One of the wonderful things about Kickstarter is how many amazing creators and projects you get exposed to from month to month! Thanks to the popularity of crowdfunding, there is never a lack of diverse campaigns to browse through. So far this month, many projects have surpassed the $100,000 mark. One of the campaigns on this list has already received over half a million in funding!
The projects featured in this month’s rapidly funded Kickstarter campaigns round-up includes projects in the fabrication tools, tabletop games, technology, product design, and design categories. My favorite is #2!
1. Meet Shae: The World’s Most Advanced Virtual Health Assistant
Creators: Personal Health 360
Amount Funded: $128K+
Number of Backers: 206+
Average Pledge per Backer: $623
Duration: April 7 – May 7 (31 days)
Shae is designed to help fulfill all of your health needs, taking a lot of the guess work out of properly taking care of yourself. Referred to as “Siri for your health”, Shae uses a combination of information, including your genetics and your environment, to give you customized guidance that really works. In just under a week this project has raised over $128,000, blowing past their $100,000 goal with more than three weeks left to go! A limited number of backers can get a one-year subscription to Shae for $75 with lifetime renewal at the same price.
2. Somm by SYNEK – a wine dispenser that learns your palate
Creators: Steve Young
Amount Funded: $137K+
Number of Backers: 334+
Average Pledge per Backer: $405
Duration: April 7 – May 10 (34 days)
If you’re a wine lover like me, then this Kickstarter campaign is for you! The Somm wine dispenser has some great features that make for the perfect wine drinking experience, from automatic temperature control and perfect pour to self-cleaning. Somm by SYNEK also learns your palette and suggests wines that you can have delivered right to your door! This cool wine dispenser comes in three different styles and is available on Kickstarter now for as little as $199.
3. The Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens
Creators: Lomography
Amount Funded: $644K+
Number of Backers: 1.4K+
Average Pledge per Backer: $434
Duration: April 6 – May 10 (35 days)
This Kickstarter campaign has been HUGE this April, no doubt in part because this is the creators’ fifth successful project! Lomography has already raised over half a million dollars since they launched their Kickstarter campaign just over a week ago. The team is funding a reinvention of the first photographic optic lens from 1839.
The Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens is compatible with most digital and analog cameras and provides photographers full creativity with the options to take pictures in either sharp or soft focus. Backers can currently get one of these lenses on Kickstarter for as little as $400.
4. OMATA One: Analog GPS Speedometer
Creators: OMATA
Amount Funded: $183K+
Number of Backers: 397+
Average Pledge per Backer: $463
Duration: April 5 – May 5 (30 days)
OMATA One gives riders all of the important information they need at a glance, with a specially designed analog display. The four metrics given are your speed, distance, time, and vertical ascent. Behind OATA One’s simplistic outside is a powerful GPS: “On the inside, OMATA One tracks everything with the same high level of precision as the best cycling computers, which means all your ride data can be exported via USB-C to Strava, or the application of your choice.” For this campaign, OMATA one is available in either white or gray in your choice of kph or mph. Backers can pledge $499 for an OATA One Classic Edition.
5. Mr Beam II – The Desktop Laser Cutter and Engraver
Creators: Mr Beam Lasers
Amount Funded: €449K+
Number of Backers: 350+
Average Pledge per Backer: €1150
Duration: April 7 – May 7 (31 days)
Mr Beam II is the second generation of this laser cutter, and unlike its , this edition comes fully assembled and ready to use! This desktop laser cutter and engraver is safe, easy to use, and perfect for individuals or small businesses. Mr Beam II is wireless and connects to your devices via WiFi. With Mr Beam II, you can engrave just about anything, including: leather, wood, fabric, mirrors, and more! Backers can currently get the Mr Beam laser cutter and engraver for €1,399 (40% off the estimated retail price!).
6. Rail Raiders Infinite
Creators: Soda Pop Miniatures
Amount Funded: $139K+
Number of Backers: 2.3K+
Average Pledge per Backer: $58
Duration: April 6 – April 22 (17 days)
This wouldn’t be a rapidly funded Kickstarter campaigns post if I didn’t include a tabletop games campaign – backers seriously can’t get enough of them! This project is also a little bit different from the others on this list. Even though they have surpassed $100K, Soda Pop Miniatures had a modest $30K goal and is only running their campaign for 17 days. Rail Raiders Infinite is a “is a chibi sci-fi western board game for 2 to 4 players,” says the campaign page. Players must “raid the Interstellar Express space-rail to earn loot, infamy, and the ire of C.O.W. and the Galactic Central Bank.” Backers can pledge as little as $50 for a copy of the game now on Kickstarter.
7. Together Wear – Best hoodies for couples
Creators: Chukcha Group
Amount Funded: $65K+
Number of Backers: 461+
Average Pledge per Backer: $118
Duration: April 6 – May 27 (51 days)
Since 2009, Chukcha Group has been designing hoodies for active people and adventurers. Last winter, when hugging his girlfriend outside, the creator was inspired to design a hoodie with back pockets. Together Wear is comfortable and functional, and it encourages couples to remain close – while allowing them to be comfortable and warm all at the same time. Perfect for couples who are attached at the hip, Together Wear comes in six colors and backers can currently receive a pair for as little as $129!
Conclusion
In just two weeks these seven campaigns have managed to raise a combined total of more than $1.7 million dollars from over 5,000 backers. Pretty impressive! If you have a great idea but need funding to make it a reality, now is the time. With a little bit of hard work and preparation, you can launch a successful Kickstarter campaign too!
Which of these projects is your favorite?
