Facebook Group
Vin’s Kickstarter Campaign
QueueAt
The 48 Laws of Power
Connect with Vin
@vincentdignan on Twitter
@successallday on Instagram
A Special Offer from Vin
If you enjoyed this interview with Vin Clancy, you can get "The ONE secret to getting your posts seen on…
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May 30, 2017
Gathering Up Kickstarter Backers – AOTK191
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Jeff Sheldon of Ugmonk, creator of Gather, a minimal, modular desk organizer. Tune in to learn more about how he funded in just 47 minutes and what he did leading up to his Kickstarter campaign for it to become such a success.
Gather: The minimal, modular organizer that cuts clutter
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why it’s important to have a loyal, captive audience well in advance of launching a Kickstarter project
How to let your product evolve to create something your audience will love
How to decide if Kickstarter is the right approach for your product
How to manage backer feedback on Kickstarter
How to get the #1 spot on Product Hunt
What to know about industrial design when designing a product for Kickstarter
Why your Kickstarter video needs to be good
Links
Gather on Kickstarter
Ugmonk.com/gather
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
The Purple Cow by Seth Godin
Connect with Ugmonk…
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May 22, 2017
A Watch Fit For Space – AOTK190
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Patrick Hohmann of Werenbach, and learned more about his Kickstarter campaign for a collection of watches made from original rocket material. Tune in to learn more about creating a new watch, why your pre-launch campaign is important and why you need a team to support your crowdfunding efforts.
Watches built from spaceborne rockets.
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to modify your product to make it feasible to offer on Kickstarter
How long it takes to plan for a crowdfunding campaign
Why you need a good team working on your Kickstarter campaign
Why the pre-launch part of a Kickstarter project is so important
How a sense of urgency and limited quantities can help your crowdfunding project
Links
Werenbach on Kickstarter
https://werenbach.ch/
Connect with Werenbach
Werenbach on Facebook
@werenbach on Instagram
@Werenbach on Twitter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a produ…
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May 16, 2017
Genie in a Bottle – AOTK189
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Dave Winkler and Ed Cummings about how they built a better water bottle and launched it on Kickstarter. Tune in to learn more about designing a new Internet of Things product, using Kickstarter backer feedback to improve your product and much more!
AquaGenie: The World's Smartest Water Bottle
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to combine form and function when deciding what features to include in a product
How to know if crowdfunding is a good fit for you
How to facilitate feedback from your Kickstarter backers
How to build up a community or audience around your product
Links
AquaGenie on Kickstarter
theaquagenie.com
Zero to One by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters
Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore
Connect with AquaGenie
AquaGenie on Facebook
@theaquagenie on Twitter
@theaquagenie on Instagram
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps yo…
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May 8, 2017
Updating the Classic Men’s Wallet – AOTK188
Seva Mouler and the team behind the Solar Wallet set out to take an object most people use everyday - the wallet - and update it for the 21st century. Tune in to learn more about how to design a product and launch it on Kickstarter.
World's 1st smart wallet with solar + USB charge & tracking
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to use choose the best features for your product
How to decide if Kickstarter is the right choice for your product
Why Facebook Ads are so critical to a Kickstarter projects’ success
Why it’s important to really understand the Kickstarter platform before you launch
How to get design feedback before you launch on Kickstarter
Links
Solar Wallet on Kickstarter
Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince Consumers with Neuromarketing by Roger Dooley
Equity Crowdfunding Through Indiegogo
LuccaBozzi.com
Connect with Solar Wallet
Lucca Bozzi on Facebook
@lucca_bozzi on Twitter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by Th…
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May 1, 2017
A Million Dollar Shoe Campaign – AOTK187
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Paul and Julian of Ace Marks about what they’ve learned from running two successful Kickstarter campaigns - including one that raised over $1.2 million. Listen to learn more about how to create the perfect crowdfunding video and how to handle backer comments and feedback, along with their top advice for other fashion and shoe campaigns hoping to break that million-dollar mark.
Handcrafted Dress Shoes Reinvented for the Modern Gentleman
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to use crowdfunding to narrow down your product line’s focus
How long it takes to prepare for a successful crowdfunding product
How to make the perfect Kickstarter video
How to reach those who have never backed a crowdfunding project before
Why transparency is key to a successful crowdfunding campaign
How to respond to Kickstarter comments and handle backer feedback
How to use Kickstarter to create a global community surrounding your product
How t…
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Apr 28, 2017
Kickstarting a New Type of Kitchen Knife – AOTK186
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Adnan Butt, creator of the Titanium Series Knives. Learn more about how Kickstarter can help to launch a new product and how to build a successful product!
