Iconic Products That Started as Kickstarter Campaigns
Discover the stories behind five innovative products that found success through crowdfunding and became household names.
Kickstarter has been a powerful catalyst for thousands of groundbreaking ideas, with many projects transforming entire industries and achieving worldwide acclaim. In this blog, we highlight five exceptional projects that originated on Kickstarter and have since captured the hearts of households everywhere. These innovative creations showcase the power of crowdfunding, bringing together passionate creators and enthusiastic backers to transform unique ideas into tangible products.
From groundbreaking gadgets to environmentally friendly solutions and creative home essentials, these projects not only reflect the ingenuity of their makers but also resonate with consumers looking for something special. Join us as we explore these remarkable ventures that have made a lasting impact on our daily lives and demonstrate the potential of collective support in bringing dreams to fruition.
Popsocket: From Idea to Everyday Essential
Founded in 2012, Popsocket set out to transform smartphone usage with a simple yet ingenious solution—a collapsible grip that beautifully blends style and functionality. What began as an idea on Kickstarter, backed by over 500 supporters, quickly evolved into a phenomenon.
With a successful campaign that raised $18,591, Popsocket pioneered a new category of phone accessories, appealing to those in search of both convenience and personalization. By focusing on practicality infused with flair, the company rapidly made its mark in stores around the world and became a staple on countless smartphones, proving that even the simplest ideas can create a profound impact.
The current popsocket produce differs from the original infused phone case that was crowdfunded, but the initial concept laid the groundwork for refining the product.
Exploding Kittens: The Card Game That Took Game Night by Storm
In 2015, Exploding Kittens burst onto the Kickstarter scene, offering a card game filled with unexpected twists and explosive humor. Created by game designer Elan Lee and cartoonist Matthew Inman, the game cleverly combined fun, quirkiness, and The Oatmeal’s iconic style, making it visually appealing as well as entertaining.
With the support of over 219,000 enthusiastic backers pledging an astounding $8.7 million, Exploding Kittens quickly became one of the most funded games in Kickstarter history. Its unique blend of strategy and chance struck a chord with families and friends seeking a light-hearted game that could be enjoyed anywhere, from casual gatherings to game nights.
The remarkable success of Exploding Kittens not only reshaped the tabletop gaming landscape but also showcased the power of innovative ideas and community support. It proved that a blend of creativity, humor, and a strong connection with the audience can truly capture the hearts of many and create lasting memories around the gaming table.
Oculus Rift: Redefining Reality One Headset at a Time
The Oculus Rift, a Kickstarter project launched in 2012, revolutionized gaming by making virtual reality accessible to everyone. Created by Palmer Luckey, the campaign garnered immense success, raising $2.4 million from over 9,500 backers and paving the way for VR's mainstream adoption.
By tackling the challenge of VR headsets, Oculus Rift transformed what was once a sci-fi dream into a captivating reality for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. In 2014, Facebook recognized its potential and acquired the company. However, it all began on Kickstarter, where backers united around the vision of a new dimension in gaming and entertainment. Today, you may know the product better by its current name, Meta Quest.
Gravity Blanket: Weighted Comfort for a Better Night’s Sleep
In 2017, Gravity Blanket unveiled the transformative power of weighted blankets, promoting better sleep and stress relief through soothing, even pressure. This innovative approach resonated deeply, attracting nearly 24,000 backers who pledged over $4.7 million to bring Gravity Blanket to life.
What started as a wellness experiment has confidently transformed into a household name, creating an entirely new category of sleep products centered on weight and relaxation. This Kickstarter success story has revolutionized our understanding of rest and recovery, making the science of sleep both accessible and stylish. Gravity has boldly expanded its product line, offering not just a range of blankets but also heating pads, all designed with a focus on unparalleled comfort.
Fidget Cube: Turning Fidgeting into Focus
Crafted by Matthew and Mark McLachlan in 2016, the Fidget Cube emerged as a beacon for focus and creativity, seamlessly blending simplicity with a variety of tactile features. Recognizing a deep-seated need for sensory engagement, the innovative design inspired over 154,000 backers to pledge nearly $6.5 million.
More than just a toy, this small yet powerful product transformed into a vital tool for stress relief and enhanced concentration, empowering individuals of all ages—from students seeking to improve their focus to professionals managing the pressures of daily life. The Fidget Cube’s extraordinary success ignited a worldwide fidget movement, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their need for interaction and mindfulness.
The Fidget Cube stands as a testament to innovation, showing how a simple concept can resonate deeply with people and create a shared experience of calm and focus in an increasingly distracted world.
