10 Game-Changing Technologies That Started on Kickstarter

Kickstarter has been a breeding ground for innovative and game-changing technologies over the years. Many projects that started on this crowdfunding platform have gone on to revolutionize their respective industries. Here’s a look at ten groundbreaking technologies that began on Kickstarter:

1. Oculus Rift
   Oculus Rift transformed the virtual reality landscape. When it launched on Kickstarter, it raised over $2.4 million, far exceeding its $250,000 goal. This campaign played a crucial role in sparking mainstream interest in VR, eventually leading to Facebook acquiring Oculus for $2 billion in 2014.
2. Pebble Smartwatch
   The Pebble Smartwatch was one of the earliest and most successful examples of wearable tech on Kickstarter. It raised over $10 million in its initial campaign, and its follow-up campaign for Pebble Time raised even more. Though Pebble was eventually acquired by Fitbit, it laid the groundwork for the smartwatch market we see today.
3. Exploding Kittens
   This quirky card game didn’t just meet its modest $10,000 goal; it blew past it to raise almost $8.8 million, making it one of the most-backed Kickstarter campaigns ever. The game’s success highlighted the potential of Kickstarter to launch unique, engaging, and fun products that resonate with a wide audience.
4. 3Doodler
   The 3Doodler pen, which allows users to draw in 3D by extruding heated plastic, was another Kickstarter success story. It raised over $2.3 million, tapping into the maker and DIY culture, and continues to inspire creativity and innovation in 3D printing and design.
5. Star Citizen
   Although still in development, Star Citizen has raised over $250 million through various crowdfunding efforts, with Kickstarter being the launchpad. This ambitious space simulation game is one of the most funded projects in Kickstarter history, demonstrating the massive potential of crowdfunding in gaming.
6. Coolest Cooler
   The Coolest Cooler became a viral sensation on Kickstarter, raising over $13 million. It wasn’t just a cooler—it was packed with innovative features like a blender, Bluetooth speaker, and USB charger, redefining what a portable cooler could be.
7. Tile
   The Tile tracker, which helps users find lost items using Bluetooth technology, started on Kickstarter and has since become a household name. The campaign raised $2.6 million and paved the way for a new market in smart tracking devices.
8. Formlabs Form 1
   The Form 1 3D printer by Formlabs was a game-changer in the world of desktop 3D printing. The campaign raised nearly $3 million, bringing professional-grade 3D printing capabilities to consumers at a fraction of the previous cost.
9. Pono Music Player
   Championed by Neil Young, the Pono Music Player aimed to bring high-fidelity audio to the masses. The campaign raised over $6 million, highlighting a strong consumer demand for high-quality audio products.
10. Bragi Dash
    The Bragi Dash were the first truly wireless earbuds, debuting years before major brands like Apple and Samsung entered the market. This Kickstarter project raised over $3 million, showcasing the potential of crowdfunded consumer electronics to disrupt established markets.

These projects illustrate the immense potential of Kickstarter as a platform for launching groundbreaking technology. They not only secured significant funding but also captured the imagination of early adopters, paving the way for the products we see today.