Titanium - Placing value in your hands
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why Kickstarter can be a great way to launch a new product line
What types of feedback to expect to hear from backers
How to prepare for a crowdfunding project
Links
Titanium Series Knives on Kickstarter
Titanium Series Knives on Indiegogo
http://www.sternsteiger.com/
Connect with Titanium Series Knives
@Sternsteiger on Twitter
Sternsteiger Stahlwaren GmbH on Facebook
Transcript
View this episode's transcript
Roy Morejon:
Welcome to Art of the Kickstart, your source for crowdfunding campaign success. I’m your host Roy Morejon, President of Enventys Partners, the top, full-service, turn-key product development and crowdfunding marketing agency in the world.
We have helped startups raise over $…
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Apr 19, 2017
Perfecting the Smartwatch – AOTK185
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Mandu Dragos of Dagadam Watches. Learn more about how he designed the product, how he found manufacturers and how he found so much success on Kickstarter
Dagadam Watch - Think Beyond
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How a product can change throughout the design process
How long it takes to design a smart watch
What to expect when you travel to China to find manufacturers
How to decide if crowdfunding is right for your project
Why patience is key to a successful crowdfunding campaign
Links
Dagadam Watch on Kickstarter
http://dagadam.com/
Steve Jobs by Walker Isaacson
Connect with Dagadam
Dagadam on Facebook
@dagadamtech on Instagram
@DagadamTech on Twitter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadgets and creative gifts. Cli…
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Apr 11, 2017
Making Anything Levitate – AOTK184
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we speak with Joel Paglione of Levitating X. Learn more about designing a beautiful product and how to use your Kickstarter page to create a successful campaign!
LEVITATING X: Levitate Everything
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to use past Kickstarter campaigns as inspiration for new products
How to enlist Kickstarter backers to help make your product better
What to focus on when writing your Kickstarter page
What to keep in mind as you’re designing a product
How to create a winning campaign
Links
Levitating X on Kickstarter
http://levitatingx.com/
Four-Hour Work Week
Connect with Levitating X
Levitating X on Facebook
@levitatingx on Instagram
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadgets and creative gifts. Click here to learn more a…
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Apr 4, 2017
The Building Blocks of a Million Dollar Crowdfunding Campaign – AOTK183
For this week’s episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Anine Kirsten of Nimuno Loops. Tune in to learn more about preparing for an Indiegogo campaign, what happens when your campaign goes viral and how to handle massive amounts of backer feedback.
Nimuno Loops - The Toy Block Tape
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What types of challenges to expect as you’re getting ready for a crowdfunding campaign
How to decide if crowdfunding is the right choice for you
What happens when your crowdfunding project goes viral on Reddit
How to get your Indiegogo project covered by the top media outlets
How to handle immense amounts of Indiegogo backer feedback
How to best set up your Indiegogo perks
Links
Nimuno on Indiegogo
Toy Fair
Connect with Nimuno Loops
Nimuno Loops on Twitter
Nimuno Loops on Facebook
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The…
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Mar 27, 2017
$200,000 of Grass-Fed Beef – AOTK182
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Mike Filbey of ButcherBox, a campaign for a subscription meat service that raised over $200,000 in 2015. Tune in to learn more about how to ensure your first day on Kickstarter is successful, how to get the best ROI out of your Kickstarter marketing and much more.
ButcherBox: Open your door to healthy, 100% grass-fed beef
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to use Kickstarter to test the market
How to use LinkedIn to find people to back your project on day 1
What it looks like to have a successful first day on Kickstarter
How to decide between Kickstarter and Indiegogo
How to stay focused when running a crowdfunding campaign
How to determine pricing for rewards
What marketing tactics can get you the biggest ROI
How to launch a subscription service out of a Kickstarter campaign
Links
ButcherBox.com
ButcherBox on Kickstarter
Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Connect w…
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Mar 20, 2017
Making Wireless Charging Truly Wireless – AOTK181
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we speak to Josh Yank of Yank Technologies, creator of the MotherBox wireless charger. Learn more about the process of creating a new tech product, his advice for launching on Indiegogo and much more.
The MotherBox - TRUE Wireless Charging
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to determine what features to include in a new tech product
How to handle a communication bottleneck within your team
How to decide if crowdfunding is the best way to launch your product
How to prepare for a crowdfunding campaign
How a crowdfunding project can help you make deals with other businesses
How press coverage can impact your campaign
What to expect when you launch a crowdfunding project
Links
MotherBox on Indiegogo
www.yanktechnologies.com
Connect with MotherBox
Yank Technologies on Instagram
Yank Technologies on Facebook
Yank Technologies on Twitter
Yank Technologies on LinkedIn
Yank Technologies on YouTube
Sponsors
Art of the Kickst…
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Mar 13, 2017
Getting in the Right Mindset – AOTK180
In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we speak to Jacob Flood of Mindset Headphones. Learn more about his time as part of the HAX accelerator, why he took his project to Kickstarter and what you can learn from his crowdfunding project.
