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10 Kickstarter Projects That Were A Major Success

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Kickstarter.com is a funding platform for new & innovative projects. Everything from technology, video games, art and music to movies.

Below are 10 of Kickstarter’s biggest success stories to date.

 

10 Highly Successful Kickstarter Projects

 

Pebble

Pebble Kickstarter ProjectNo list of successful Kickstarter campaigns would be complete without mentioning the Pebble watch. This sleek smartwatch connects easily with your iPhone or Android phone and supports the latest Bluetooth. It can tell you when you get an email, let you know who’s calling you, and you can even download watch faces.

They originally wanted to raise $100,000, but ended up with $10,266,845.

 

MaKey MaKey

MaKey MaKey Kickstarter ProjectThis cool computer interface allows you to use almost any non-computer related material and turn it into a controller. In the promo video on Kickstarter a man plays a dance video game using buckets of water, which has hilarious results. The product comes with alligator clips, a USB cable, and a circuit board.

At first they were looking for $25,000 but ended up with $568,106.

 

FORM 1

FORM 1 KickstarterTwo researchers from the MIT Media Lab decided that since there were no affordable 3D printers available they would come up with a solution on their own. They set out to design an “affordable, professional 3D printer” and they were successful.

Their goal was $100,000, but they were pledged $2,945,885 to help with the development of their idea.

 

 

Oculus Rift

Oculus Rift Kickstarter ProjectThis product is the ultimate toy for serious fans of video games. In the past virtual reality (VR) headsets have lacked the technology to create a believable 3D world, plus they are very expensive. Oculus Rift created one that “deliver a truly immersive gaming experience” that anyone can afford.

Their goal was $250,000 so that they could get their product into the hands of game developers quickly, but they ended up raising $2,437,429 instead.

 

Ouya

Ouya KickstarterPlaystation 3 and XBox 360 are both quite expensive and developing games for them also costs a lot of money. The makers of Ouya made their Android-based gaming console with this in mind. It is inexpensive, and their idea is to lure mobile android game developers to their product, because they already know how Android works.

Originally looking for a fairly hefty $950,000, people pledged a huge $8,596,474 to their project.

 

Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer KickstarterRecording artist Amanda Palmer broke from her major label deal four years ago and was looking for money to fund her new album, art book and tour. She put together a new band called the Grand Theft Orchestra and spent the years since writing songs for her upcoming CD.

The original number Amanda Palmer was looking for was $100,000, but she ended up getting $1,192,793.

 

 

Elevation Dock

Elevation Dock KickstarterYou wouldn’t think that owners of the iPhone want a dock to charge their phone this badly, but the makers of the Elevation Dock were counting on it. Other docks are hard to attach your phone to and move when trying to remove your device. The Elevation Dock works with phone cases and your iPhone easily comes out when done charging.

They raised $1,464,706 after only asking for $75,000.

 

 

TikTok+LunaTik Multi-Touch Watch Kits

TikTok+LunaTik Multi-Touch Watch KitsWhile many people have had the idea of making the iPod Nano into a watch, only Scott Wilson and MINIMAL have done it with materials and design that actually rival the sleek and stylish look that Apple is famous for. Now you can switch songs while jogging without stopping or leaning down in style.

Scott Wilson originally wanted $15,000 for this project, but got $942,578.

 

 

FlipbooKit

FlipbooKit KickstarterRemember the flip-book? Artists Mark Rosen and Wendy Marvel decided to bring back this old form of motion art in 2011, and it was so popular and successful that they decided to create a kit so that people could make their own. They hooked up with Disney imagineer and inventor Steven Goldstein to bring the product to you.

They originally asked for $5,000, but ended up receiving $137,567.

 

 

Brydge

Brydge KickstarterThere are tons of keyboards available for the iPad, but none match the look and feel of the device like Brad Leong’s. When attached to the iPad it looks like on device, seamlessly integrating with the tablet. Many popular newspapers and magazines say the keyboard, which also has built-in speakers, makes the iPad look a lot like the MacBookAir.

Originally needing $90,000, Brad eventually got $797,979 from his Kickstarter campaign.

 

As you can see, there are a wide variety of projects and ideas that do well on Kickstarter. There is no way to know whether you’ll get the funding you want without giving it a try.

 

Article By: Rett Fisher | Addicted2Success.com

I am the the Founder of Addicted2Success.com and I am so grateful you're here to be part of this awesome community. I love connecting with people who have a passion for Entrepreneurship, Self Development & Achieving Success. I started this website with the intention of educating and inspiring likeminded people to always strive for success no matter what their circumstances. I'm proud to say through my podcast and through this website we have impacted over 200 million lives in the last 10 years.

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The Top Startups You Can’t Miss: Summer 2024 Edition

These companies are important players to keep an eye on in the changing business and technological scene of 2024

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The Summer of 2024 has come to light a number of creative businesses that are transforming their respective sectors, as the startup world continues to change quickly. (more…)

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How to Build Your Dream Tech Startup Team

Are you starting a startup business? Look to build a tech team for your “newborn organization,” and check out this article for useful tips.

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Building a tech startup in today’s competitive market is a daunting task. While an innovative software business idea is considered a great foundation for success, it is not a guarantee. Instead, how you build your tech startup team plays a crucial role in determining the ultimate success of a venture. (more…)

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15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook

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Business Lessons and strategies from Napoleon Bonaparte for Entrepreneurs and CEO's
Image Credit | Joel Brown

Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.

From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.

Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.

Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.

Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte

 

1. Dream Big, Think Bold

Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.

Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

2. Move Fast, Stay Agile

Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.

Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.

3. Creative Leadership

Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.

Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.

 

4. Organize Like a Pro

Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.

Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.

 

5. Keep It Simple

Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.

Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

 

6. Execute Relentlessly

Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.

Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.

 

7. Play to Your Strengths

Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.

Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.

 

8. Plan in Detail

Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.

Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.

 

9. Seize Opportunities

Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.

 

10. Learn from the Past

Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.

Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.

 

11. Boost Morale

Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.

Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.

 

12. Lead with Clarity

Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.

Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.

 

13. Reflect on Failures

Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.

 

14. Action-Oriented

Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.

 

15. Embrace Hard Work

Napoleon lived and breathed work, saying, “Work is my element; I am born and built for work.”

In business, a strong work ethic and relentless dedication are key to success. Think of how Howard Schultz rebuilt Starbucks through sheer hard work and determination. Embracing hard work means being willing to put in the necessary effort, staying dedicated to your mission, and continuously pushing towards your goals, no matter the challenges.

 

By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.

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How to Manage Your Startup’s Finances More Efficiently

No matter how groundbreaking your product or service, your startup could quickly be on shaky ground without proper financial management

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