Crowdfunding is not easy, but Kickstarter, one of the leading crowdfunding platforms, makes it easier. Since it’s inception, thousands of musicians, filmmakers, inventors and all-around creators have reached out to the Internet for help funding their dream. And for many of these projects, the dreams have become a reality.
The ten projects following are the most funded Kickstarter projects of all time. See how this new method of raising funds is changing business.
Seven days of battery life is almost unheard of for a smart watch, which is probably why the Pebble Time ranks as Kickstarter’s most funded project. The color e-paper display is thin, easy to read, and durable. Its timeline feature is revolutionary, organizing your past, present, and future tasks and actions in an easy to use and understand way.
“A smartwatch should help simplify your life. It shouldn’t try to replace your smartphone or distract you even more.” Eric Migicovsky, founder
Think about a great day outdoors: maybe a picnic complete with great food, music, and drinks? The Coolest makes it easy to have a good time doing anything outdoors by combining several awesome components—including a rechargeable blender, Bluetooth speaker, and USB charger—with more practical items like attached gear tie downs, extra wide tires, and an LED light in the lid.
This is the one that started it all. Pebble is responsible for the first real smartwatch, bringing you the important notifications and customization that kickstarted the race to building the best smartwatch.
Never misplace your items when travelling again. With 9 compartments, built-in gloves, a pocket for glasses, headphone storage, a drink coozie, a built-in neck pillow and eye mask, and a zipper that has a pen attached, it’s name is a perfect fit. It’s also become the most funded clothing project in the history of crowdfunding.
I can speak from personal experience on this one—this game is a blast. The artist known for The Oatmeal, Matthew Inman, along with Elan Lee and Shane Small created this nonsensical cat version of Russian Roulette. The game made over 800 times the contributions originally asked for to fund the game.
Built on the Android OS, Ouya is an open source game console that puts the control—not just the controller—in the user’s hands. Hackers can customize their experience. Gamers can play all of the games for free to test them out. Mobile devices are the next gaming frontier, sure, but when you get tired of the tiny screen, you can return to the television with the Ouya.
The first Shenmue game came out in 1999, a second followed in 2001. Now it’s back, and made for the fans, by the fans. The incredible graphics reflect where the game has come from since the last millennium. The game is currently in the first year of development, and backers are itching to get their hands on it.
With the stamp of approval from music mavens like the Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews Band, Norah Jones, Tom Petty, Beastie Boys, and Elvis Costello, Neil Young’s Pono Music brings the soul back to music. No need to give up either convenience or quality when listening to your music—Pono combines both.
The fan-favorite television show appealed to its fans several years after leaving the silver screen—and it worked. Veronica Mars was released in 2014 and marked a fitting ending for the beloved series. It also became the biggest crowdfunded movie effort ever.
Games seem to be a big part of top crowdfunded projects—and for good reasons. Fans drive the campaign, and this one is no different. Koji Igarashi is well known in the gaming world, and is currently bringing to life this action adventure, gothic horror game that will remind players of an older style of gaming.