Mindset: smart headphones that improve your concentration
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to decide if a project is a good fit for Kickstarter
How to prepare for a crowdfunding campaign
What it’s like to be a part of the HAX Accelerator
How to build a community around your product
What to expect when you launch on Kickstarter
Links
Mindset Headphones on Kickstarter
http://www.thinkmindset.com/
HAX
Tools of Titans
The Fountainhead
Connect with Mindset
@Mindsetoftheday on Twitter
Mindset Headphones on Facebook
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for co…
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Mar 2, 2017
Due Diligence for Equity Crowdfunding – AOTK179
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Jake Fisher of Crowdfund Research. Tune in to learn more about the benefits of equity crowdfunding and what to look for in a campaign before you invest.
Key Takeaways
What to look for in an equity crowdfunding project before investing
The biggest benefits equity crowdfunding offers to entrepreneurs
What makes a project a good fit for equity crowdfunding
What companies should do before launching an equity crowdfunding project
How equity crowdfunding has changed over the past several years
Links
Crowdfund Research
JOBS Act
Y Combinator
Venture Deals by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson
Connect with Crowdfund Research
@ResearchCf on Twitter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadgets and creative gifts. Click here to learn mor…
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Feb 20, 2017
Bringing Performance Wear to the Workplace – AOTK178
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Kasper Petersen of Labfresh, a new line of odor-, stain- and wrinkle-repellent shirts. Tune in to learn more about launching a new product and how to create a successful Kickstarter project.
LABFRESH - Odor, Stain & Wrinkle Repellent Cotton Shirt
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to handle pricing challenges
How launching with crowdfunding can help you acquire venture capital
How using Kickstarter Live can help you get more pledges
What type of content to offer when livestreaming on Kickstarter
How to create a good Kickstarter video
Links
Labfresh on Kickstarter
http://www.labfresh.eu/
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
Connect with LabFresh
Labfresh on Facebook
@Labfreshh on Twitter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadget…
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Feb 13, 2017
From Stickable Cameras to Wireless Headphones – AOTK177
This week on Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Eddie Lee of Podo Labs about his latest Kickstarter project, Jack. Listen in to hear what he’s learned from running multiple Kickstarter campaigns, including the benefits of launching on Kickstarter and how to make your Kickstarter project successful.
Make Any Headphones Wireless - Jack by Podo Labs
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What to do when you’re new to marketing and retail
Benefits of working with a hardware accelerator
How to decide if a new product idea is a good fit for your company
How to take advantage of Kickstarter’s features to help your campaign fund
How to manage expectations on Kickstarter
Links
Jack on Kickstarter
http://podolabs.com/
http://highway1.io/
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Connect with Jack
Podo on Facebook
@PodoLabs on Twitter
@podolabs on Instagram
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that…
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Feb 10, 2017
Bringing a Growler Home Gets Easier Than Ever – AOTK176
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interview Randy Hollister of Growler Chill! Tune in to learn more about how he was inspired to create a household countertap, how he built up an email list and what advice he has for future crowdfunders.
GROWLER CHILL: Keeps 3 Growlers Cold, Fresh & On Tap at Home
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to use events, festivals and expos to build up your email list
What to do before you launch in order to hit your goal on the first day
How to use focus groups to build a great product
How to partner with other businesses to promote your Kickstarter project
How to reach large numbers of potential backers
How to use Kickstarter backer feedback
Links
Growler Chill on Kickstarter
https://www.growlerchill.com/
Cigar City Brewing
The Lean Startup
The Wright Brothers
Connect with Growler Chill
Growler Chill on Facebook
@GrowlerChill on Twitter
@growlerchill on Instagram
Growler Chill on LinkedIn
Sponsors
Art of the Kicks…
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Feb 1, 2017
Taking a Frightening Experience and Building a New Product – AOTK175
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Ranjith Babu and Akshita Iyer of Inirv. Learn more about how there were inspired to create the Inirv React, what they’ve learned about product development, how to Kickstart a product and much more.
Inirv React: Make Your Home Smarter and Safer
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
What to do when you have a basic prototype and need a final product
How to handle challenges that arise during product development
How to know if crowdfunding is the right way to launch your product
The benefits of launching a product on Kickstarter
What you can expect to get out of exhibiting at CES
Tips for exhibiting at CES
Links
http://inirv.com/
Inirv on Kickstarter
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
Connect with Inirv
Inirv on Facebook
Inirv on Twitter
Inirv on Instagram
Sponsors…
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Jan 25, 2017
Making Bike Safety Easy and Fun- AOTK174
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Phillip Yip of MonkeyLectric about his latest Kickstarter project, Monkey Light Automatic. Tune in for helpful tips and insights into how to make a product better using customer feedback, how to use livestreaming to boost your Kickstarter campaign and much more!
