The concept of Kickstarter is brilliant; any way in which a person can get money for their innovative ideas that results in Duncan Bannatyne becoming obsolete is fine by me. While fuelling my unfathomable hatred of Mr Bannatyne, Dragons’ Den attempted to spotlight the next big product. Kickstarter also allows that but on the internet, which makes the products seem so much cooler. It’s way more fun to post pitchy advertising videos instead of being grilled by some D-list sweaty millionaire.
In this article I take a look at 5 interesting Kickstarter ideas that are still looking for backers to make their product the best it can be.
Barracuda Bag
Up first is a luggage brand (probably) named after Heart’s classic 1977 track. Although that’s not mentioned in their advertising video, what is mentioned is pretty amazing. Having used the same Lonsdale bag for the past couple of years, I was not really aware designer luggage was really something I’d be that interested in… until now. The suitcase collapses to just 4” which means no longer will you have to precariously store your cases on top of your wardrobe. Other cool features include an ergonomically designed handle which spins so is easier to control, a tray which allows you to put your laptop on, and a USB port so you can charge your phone as you wait for your delayed flight. Possibly the best feature, though, is the GPS Tracker so you’ll be able to find where your designer bag has got to when RyanAir decides to put it on a different flight.
Target: $20,000
Money Raised: $730, 308
Axel Audio
Sticking with the music theme (re: Heart reference) comes Axel Audio. They are planning to release two headphone models: an on-ear model referred to as “ID” and an over-ear model dubbed “FX”. Whether you prefer on-ear or over-ear you will receive three different kinds of speaker units which have been specifically engineered to provide the listener with the best sound depending on their musical preferences. They are called Soundscape Pure, Soundscape Deep and Soundscape Core. Soundscape Pure is for the listeners that like their audio crisp and want their music to sound how it originally intended. Soundscape Deep is for the bass heads who want a bit more to bump around to and the final speaker unit. Soundscape Core is for lovers of rock who like their audio to sound mid-range.
If that just sounds like music jargon and you’re unsure which one you’d use Axel Audio have created a web-based app that helps you choose from your Spotify habits and even if you don’t have Spotify they’ve got you covered. Entering in your most listened to artist and ranking them 1-9 and the app will tell you which SoundScape is right for you.
Target: $180,000
Money Raised: $99, 864
De La Soul’s New Album
Moving away from technology with De La Soul’s newest album. De La Soul are one of the most important hip-hop acts ever and their fight to use sampling has been long documented. De La Soul’s back catalogue isn’t on iTunes or Spotify because they have been unable to get clearances for the use of sampling; this prompted De La Soul to release their whole catalogue for free Valentine’s Day 2022. As they’ve always seemed to struggle with the “sample police”, they have decided to do something they won’t get sued for: sampling themselves. In the first album for 11 years they have created over 200 hours of original sounds and vibes which they can use for their music. They will also be collaborating with 2 Chainz, David Byrne and Blur’s Damon Albarn.
Target: $110,000
Money Raised: $600, 874
Unstainable White Shirt
A great number of times my mum would tell me off as I came home from school with my white shirt covered in a myriad of different stains. If only this product was around then. Elizabeth&Clarke have developed a possible world first: the Unstainable White Shirt. Using nanotechnology the shirt allegedly repels any water-based or oil-based liquid spills, which even includes perspiration. As well as this, Elizabeth&Clarke pledge that the shirt is beautiful, affordable, washable and fit to flatter a woman’s body. Hopefully with the popularity the product has they will look to make a male version.
Target: $30, 000
Money Raised: $174, 524
