Grab your wallet and take a look at our 5 picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding projects from Kickstarter and IndieGoGo.
VENTURE: The World’s Most Versatile 4-in-1 Camera
What is it?
VENTURE is an HD camera that can be used for live-streaming to Facebook and YouTube Live either via WiFi or 4G/LTE (through your smartphone).
Why do I like it?
I like the VENTURE because it’s much more than just another 1080p action cam GoPro style camera. It’s also a live-stream camera, a dash cam, a body cam, and even a flashlight.
The VENTURE camera has been designed by Wolfcom, the same company that makes law enforcement body cameras, so you know it’s built to last.
It’s expandable too. There is an optional 23hr battery pack, a night vision camera, POV camera, headset camera, pinhole camera and various mounting clips.
Where can I find more info?
With 21 days left in the campaign, the VENTURE campaign is close to reaching their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order the VENTURE camera starting at $149. After the VENTURE campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their IndieGoGo page for all the details.
Rollgut: Bring your thoughts to roll
What is it?
Rollgut is a wooden clipboard. But it’s not your traditional clipboard, this one is round and is made of wood.
Why do I like it?
I like the Rollgut because it’s unique and it combines several of my favorite things like wood, pens, pencils, and paper into a portable holder that rolls up and stores in your bag or pocket. And best of all, you don’t to charge it or sync it. You just enjoy the analog way of writing down your thoughts, sketches, and notes.
Where can I find more info?
With 25 days left in the campaign, the Rollgut campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $83,481. You can pre-order the Rollgut starting at $66. After the Rollgut campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Belle – Bluetooth Speaker and Wireless Hub by Podo Labs
blurb by: Bill Henderson
What is it?
Podo Labs states the Belle has audiophile sound at a fraction of the cost with powerful bass and the ability to sync multiple speakers of any brands.
Why do I like it?
I like Belle because I’m familiar with the extremely expensive Devialet Phantom Bluetooth speaker. Belle appears to be based on the same principle at a fraction of the cost. It has a bass response as low as 35 Hz of window rattling bass. It can be synced up to six wireless speakers of any brand. Belle is a full-range speaker, with two full-range speaker drivers and a bass woofer for a 2.1 stereo system. It will play clear sound with deep and resonant bass that’s not overly boomy and also has a sub mode which will transform Belle into a full Bluetooth subwoofer.
Where can I find more info?
The Belle Bluetooth Speaker campaign has surpassed the funding goal of $50,000 with plenty of spots left. You can donate to the campaign starting with $219 for the slightly less powerful Belle Lite speaker and charger. A $299 pledge gets you the more powerful Belle speaker with charger. The levels of involvement go up to $5,000 which includes 6 Belle speakers and an invitation to a VIP party for you and 25 of your closest friends in Los Angeles. After the campaign ends, shipping is estimated to begin in May 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Cubiio: The Most Compact Laser Engraver
What is it?
Cubiio is a table top laser engraver and cutter.
Why do I like it?
I like Cubiio because it can engrave and/or cut many types of materials including paper, wood, cardboard, felt, leather and more.
It’s small so it doesn’t require a lot of space, it uses your smartphone or tablet to create a G-code file from an image that you want to engrave on the material.
The only bummer is that the Cubiio can not engrave metals… But it still looks like fun for makers and crafty types.
Where can I find more info?
With 12 days left in the campaign, the Cubiio campaign has already earned over 1.2 million more than their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order the Cubiio starting at $319. After the Cubiio campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
The BitzBlade 2.0 – The Last Multi-Tool You’ll Ever Need
What is it?
The BitzBlade 2.0 is an updated version of the original BitzBlade. The new version is a multi-tool with 26 features.
Why do I like it?
I like the BitzBlade 2.0 because it’s a multi-function tool and I’m a sucker for small tools and tool kits. The BitzBlade 2.0 is interesting because it not only offers driver bits, but it also has blades, wrenches, and a flashlight in a small pen-like form factor.
Where can I find more info?
With 41 days left in the campaign, the BitzBlade 2.0 campaign has met their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order the BitzBlade 2.0 starting at $55. After the BitzBlade 2.0 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
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Rolligut didn’t make it to production. Is there an alternative?
I don’t know of any other roll-up clipboards like that one. Why not just carry a Field Notes notebook or another small notebook that can fit in a pocket?