Monkey Light Automatic: Our Best Bike Lights Yet
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to bring an idea for a product to life
How to use customer feedback to improve a product
How to use Kickstarter’s tools to interact with your backers
How to prepare for a Kickstarter livestream
Why you need an audience before launching a campaign on Kickstarter
Links
Monkey Lights on Kickstarter
Pre-order Monkey Lights
http://www.monkeylectric.com/
Connect with MonkeyLectric
MonkeyLectric on Facebook
MonkeyLectric on Pinterest
@monkeylectric on Instagram
@MonkeyLectric on Twitter
MonkeyLectric on YouTube
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored…
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Jan 17, 2017
Live from CES With Adrian Solgaard- AOTK173
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we met up with Adrian Solgaard, creator of Lifepack and Interlock, at CES! Tune in to learn more about how to build a successful product, how to avoid challenges that often come from overfunding and how to make the most of your time at CES.
Lifepack: Solar Powered & Anti-Theft Backpack
The InterLock™ - The Lock that Hides Inside of Your Bike
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
Why building credibility with your backers is the most important aspect of crowdfunding
How to avoid challenges that come from overfunding
What kinds of issues you may run into when you begin manufacturing
Where crowdfunders should spend their time at CES
When to launch a crowdfunding campaign
How to get feedback on a product before you launch it
Links
Lifepack on Kickstarter
Interlock on Kickstarter
getlifepack.com
Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters…
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Jan 9, 2017
The Future of Active Backpacks- AOTK172
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Stefan Clauss, creator of the Heimplanet Motion Series Active Backpacks. Tune in to learn more about how they decided to launch on Kickstarter, how they used user feedback to create their packs and how to they found people to back their campaign.
The HEIMPLANET MOTION Series Active Backpacks
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to launch a Kickstarter project on a short timeline
How to know if Kickstarter is the right platform for you
How to effectively use feedback to design a product
How to reach your audience to fund your Kickstarter project
What kind of interactions you can expect to have with your backers on Kickstarter
Links
The Heimplanet Motion Series Active Backpacks on Kickstarter
http://www.heimplanet.com/
Connect with Heimplanet
Heimplanet on Facebook
@heimplanet on Twitter
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discove…
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Jan 4, 2017
Making Ordinary Curtains a Bit Smarter- AOTK171
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with the two founders of Slide, Thijs Olthof and Kaj Beetstra, about how they created a new smart home product and quickly hit their funding goal. Tune in to learn more about how to develop and launch a new product on Kickstarter!
Slide: Make Your Existing Curtains Smart!
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to build use cases around a new product to help further design and development
How to get user feedback when running a project on Kickstarter
How to build trust and credibility with your backers during a Kickstarter project
Why transparency is key to a successful crowdfunding campaign
How to leverage personal networks to quickly fund a project
Links
Slide on Kickstarter
http://goslide.io/
Gary Vaynerchuk’s Blog
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
Conn…
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Dec 21, 2016
Insights from Crowdfunding Expert Khierstyn Ross- AOTK170
For this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with crowdfunding advisor and host of the Crowdfunding Uncut podcast, Khierstyn Ross! Tune in to hear from her about how she got involved in crowdfunding, why she thinks it’s a great option for many hoping to launch a new business and how to launch a successful campaign.
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How to learn from a failed crowdfunding campaign and go on to a successful one
The benefits crowdfunding offers to creators
What makes a product a good fit for crowdfunding
How to choose whether to launch on Kickstarter or Indiegogo
Why it’s important to have an audience before launching a crowdfunding campaign
How to increase customer interaction using Facebook groups
How to market your crowdfunding campaign on a smaller budget
How to use Kickstarter’s algorithm to get more views for your campaign
Links
Crowdfunding Uncut
Foundr Magazine
Jam Stak
4 Hour Workweek Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Ric…
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Dec 12, 2016
Beating the Competition with 360° Video Eyewear – AOTK169
For this week’s episode of Art of the Kickstart, we spoke with Iskanda Rakhmanberdiyev of ORBI Prime. Tune in to learn more about how they created the first 360° video recording eyewear, and how they’ve raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars on Indiegogo.
ORBI Prime: The First 360 Video Recording Eyewear
Key Crowdfunding Takeaways
How the best products fulfill a need that already exists
How to create an impressive crowdfunding video
How to use an Indiegogo campaign to collect feedback and create a better version of your product
How long to expect to spend preparing of your campaign
Links
ORBI Prime on Indiegogo
http://orbiprime.com/
Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition by Guy Kawasaki
Connect with ORBI Prime
ORBI Prime on Facebook
@ORBIPrime on Twitter
@orbiprime on Instagram
ORBI Prime on YouTube
Orbi Inc on LinkedIn
Sponsors
Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Ga…