The new year has finally arrived! So have a bunch of new Kickstarter campaigns – some that have done an amazing job so far. The creators of these eight projects have reached their funding goals in a matter of days (some in just a few hours!) and still have weeks to go until their campaigns close.
The categories included in this month’s list are: tabletop games, product design, nonfiction, wearables, and food. My favorite project is #5!
1. The Dice Tower – 2016 (Season 12)
Creators: Tom Vasel
Amount Funded: $219K+
Number of Backers: 3K+
Average Pledge per Backer: $72
Duration: January 4 2016 – February 1 2016 (28 days)
The Dice Tower is a broadcasting group that creates videos, podcasts and more for tabletop and card game fans. This is their fourth Kickstarter project (they have used crowdfunding to help fund seasons 9 – 12) and it has been the most successful one by far. Tom Vasel and his team reached their $120K goal AND their first three stretch goals in the first 24 hours! They’re offering tons of fun rewards, including: dice, stickers, promo packs, and even some chances to meet the team in person.
2. Nova Aetas: Dark Renaissance Tactical Game
Creators: Ludus Magnus Studio LLC
Amount Funded: $57K+
Number of Backers: 400+
Average Pledge per Backer: $128
Duration: January 7 2016 – January 30 2016 (24 days)
Nova Aetas is a tabletop miniatures game set in an alternative Renaissance world. Ludus Magnus Studio LLC reached the game’s $40K funding goal in 9 hours. The interesting thing about this project is that it’s the creators’ third attempt to fund this game! Just goes to show that sticking with it, tweaking small things and launching at a different time can lead to success. Backers can get the core game, Reinforcements Pack, a Kickstarter exclusive and all unlocked stretch goals for $90!
Creators: MOGICS
Amount Funded: $62K+
Number of Backers: 1.4K+
Average Pledge per Backer: $42
Duration: January 4 2016 – February 28 2016 (55 days)
Moving away from tabletop games for a moment, MOGICS Power Donut and Bagel also reached their modest $15K goal in less than 9 hours! This is MOGICS’ sixth Kickstarter campaign, and the first universal travel power strip that fits in your pocket. The round shape of the Power Donut and Bagel allows you to plug in multiple bulky adaptors without a struggle. Backers can pledge $29 for a MOGICS Power Donut (for US outlets) or a Power Bagel (for other plug types).
4. The Freedom Journal: Accomplish Your #1 Goal in 100 Days
Creators: John Lee Dumas
Amount Funded: $173K+
Number of Backers: 2.9K+
Average Pledge per Backer: $59
Duration: January 4 2016 – February 5 2016 (33 days)
Another very rapidly funded project, The Freedom Journal reached its $25K funding goal in just over 3 hours! This is John Lee Dumas’ first Kickstarter campaign but he is no stranger to success, which is why he’s sharing his secret to reaching your #1 goal in 100 days. Although the video reminds me a lot of an infomercial, this campaign has done great in its first week. A limited number of backers can pledge $39 for early delivery of a first edition hardcover copy of The Freedom Journal, the audiobook, and the complete digital pack!
5. Ruggie™ – The World’s Best Alarm Clock
Creators: Ruggie
Amount Funded: $69K+ CAD
Number of Backers: 600+
Average Pledge per Backer: $108 CAD
Duration: January 3 2016 – March 3 2016 (60 days)
Ruggie is an incredibly comfortable memory foam rug that wakes you up to motivational speeches! This new alarm clock can help you fight the urge to continuously hit snooze; turning it off it requires even pressure from both feet for three seconds. This forces you to sit up and get ready for your day – giving you more time to do the things you enjoy and connect with your loved ones! Backers can get one Ruggie with a USB cable and a free e-book for $110.
6. dokiWatch: The World’s Most Advanced Smartwatch For Kids
Creators: Doki Technologies
Amount Funded: $65K+
Number of Backers: 343+
Average Pledge per Backer: $190
Duration: January 4 2016 – February 5 2016 (33 days)
The team behind dokiWatch, a smartwatch designed to give kids independence and parents peace of mind, reached their $20K funding goal in less than 48 hours! dokiWatch features video and voice calling, a GPS locator, fitness tracker, electronic pet, emergency SOS button, and more. At the time of writing, you can get an early bird dokiWatch on Kickstarter in a range of colors for $149.
7. The Burning Wheel Codex
Creators: Luke Crane
Amount Funded: $61K+
Number of Backers: 1.2K+
Average Pledge per Backer: $48
Duration: January 5 2016 – February 5 2016 (32 days)
Returning to the tabletop games category, The Burning Wheel Codex is a, “A companion to the Burning Wheel Gold system including additional lifepaths, magic and rules commentary.” This Kickstarter campaign has raised over $61K in four days – without a video! Backers can get one hardcover copy of The Burning Wheel Codex or Burning Wheel Gold Fantasy Roleplaying System for $25, and more!
8. Spice Cave: The First All-In-One Seasoning System!
Creators: Kevin Curry
Amount Funded: $73K+
Number of Backers: 1.2K+
Average Pledge per Backer: $61
Duration: January 4 2016 – February 20 2016 (47 days)
Spice Cave is an all-in-one seasoning system that is certified paleo, Whole30 approved, and low in sodium. For this Kickstarter campaign Kevin Curry is raising money for four main spice blends: Fire, Land, Wind, and Sea. These seasonings can be combined for different flavor combinations so you’ll never need condiments with preservatives and fillers again! Backers can get a complete Spice Cave set (four 5.5 OΖ bottles) for $35.
Conclusion
2016 has brought with it a small group of creators that were very well prepared and surpassed their funding goals very early on. As usual, there are a lot of rapidly funded tabletop games and product design campaigns with a few projects from other categories. It will be interesting to see how much more these campaigns raise and what other projects 2016 will bring!
Which project is your favorite?
