Many entrepreneurs are facing funding challenges right now, as businesses are struggling to survive amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But not every entrepreneur relies on large venture capital infusions when launching a product. Instead, many companies seek cash through crowdfunding.
Products including the Oculus Rift and Cards Against Humanity first came to being via Kickstarter, and many businesses are seeing robust investments from such crowdfunding platforms, even during the coronavirus emergency. Check out seven Kickstarter projects that are currently raising money and have already reached more than 200 percent of their funding objectives.
Green Disc Bike Chain Lubrication System
This German firm has already raised nearly $215,000 during its Kickstarter run, exceeding its goal by 3,042 percent. With 11 days left to go in its campaign, the Green Disc lubrication system aims to ship product by next month.
What it does: The product’s founders note that previous bike chain lubrication systems were messy and released excessive lubricants, whereas the Green Disc applies just the right amount of lubricant after simply rolling it across a bike chain.
Sunda Air Tent
With two weeks left to go, the Sunda 2.0 Ground-to-Air Tent has already met 209 percent of its funding goal. Readers have pledged nearly $147,000 so far to bring this unique tent to fruition.
What it does: The product is part tent, part hammock, allowing users to find weatherproof shelter off the ground. It builds off the company’s initial Sunda product, which had over 1,200 Kickstarter backers when it launched in 2016.
Apes and Aliens Jigsaw Puzzle
It’s no secret that puzzles are in high demand during the coronavirus pandemic, which could be what’s spurring interest in the Pennsylvania-based Apes and Aliens Jigsaw Puzzle. Retired graphic designer Don Moyer has raised over $36,000 with ten days to go, exceeding his funding goal by 732 percent.
What it does: The 1,000-piece puzzle will measure 19.75 by 29 inches when completed, and is created from heavy puzzle board to eliminate dust and prevent delamination. The puzzle features a mix of whimsical characters including aliens, apes and much more.
Secrets to Parachute’s Bing Bread: The Book
With nine days left in its funding quest, the book revealing the Secrets to Parachute’s Bing Bread has raised $21,100, which fulfills 222 percent of the firm’s funding goal.
What it does: Anyone who has ever visited Chicago’s Parachute restaurant understands the enchantment of the firm’s Bring bread, which is a stuffed bread that’s fried, baked and brushed in bacon fat. The company will reveal its recipe in a new book, which it’s funding via Kickstarter.
SnarkyBRUW
This Michigan-based beverage product brand has reached over 470 percent of its funding goal, with nine days left in the campaign. SnarkyBRUW has raised $4,707 for its cold brew iced tea system so far.
What it is: SnarkyBRUW is a patented filtering system that allows tea fans to make iced tea at home using a unique cold-brew method. The resulting tea is said to be smoother and sweeter than standard tea.
GOMI Portable Chargers
UK-based GOMI has hit 641 percent of its funding goal, with eight days left in the campaign. The project, which has raised nearly $32,000, makes an environmentally friendly charger.
What it does: The charger is made from 100 percent non-recyclable plastic, and all of the power comes from repurposed batteries that would otherwise go to landfills. It contains enough battery power to charge an iPhone X 4.4 times or a Samsung S20 three times.
Tenkara Rod Co.
Idaho’s Tenkara Rod Co. has brought in $95,431 for its Go Anywhere Mini Rod, meeting 954 percent of its funding goal with just 58 hours left to go in the campaign.
What it does: The Beartooth Mini Rod is a collapsible fly-fishing rod that extends to 10 feet in length but can collapse to a size of just 14 inches when compact.
