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Y Combinator Cast

01/27/22

@ Y Combinator

Crowdfunding can create significant challenges for hardware startups, as many founders lack a clear understanding of costs and timelines, leading to unmet expectations.

Video

Simple Products That Became Big Companies – Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel

@ Y Combinator

Simple Products That Became Big Companies – Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel

01/27/22

Related Takeaways

Y Combinator Cast

01/27/22

@ Y Combinator

Raising money through crowdfunding can lead to negative public perception if a product fails to deliver, making it a risky strategy for hardware companies.

Eric Migicovsky

10/13/18

@ Y Combinator

Crowdfunding can be useful at the early stage to raise funds for a working prototype, especially for hardware engineers with limited resources.

Y Combinator Cast

01/27/22

@ Y Combinator

The best practice for hardware startups is to launch crowdfunding campaigns only after they have developed and tested their product, to avoid creating a negative reputation.

Nirav Patel

05/20/25

@ EO

For consumer hardware startups, having a critical fundraising roadmap is essential to reach escape velocity and ensure long-term success.

Y Combinator Cast

02/08/25

@ Y Combinator

Founders often face challenges in fundraising despite having paying customers, as investors may not understand the product's value.

Chad Rigetti

09/30/16

@ Y Combinator

Hard tech startups face unique challenges, including operating in undefined arenas without well-developed supply chains, requiring them to develop all necessary building blocks for their technology.

Kirsty Nathoo

08/22/19

@ Y Combinator

Startups often underestimate their expenses, especially in the early days when founders may undervalue their own time and efforts.

Carl Pei

08/14/24

@ Y Combinator

Building a hardware startup is tough but doable; focus on sequencing your product launches to build credibility before expanding your offerings.

Y Combinator Cast

04/12/24

@ Y Combinator

Unlike software companies, hard tech founders often have a concrete vision of the future that they need to prove before running out of resources.