Who needs venture capital when you can raise money from the public? Colorado has seen some amazing and innovative companies launch this year with the help of Kickstarter. We rounded up some of this year's best Colorado-based projects on the platform. Check them out:
The publishing world is not known for its transparency, and being a freelance writer is a tough gig these days. Pay for writers has stagnated, and major magazine publishers like Conde Nast pay less than 2 percent of their revenue to their writers. Denver-based
hopes that a little transparency in the industry will go a long way in changing that. Our article here.
On May 24th, Wordrates raised $9,307 from 246 backers.
Two PhD grads from Colorado State University are aiming to turn the scum you wash out of your fish tank into liquid gold. The duo have figured out a way to turn algae (not necessarily the kind found in your fish bowl) into a marketable ink that would actually be an improvement over the stuff you take for granted now. Their company,
, has, in essence, figured out how to grow money. Our article here.
With 28 days to go, LivingInk has raised $28,440 from 425 backers
Lumenati CS1: The World’s First Cinematic Smartcase
, a Denver-based company, is aiming to bring a new product to market that would be a major update to the Kodak Super 8. iPhone videographers behold: The Lumenati CS1, the world’s first cinematic smartcase. Our articles here and here.
On August 12th, Lumenati raised $192,769 from 979 backers
Funsies Onesies: Outrageously Comfy Adult Onesies
The Funsies Onesies Clothing Company wants to make toddler-inspired onesies suitable for everyday adult use. Ridiculous? Ok, maybe. But if you can get over looking like a teletubby, these things do look super comfortable. I doubt you’ll see them in the office anytime soon, but given the inroads yoga pants have made into everyday fashion, who knows?
On October 2nd, The Funsies Onesies Clothing Company raised $16,138 from 156 backers
Revolar: Meet the World’s Smartest Safety Device
Press a button on this tiny and easily concealable wearable whenever you feel in danger, and will send an alert message with your location to a loved one. It’s like those LifeCall devices you saw on the television back in the 90’s with the tagline: ‘I’ve fallen and can’t get up.’ Just updated and aimed at a younger, more active demographic and from a Techstars graduate.
On May 8th, Revolar raised $83,248 from 895 backers
Stryd: The World’s First Wearable Power Meter for Running
Another Techstars grad,
is allowing runners to easily track their power just like they track their speed or distance. It’s a number that cyclists have relied on for years brought to the world’s estimated half a billion runners.
On April 19th, Stryd raised $253,065 from 1,297 backers
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