The last few years have been terrific for Kickstarter, creators who use the platform, and backers who love supporting creative projects.
One of the bigger revelations that came from Kickstarter in 2017 was that CEO Yancey Strickler was stepping down later in the year, but we haven’t heard too much about that since.
Despite big changes happening behind the scenes, Kickstarter is still going strong with over 4,000 live campaigns currently on the site (as of February 21, 2018).
To commemorate 2017, here are 10 of the top funded Kickstarter projects that raised a combined total of over $45 million last year:
1. THE 7th CONTINENT – What Goes Up, Must Come Down.
Creator(s): Serious Poulp
Amount Funded: $7,072,757
Number of Backers: 43,733
Average Pledge Per Backer: $162
Duration: Sep 26, 2017 – Oct 19, 2017 (24 days)
Currently the ninth most funded Kickstarter project and third in Tabletop Games, THE 7th CONTINENT is a “cooperative game of adventure, exploration and survival.” In this game, you get to be the hero.
This was Serious Poulp’s second Kickstarter campaign for THE 7th CONTINENT, offering old fans a new expansion and giving new fans another opportunity to purchase the base game.
You can check out the creator’s website here for more information.
2. ZeTime: World’s first smartwatch with hands over touchscreen
Creator(s): MyKronoz Switzerland
Amount Funded: $5,333,792
Number of Backers: 26,828
Average Pledge Per Backer: $199
Duration: Mar 23, 2017 – Apr 27, 2017 (35 days)
ZeTime is an affordable smartwatch designed Switzerland that combines smart features with a classic look. It’s currently the most funded hybrid smartwatch on Kickstarter, and the first smartwatch that combines mechanical hands with a full round color touchscreen.
If you missed out on this Kickstarter campaign don’t worry, you can pre-order your ZeTime now on Indiegogo.
3. Zombicide: Green Horde
Creator(s): CMON
Amount Funded: $5,004,614
Number of Backers: 27,236
Average Pledge Per Backer: $184
Duration: May 30, 2017 – Jun 27, 2017 (29 days)
Coming from the creator of 29 Kickstarter campaigns, Zombicide: Green Horde is the latest addition in a popular medieval fantasy saga where you play medieval survivors fighting an invasion of zombie orcs. This can act as a standalone game or be played with Zombicide: Black Plague and its expansions.
Visit the CMON website for updates on the team’s latest games.
4.Gravity: The Weighted Blanket for Sleep, Stress and Anxiety
Creator(s): John Fiorentino
Amount Funded: $4,729,263
Number of Backers: 23,805
Average Pledge Per Backer: $199
Duration: Apr 26, 2017 – May 30, 2017 (35 days)
Gravity is the first affordable weighted blanket available for the public. It’s designed to help with you get more sleep, stress less, and be less anxious. These blankets are made to be 10% of your body weight, providing a natural solution to common issues that basically feels like you’re getting a big hug.
These cozy blankets got a lot of attention in 2017. If you missed the Kickstarter campaign but love the idea, you can still get one here.
5.Pimax: The World’s First 8K VR Headset
Creator(s): Pimax 8K VR
Amount Funded: $4,236,618
Number of Backers: 5,946
Average Pledge Per Backer: $713
Duration: Sep 19, 2017 – Nov 3, 2017 (45 days)
The Pimax VR headset is lightweight and gives the user 200-degree peripheral vision, allowing them to immerse themselves more fully in the VR worlds they explore. This headset has received great reviews and has a superior, crystal-clear display.
If you’re interested, you can follow Pimax on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
6. Rising Sun
Creator(s): CMON
Amount Funded: $4,228,060
Number of Backers: 31,262
Average Pledge Per Backer: $135
Duration: Mar 7, 2017 – Apr 4, 2017 (28 days)
Some creators have made our rapidly funded lists more than once, but it’s not often that a creator makes it on the same list more twice. It seems like CMON had a super successful year on Kickstarter in 2017, with not just one but two campaigns raising a combined total of more than $9 million!
Rising Sun is a board game with terrific miniatures set in legendary feudal Japan, where players must lead their clans to victory.
Get updates or learn more by checking out the Rising Sun Facebook page.
7. Smart Luxury Watch Revolution – Filippo Loreti
Creator(s): Danielius & Matas
Amount Funded: €3,534,663 (approx. $4,363,081 USD)
Number of Backers: 16,077
Average Pledge Per Backer: €220 ($271 USD)
Duration: Oct 18, 2017 – Nov 18, 2017 (32 days)
Filippo Loreti’s stylish watches combine Italian design with Swiss technology. These affordable luxury smartwatches are backed by an industry leading ten-year warranty. A few great features include the ability to snap pictures, play music, monitor your sleep, curate notifications, and more.
If you missed the Kickstarter campaign, you can still order your own Filippo Loreti watch here.
8. Gloomhaven (Second Printing)
Creator(s): Isaac Childres
Amount Funded: $3,999,795
Number of Backers: 40,642
Average Pledge Per Backer: $98
Duration: Apr 4, 2017 – May 2, 2017 (28 days)
Creator Isaac Childres has had four successful Kickstarter campaigns. The raised $386,104 in September 2015. The second one in 2017, just two years later, blew the first one out of the water and raised just under $4 million.
Gloomhaven is a cooperative card-driven game of combat. This second printing introduced new health and experience trackers and a revised rule book and scenario book.
You can learn more about the game on the Cephalofair Games website.
9. Amabrush – World’s First Automatic Toothbrush
Creator(s): Amabrush
Amount Funded: €3,198,516 ($3,946,680 USD)
Number of Backers: 26,832
Average Pledge Per Backer: €119 ($146 USD)
Duration: Jul 5, 2017 – Aug 5, 2017 (31 days)
If you’re one of those people who just hates brushing their teeth or a busy parent who feels like they never have the time, you’re probably going to want to try Amabrush. This product is designed to brush your teeth automatically, in just ten seconds! All you need to do is push one button!
Sound amazing? You can currently preorder your own Amabrush on their website.
10. Liberty+: The First Zero-Compromise Total-Wireless Earphones
Creator(s): Zolo
Amount Funded: $2,804,475
Number of Backers: 25,412
Average Pledge Per Backer: $110
Duration: Jun 20, 2017 – Jul 24, 2017 (34 days)
Liberty+ headphones have graphene-enhanced sound, easy setup, 48-hour playtime, unbreakable Bluetooth, and more. Wireless headphones are gaining popularity as the more comfortable and convenient option for music lovers, and the success of this campaign is no exception.
Find out what the creators of this project are up to now by visiting the Zolo website.
Conclusion
From this list it looks like some of Kickstarter’s top categories in 2017 were tabletop games, fashion & wearables, hardware, and product design.
My favorite project is the Gravity blanket. I’d love to see if it really works, and who doesn’t love snuggling at home with a cozy blanket?!
Can’t wait to see what Kickstarter has in store for us in 2018! Be sure to check in with us if you want to get important updates and the scoop on the coolest, most rapidly funded crowdfunding campaigns happening this year.
