When starting a hardware project, find an off-the-shelf product that closely resembles what you want to build to save time and resources during prototyping.

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.

It's essential to understand at least one market where real customers will pay for your product, and you need more funding than you initially think, especially for hardware development.

To validate a product idea, consider building a minimal version or a related feature rather than a full product, allowing for quicker feedback. Sales is a powerful way to validate interest in a product; getting someone to commit to paying upfront is one of the most validating actions you can take.

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

In hard tech, companies often need to be frugal and agile, testing products quickly to see if they resonate with the market, rather than over-investing in development before validating the idea. If you're a scientist or engineer considering commercializing your work, get out of your comfort zone and engage with potential customers to validate your product idea.

I encourage founders to validate their ideas by talking to potential customers before writing any code or raising money.

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

It's often more effective to sell a product before building it, as this approach provides valuable customer feedback and ensures that the product meets actual market needs.